Starting New 《JeongCheol》

Eighty Three

*Flashback*

In the dimly lit chamber where the council of elders convened, a heavy atmosphere hung in the air as Dino stood before them, the young wolves heart beating in his chest.

"Dino," one of the elders spoke, his voice echoing off the stone walls, "As the youngest of your pack, we are requiring you to wear a muzzle."

Dino's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "B-but why?" he stammered, his voice trembling with fear.

The elder's gaze bore into him, unwavering. "It is for the safety of the pack," he declared. "You lack experience and control. This is necessary to prevent any accidents."

Dino's heart sank as the weight of their words settled over him. He had always strived to prove himself, to show that he was capable and worthy of his place in the pack.

But now, he felt like a prisoner, confined by the judgment of those who deemed him unworthy.

"I-I understand," Dino murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He knew better than to defy the council, knew that to do so would only bring further punishment.

As the elders nodded in approval, Dino felt a sense of resignation wash over him. He lowered his head, allowing them to attach the muzzle around his face, the metal cold against his face.

As he left the chamber, Dino couldn't shake the feeling of shame and humiliation that gnawed at him.

He was supposed to be a Beta, a protector of the pack, but now he felt like nothing more than a caged animal, stripped of his dignity.

.

Jeonghan had noticed the absence of Dino, a usually lively and spirited member of their pack.

"Where's Dino?" Jeonghan asked, looking around. His heart sank as he spotted Dino lingering at the edge of the clearing, the glint of metal around his face catching the dim light.

Dino looked down at the ground, shame and fear evident in his eyes.

"Dino, what is that?" Jeonghan asked, his voice a mixture of concern and anger as he pointed to the muzzle.

Dino glanced up slightly. "The elders... they said I have to wear it. Because I'm the youngest." He explained, his voice muffled by the muzzle.

The pack erupted in shocked and angry whispers, disbelief written on their faces. Mingyu's fists clenched at his sides as he struggled to contain his anger. "This is ridiculous," He growled. "Dino is a Beta, not a threat."

Wonwoo nodded in agreement, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a rare show of frustration. "Who made this decision? And why wasn't the pack consulted?" He asked.

Before Dino could answer, the old pack leader, a stern and aloof figure, stepped forward. His expression was one of indifference, his eyes cold and unfeeling. "The elders have deemed it necessary. It's for the safety of the pack," he stated flatly.

Jeonghan's eyes narrowed, his voice rising in anger. "And you just agreed with them? Without even considering Dino's feelings or the impact on the pack?" He yelled.

The old leader's gaze remained impassive. "The elders' wisdom guides us. Their decisions are not to be questioned."

Seungkwan, standing next to Vernon, shook his head in disbelief. "But this is wrong! Dino hasn't done anything to deserve this." He pointed out.

"You can't just blindly follow the elders without considering the well-being of the pack. Dino deserves better than this." Joshua said.

The old leader's face hardened, his voice cold and unyielding. "The decision stands. Anyone who questions it questions the authority of the elders and, by extension, my leadership."

The pack fell into a tense silence, the weight of the old leader's words hanging heavy in the air. Dino's eyes filled with tears.

As they watched Dino retreat into the shadows, the glint of the muzzle casting a shadow over his once bright spirit, the pack vowed to stand by him, to get him out of that muzzle.