The Lunar Vanguard (SunSun)

chapter 14: seeking the truth

The night was still as Heeseung and Jay sat together in Jay's study, the crackling fireplace the only sound breaking the silence. Jay had insisted on catching up privately, away from the bustling pack that was still celebrating Heeseung's return. Heeseung could tell from Jay's demeanor that something weighed heavily on his mind.

Heeseung leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's good to be back, Jay. The pack's been holding up well, I see."

Jay nodded, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's been tough, but we've managed. Though, things have gotten... complicated."

Heeseung's gaze sharpened, sensing the shift in tone. "Complicated how?"

Jay sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You probably noticed the new addition to our pack, Sunoo."

Heeseung nodded. "Jake's told me a bit, but I get the feeling there's more to the story."

"Much more," Jay confirmed, leaning forward. "Sunoo's marking and integration into our pack have triggered an intense response from the Crimson Claw. They've been unusually aggressive, and their Alpha, Markus, seems particularly fixated on Sunoo."

Heeseung frowned. "That's concerning. What do they want with him? From what I've heard, he's just a normal omega."

Jay hesitated, as if weighing his next words carefully. "That's what I thought at first. But Markus's obsession with Sunoo... it doesn't add up. There's something they're not telling us."

Heeseung's eyes narrowed in thought. "You think there's something about Sunoo that we're missing? Something that makes him more valuable than he appears?"

Jay nodded slowly. "It's a possibility. Sunoo mentioned he was mistreated, even assaulted, but he was vague on the details. He's still too traumatized to talk much about it. But if Markus is willing to risk so much to get him back, it must be significant."

Heeseung tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought. "We need to find out what that is before Markus makes his next move. If there's something special about Sunoo, something that makes him a target, we need to know."

Jay sighed, the weight of leadership evident in his posture. "I agree. But we have to be careful. We can't let Sunoo feel like he's just a pawn in a bigger game. He's been through enough."

Heeseung's expression softened. "Of course. He's Sunghoons mate, part of our pack now, and we protect our own. I'll talk to him, see if I can get him to open up. Maybe there's something he's not even aware of."

Jay nodded, relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Heeseung. I knew I could count on you."

As they continued discussing their strategy, Heeseung couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of uncovering something big, something that could change everything for the Lunar Vanguard pack.

---

The next morning, the air was thick with tension. The pack was on high alert, doubling patrols along the borders, while Sunoo tried to find normalcy amid the rising anxiety. He had spent most of the night replaying the confrontation with the Crimson Claw in his mind, his fear of Jisoo still lingering like a dark cloud.

Sunghoon had been by his side the entire night, offering comfort and reassurance. But today, Sunghoon had been called away for pack duties, leaving Sunoo with his thoughts. He knew the pack was doing everything it could to protect him, but he still felt vulnerable, exposed in a way he hadn't before.

Just as Sunoo was starting to spiral into his anxiety, there was a soft knock on his door. He hesitated, then opened it to find Heeseung standing there, a gentle smile on his face.