The Lunar Vanguard (SunSun)

Chapter 17: Reliving Shadows

Jungwon led Sunoo and Sunghoon down a dimly lit corridor, the air thick with anticipation and the faint scent of incense that clung to the stone walls. The soft, golden glow from wall-mounted lanterns flickered, casting long shadows that danced as they passed. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the soft rustle of their footsteps. Sunoo's grip on Sunghoon's hand tightened as they approached the door to the room where the queen awaited them.

When they entered, the room was bathed in a soft, ethereal light that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. The air was thick with the scent of herbs, both calming and ancient, as if the room itself had witnessed centuries of magic and memory. In the center stood a bed-like table, draped in silken white cloth that shimmered under the light. Surrounding it were three figures: the queen, regal and calm, with her silver hair cascading over her shoulders, and her two daughters, one on either side, their eyes closed in quiet concentration.

Jungwon stepped forward, joining his family as they formed a circle around the table. He cast a reassuring glance at Sunoo, who was standing frozen by the door. "It's going to be okay," Jungwon said softly, motioning for Sunoo to come closer. "Just trust us."

Sunoo hesitated, his heart pounding so loudly that he could hear it echoing in his ears. He didn't want to let go of Sunghoon's hand, the warmth of it grounding him in the face of what was to come. But when Jungwon gently urged, "Sunghoon needs to wait outside, Sunoo. This is something only you can do," Sunoo reluctantly nodded, squeezing Sunghoon's hand one last time before letting it slip away.

Sunghoon's eyes held a mix of concern and reluctant acceptance as he placed a soft kiss on Sunoo's forehead. "I'll be right outside," he promised, his voice steady despite the worry that lingered beneath the surface. Sunoo nodded, feeling a pang of anxiety as Sunghoon stepped out of the room, the door closing softly behind him.

Haerin, the youngest of the queen's daughters, approached Sunoo with a gentle smile. "You'll be fine, Sunoo. Just lay down and try to relax," she murmured, guiding him to the table. The surface was cool against his skin as he lay down, his body stiff with nerves. "Close your eyes," Jungwon instructed softly, placing a warm hand on his forehead. "Breathe, and let go."

Despite his calming words, Sunoo felt his pulse quicken. He could feel his heartbeats pounding in his chest, each one echoing louder in his ears. But with a deep breath, he closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm inside him. He barely registered the soft chant that the queen began, her voice melodic and ancient, when he felt her hand rest lightly on his head.

Then, everything went dark.

---

The darkness enveloped Sunoo, thick and suffocating, yet he knew he was awake. He couldn't see, couldn't speak, but his breathing echoed loudly in his ears, grounding him in the void. Then, without warning, the darkness started to shift, pulling him into a memory.

He was lying on a soft mat outside his cabin, the cool night air wrapping around him like a blanket. Above him, the sky stretched endlessly, a canvas painted with countless stars. Beside him, Sunghoon was close, their bodies nearly touching. The warmth of Sunghoon's presence was comforting, a solid reminder that he wasn't alone.

"I love how much you know about the stars," Sunghoon murmured, his voice a soothing rumble that made Sunoo's heart skip a beat.

Sunoo pointed at the sky, tracing the shapes of constellations with his finger. "That's the Orion constellation," he said softly, his voice filled with a quiet reverence. "My mother used to tell me stories about the stars. She said they were like guardians, watching over us."

Sunghoon turned his head slightly, his eyes following where Sunoo pointed. "Tell me more," he encouraged, his voice low and soothing.

Sunoo smiled, feeling a gentle warmth in his chest. "There's Ursa Major, the Great Bear. It's one of the brightest constellations in the sky. My mom said it symbolizes strength and protection. She always said that as long as I could see it, I'd be safe."