The Lunar Vanguard (SunSun)

Chapter 21: A sacrifice

As Sunoo and Queen Siran returned to the palace, the weight of the revelation at the Sacred Tree still lingered heavily on Sunoo’s mind. His heart thudded in his chest as they approached the throne room. Sunghoon stood waiting, their concern etched in every glance they exchanged.

The grand doors opened, and they all stepped inside. Sunghoon immediately rushed to Sunoo's side, his grip on Sunoo’s arm firm but gentle. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his eyes scanning Sunoo's face.

Sunoo nodded but remained silent, his thoughts too jumbled to form coherent words. His gaze turned to Queen Siran as she moved toward her throne, her face calm but serious.

“Please, sit,” she said, gesturing to the chairs nearby. Sunoo, Jungwon, and Sunghoon took their seats, the tension in the room thickening as they awaited her next words.

The queen’s gaze softened as she looked at Sunoo. “During the ritual, we tried to break what we believed to be a barrier surrounding you,” she began, her voice steady but carrying the weight of the truth. “But what we discovered was far more complex.”

Sunoo’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Siran’s eyes met his with a knowing look. “There was no dark barrier. In fact, there was no barrier at all—at least, not the kind we assumed.”

Sunoo’s confusion deepened. “Then why couldn’t Jungwon access my memories?”

“Because it wasn’t dark magic or a curse holding you back,” Siran explained softly. “It was a spell cast by someone who loved you deeply—your mother.”

The mention of his mother made Sunoo’s breath hitch. “My mother?”

Siran nodded. “Yes. Soojin, your mother, cast a spell to suppress your magic when you were still a child. She did it to protect you, to hide your power so no one would use you.”

Sunoo’s mind raced, trying to make sense of it. “But my mother wasn't a witch. Even if she was one, why would she hide this from me?”

Siran’s expression grew sorrowful. “Because she knew that one day, you would inherit a power greater than most. She knew that you were the true heir to the throne of our kingdom. And she wanted to keep you safe, far from those who would seek to harm you or use you because of that power.”

Sunoo stared at her, his heart pounding in his chest. “I don't understand.”

Siran continued, “Soojin wasn’t just your mother—she was my older sister. And the rightful heir to the throne.”

The weight of her words hit Sunoo like a wave, leaving him breathless. His mother… the queen’s sister? And, an heir? It didn’t seem possible. He had never imagined such a connection to the royal family.

Siran’s gaze softened as she spoke. “twenty one years ago, Soojin disappeared suddenly. It was a few days before her coronation. At the time, we all believed she had run away, that she cowered away from the responsibility that comes with the throne, but her husband, her mate. He knew otherwise. He searched for her endlessly.” she looked at Sunoo sadly

"She was pregnant with their first child."

___
“What’s gotten into you, Soojin? You’re never this restless,” Siran teased, her voice light.

Soojin paused, her back to her sister for a moment as she inhaled deeply. Then, turning around, her face lit up with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “I have something to tell you,” she said, her voice shaking slightly.

Siran raised an eyebrow, sitting up straighter. “What is it?”

Soojin walked closer, her hands trembling as she placed them over her abdomen. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
___