Enigma of Darkness//Vkook ✅

Evolving together

The room was heavy with silence as the families and friends looked on, eyes wide with curiosity. Jeongguk held Taehyung's hand, his thumb gently brushing over Taehyung's skin, both to comfort him and to steady his own rising irritation. The air was thick with familiar pheromones, yet the mates struggled to adjust, the sudden flood of scents leaving them uneasy.

When they decided to return, Jeongguk suggested exposing themselves first to the staff and Mr. Han to gauge their reaction to foreign pheromones. 

As the guards, staff, and Mr. Han arrived at their door, they gasped at the sight of the mates. Taehyung and Jeongguk, radiant and otherworldly, seemed touched by the divine—blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. In awe, they knelt, heads bowed in reverence as they greeted the mates of Gandok, their happiness palpable.

But Taehyung and Jeongguk could not respond. The overwhelming pheromones triggered their territorial instincts, and Jeongguk’s low growl rumbled through the room, eyes flashing with a protective gleam. Taehyung's gaze mirrored his anger, possessive of his mate in the face of what they perceived as a challenge. They were ready to strike.

Just then, the Moon Goddess herself appeared, her presence calming the room instantly. She placed a hand on both Jeongguk and Taehyung, smiling gently. “We don’t want to scare them, do we?” she said softly, her voice soothing. “Let’s learn to adjust to situations like this.”

She took Taehyung’s hand and placed it in Jeongguk’s, encouraging them to tighten their grip. “Now,” she continued, “release your pheromones slowly. Cover them with calm, gentle waves. Let your alpha relax and accept the others. Take your time—too much, and they will be harmed. Think of it like patting them on the head.”

With eyes closed, the mates followed her guidance. The staff and Mr. Han gritted their teeth as the initial wave of overbearing pheromones washed over them, but gradually, the atmosphere shifted. The oppressive tension eased, replaced by a feeling of blissful calm. For reasons they couldn’t fully understand, they felt safe—and protected. Eyes glistened with relief.

The Moon Goddess smiled warmly. “See the power you have? Your pheromones bring hope and peace like a parent calming their child. It’s part of my... premium package,” she chuckled with pride, clearly amused at her own humor. She hadn’t witnessed such a scene in centuries.

When the mates opened their eyes, they were greeted by the sight of everyone still kneeling before them. Quickly, they urged the others to rise. “Please, don’t stay like that,” Taehyung said, flustered by the display. But no one seemed to mind. They were simply honored to have been able to help the mates adjust.

After some time discussing plans for assimilating back into society and getting a sense of the current state in Gandok, Jeongguk proposed they leave for his house. Mr. Han immediately began making the necessary preparations, while the Moon Goddess busied herself with snacks, content to watch from the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Jeongguk introduced Taehyung to the head of his personal guard, a tall, imposing figure who stood with military precision, his face a mask of seriousness, barely betraying a trace of emotion.

Taehyung listened with interest as Jeongguk introduced, "This is Cole Palmer. The best among my team. He’s been trained from a young age and has served me loyally for years. I trust him completely, and I want him to be your personal guard from now on."

Taehyung was taken aback, instinctively wanting to decline, but before he could speak, Cole stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “It is an honor to be at your service, Sir,” he said, his voice steady yet sincere. The formality flustered Taehyung, unused to such treatment.