Ebonmoon

Chapter 8

The night was peaceful, the gentle breeze carrying the fresh scent of the nearby river and the soft rustling of leaves. Stars twinkled above, casting a delicate shimmer over the land. Jin led Jungkook out of the pavilion, his hand steady as they approached a lively bonfire.

Around the fire, people gathered-workers resting after a long day, omegas quietly chatting, their soft voices blending with the crackling flames. Nearby, women sat with their children, some toddlers running around, their giggles filling the air. A group of teenagers laughed and whispered among themselves on the other side of the fire, their energy bubbling in the night.

"Sit here," Jin said softly, guiding Jungkook to a spot close to the flames. The warmth immediately reached Jungkook's skin, a contrast to the cool breeze. As he sat, the firelight flickered across his face, highlighting his pale, delicate features.

Jin had noticed earlier how worn out Jungkook's clothing had become-dirty and torn from the days he had spent in the pavilion. Offering him something more comfortable, Jin had brought a simple white hanbok, its fabric light and soft, draping over Jungkook's fragile form like a gentle cloud. Despite his weakened state, the hanbok gave him an ethereal beauty, making him appear almost goddess-like. It was as though the very night had woven the fabric just for him.

A small child, no older than five, came running over, his feet bare as he giggled and stopped suddenly in front of Jin and Jungkook. His wide eyes blinked up at them curiously. "Who is he?" the boy asked, tilting his head.

Jin smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "He's our new family member," Jin replied gently. "This is Jungkook."

The boy's eyes sparkled. "Is he gonna live with us now?"

Jin chuckled softly. "Yes, he will stay with us from now on."

The boy looked at Jungkook in awe, his gaze tracing over the delicate features and the white hanbok. "He's so pretty!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder.

Jungkook blinked, taken aback by the boy's innocent words. His lips curved into a shy smile, a faint blush warming his cheeks as he lowered his gaze. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jungkook glanced down at the boy, curiosity flickering in his tired eyes. "What's your name?" he asked gently, his voice soft as the night air around them.

The boy blinked up at him, momentarily stunned by the attention. "My name is Daeho," he finally replied, his small voice proud despite his shyness.

Jungkook smiled warmly, reaching out to brush the boy's hair with a light touch. "My name is Daeho," he repeated, savoring the name. "You have such a beautiful name-just like you."

The compliment hit Daeho like a gust of wind, and his face flushed a deep shade of red. Almost tripping over his own feet in excitement, he blurted, "T-thank you! I'm going to play now!" His words tumbled out quickly, and before anyone could respond, he dashed off toward the other children, his cheeks still bright as a tomato.

Jungkook smiled as he watched the boy run off, his face red with embarrassment. Jin chuckled softly, and laughter bubbled up from the small group of omegas, betas, and others gathered around the fire. He glanced over at Jin, a question forming in his mind.

"So... this is Ebonmoon kingdom?" he asked, his voice soft yet filled with curiosity.

Jin smiled warmly, nodding. "Yes, this is our Ebonmoon kingdom. But what you see here is just the boundary area. The main pack, with the pack house, is much larger and more beautiful."

Jungkook's brows furrowed slightly as his thoughts wandered. "So... um... you all are living here, in the boundary?" He couldn't help but start to feel guilty, the thought creeping in that perhaps they were staying in this less luxurious part of their land because of him.