𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 [𝗄𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗏]

Chapter Thirty Eight

One Week Later –

The room was dimly lit, a single lantern flickering in the corner, casting long shadows across the wooden walls.

This wasn't the main council hall where official meetings were held—it was a private room in the guest quarters, where Minhyun had been staying since the meeting with Taehyung.

The heavy scent of incense lingered in the air, mixing with the sharp tang of tension as six elders sat before him.

They weren't all the elders of the pack, but they were the ones who mattered most—the ones who had voiced their reluctance to accept Jeongguk as Taehyung's mate.

Minhyun had spent the last few days making his rounds, ensuring that his words, carefully crafted and filled with subtle manipulation, were making the right impact.

He had always been good with people. A well-placed doubt, a perfectly timed compliment, and the pack elders—those stubborn, prideful wolves—were beginning to see things his way.

Minhyun sat at the head of the small table, exuding an air of calm authority.

"I'm glad you all agreed to meet," he said finally, his voice smooth, practiced. "I know this is an... unusual setting, but we all understand the importance of privacy in matters like these."

"I trust you all have been considering the recent events," Minhyun began, his voice almost too calm. "We all know the circumstances of Jeongguk's rise to Alpha are... unconventional. The boy is impulsive. Hot-tempered. And though he possesses strength, can we truly trust that he can lead this pack as Alpha?"

Elder Tejun, a broad-shouldered man with streaks of silver in his dark hair, folded his arms. "We're not here to scheme behind Taehyung's back, Minhyun. If you have something worth discussing, speak plainly."

The eldest among them, an imposing figure with graying fur, nodded in agreement and spoke. "What are you suggesting, Minhyun? That we should simply abandon the boy because of his age and inexperience?"

Minhyun smiled, unfazed. "Of course. I only wish to express concerns that many of you already share." His sharp eyes swept over them, reading their body language. Some, like Hwan, were cautious. Others, like Elder Yejun, were already leaning in, eager for what he had to say.

He could see the hesitation in their eyes. The subtle nods from a few elders confirmed his words were making an impact.

Minhyun started talking, his voice lower now, almost coaxing. "Let's not forget, Taehyung is not just the Luna by name. He holds the true power in the pack. We've all seen how the pack responds to him. They trust him. And even though Jeongguk is the Alpha now, we know who really commands their loyalty."

There it was. The real play. Minhyun wasn't just undermining Jeongguk's leadership; he was pushing the idea that Taehyung was still the pack's heart, the force that held it together. It was a dangerous game, but one Minhyun played well.

Elder Yejun scoffed. "He's a reckless boy. I've seen how he carries himself. He acts first, thinks later. That is not the kind of Alpha a pack like this needs."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room.

Minhyun nodded. "Exactly. Taehyung has led this pack with wisdom and strength for over a decade. He has proven himself time and time again. But now, with Jeongguk at his side, everything is... uncertain. Tell me, have any of you truly seen Jeongguk make a decision without his emotions clouding his judgment?"

The graying elder shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing toward the others. "So, you're suggesting we elevate Taehyung, keep him as the true head, and Jeongguk merely as a figurehead?"