Forest-Namseok

Chapter 16

"There's better be a good reason why you pulled me out of my job! I had to faint to be able to leave we had a party tonight and the third bartender is sick. I don't work for fun gu- Oh my dear Lord blonde suits you amazing Joonie. FUCK you look hot" These were the first words Hoseok said as he entered the mansion and took a turn to the living room where everyone was pondering around a table looking in the middle of it

"We are going to come back to that" Namjoon said and walked towards his mate. As the others tidied the living room and examined the scroll he had gotten dressed. He saw his image in the mirror and compared it to his black haired version

To say he was not surprised by how well blonde suited him would be an understatement. It was something he had to get used to but definitely liked on him.

"What's going on?" Hoseok whispered as he was led towards the coffee table that everyone was surrounding "Did something happen?" everyone could hear his raising with worry heartbeat and Taehyung rushed to explain

"Everything is kinda not ok" he said earning a jab on the sides by Jimin "What?" he asked in defense as Jimin rolled his eyes at the boy and took his turn to speak

"We went through the succession ritual; It happened in a rush so don't get mad you weren't told" he rushed holding his palm up when Hoseok opened his mouth to talk. Jimin understood the frustration he felt but there was nothing that could be done at this point. If he was in his position he'd want to attend his mate's ritual and not just be told that it happened, but what is done is done and Jimin knew Hoseok; the boy would get over it once he understood the urgency

"The Bloody Claws have a new Leader and he needed to perform the ritual before meeting him, we couldn't reach the pack" Jimin continued and just as he predicted Hoseok nodded his head in understanding "What is weird is this" he took the rolled scroll and raised it sending shivers down every single spine "Namjoon said he took a glimpse of the Original Leader and he introduced himself. According to the records, that has never happened before unless there is a strong spiritual connection between two souls and even then the successor may see his mate."

"I was hearing voices as the succession happened" Namjoon said. It was the first time he explained what happened and everyone turned to look at him "I couldn't make them out but one. He kept saying the same sentence, 'I am the Original Leader, Kim Namjoon' and when I turned towards the voice I saw him and I knew it was the Original Leader. I don't know why but I did!" he said his voice raising with passion as he took the scroll from Jimin and started unfolding it

"At first I thought I just looked in a mirror but there was none in the basement and when Jimin found this" he said as he unfolded the scroll and put it on Hoseok's lap "I was one hundred present sure that I saw him"

The portrait in the scroll was obviously made by a European artist. It was spot on and detailed resembling a British portrait rather than an Asian one. The whole scroll was painted a dark green and two chairs were recognized as the only prompt for the two people in it.

"You've got to be pulling a prank on me..." Hoseok whispered not being able to look at the faces dressed in traditional attires their faces turned towards the painter who captured their appearance "Is this a joke? A test of loyalty?" he asked and looked around at the faces that looked at him in compassion

"No" Seunghwan said and leaned forward to touch Hoseok's hand "We would never pull a prank this sick, son. Or test your loyalty to Namjoon"

You see... Hoseok was right to be upset. If you were him you'd have reacted the same. Werewolf or human, seeing an ancient looking portrait in a style out of the norm for the era it was drawn of you and your mate... let's say we all would have freaked out