Destined {𝕄𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕌ℕ𝔾}

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Jisung stared as they placed Dongwook down on the bed of wood and pines. His skin was pale, and he hoped, to all the gods above, that he would open his eyes, even if it was a naïve, fruitless hope.

The Burial, similarly to the Mating ceremony, was one of the most sacred events of a werewolf's life. And yet, even though he knew he should feel relieved that his father was getting the proper ceremony he deserved, a recognition for his efforts and courage before the Moon Goddess's watchful eyes... he could not help the deep melancholy that burrowed deep in his chest as he stared at the pyre.

It was worse that he was the one who would perform the ceremony, with the blessings of the pack Elders.

He stood there, in his black ceremonial clothes, golden paint streaked over his face, accentuating his eyes, just as they did for Dongwook. As Alpha, he was the medium between his pack and the Goddess; he alone could guide his father's soul into her arms, and let him rest there, in her serene protection for the rest of eternity.

He took a deep breath as the hour of midnight began, the ancient bell ringing. "I present to you Kim Dongwook, warrior of the Moon, protector of the Sun. Today his soul rests." He was surprised by how calmly he spoke, how his voice did not waver under the strain the words took on him.

"And I, Han Jisung, warrior of the Moon, new protector of the Sun, guide you into the arms of our benevolent Goddess. May she protect you as you have protected yours, and keep your soul at peace, for the rest of eternity."

He stepped forward towards the pyre along with the Elders. They mumbled a chant under their breaths, and afterwards, he was handed a silver medallion attached to a simple cloth string. Delicately, he placed it over the man's heart. It pressed down on the fabric of his ceremonial garb lightly, but it did not burn him any longer.

"I send you there with a final gift; what has hurt you, what has destroyed you, may no longer bring you harm. May the Moon Goddess recognize a valiant warrior who lost his life in the tides of battle, and guide him to glory where we cannot."

He was handed a specially designed torch, both ends flaming yet the metal at its center was slimmer, and he lowered the first end to the edge of the pyre where Dongwook's head lay.

He walked around it, stopping short on the side near his feet, and lowered the second end. He stepped back, dropping the torch in the fire, the flames reflecting off his eyes.

The body continued to burn, the flames rising higher and higher, reaching for the night sky, for the Moon. With that, Jisung Shifted, and the rest followed suit. He continued to watch for several moments longer before he threw his head back and howled. The others echoed it.

They stayed there until the pyre had collapsed, the body no longer recognizable – and yet the silver medallion was the same. Jisung closed his eyes and breathed deeply, fur ruffling in the wind.

Dongwook was at peace, now.

~#~#~#~#~#~

Jisung had washed the paint from his face, scrubbing the smell of smoke from his body before he changed into fresh clothes. His movements had become sluggish again, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

Most of his packmates had gone to sleep, but he had one thing left to do before he could surrender to the night. He opened his door and crept out, quietly closing it behind him. It made a soft click as it shut.

He travelled down the barren, barely lit hallways in utter silence, keen ears picking up nothing but the occasional crickets outside. Clouds had crossed over the moon, obscuring it from view.