Moonlit Shadows

Pain and Hope

"You should go enjoy the run with everyone else," mumbled Jaci, pulling back from Jungkook's strong embrace.

Jungkook peered down into her upturned face. Worry was evident in his expression. "I don't want to leave you."

Jaci put on her bravest smile and took two steps back. "Hey, I want you to go! I'm actually really tired. I think I'll go back and sleep early."

"Jaci, c'mon! Please talk to me!"

Jungkook looked confused as Jaci ignored his pleas. She turned and left the clearing, quickly disappearing into the darkness. His hands reached up to clasp the back of his head. Frustration and confusion filled his mind and he had no idea what to do next.

With a heavy sigh, he decided a run was probably the best option for clearing his head, and he shifted and listened for the rest of the pack. His ears tuned in to the rowdy barks of some of the pack and he took off.

* * *

Jaci returned to the pack grounds, amazed at how eery the quiet was. But as she walked closer to the cabin she was staying in, she passed by Hoseok's place. Lights were on, and she could hear voices coming from inside.

She stood outside of the cabin, needing answers and knowing only one person who might have an inkling of what those answers could be. Before she knew it, she was standing at Hoseok's front door, with a trembling hand ready to knock.

Suddenly, the door opened, startling her.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, but I smelled you a few minutes ago. Why aren't you with Jungkook?" Hoseok stood leaning against the door, having changed into a navy polo and khaki cargo shorts.

Jaci blinked, her heart still racing from being scared by the sudden opening of the door. She took a few deep breaths and tried to quiet her nerves. Speaking proved difficult however, as tears made her lips quiver and her voice wobble.

Hoseok sensed her difficulty and stepped back. "It's okay, Jaci. Come in."

Jaci hesitated only a moment before hurrying into the house.

Hoseok shut the door behind her and stood quietly.

"I...I'm sorry to invade your privacy," she murmured. "But obviously, I didn't shift. Nothing happened, actually. I can't even hear her voice anymore."

Jaci's head dropped lower as she spoke, her shoulders following suit.

Hoseok frowned and moved to stand in front of Jaci. "Really? Nothing at all?"

Tears dropped onto the hardwood flooring as Jaci shook her head.

"Wow...Ga-Eun had me believing you would turn into a full-blown werewolf this full moon. She was almost always right when it concerned things involving our werewolf sides." He crossed his arms and frowned even deeper. He paced the small hallway, his steps slow and determined.

"But if this really concerns you, we can go through her old journals and stuff?"

Jaci's head popped up, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Please. I need answers."

Hoseok nodded. "I'll let the kids know what I'm doing. Hang on just a sec."

He disappeared into the living room and Jaci heard a few muffled words before he quickly returned.

"Okay, let's head to her study. It's right down the hallway here." Hoseok led the way with a little bounce in his step. He opened a door to reveal a bedroom sized office.

The walls were lined with old tomes and small bottles. Papers were haphazardly stacked on the corner of the small brown desk. It had a certain musty smell, most likely from the old books.