---
### **Chapter 6: A World Apart**
Minho felt the weight of the palace closing in on him with every step he took. After his emotional time with Chan in the woods, returning to the cold, imposing walls of his home felt suffocating. His father's condition was deteriorating fast, and the palace's advisors buzzed around him like anxious bees, each trying to enforce their own version of the "right" path for the kingdom.
In the grand hall, Minho was greeted by the stern faces of his father's council. His father's most trusted advisor, Lord Kim, stepped forward, his expression severe.
"Your Highness," Lord Kim began, his voice echoing in the vast room, "we need to discuss the future of the kingdom. The king's health is failing, and the people need assurance."
Minho's jaw tightened, already feeling the familiar surge of frustration. "What exactly do you want me to do, Lord Kim? Make false promises? Pretend everything is fine?"
Lord Kim's eyes narrowed slightly. "No, Your Highness. But you must step into your role as the future Luna. You must lead."
"I'm not the Luna yet," Minho snapped, the pressure of the situation squeezing him from all sides. "And my father is still alive. I won't act as if he's already gone."
The tension in the room was palpable. The other advisors exchanged glances, some disapproving, others more sympathetic. They all knew Minho's reluctance to fully embrace his impending role stemmed from both grief and uncertainty. His bond with Chan-though they didn't know the full extent of it-added another layer of complexity.
"Your Highness," another advisor, Lady Park, interjected gently, "perhaps it would help if you spent more time with the people. Let them see their future leader among them. It could bring them comfort."
Minho bit back a retort, knowing they were right in their way. He couldn't keep avoiding his responsibilities, but the thought of performing for the people, of wearing a mask while he was still so lost, made his chest tighten with anxiety.
"I'll consider it," he said curtly, turning away from the table and heading toward the door. "For now, I need to think."
As he left the room, he felt the oppressive gaze of the council on his back. He needed to clear his head, but more than anything, he needed Chan. He needed the Alpha's steady presence, his calm voice, and the way he seemed to understand Minho's soul even when Minho couldn't.
---
Far from the palace, Chan was dealing with his own storm. The pack was on high alert. The rogues had started attacking in groups, testing their boundaries and threatening the peace Chan had fought so hard to maintain. The Wolfgang pack was strong, but even they were beginning to feel the strain.
"Felix, any sign of them?" Chan asked as he approached the watch post Felix was manning.
Felix shook his head, his usually cheerful face set in a grim expression. "Not yet, but they're getting bolder. I don't like it, Chan. They're not acting like normal rogues. It's like they're being pushed by something-or someone."
Chan nodded, his instincts on high alert. "I've had the same thought. There's something off about this. Keep a close eye out, and if you see anything unusual, let me know immediately."
Felix nodded, his eyes sharp as he continued to scan the perimeter. "Will do, Alpha."
Chan's mind was a whirl of thoughts as he made his way back to the heart of the pack's territory. His concern wasn't just for his pack's safety; it was also for Minho. With the rogues becoming more aggressive, the forest wasn't as safe as it used to be. He needed to make sure Minho was protected, but how could he do that when he was miles away in the palace?
He paused, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He knew he had to do something-find a way to bring Minho closer or at least keep a better eye on him. But with the tension between the palace and the packs already simmering, any move he made could be seen as a threat.
"Chan," Jisung called as he approached, a serious look on his face. "We've found tracks. Fresh ones. They lead deeper into our territory."
Chan's expression hardened. "Gather the others. We need to move fast. If they're trying to sneak in, we'll be ready for them."
As Jisung hurried off, Chan's thoughts lingered on Minho. "Stay safe, Minho," he whispered under his breath, a silent plea to the universe. He had promised to protect him, and he intended to keep that promise no matter the cost.
---
Back at the palace, Minho paced his chambers, his mind a tangled web of worries. His father's condition, the council's demands, and the ever-present ache in his chest to be with Chan. He knew he couldn't keep going on like this-something had to change.
As he moved to the window, his eyes caught sight of a hawk circling in the distance. The sight of the bird brought a rush of determination. He needed to see Chan. He needed to be with him, even if only for a little while.
Without a second thought, Minho grabbed his cloak and slipped out of his chambers. The palace guards were familiar with his late-night wanderings by now and didn't question him as he made his way to the palace gates.
Once outside, he broke into a run, his heart pounding with anticipation. The woods weren't far, and he knew every path by heart. His feet carried him swiftly through the underbrush, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, but he didn't care. He needed to be with Chan.
When he reached the clearing by the stream, Chan wasn't there yet. Minho's chest tightened with worry. He paced back and forth, every rustle of the leaves making his heart jump.
After what felt like an eternity, he heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. Relief flooded through him as Chan emerged from the shadows, his expression softening at the sight of Minho.
"Minho," Chan breathed, closing the distance between them in a few quick strides. "You're here."
Minho practically threw himself into Chan's arms, his breath hitching as he clung to him. "I had to see you. I couldn't stay in that palace any longer."
Chan held him tightly, his hand soothingly running through Minho's hair. "I'm glad you came. I've been worried about you."
Minho pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Chan's. "Things are getting worse at the palace. My father... I don't know how much time he has left. And the council is pushing me to take on more responsibilities. I feel like I'm being pulled apart."
Chan's expression turned serious. "I'm sorry, Minho. I wish I could be there with you, to help you through this."
Minho shook his head, his grip on Chan tightening. "You being here, like this, is enough. I just... I don't want to lose you."
Chan leaned in, his forehead resting against Minho's. "You won't. No matter what happens, I'll always find my way back to you."
Minho closed his eyes, a tear slipping down his cheek. "Promise?"
Chan's voice was steady and filled with unwavering determination. "I promise."
They stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth, as the world around them continued to turn. Their bond, forged in the fires of uncertainty and strengthened by each challenge, held them together. And in that moment, they knew they could face anything-as long as they had each other.
**End of Chapter 6**
---
