Chapter 28

Ajax looked around the cage where he'd been for way too long. If it wasn't for Hezin keeping him healthy and strong he'd be worried. They were barely fed once a day and fresh water was a joke. He did what he could to keep the spirits of his fellow Lycans up. It was far from easy though.

From what Hezin told him, they'd only been missing for a few days, but on Talos it seemed so much longer. The guards would regularly choose a random Lycan to 'punish' for the crime of simply existing. Punishment consisted of being beaten to pulp before being thrown back into the cage. A few times now the Lycan chosen didn't survive.

Many of the Lycans moaned softly as their bodies struggled to heal from their injuries. Ajax himself felt like he was going to be sick from the sheer smell that surrounded him. Festering wounds, body fluids, excrement, and what the Titans called food all filled his sensitive scents. Soon this would be over. He just had to remember that.

'How are you surviving?' he heard in his mind.

'Well, enough. They haven't moved us and from what I've been able to overhear, we're in the capital city of Omphalos, not far from the palace, and being held in the slave markets.'

'How are the females?' Hezin asked.

'They seem to be doing better than the males. They’re keeping them fed at least.'

'Hang in there. We'll be there for you soon. Tell the Lycans their Queen hasn't forgotten them and they'll be returned to their home soon. I have to protect our Queen in the coming war and then I'll lead her to you, my friend. I'm here if you need me. Stay strong!'

'You be safe as well and but most of all, keep Thea safe. The realms need her more than they need us!'

'Agreed. I'll see you soon.'

Ajax sighed as he looked around at the others. He knew they were strong and this would all be over, one way or another, very soon. He just prayed that Avalina stayed safe. If he returned to her, she was going to know without a doubt how he felt. He never thought he'd actually find a female he wanted to be with, but now that he had, he wanted to make sure the world survived so that she could live a life filled with love and happiness.

~~*~~

Sophia looked around her as she and her guide, a handsome Daemoni named Lazerin, arrived at a Gothic looking palace. The sky was filled with colors as if the sun were setting. “What time is it here? It seemed early yet when we left.”

Lazerin smiled at the young Lycan. “You cannot judge the time here by how the sky looks. It's connected to my Queen. When she feels light and happy, it's as bright as a fresh new day. She's very busy with the upcoming war with the Titans and of course is filled with worries. That’s why the sky is as dark as it is.”

“It's so beautiful, though, and filled with so many colors. With an upcoming war I wouldn't expect it to be filled with so much beauty.”

“That would be because even when she’s the most worried and upset, there’s a level of beauty in her soul that cannot be hidden,” Damian explained with a smile as he came out to greet her. “Welcome to the Dark Realms and to the High Queen's home, Sophia. We met in passing before but I never formally introduced myself. I'm Damian, Daemoni Prince of Ikisat and Mate to High Queen Theanna. How are you feeling?”

“Nervous. I hope I don't randomly shift and destroy anything. I was a bit of a nuisance at Filtairn's home,” Sophia smiled deprecatingly.

“Can you shift now?”

Sophia connected with her wolf who yawned and turned her back to her. “No... my wolf wants to nap and I don't have that constant tingling under my skin from all the other shifting I was doing. H-how is this possible?”

Damian smiled at her as he explained, “My Queen is very powerful, especially here in the Dark Realms. You're unique though so if the inability to shift causes you any pain, please make sure and let us know. We don't want you to be miserable in any way. You're our guest, not our prisoner. Come, let me take you to Avalina,” Damian said as he led her inside as Lazerin followed them.

As he walked with her he said, “My Queen apologizes for not being here herself but she’s very busy today. Now during the war, you and your sister will stay in a protected room. It'll appear to have no doors or windows but it's the only way we can assure that no matter what there’s no way King Reniac can get his hands on you. Should we fall in battle, both Filtairn and Darius Deus, the head of D Corporation, know where the two of you are and can easily get you out.”

Sophia nodded as she listened. “What’s the likelihood that you'll fall?”

“NONE!” Lazerin stated emphatically.

Damian chuckled at his second-in-command. “Come now, your sister is waiting for you in your rooms.”

Leading them through a series of halls Damian explained, “All who are in my Queen's palace are Daemoni and while most appear as human, because that’s her preferred form, she doesn't require it of them. Please don't scream or react rudely. Just remember none here will harm you at all.

“There are guards outside of all entrances to your rooms but they are there simply as a precautionary measure. Should you need anything, feel free to ask them. They're able to contact either myself or our Queen without even leaving your door. You are welcome to visit the gardens or kitchens at any time but please make sure a guard escorts you. We have a fair idea of when the war will be but we don't want it to happen when we don't know where you’re at.”

“All of that makes a lot of sense. Thank you for everything you’re doing for me and for all Lycans. I'll be forever grateful to both you and our Queen. I truly do apologize for what happened at Mythos. In reality that seems so very long ago even though I know it's only been a number of days,” Sophia mused.

“Don't even think about that honest mistake. If you do, just think of it as one of those experiences that helps us to grow into the person we're meant to be. Now here we are. I'm sure your sister has missed you so Lazerin and I will leave you to reunite with her. Remember, ask one of the guards if you need anything,” Damian smiled at her.

“Thank you, again,” Sophia replied as she returned his smile. Pushing open the door she found her sister curled up on a particularly comfy looking chair by the a window reading. “Hey, sis!” she called out.

“SOPHIA!” Avalina exclaimed loudly in pure joy as she jumped up and ran across the room to engulf her sister into a hug. “Are you ok???”

“I'm fine. Any word from Ajax?” Sophia asked as she returned her hug.

“Prince Damian says that he’s well and that they will rescue him and the rest of the Lycans soon. What do you think of this place? Gorgeous and huge, huh?”

“Oh yeah! Truly fitting of the High Queen. How is she? Damian seems rather nice.”

“Oh he is, so is she. Except for the occasional meal I really haven't interacted with her all that much. She's just so busy. I don't know how she does it. I'd lose my mind handling it all if I were her,” Lina said as she led her to a couch to sit upon. “Come now, tell me all about the clan and what's been going on. I want to hear it all.”

“I hope you have some popcorn, nothing produces drama like Lycans stuck indoors together,” she laughed.