THE DARK DOMAIN

"No... No.. no Sophie" he laughs

"Definitely.. no, I can't allow that" Lucas said as he runs his hands through his hair

"What do you mean by that?" I asked him angrily and he was amused by my anger

"Sophie...you are a werewolf and this is a dark domain, a demon territory, if my people stepping into your space is an act of war then you in my territory is a war itself

"Sounds interesting and unnecessarily dramatic" I said and he looked at me in curiosity

"It would sound dramatic when I tell my people that you are werewolf sought to spy on us"

" What! I can't go back to my pack, Lucas. You don't understand the pain and humiliation I've endured. I just want a chance to find happiness and acceptance. Isn't that what everyone deserves, I was rejected by the alpha and I can't shift. Everyone mocks me, I'm a broken werewolf , what is the use of being in a place where I feel invisible and not wanted by my pack. The Alpha picked my sister instead of me , I can't go back to face to humiliation and I don't think I will ever forgive myself for accepting rejection"

Lucas looked at Sophie, his eyes filled with no sympathy, but his expression remained unwavering. "Sophie, do you think all of this will make me allow you to stay in my territory.Your presence in my territory is a danger to my people, if your people finds out that you are missing they would do everything to get you and if they figure out you are here then I have sold the lives of my people out."

" No... Lucas, there's nobody that's looking for me, I'm a low ranked omega who nobody values . I am only loved by three people and that's my parents, my sister and best friend, please I can't go back"

" I do understand your pain, more than you might realize. But our laws and traditions are deeply rooted, and I can't simply overlook them."

"But why?" Sophie begged, desperation evident in her voice. "Why can't you make an exception, just this once? I promise I won't cause any trouble. I just want a chance to start over."

Lucas sighed as he stood up to sit at the edge of the bed, clearly struggling with his decision. "It's not that I don't want to help you," he explained, "but if I were to break the rules for you, it would set a precedent that could have far-reaching consequences."

Frustrated but determined, Sophie pressed on" so there's no way you can make a command as a demon king "

Lucas hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, I would allow you to stay on a condition that you persuade my personal adviser to stay, "I'll arrange a meeting with Arion. But I must warn you, she is a wise and stubborn demon. You'll need to be prepared to present a strong case."

Grateful for Lucas's willingness to help, Sophie nodded, her determination renewed. "Thank you, Lucas. I'll do whatever it takes to convince Arion that I deserve a chance to stay."

" Alright if you say so, please get up let's go and talk to Arion but let me say Arion is my personal adviser and she has been by my side for as long as I can remember and i may not be a werewolf but I have studied them for too long to understand what they can do " he said with a evident of sadness on his face but he quickly masked it off with a charming smile

" Where can we meet her" I said as I stood up to my feet

" I presume I'm not busy and I will appreciate to lead you to her" he said and they both smiled as they headed out

As Lucas resumed walking, he glanced over at Sophie, noticing her nervous expression. "You have a funny smile," he remarked, trying to lighten the mood.

Sophie chuckled softly, grateful for the distraction. "It's just nerves," she admitted. "This is all so new to me."

Lucas nodded in understanding as they continued down the ornate corridor. Sophie's eyes wandered, noticing several empty frames hanging on the walls. Her curiosity piqued, she turned to Lucas with a question.

"Why are there empty frames on the walls?" she asked, intrigued.

Lucas glanced at the frames she was referring to and sighed. "You wouldn't be able to see the pictures in those frames," he explained, "because they depict the true forms of the demons who reside here. Since you're not a demon, you wouldn't be able to perceive them."

Before Sophie could respond, their progress was interrupted by a group of demon maidens who stopped to greet Lucas. They looked curiously at Sophie, clearly puzzled by her presence.

"Good afternoon, King Lucas," one of the maidens said, her voice tinged with surprise. "Who is this?" she added, casting a wary glance at Sophie.

Lucas paused, offering the maidens a polite smile before responding. "Good afternoon, ladies," he greeted, his voice calm and composed. "This is Sophie, a werewolf who has found herself in need of our assistance."

Sophie felt a flush of embarrassment but stood her ground, meeting the maidens' gazes with determination. "I'm here because I need help," she said, her voice steady despite her unease. "I hope to find a place where I can belong, even if it's not with my own kind."

Lucas nodded in approval, clearly pleased with Sophie's response. "Sophie is seeking refuge from her pack, who have treated her unfairly," he explained, addressing the maidens' unspoken questions. "I've agreed to speak with Arion about her situation and see if there's a way we can help her."

The maidens seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding, their curiosity appeased for the time being. "Well, if you say she's trustworthy, then we trust your judgment, King Lucas," the first maiden said, offering Sophie a tentative smile.

"Thank you," Sophie replied, grateful for their acceptance, however reluctant it might be. "I appreciate your understanding."

With that, Lucas continued down the corridor, Sophie following closely behind. Finally, we reach the end of the corridor a door opened and we both walked in, the sudden change in light caused me to squint my eyes as soon as my eyes adjusted with the light the view I saw almost took my breath away figuratively

"Holy sh*t" I mutter

"Welcome to the realm of the dead" Lucas says as he smiles proudly

"Realm of what!"

"Sophie... Are you expecting to see dry bones and skeleton everywhere"

" Well... Maybe"i concurred shyly

" As I said this is realms of the dead but not for the dead "

" Then why call it that because this place is so beautiful for the name " I said and it he made him to stop walking

Lucas smiled warmly at her reaction before beginning to explain the significance of the hall's name. "I know it may seem contradictory," he began, his voice soft and melodic, "but the name 'Realms of the Dead' carries a deeper meaning for us demons."

Sophie listened intently as Lucas continued, "For us, death is not an end but a transformation. This hall serves as a sanctuary where we honor and remember those who have passed on, celebrating their lives and the legacies they've left behind."

He paused, allowing Sophie to absorb his words before concluding, "So, while the name may sound ominous, the Realms of the Dead is a place of reverence and celebration, a testament to the enduring spirit of our people."

Sophie felt a newfound respect for Lucas and his culture as she considered his explanation. "That's a beautiful way to honor the departed," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

Lucas nodded, pleased by her response. "Thank you, Sophie. Our traditions may be different from yours, but they hold deeper meaning and significance to us"

As Sophie and Lucas continued to explore the Realms of the Dead, a strikingly beautiful girl with flowing grey hair approached them. She was dressed in a gown that made her look like a goddess, but her expression was anything but divine. Her eyes flashed with anger as she addressed Lucas.

"What is a werewolf doing in our territory?" she demanded, her voice sharp and accusatory.

Lucas held up a hand, attempting to calm the enraged girl. "Arion, please," he began, "this is Sophie. She's seeking refuge and has come to us for help."

Arion's eyes narrowed, and she seemed even more incensed by Lucas's response. "Refuge?" she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "You bring a werewolf into the Realms of the Dead? Have you forgotten that the only werewolf to set foot here is now dead?"

Sophie felt a wave of fear wash over her, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to find the words to introduce herself. Stammering, she managed to say, "I-I'm Sophie. I didn't mean to intrude, I just..."

Before she could finish, Lucas shot her a look that clearly communicated for her to remain silent. Turning his attention back to Arion, his expression was stern yet controlled.

"Arion, I understand your concerns," Lucas said calmly, "but Sophie is not a threat. She's seeking a fresh start and deserves a chance to prove herself."

Arion turned her full attention to Sophie, her eyes filled with rage and bitterness. "Hi, Sophie?" she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "Your people killed our king and treated us like shit. Don't you f*cking 'hi' me."

Sophie felt a chill run down her spine as Arion's anger intensified. The atmosphere in the Realms of the Dead grew tense, the air thick with hostility. Arion's threat was clear, and Sophie could see the deadly intent in her eyes.

Before Sophie could respond, Lucas stepped forward, placing himself between Sophie and Arion. "Enough, Arion!" he shouted, his voice echoing throughout the hall. "You will not harm Sophie."

Arion's eyes flashed with defiance, and she clenched her fists, refusing to back down. "She deserves to pay for what her kind has done," she spat, her voice filled with malice. "I want to rip out her heart myself."

Sophie felt her heart pounding in her chest, fear coursing through her veins as she looked at Arion's determined expression. Lucas's protective stance gave her some comfort, but the danger was still palpable.

"Arion, listen to me," Lucas said, his voice firm but calm. "I understand your anger, but taking it out on Sophie will not bring back our king. We need to find a way to move forward, to heal and rebuild."

Arion continued to glare at Sophie, her anger still simmering beneath the surface. "I still have every intention of harming Sophie," she hissed, her eyes locked on her.

Lucas's patience was wearing thin, and he stepped forward once again, his posture authoritative. "Arion, I am the king," he declared loudly, his voice echoing through the hall. "You will heed my command."

Arion met Lucas's gaze defiantly, but there was a hint of begrudging respect in her eyes. "Oh, great king, what's your wish?" she asked sarcastically, her voice dripping with disdain.

Lucas took a deep breath, maintaining his composure as he responded, "Give Sophie a chance to stay. She deserves an opportunity to prove herself."

Arion's expression hardened, her anger flaring once again as she reminded Lucas of the past. "The werewolf killed your father," she spat, her voice filled with bitterness. "Have you forgotten that?"

Lucas's eyes darkened, his patience finally reaching its limit. His voice low and menacing, he responded, "If you ever mention my father's death again, I will rip you apart with my bare hands. Do you understand?"

Sophie, overwhelmed by the intensity of the argument between Arion and Lucas, felt compelled to intervene. "I'll go," she said softly, her voice trembling.

Both Arion and Lucas turned to look at Sophie, their heated expressions softening slightly as they realized the impact of their argument on her.

Arion took a deep breath, her anger subsiding as she addressed Lucas, "Let go of my hand, Lucas."

Lucas hesitated for a moment before releasing arion's hand, his eyes still filled with concern and protectiveness.

Sophie, feeling guilty for causing the rift between the two, spoke up, "I'm sorry," she said, her voice filled with remorse. "This is my fault. I shouldn't have come here and caused you both to fight."

Arion sighed, her irritation evident, but she nodded in agreement. "Damn you are f*cking right," she said, her voice firm. "Leave."

Lucas cleared his throat, stepping forward to introduce Sophie. "This is Sophie," he began, his tone slightly formal. "She was rejected by her pack and is seeking refuge here."

Arion raised an eyebrow, clearly finding Lucas's introduction unusual. "Rejected by her pack?" she echoed, her curiosity piqued. "Why is she here?"

Lucas glanced at Sophie before answering. "She wants to stay with us," he explained simply. "She's looking for a new home."

Arion looked Sophie up and down, assessing her carefully. "What's the name of your pack?" she asked, her voice cold.

Sophie hesitated for a moment before replying, "Lycos of the Blue Tide Pack."

Arion's expression hardened, and she shook her head firmly. "You can't stay," she declared, turning to walk away.

Sophie felt a wave of disappointment wash over her, but she quickly followed after Arion, with Lucas close behind.