The other side of the realm.

Lucas strode onto the palace grounds, Mina cradled in his arms, her body as light as a fallen feather. The bridal carry, usually a gesture of tenderness, was now a stark display of her fragility. The poison she'd ingested had sapped her strength, leaving her as delicate as a butterfly's wing.

"Your Royal Highness," Eddie murmured, his voice barely a breath. He'd been monitoring the perimeter, and the sight of Lucas carrying Mina had immediately set off alarm bells. A flicker of suspicion tightened his features as he took in her pallid complexion and limp form. Something was gravely wrong.

"Your Royal Highness," Eddie called out, approaching them with a concerned frown. "What happened, sir?"

Lucas's gaze was dark, his mood clearly foul. He gave a curt nod.

"Get me herbs, anything that counteracts poison," Lucas commanded, his voice edged with urgency.

"Poison? Oh..." Eddie's eyes widened, his gaze darting between Lucas and the unconscious Mina. Understanding dawned, but it was laced with confusion.

"I'm taking her to my room. Get those herbs, now," Lucas ordered, his pace quickening as he moved past Eddie.

"Oh, uh, alright... Uh..." Eddie stammered, his words trailing off as Lucas disappeared into the palace. He watched Lucas's retreating figure, a deep furrow creasing his brow. A wave of apprehension washed over him.

"What in the hell have you gotten yourself into this time?" Eddie muttered under his breath, his mind racing with unanswered questions.

The valley lay shrouded in perpetual twilight, a cold, dark chasm that cleaved the forest in two. On the far side, a kingdom existed, unknown to the wolf people, a place where the trees mirrored their own, yet the atmosphere pulsed with an unsettling, eerie energy. Within this realm dwelled a savage, animalistic species, hunger gnawing at their very essence: the Fallen Lords. These vampiric beings, thirsting for blood, were once celestial beings, ethereal forms dancing in the light of the skies, free from earthly needs. But millennia ago, they were cast down, landing on this earth with no purpose, no explanation. They morphed, their forms taking on bat-like features grafted onto humanoid bodies. Some were cloaked in shades of grey and black, others in deep navy blue. The females, larger and more robust, possessed the elegant curves of human women, adorned with long, flowing hair, some white, some dark. The males, smaller and hairless, bore a closer resemblance to bats, while the females retained a distinctly humanoid grace. The males were swift and agile, while the females possessed formidable strength and endurance. Their origins remained a mystery, even to themselves.

The kingdom teemed with these varied bat-vampiric beings, a single community bound by their shared existence. At their head was Amara, their queen, a mother figure, a skilled leader, teacher, advisor, and healer. Beside her stood Ali, her mate, a male of lean muscle and compact build, the leader of their hunters and protectors. Despite their savage nature and thirst for blood, they possessed a surprising emotional depth, though some were less fortunate in that regard. Their community thrived on bonds of companionship and unwavering loyalty.

Their kingdom, a patchwork of wood, branches, animal hides, mud, clay, and stone, housed the bat-vampiric beings and their royal couple.

"My queen!" a voice cried, shattering the kingdom's quiet. A figure rushed into their midst, their urgency sending ripples of alarm through the gathered throng.

Amara, her gaze sharp, tilted her head in question as she watched the frantic messenger approach.

"I bear grave tidings," the male bat-vampire announced, his voice thick with dread.

"Speak," Amara commanded, her tone mature and steady, as she sat upon her throne of wood and stone, Ali beside her, his expression blank and watchful.

"One of our brothers has fallen, slain by some foul, reeking beast!" he exclaimed, his frustration palpable.

A wave of shocked murmurs swept through the crowd, disbelief and sorrow mingling in the air.

"What?" Amara's voice sharpened, edged with annoyance. "You allowed him to venture out without my leave?" She rose, stepping closer to the messenger.

"It was I," Ali interjected, his voice firm. Amara stopped, her gaze swinging to meet his, confusion clouding her features.

Gasps echoed through the kingdom as Ali's words sank in, all eyes turning towards him, a mixture of shock and anger painted on their faces. Hisses, low and animalistic, rumbled through the crowd. "I let him go," Ali repeated, his tone unwavering.

"Why?" Amara demanded, her voice rising, a blend of disappointment and anger.

Ali stood, his expression hardening, and let out a long, weary sigh. "Can't you see? We can't hide forever.."

"I refuse to see our brothers and sisters live in the shadows, scavenging for scraps, eating small creatures, feeding on the leavings of those beyond our borders," Ali declared, his voice laced with bitterness.

A tense silence fell over the crowd, their anger still simmering. Amara, her annoyance evident, approached him slowly. "Why would we? We live a full life here, lacking nothing. We have all we need."

"This is not the life I envision for us!" Ali retorted, his voice ringing with passion.

"The humiliation, the anger I feel every day... Why must we be separated? Why do they get to bask in the sun, enjoy the privileges we're denied?"

Amara watched him, concern battling with her annoyance, then turned away, her gaze falling to the ground.

"What's come over you? How many times must I tell you, this life is what protects us from the dangers beyond!" she said, turning to address the crowd.

"We live in comfort, in abundance. Ambition is merely a symptom of boredom, not practicality," she said, her tone laced with amusement.

The crowd fell silent, their attention fixed on Amara, their expressions shifting to focused observation.

"My brothers, my sisters," she began, her voice resonating through the kingdom. "In the wake of this tragedy, I must reinforce our borders. I will become stricter. Anyone who dares to venture beyond, to trespass on the lands of those other beings, will face imprisonment."

"My queen," a male bat-vampire ventured, "what if there's more out there than we know?"

Amara's gaze snapped to the speaker, her brow furrowed. "There's nothing special. It's an illusion. Danger lurks beyond our borders. Curiosity will be your undoing," she insisted, her voice firm.

Ali, a storm of frustration brewing within him, turned on his heel and stormed off, disappearing through a door that led to the deeper recesses of the kingdom. Amara watched him go, a flicker of displeasure crossing her features before she turned her attention back to the crowd.

"To honor our fallen brother, we will hold a mourning ritual later. I expect everyone's presence as a sign of respect," she declared, her voice firm and resolute.

"I'll take my leave for now. Continue with your tasks; I'll return to prepare later," Amara announced, offering a graceful smile to the assembled crowd. They nodded in unison, acknowledging her words, and began to disperse.

"Azur," Amara called out, her voice cutting through the thinning crowd. Azur, the one who had delivered the grim news, turned and approached her, his expression a mix of grief and obedience.

"Forgive my mate's actions. His foolishness led him to a reckless and ill-considered decision," Amara said, her tone apologetic.

Azur remained silent for a moment, his face a canvas of conflicting emotions.

"I understand your closeness to him. We all grieve his loss. I assure you, my mate will face the appropriate consequences for his actions," Amara said, her voice laced with a promise of retribution. "But before anything else, I need to know: did you speak with him after he left?" she asked, her tone shifting to one of quiet inquiry.

Azur looked up, his brow furrowed in thought, trying to recall any interaction. "No, my queen. I followed his scent beyond the borders, but I only heard his screams. Then I saw him… turned to dust by those beasts," he said, his voice thick with bitterness and grief.

"Can you describe them?" Amara asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Pale as the sun, their eyes like water and wood. Some tall, some short. Creatures I've never seen before. One, in particular, looked like a wild animal with nine large, white tails and red markings on its face," Azur described, his voice laced with irritation. "Also," he added, looking directly at Amara, "now that I think of it, they resembled you, my queen."

Amara raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"They had two arms, two legs, a face like yours," Azur confirmed.

Amara stared at him for a long moment, a frown creasing her brow, then shrugged it off, dismissing the thought. "That's all. You may go," she said.

Azur nodded and turned, walking away.

Amara turned and entered her chambers, ascending a set of stairs. She found Ali sitting on their bed, a mixture of wood and cotton, his back turned to her. He turned, his gaze sliding away in irritation.

"I understand I'm to be punished. You needn't escort me to the cells," Ali said, his voice laced with annoyance.

Amara paused, her hands clasped together, her expression serious. "Good. Now I can have some peace," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"But how could you act so recklessly, risking a brother's life when the chances of his survival were so slim?" Amara asked, her smile fading, replaced by a coldness. "Have you lost your mind?"

"I never expected him to die—"

"But he did, didn't he? And now it's too late for regret. Anyone with sense would know that," Amara interrupted sharply.

Ali fell silent, then slowly rose, turning to face Amara, his expression a mix of apology and defiance, his gaze averted.

"Why did you let him go?" Amara demanded, her voice impatient.

Ali looked away, then back at her, his expression stern. "He wanted to explore. He said he was hungry for more." He paused, pacing back and forth. "He came to me, asked my permission. He said he had visions while sleeping, visions of beings like us, living and breathing."

"That's it? You let him go for that?" Amara asked, incredulous, a mocking chuckle escaping her lips. "And where did his ambition get him? Nowhere."

"I don't want to go to the cells," Ali said flatly. "Punish me. Exile me from the kingdom," he proposed, his voice serious.

"What do you mean the portal is closed?" Catherine demanded, her voice laced with disbelief as she emerged from the dense undergrowth.

"We can try again, surely? Reopen it," Jasper suggested, a hopeful note in his voice.

"I'm afraid not, Your Majesty," Wilber replied, his tone grave. "Even I am at a loss. No one understands why it's become inaccessible. I attempted to open a transportation portal yesterday, but all my efforts were in vain."

"Shit," Catherine muttered, turning away and running a frustrated hand through her hair. Defeat hung heavy in the air.

Jasper watched her, his own sense of helplessness growing. He knew there was only one logical option: for her to remain here, at least for the time being.

"I can't stay here any longer! I need to go home," Catherine exclaimed, her voice thick with frustration and despair.

Jasper and Wilbert exchanged a worried glance, their own options dwindling. "Well, my lady, we seem to have no other choice," Wilbert offered gently. "We can only hope for a change in our circumstances."

Catherine turned to them, her expression a mix of annoyance and resignation. She remained silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

"I can offer you a safe haven," Jasper proposed, his voice laced with apology. "Not the cottage, and I deeply regret my brother's actions. I will deal with him."

"No," Catherine replied, her voice sharp and resolute, shaking her head. "I will not stay in any place you offer. I'm going to explore on my own." She turned to her left and began to walk away, then paused, turning back to face them. "And don't follow me," she added, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Catherine, wait—" Jasper called out, his instinct to stop her kicking in.

"Catherine!" he called again, but his words fell on deaf ears. Catherine continued to walk away, her back to them, oblivious to their pleas.

"What?" Amara repeated, her brows furrowing in disbelief.

"I will leave this kingdom," Ali declared, his voice resolute. "You can find a new mate, whoever you desire. I deserve to be punished for this."

Amara fell silent, her gaze fixed on Ali, her expression a complex mix of emotions. A heavy silence descended upon the room, the tension thickening with each passing moment as they stared at each other, neither willing to break the stillness.

"Fine," Amara finally conceded, her voice flat. "And never return to this kingdom." Her gaze remained unwavering, cold and sharp.

Ali paused, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face, then nodded slowly. He turned and walked past her, his footsteps silent, leaving the room with a soft click of the closing door. Amara stood motionless, her face a mask of composure, betraying nothing of her inner turmoil.

Ali stepped out into the corridor, descending the stairs and crossing the main hall. He walked towards the large wooden doors that led out of the kingdom, a strange sense of unease settling over him. As he approached the threshold, he felt a sudden, chilling presence.

A sharp gasp escaped his lips as a searing pain erupted in his chest. He looked down, his eyes widening in disbelief as he saw a hand protruding from his torso, the fingers clenched around his very heart. He stood frozen, his mind reeling, unable to comprehend the sudden, brutal attack.

"I won't allow you to freely explore outside. Beings like us are bound to live here," Amara's voice echoed, cold and deadly, from behind him. "You can freely explore now, now that you can rest."

She withdrew her arm, the hand disappearing from his chest. Ali, with a helpless cry, crumbled into a fine, grey dust, evaporating into the air, leaving no trace of his existence.

"Until we meet again..." Amara murmured, a chillingly satisfied smirk playing on her lips.

Catherine plunged into the woods, alone and resolute, her stubborn refusal of Jasper and Wilbert's aid echoing in her ears. She ventured deeper, driven by a singular, desperate desire to escape, her mind a whirlwind of anxiety, devoid of rational thought or concrete plans. As she pressed onward, a dense wall of bushes loomed before her, obscuring a sliver of light that beckoned from within.

Catherine paused, her gaze fixed on the anomaly. Curiosity tugged at her, and she cautiously approached. Reaching out, she parted the thick foliage, revealing the source of the light. Her eyes widened. Before her lay a path, a road of sorts, stretching into the distance. It was a stark contrast to the surrounding woods, a flat expanse of earth and sparse greenery, devoid of trees. No sign of life stirred, no sound broke the unnerving silence.

Catherine stepped through the gap in the bushes, her gaze sweeping across the unfamiliar landscape. She began to comprehend the subtle shift in her surroundings, a sense of disorientation settling over her. She started to walk, her footsteps echoing softly on the bare earth.

"I thought this place was nothing but woods and forest," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, a hint of unease creeping into her tone.

"It would be best if we returned, Your Majesty," Wilbert urged, his voice laced with concern.

Jasper's gaze lingered on the spot where Catherine had vanished, then slowly, reluctantly, he turned to meet Wilbert's eyes, a sense of defeat settling over him. He offered no reply, simply turning and walking away, past Wilber, his steps heavy. Wilbert, understanding the unspoken command, fell into step behind him, following Jasper's silent retreat.

Lucas stood beside Mina, his arms crossed, his gaze unwavering. She had been treated with healing herbs, but their effects were slow, leaving her weak. Still, her condition was less critical than he had initially feared.

"Why would you do that?" Lucas murmured, his voice barely audible, a mixture of disbelief and something else he couldn't quite name.

He fell silent, his gaze drifting to the ceiling, lost in contemplation. A swirl of emotions, a nagging unease, tormented him.

"Dmitri… Is it… I can't believe it…" Lucas's face twisted with bitterness as Jasper's words echoed in his mind, a wave of discomfort washing over him. He remembered Dmitri, the memories sharp and painful.

"Why is it the sound suddenly turn ugly…" Lucas said amused as he chuckled to hide his frustrations.

The sound of a door opening broke the silence, drawing his attention. Barbara and Sergei entered the room.

"His Royal Highness," Barbara greeted, offering a respectful bow. Sergei saluted smartly.

"Great," Lucas said, clapping his hands together. He stood, acknowledging their arrival. "Watch her. I believe I've done all I can here." He turned and walked towards the door, his footsteps echoing softly.

"Sir, why was she poisoned?" Barbara asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

"And who did it, sir?" Sergei added, his voice laced with worry.

Lucas paused, his back to them, his expression unreadable. He remained silent for a moment. "She was bitten by a wild animal when we returned from our trip. Don't worry, the animal has been dealt with," Lucas said, his tone flat and dismissive. He reached for the door handle, swung it open, and stepped outside, closing it firmly behind him.

Barbara and Sergei exchanged a look. Barbara seemed skeptical, while Sergei appeared to accept Lucas's explanation without question.

"Barb? Sergei?" Mina whispered weakly.

Barbara's attention snapped back to Mina. "Dear, are you alright? How are you feeling?" she asked, rushing to her bedside.

"Yes? What kind of animal bit you?" Sergei inquired.

"What?" Mina muttered, her face etched with confusion.

"It doesn't matter. How are you feeling?" Barbara interrupted, her concern evident.

"I feel… normal, for now. But my body is still weak," Mina replied, her gaze meeting Barbara's.

"Wait, Sergei, what do you mean, 'animal'?" Mina asked, turning her confused gaze to him.

"Well, His Royal Highness said you were bitten by a wild animal," Sergei explained.

"What?" Mina repeated, her confusion deepening.

"Yes, he said it…" Sergei confirmed.

"Wait, Mina, is that true?" Barbara asked, her own confusion growing.

Mina paused, her memories returning in a rush, clear as day. A frown creased her brow, a hint of distress in her eyes.

"Oh, goodness…" she murmured under her breath.

"What is it?" Barbara asked, noticing the change in her expression. "I don't know where to start… It's just… I don't understand why he did it… I mean, Sir Lucas was…" Mina stammered, her words trailing off.

"His Royal Highness was? What did he do?" Barbara pressed, her voice turning serious.

Sergei looked at Mina, his confusion mirroring Barbara's, anticipation building within him.

Mina hesitated, her gaze darting between them. She closed her eyes, then opened them, taking a deep breath. A long, tense silence hung in the air as she struggled to find the words. Sergei and Barbara watched her expectantly, their impatience growing.

"Sir Lucas… he was… he wanted to kill the fox woman…"

Lucas descended the stairs, just as Jasper and Wilbert arrived. Jasper, his expression serious, immediately moved to confront him. Lucas, spotting them, attempted to avoid the interaction, turning to walk away.

"Lucas," Jasper called out, his voice firm.

Lucas stopped, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He rolled his eyes and turned to face Jasper. "Kill me now. I'd rather be buried with our ancestors than endure another lecture from you," he said, his tone laced with annoyance.

"That would be easier said than done," Jasper retorted, a hint of wry amusement in his voice. "It might even work to my advantage," he added, his expression unimpressed. "But, to my frustration, I can't," he conceded, holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Now that you know the truth, I believe you should focus on what's right."

A tense silence fell between them, the weight of their unspoken words hanging in the air. Wilbert, standing behind Jasper, observed the exchange, a sense of awkwardness settling over him. He debated whether to leave or remain.

"Why did he do it?" Lucas asked, his voice low and troubled.

"I don't know," Jasper replied, his frustration mirroring Lucas's. "I'm as bewildered as you are."

"I need to be somewhere," Lucas declared abruptly, turning and striding past Jasper. He brushed past Wilber and exited through the palace doors, his footsteps echoing on the stone.

Wilbert glanced at Jasper, then watched Lucas disappear, understanding the unspoken tension, yet choosing to remain silent.

"Wilbert," Jasper called out, his voice cutting through the silence.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Wilbert responded, his attention snapping back to Jasper.

"Find Catherine and bring her to me," Jasper ordered, his tone formal and commanding. Wilbert paused, then nodded, accepting the order without question.

Hours later, the moon ascended, its silvery light bathing the kingdom in an ethereal glow. Everyone had gathered, forming neat lines before a raised wooden stage. Amara stood composed, flanked by two female bat elders. The ritual was about to begin. The crowd, clad in long, black wool garments, stood in silent reverence, their heads bowed. Amara and the elders wore robes of dark brown and red, woven from silk and wool, befitting the solemn occasion.

Amara stepped forward, her face etched with grief. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes, then slowly opened them, her gaze sweeping across the assembled crowd.

"Before we begin," she announced, her voice resonating through the stillness, "I have another announcement to make. My mate, Ali, has been banished from our kingdom. This punishment will serve to make him reflect on the harm he has caused."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, a mixture of surprise, confusion, and even a hint of satisfaction. However, no one dared to voice their opinions, their attention quickly returning to the impending mourning ritual.

"Now that I have spoken," Amara continued, "let us begin the mourning ritual." She sat down, followed by the two elders, mirroring her posture. The crowd followed suit, settling into a meditative silence.

The initial silence was profound, everyone closing their eyes in deep concentration. Amara, however, kept her eyes open, preparing her words.

"I call upon our fallen brother," she began, her voice a low, resonant chant. "We seek your presence in this moment, as we offer our deepest respects. Your death was not in vain. We express our gratitude for your contributions to our community. We are with you, as you are with us."

As Amara spoke, the two elders began a low, humming chant. The crowd joined in, their voices rising in a unified, resonant hum, filling the air with a mournful, otherworldly sound. Amara closed her eyes, allowing the sound to wash over her.

Then, Amara began to clap, a sharp, rhythmic sound that punctuated the humming. The clapping continued, growing in intensity, each clap resonating with the collective hum of the crowd.

Suddenly, without warning, a thunderous crash erupted, shaking the very ground beneath them. The ritual was shattered, the humming abruptly ceasing. Everyone’s eyes snapped open, their bodies tensing. An instinctive hiss rippled through the crowd, a primal reaction to the sudden, jarring noise.

"Everyone!" Amara commanded, her voice cutting through the startled silence. "Calm yourselves!" Though her voice remained steady, a flicker of worry and alertness danced in her eyes. She scanned the surroundings, trying to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. A wave of anxiety washed over her as she stepped down from the wooden stage, moving quickly, determined to investigate the source of the disruption herself.