Lycan Queen's Prey Chapter 36

~Zirah~

By the time the limo stops, I feel a strange mix of awe and sorrow, a bizarre combination. It's

overwhelming and underwhelming all in one. I am in the heart of a kingdom that is both a dream

and a nightmare. And I am about to play a part in its story. But for now, I can only sit in stunned

silence, the city's pulsating energy coursing through my veins, an intoxicating and sobering

experience.

"Welcome to my world, Zirah,” Zeke's voice cuts through my thoughts, sounding less like a warm

greeting and more like a regretful apology.

Stepping out of the limo, I face Zeke, his eyes holding a myriad of emotions I can't decipher. I look

around, absorbing the city in all its glory and misery. The din of the crowd, the humming of neon

signs, the aroma of street food - it all feels surreal. "So, it's prosperous but overcrowded?" I start the

conversation, still trying to reconcile the extremes of his kingdom.

Zeke nods, leaning back against the car. "We're one of the richest kingdoms, but our wealth is

diluted by our massive population. We have the largest army among the four Lycan kingdoms. But

that also means we're often stretched thin on basic resources.” He pauses, letting the reality sink in.

"But why?" I ask, "With such wealth and resources, why the scarcity?"

Zeke looks at me with a sigh. "It's the population, Zirah. Hospitals are overfilled, staff are stretched

thin, and there are never enough resources to cater to everyone's needs. The homeless shelters?

They're overrun. We simply can't keep up.”

"That's... That's horrifying,” I manage to stutter out, my heart heavy with the implications.

"It is," Zeke agrees solemnly. "But each of our kingdoms contributes to the balance of the entire

country in its own way. Regan's kingdom is like a controlled society. It's the surveillance

powerhouse. Lyon's kingdom, as you know, thrives on fresh produce and supplies wool, grains,

fruits, and more. Our kingdom is the manufacturing hub."

"Manufacturing?" I repeat, a frown creasing my lips.

"Yes," Zeke nods, "From clothes to furniture, automotive parts to electronics. Our factories run round

the clock."

"But if you produce so much, why the lack of resources? Shouldn't there be enough for everyone?” I

question, genuinely puzzled.

Zeke looks at me, a rueful smile playing on his lips. “If only it were that simple, Zirah. You see, we

have other kingdoms to cater to. There are four Vampiric kingdoms, four Dragon kingdoms, and

let's not forget the Fae kingdoms."

"And they... mean what? They aren't part of this empire?" I struggle to see what he’s getting at. Why

do other dominions matter?

"They have their own specialties. For instance, Dragons are known for mining precious metals. The

Fae are experts in herbal and medicinal supplies, while vampires ... well, they control the nightlife

and entertainment sectors."

"So, it's like a..a symbiosis? You all rely on each other?” I guess, trying to grasp the complex

dynamics.

"Exactly. Each kingdom has its role to play, its resources to provide. It's a fragile balance, and if we

fail to supply as per the treaty, we risk losing our own supplies or, worse, triggering a war."

Suddenly, the magnitude of my role as a Lycan queen comes crashing down on me. The balance of

power, the subtle dependencies, the threat of war - it's a web far more intricate than I'd ever

imagined. And I, a stranger in this complex world, have to navigate all these areas and hope not to

step on any toes.

The city, with all its lights and shadows, suddenly feels a lot more daunting. As if in response to my

thoughts, Zeke places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don’t worry, Zirah. You'll have advisors to

guide you, and we'll all help you where we can. Well, if we live too." Zeke chuckles darkly.

I nod, but still feel the weight of the responsibility ahead. "You'll figure it out. Now come on, let me

show you our manufacturing district.” Zeke says with a smile before turning to the limo driver.

The limo pulls away from the curb, and I turn to gaze out at the passing scenery once more. The city

is a living, breathing entity, both beautiful and ugly, prosperous and impoverished. As its future

queen, it's up to me to bring the balance that Zeke spoke of - to ensure that all the kingdoms have

access to basic resources and opportunities for growth.

It's daunting, but now it's my responsibility. For this is not just Zeke's kingdom anymore - it's also

mine.

As we make our way through the bustling streets, I can't help but feel a sense of unease mixed with

awe. There are so many people here, each with their own story and struggles. It's hard not to feel

overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it all.

But as we reach the manufacturing district, I am struck by the impressive machinery and industrial

scale of production. The factories stretch out for miles, humming with activity as workers move back

and forth in a choreographed dance.

"Our factories are the heart and soul of our economy," Zeke explains. "They provide jobs for

thousands of people and keep our kingdom running.”

"I can see that," I nod in agreement.

"But there's also a cost," he adds somberly. "The pollution from these factories is affecting our

environment, and the work conditions are far from ideal. It's a difficult balance to manage, if you

can say it's managed at all.”

"What do you mean?"

"The air, it may not seem too bad to you, but after years of breathing it in, it puts the biggest strain

on the health system.” My brows pinch. He can't mean the Lycan population; Lycans heal quickly.

Zeke, seeming to sense the question I am thinking, answers my thoughts.

"Humans, Zirah, their lungs are weaker. But not just them, pollution here is so bad we've had

contamination that has even affected the Lycan population too, just it doesn't kill us the way it kills

the humans here," he admits.

This gives me much to think about. What role can I play in all this that would improve quality of life,

not take more away?

"Come on. I will take you back to the castle. It's late, and I know you must be tired,” Zeke tells me,

and I nod, returning my attention to the window.