Ethan and Garrett followed Amdis towards the dungeon, a place no werewolf or lycan would willingly go. A few years ago, both Ethan and Garrett, would have said hell no to going, but these were desperate times. A handful of Amdis' guards trailed behind them like ominous specters, their eyes hidden beneath heavy cowls.
"Ethan, I don't like this at all," Garrett muttered under his breath. Ethan and Amdis had just been fighting to the death and now Amdis was trying to help them knowing Ethan had a curse on him. It felt like they would be owing him a huge favor at this.
Ethan, sensing Garrett's unease, reached out with his mind and said telepathically, "Don't overthink this. Amdis has more honor than this. He's not going to lock us in a dungeon. That would undermine our alliance and helping to keep the curse from taking over would have been for nothing."
Garrett's gaze remained fixed on Amdis' back, studying the way he held himself with an air of arrogance that grated on Ethan's nerves. His attitude brought back painful memories of his brother.
"Easier said than done," Garrett replied mentally.
"They're not the same person, Garrett," Ethan said and Garrett scoffed, annoyed that Ethan realized he was comparing Amdis to his late brother.
Ethan did share some of Garrett's apprehension. The air was becoming thick with the scent of decay and despair. He knew that the dungeon housed more than just prisoners.
"Here we are," Amdis announced as they reached a massive iron door adorned with intricate engravings of bats and writhing serpents. He waved a hand, and the door creaked open.
"Tell me," Ethan said, breaking the eerie silence as they walked past rows of cells filled with shadowy figures. "Why is the former Vampire Lord here?"
"I refuse to believe that you don't know about what transpired," Amdis responded.
"I know that you usurped him, but I don't know why. You would be the youngest Vampire Lord in centuries. I am sure you must be proud of your achievement," Ethan continued.
Amdis hesitated, his lips tightening into a thin line before he answered. "There is nothing to be proud of with this. My father betrayed our race and committed other acts that would put our kingdom in danger."
Garrett frowned, not liking the sound of that. "What do you mean? What did he do?"
"Patience, Alpha King," Amdis replied cryptically, his eyes flicking back toward the path they had taken. "You'll understand soon enough."
As they reached a particularly grim section of the dungeon, Amdis turned to face his guards, his expression dark and commanding. "Stand down," he ordered.
The guards hesitated, their gazes darting between their master and Ethan and Garrett. But ultimately, they obeyed, stepping back and allowing Amdis, Ethan, and Garrett to continue deeper into the dungeon unescorted.
As they passed by more cells, it became increasingly apparent that those held captive were not simply prisoners; they were living nightmares. The prisoners' faces gaunt, their eyes hollow and haunted.
"Don't get too close," Admis warned. "They bite and I am not sure what vampire venom would do to your kind."
"Why would you have them in here like this?" Garrett asked, looking at the men reaching through the bars, desperately trying to grab hold of him to pull him close and bleed him dry. "It's cruel."
"Whoever is held here is the worst of our people. Some aren't even vampires," Amdis replied. "If you are wondering if any of your kind are here, they are not. I always released them back to their packs to face justice with their own kind."
"Judgment awaits them all," Amdis continued, his tone devoid of emotion. "Until then, they remain here, where they can do no further harm."
Ethan nodded, though a part of him couldn't help but wonder if some of these creatures deserved a swift execution rather than prolonged suffering. As Alpha King, he understood the need for balance and justice, but this seemed to be too extreme.
"But why prolong the process? I'm sure you have all the facts to execute them right on the spot," Ethan asked, his voice low and steady.
Amdis paused for a moment, considering his words carefully. "Unlike my father," he began, his tone measured and even, "I do take into consideration what my people want before I make a decision. It is a slower process, but it ends up with my people happy in the end. Killing without a fair trial could lead to worse consequences down the lines."
Ethan nodded slowly. Though their methods were different, Ethan also believed in the importance of hearing the voices of his pack, and striving for balance between their needs and the demands of leadership.
Amdis stopped abruptly as they reached the cell at the very end of the corridor. He drew himself up to his full height. The man inside the cell looked haggard and defeated, mumbling incoherent words to himself.
"Draven," Amdis said, his voice betraying a hint of bitterness.
At the sound of Amdis' voice, the man glanced up, his eyes narrowed and filled with contempt. "You have no right to address me that way, you insolent brat," his father spat, baring his fangs at Amdis.
"You have no title to honor anymore," Amdis countered.
"I am your father! You will address me as much or get out of my sight," Draven demanded.
"As much as it pains me to know that, I will give you that much," Amdis begrudgingly agreed.
"What do you want? Have the mutts come to take over our kingdom? Have you figure out your bleeding heart and perversion for she-wolves will lead us to our doom?" Draven mocked.
Amdis tensed at the jab. Draven smirked at Amdis, seeing his discomfort, but his smirk faded when Amdis smiled back at him. "Your plan failed, father. I have my mate at my side again."
"How? That's not possible. I saw her…" Draven stopped in midsentence.
"You saw what?" Amdis asked firmly. "Please continue father."
"I don't need to do anything for you," Draven replied.
"You will give me the answers I seek one way or another," Amdis warned.
Draven looked past Amdis to see Ethan and Garrett standing behind him. He barred his fangs at them. "Have you lost your mind? You bring the Alpha King into my home?!" he exclaimed.
"If it weren't for your alliance with the damn Hunters, they wouldn't have to come here in the first place!" Amdis snapped.