Chapter 23: People quickly stepped aside, bowing deeply until their heads nearly touched the ground. Turning toward the southern wing, he followed the corridor leading to the forbidden chambers. The soldiers bowed as he approached. He dismissed them with a wave. Vladya waited until the hallway was empty before stepping toward the massive metal gates, made of iron rods strong enough to resist the Urekai's immense power. These gates fortified all the dungeons in Ravenshadow Fortress and had held Urekai prisoners for over a thousand years. They were the strongest of their kind. But Daemonikai had broken through these gates four times. Four separate times. Effortlessly. The people believed the beast was locked behind the gates, unable to escape. But in truth, it stayed there because it wanted to. Inside, the room was completely dark-pitch black to humans and young Urekai. But to someone as ancient as Vladya, with his heightened vision, it was as clear as daylight. The space was vast and mostly empty, with no decorations. His eyes landed on the girl. She lay curled protectively into herself, unmoving. As he stepped closer, the beast's scent reached his nose. His own beast stirred inside him, growling at the presence. Vladya turned toward the huge, powerful form of the king beast, its yellow eyes locked on him. The beast growled, stepping closer. Vladya stood still, forcing himself to stay calm and unthreatening, trying to appear as harmless as possible. If the beast sensed danger, it would attack. And as a mindless creature, Daemonikai surely would. It had happened before, leaving Vladya with scars that reminded him he had lost his best friend forever. New chapters now on galnovels.cøm The beast circled him, its movements slow and predatory, showing its annoyance at Vladya's presence in its territory. Stopping in front of Vladya, the beast loomed close, towering over him. Then, leaning in, its snout extended, the king beast waited. It wanted to assert dominance. Vladya's own beast growled angrily inside him, furious at the challenge. But holding back his beast and every alpha instinct, Vladya lowered his head and tilted it to the side in submission. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!