Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall) novel Chapter 111

~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.