NIRVANA

I’d never been to Cumbria, let alone England. The weather was chilly. Archibald castle was built on a highland with greener grass, surrounded by a moat, like one of those featured in a popular historical drama series.

It looked surreal. I expected a Dracula’s castle with a dark and Gothic theme. This one, though, was exemplary.

“Don’t show off. Stay calm, and remember we’re his guests and want something from him, even if he throws insults.”

“Is he that terrible person, Alpha King?” I asked.

“When he’s not in his mood. By the way, his guards are humans.”

We arrived at the gate after walking ten minutes from where...