Dragon God’s Dominion: Rise of the Apocalypse Sovereign

The ruined city loomed around Lucien as he carried the unconscious girl through the shattered streets. The scent of blood and decay clung to the air, yet he ignored it.

His steps were calm, unhurried.

There was no need for caution anymore. He ruled the night now.

The girl in his arms was fragile, her body too thin, her breath uneven. Her once-fair skin was marred by bruises, scars—proof of torment. Her captors had used her like a tool, breaking her spirit.

Lucien's golden eyes flickered.

He didn't know her name, but something in her condition— something in her suffering— awoke a buried emotion. A memory not yet fully returned.

'Evangeline'

That name echoed in his soul, but it remained distant, shrouded in fog. All he knew was the overwhelming sense of protectiveness that gripped him.

This girl was his now.

And those who had harmed her?

They had died too quickly.

Lucien reached the apartment and knocked lightly.

The door swung open almost immediately.

Selene stood there, her pale blue eyes wide with worry. Valeria was close behind, gripping the wheels of her chair tightly.

"…You're back," Valeria breathed, her relief barely hidden. Then she noticed the unconscious girl in his arms. Her expression darkened.

Selene rushed forward without hesitation. "She's hurt."

Lucien nodded, stepping inside. "She was being abused. I took care of them."

His voice was casual, as if stating a fact.

Selene's lips parted slightly, as if realizing just how much he had changed. The son she knew had been weak, kind, hesitant.

This man? This man had killed without hesitation for the sake of a stranger.

"…You took care of them?" Valeria's violet eyes sharpened. "How many?"

Lucien placed the girl gently on the worn-out couch before glancing at his sister.

"Six."

Silence.

Selene's breath hitched. Valeria's hands clenched on the arms of her wheelchair.

"By yourself?" Valeria asked, her tone unreadable.

Lucien nodded.

His sister exhaled sharply. "You're really different."

He met her gaze. "I told you. Things have changed."

She didn't argue. Instead, she watched him carefully as he lifted his palm, a faint golden glow flickering in his fingers as he pressed it to the girl's forehead.

The light sank into her skin, mending some of the internal damage. Her breathing steadied slightly.

Selene's eyes widened. "Lucien… what was that?"

Valeria stared hard at his hand.

Lucien didn't answer immediately.

He had already decided he wouldn't reveal everything yet. Not until he fully regained his strength.

"…A skill I learned," he finally said. "I'll explain later."

Valeria narrowed her eyes but didn't push further.

Selene, however, simply smiled softly. "You're protecting us."

Lucien looked at her.

And then, for the first time in years, he saw trust in her eyes.

Not worry. Not fear.

Trust.

He reached out, taking her hand in his. "Always."

Her fingers trembled slightly, gripping his in return.

Valeria looked away, crossing her arms. "Tch. Just don't start bringing home every lost girl in the city."

Lucien smirked.

---

It was hours later when the girl finally stirred.

Lucien had been watching over her, his mind calculating his next steps.

The moment her eyes fluttered open, he was the first thing she saw.

She froze.

Her breathing quickened—panic.

Lucien acted instantly. His voice was calm, steady, commanding.

"You're safe."

She didn't believe him. Not yet.

She tried to move, but her body was weak, broken. She was shaking.

Lucien didn't look away.

"Breathe."

His tone held absolute authority. Not cruel, not soft—just certain.

Slowly… her frantic gasps slowed.

Her golden eyes—dimmed from suffering—met his.

And for the first time, she spoke.

"…Who are you?"

Lucien tilted his head slightly.

He could have said many things. A survivor. A warrior. A monster. A god.

But instead, he gave her the only truth that mattered.

"The one who owns you now."

She stared.

Then, for the first time in who knows how long, she smiled.

A broken, hollow smile.

"…Then I'm yours."

And in that moment, Lucien knew she was already falling into his grasp.

The world had cast her aside.

But he had claimed her.

And he never let go of what was his.