Chapter Thirteen

A Snake Without Its Den.

"There's an emptiness in all of us that longs to be filled. We don't know what with, but we do a darn good job of attempting to fill it with everything and anything that brings happiness, no matter how fleeting. For most of us, it takes hitting rock bottom to realize that the emptiness we come into the world with is actually our own soul crying out for companionship. We weren't designed to be alone, to be islands in a massive ocean. We have been created for fellowship, to enrich the lives of others, and to be enriched. And when we live out that task, we have something so much more than happiness. We have joy. Joy is everlasting. It sticks with us even when fickle happiness has fled." ~Katy

Katy stared around at the neon chaos of the Las Vegas strip in awe. Her nose wrinkled at the overload of smells and sounds bombarding her heightened senses. After the quiet of nature, the city was utterly overwhelming.

Beside her, Gage's large hand engulfed her own, keeping her anchored amidst the teeming crowds flowing past them. Now that they were mates, she could pierce the glamour magic concealing the Damarians around them. And what a bizarre array they were. She wanted to take pictures and send them to Lola and Maddie to see if they saw what she did. But then she remembered that Gage had said he didn't want anyone knowing what they were up to. Katy hoped her friends were safe. She wasn't sure if she wanted their quest to be successful because that would put them in the path of Azure and his witch. She thought of Otto, and though she worried for him, too, he was capable of protecting himself, or else he surely wouldn't have lived as long as he had. Another strange person, or whatever, walked by, and Katy tried hard not to stare at the legs, which belonged to some animal with hooves rather than a human.

Most had only the barest of animal characteristics, a set of horns here, a lion's tail there. Others seemed an impossible mishmash, blending feline, canine, or even insectile and reptilian features. Katy shook her head, still struggling to process this new supernatural reality in which she found herself immersed. "Uh, Gage? What's up with the locals here?" She gestured discreetly at a couple strolling by. The man's arms were furry and had claws while the woman sported patches of feathers amidst her wild curls.

"The Kingdom of Chaos," Gage rumbled close to her ear as he followed her gaze, unperturbed. "Chaos members cannot fully change into their animal natures. As you might notice, some of them seem like splices of several different species. They can use glamour enough to fool humans. But they can't hide their true selves from other supernatural creatures. That now includes you."

He steered them confidently through the garishly lit streets. Katy kept pace, studying the jumbled beings around her curiously. Her eyes bounced between the odd Damarians and the overwhelming spectacle of the Strip. Who could ever have imagined such diversity existed right under the human's noses? Lola. Her friend and those supernatural books she read; she could have imagined it. Not to mention every author that wrote books about such species. Wouldn't they love to know they were right all along, or at least on the right track?

After several blocks, Gage led the way down a shadowy side street. They stopped before a grimy building sporting a battered "CLOSED" sign. To Katy's eyes, the place appeared completely abandoned. Katy made a face. "Seriously? This place is where you think we will find Zeena?" The windows were blacked out with age and filth. Weeds pushed up through cracked concrete. It did not look like a place the Queen of Snakes would frequent.

Gage shook his head as he pushed the door open, ushering her inside. Her nose wrinkled at the powerful smells of beer, sweat, and other less pleasant odors. Raucous laughter and the clink of glasses rang out from a room down a dingy hallway.

"A chaos watering hole," Gage explained in an undertone. "I'm sure we won't find Zeena here, but we will probably find loose tongues."

As they moved toward the noise, Katy spied a warped funhouse mirror on the wall, reflecting their forms back grotesquely misshapen. She grimaced. "Charming decor."

Once they'd cleared the hallway, they stepped into a large room. Inside was a lively bar, music pumping as a mixed crowd drank and mingled beneath strings of novelty lights. And not a single fully human face among them that Katy could see.

She glanced at Gage with raised brows. He gave a slight nod to confirm what she was realizing—these strange patrons were all Chaos members like he'd described. Katy moved closer to Gage as they wound through the boisterous patrons toward the bar.

A burly man with a bull's horns, snout, and hooves served up drinks with a bored expression. When he noticed Gage, he visibly perked up.

"Been awhile, Dire. What brings you to the land of misfit beasts?" The bartender's beady eyes shifted to Katy in blatant curiosity.

Gage's hand settled on Katy's lower back possessively. "I'm looking for someone. Hoping you fine Chaos folk can point me in the right direction."

The bull-man shrugged. "Can try. What's it worth to you?"

Pulling out a roll of cash, Gage set it on the bar top. "A viper. Azure's queen, to be precise."

With a snort, the bartender swiped up the money. "Zeena might rule the vipers, but she don't run with our kind. Too good for the likes of us twisted beasts." He spat on the floor in disgust.

Katy's shoulders slumped. But Gage pressed on. "When was she last seen in your territory? Any whispers at all?"

The bull-man scratched his chin, considering. Then his eyes lit up. "Actually, now that you mention it, some of the lower viper lackeys have been sniffing around more than usual for the past month or so. Could be they're watching her back while she lies low."

Gage's gaze was steady. "Any particular place that they would hang around?"

The bartender grabbed a toothpick and slipped it between his lips as he thought. He picked up several dirty glasses that had been left by patrons on the bar, his eyes taking on a faraway look. A few moments later, he snapped his fingers and nearly spit out his toothpick as he spoke. "It was on the tip of my tongue, but I just couldn't catch it, you know? But now I've got it. The Chaos members with reptilian attributes tend to keep to themselves. They hang out at the older part of the Strip."

Katy perked up at this potential lead, exchanging an eager glance with Gage. His hand squeezed her waist gently before turning back to the bartender.

"You mean Fremont Street?"

The bull-man shook his head. "Nah, that place has become a tourist trap. Near there, but just out of the limelight. It's maybe ten blocks that away." He waved a burly arm vaguely northward. "You'll know you found it when all the neon and glitz fade away. Just seedy bars and dilapidated motels that are barely standing anymore."

"We appreciate the tip." Gage slid another roll of bills across the bar. "And your discretion."

With a snort, the bartender swept up the money. "We don't get many snakes or wolves in here. And if anyone asks, I haven't seen either one in quite some time." He gave Gage a sly wink. "Good luck finding what you seek."

Katy breathed a soft sigh of relief as they headed back outside, the pulsing music fading behind them. Their first genuine lead, and they'd only been in Vegas less than a day. If they could locate the dregs of Azure's kingdom haunting this rundown area, those snakes might point the way to their fallen queen.

Katy brushed her arm against Gage's muscular one as they navigated the ostentatious lights of the main strip. "Do you think we'll actually find Zeena in that area?"

Gage considered. "The Zeena I've known over the years? Not a chance. But the Creator made it clear that she's not the same as she once was. And if she's trying to lie low, then it's probably a good place to hide." His sharp gaze scanned the crowds passing by. "The vipers were cast out when Talbot claimed the throne. Those still loyal to Azure have nothing left to lose."

Katy chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. She couldn't imagine turning on her own people as some in the splintered Venom Kingdom had. But then again, she didn't have centuries of alliances and grudges between supernatural factions to contend with. They were wading into a quagmire generations in the making.

Gage drew them down a quieter side street. As they walked, the neon lights began to fade behind them. The crowds became progressively thinner the farther they went. Soon, only vagrants and shadowy figures remained, eyeing them suspiciously before scurrying away. The air held a rancid tinge of decay that made Katy wrinkle her nose.

They walked nearly fifteen blocks before Gage paused, his head cocked as if listening. Then he abruptly turned down a dingy alley crammed between two dilapidated buildings. Katy hurried to keep pace as he wound through the refuse with sure steps.

"We're close," he murmured. "I smell serpent."

Katy swallowed thickly. Her nerves jangled now that the moment of truth loomed. If Zeena refused to help, their quest ended here. She sent up a silent prayer as they emerged from the alley onto a street lined with crumbling motels and unsavory hole-in-the-wall bars. Their dilapidated signs flickered erratically.

Several rough figures lingered in doorways or slouched against dirty walls, making the shadows seem to writhe with ill intent. Katy stayed close to Gage's side as they crept down the street, taking in their surroundings. She wished Otto was with her so he could threaten to bite anyone who got too close. She jumped when a raspy voice spoke from the shadows.

"You look lost, friends. Can Ol' Joel be of service?"

A hunched figure detached itself from a sagging doorway and shuffled toward them. Though stooped with age, the man had a sinewy build. His deeply lined face was obscured by a scraggly gray beard and mane of tangled hair. Intelligent, black eyes gleamed from sunken sockets as his gaze fixed unblinkingly upon them.

The old man was dressed in faded layers of clothing, smelling strongly of body odor, cigarette smoke, and other less pleasant scents. His gnarled hands were stained and dirty, with grime caked under cracked fingernails. But the cunning in his expression warned against dismissing him as just another vagrant. Katy sensed sharp wits beneath the disheveled exterior.

The old man came to a stop a few paces away, swaying slightly on bare, calloused feet. His piercing stare moved between them. Katy didn't miss the slitted eyes when they fell upon her, or the shadow of scales that covered one side of his neck. His mouth curved up in a gap-toothed grin. When he spoke, his gravelly voice was at odds with his frail appearance, hinting at a deeper cunning.

"We've come seeking information." Gage's tone was stern. It was the voice he used with everyone except Katy.

Perhaps the man recognized Gage's voice, or maybe he simply got a better look at them when he stepped a smidge closer, but his eyes widened. "Well now, what brings the great wolf and his mate to these parts?" The yellow grin widened, displaying more missing teeth. "It's not every day that one gets to lay eyes on the one and only Dire." He slapped his thigh as he continued. "And I get to meet the female who's caused such a stir in our world."

The statement confused Katy. "Why on earth would I be any sort of stir-causing news? And how do you know I'm his mate?"

The man stuck his hands in his worn-out pants pockets and rocked back on his heels. "Because the Dire hasn't been seen with a woman." He paused then leaned forward and whispered, "Ever." He pulled back, and his shoulders sagged forward a bit. "And no male acts like this"—he nodded toward Gage, who was still trying to shield her—"unless he's mated to the female. So you see, you're big news. Things are changing. I can feel it in the air, and gliding across my scales." He nodded and said more slowly, "Things are changing. Well, you've officially piqued my curiosity now, though information does, of course, come at a price." He waggled a finger at them. "Dire or not, I don't do handouts."

Gage's body language remained relaxed, but Katy sensed his wariness. Her own nerves hummed being pinned under the vagrant's scrutiny. But they needed information, so she said nothing as Gage carefully replied. The sooner they parted ways with this Joel character, the better she would feel.

"We seek rumors of a snake without its den," he answered cryptically.

The old man cackled. "Ah, the fallen queen. Yes, whispers abound of her presence in chaos lands." He held out a gnarled hand. "But whispers aren't free."

Gage's lips thinned, but he dropped a few bills into the outstretched palm. The vagrant grinned, showing off his missing teeth yet again.

"She passes like a shadow, never twice in the same place. But her coils leave traces if you know how to see." The old man leaned closer, dropping his voice. "Seek in the underground where sin dwells. The snake finds solace among her own."

Katy inwardly groaned. "Are you seriously pulling a Smeagol on us? We aren't hobbits, and we don't have time for riddles." Okay, so maybe Katy was less scared of him than she realized, or perhaps it was the Dire Wolf beside her that made her so bold.

Joel shrugged. "I can only tell you what I know. What you do with the information is up to you, she-wolf." He stared at her for several seconds and then shook his head. "Times are a'changing."

With that, he scuttled back into the doorway. Katy worried her bottom lip. "If I haven't ever mentioned it, I'm doing so now. I do not like riddles. Make a note of that in your ‘getting to know my mate' binder." She ran a hand through her hair and huffed. "Underground sin spots? Well, that could be anywhere in Vegas."

Gage nodded grimly as they continued down the street. "Indeed, this city has many vices to indulge. But it's more information than we had before we came across Ol' Joel."

When Katy stumbled over a cracked section of sidewalk, Gage caught her arm firmly. "Enough for tonight, I think. We both need rest." He looked at her face and ran a thumb just under her eye. "And you need more blood. You look exhausted."

"It's not polite to tell your mate she looks exhausted," she chided. But Katy didn't argue. Now that the excitement of a potential lead was fading, weariness was creeping in. She let Gage guide her away from the declining neighborhood, back toward the bright lights of downtown. Soon, they were checked into a simple, but clean, hotel room near the heart of the Strip.

Katy sank gratefully onto the edge of the bed and curled her toes into the plush carpet. Gage crouched before her, his eyes roaming her face.

"Are you well, Mate? I know this has been trying."

She offered a tired smile and reached up to cradle his stubbled jaw. "I'm okay. This is all still very new and strange. But I'm adapting."

Gage turned his head to press a kiss to her palm, as they both seemed apt to do. Katy liked that they had a thing. "You continue to surprise and impress me." His gaze grew serious, tinged with a hint of guilt. "I wish I did not have to draw you in to such darkness."

Katy shook her head firmly, leaning closer to him. "This became my fight the second Azure's magic invaded my life. I won't rest until he's stopped."

Pride glowed in Gage's emerald eyes. He rose fluidly to capture her mouth in a passionate kiss. When they parted, he kept his forehead pressed to hers.

"With your brave spirit beside me, I fear no darkness," he rasped. Drawing back, Gage traced a tender hand down her cheek. "Let me feed you, and then you rest. We will be back on the hunt in the morning."

Katy nodded, exhaustion creeping over her. She knew she needed Gage's blood soon to restore her waning strength.

Gage moved to sit on the bed beside her and rested his back against the headboard. He slid a knife from his belt and drew the sharp blade across his wrist. Crimson welled up immediately.

Katy shifted closer, a bit hesitant. She understood the necessity but still felt bashful each time. She was essentially consuming a part of him.

Sensing her reluctance, Gage cradled the back of her neck and guided Katy gently forward. "It's all right, Little Wolf," he murmured. "Take what you need."

The rich, earthy scent of his blood flowed over Katy, awakening her hunger. She grasped his forearm lightly and brought her lips to the cut. The first taste was euphoric. Heat and life flooded her senses.

Katy sucked greedily, the strength rapidly returning to her drained limbs. She could feel Gage's pulse hammering beneath her questing mouth. Gripping his arm tighter, she took deeper draws, consumed with desperation to get her fill.

A soft moan escaped her lips when Gage slid his fingers into her hair, clutching firmly. The slight edge of pain only intensified Katy's need. She pressed closer, consumed solely with draining this powerful being who sustained her life force.

Just as she thought she could take no more, Gage gently pulled her back. Katy whimpered in protest, chasing his wrist with blood-smeared lips. Chuckling indulgently, he cupped her face in both hands.

"Enough for now, Beloved," Gage whispered. "The last thing we need is a ravenous she-wolf roaming the Vegas nightlife." Mirth danced in his emerald eyes.

Katy drew a shuddering breath as rational thought returned. She wiped the back of her hand over her sticky lips, abashed by her animalistic ardor.

Gage tipped her chin up, and his smile faded. "Do not be ashamed, Katy. We are bound together now. My life is yours to take freely."

She nodded slowly, comforted by his words. The urgent need was already fading as strength coursed through her veins once more. With a soft sigh, Katy relaxed into the shelter of Gage's arms. She was grateful not to face this bizarre new reality alone.

He pressed a tender kiss to her temple. "Rest now. You're safe."

Reassured, Katy let her heavy eyelids drift shut. The last thing she felt was Gage wiping a warm cloth gently over her mouth, erasing all traces of their intimate act. Then exhaustion claimed her, and the odd night's events faded away into welcome darkness.

Zeena wandered the crowded casino floor. Her reptilian senses were on high alert, though her true nature was hidden under a sophisticated facade. The cloying smells and ceaseless noise pressed in on her from all sides, grating on already raw nerves. She despised having to take this weakened Chaos form. Her beautiful, true animal features were muted to pass among the tourists and gamblers. But desperate times. She inwardly sighed.

At least the reptilian aspects she had maintained helped track her target. Forked tongue flicking, Zeena sorted through the cacophony of scents. The Dire Wolf stood out, bold and earthy amid the cacophony of perfumes and pheromones. She need only be patient and he would come to her.

Zeena gravitated toward the high-stakes tables, keeping her eyes lowered demurely. Wealth hung heavy in the air here, the press of bodies laden with jewels and entitlement. She resisted the urge to bare her fangs at their careless excess. As if she had the right to judge their actions.

The click of chips and mindless chatter washed over Zeena. She lifted her glass in the pretense of drinking, eyes scanning the crowds reflected in the mirrored pillars. There was no sign of the Wolf or his mate. He'd been here, though. Zeena smelled him loud and clear, as well as faint traces of his mate. If she didn't see them soon, she'd retire for the evening and come back again tomorrow.

The queen froze as the unmistakable scent of wolf reached her. Turning slowly, she beheld the King of Chaos, Wolfgang, looming tall through the crowd. He appeared mostly human at first glance, but a sharp fang protruded over his lip and one amber eye held the elongated pupil of a beast. Streaks of steel gray marked the dark mane of hair falling across his shoulders. He moved with a predatory grace, belying his imposing frame, clearly more than mortal to anyone with an eye to see it.

At the king's side strode his mate, Queen Tallula. Zeena was momentarily taken aback at how small and delicate she appeared next to her giant consort. But then Talulla's piercing gaze landed on Zeena, and she glimpsed the iron will which had earned this diminutive female her crown.

Though tiny in build, with angular fae-like features, lethal chaos power emanated from Talulla's taut frame. Downy feathers dotted the pale skin of her face and neck, making her seem part avian. Her large sea-green eyes missed nothing as she scanned the crowds imperiously. Those who dared meet her stare quickly glanced away, unnerved by the swirling chaos within.

A crest of chestnut hair cascaded down Talulla's back, accentuating the ethereal paleness of her flawless complexion. Plumage sprouted between her shoulder blades, hinting at stunted wings beneath the elegant gown. Despite her fragile appearance, Zeena sensed the female was more beast than mortal. This queen matched her mate in primal ferocity when roused.

Her eyes landed on Zeena, and the Venom Queen immediately knew Talulla had seen right through her glamour. "Zeena! What a surprise."

Cursing internally, Zeena turned slowly. "Queen Talulla, King Wolfgang." She lifted her chin slightly, reminding herself that she needed to be the queen they remembered knowing, not the one who had now chosen a different path.

Talulla inclined her head. "Please, join us for refreshment." Her smile held no warmth. Despite the "please," Talulla's request was not an invitation. Yet, because they were equals, rules of formality required Talulla to at least pretend that Zeena had a choice to refuse and that she could walk out of their territory unmolested. But there were two of them and only one of her, and the Chaos royals had the home field advantage. Zeena was surrounded by their subjects. A million things could happen in the next moment, and none of them were good. Zeena had no choice but to play their game.

"Of course." Squaring her shoulders, Zeena followed the royals from the chaotic floor to a secluded lounge area. Wolfgang sprawled on a leather sofa, regarding Zeena with unveiled curiosity. She stood stiffly until Talulla pointed toward a chair. Hands clasped tightly in her lap, Zeena waited for them to speak first. She had no clue why they'd want to talk to her. There was no friendship between Venom and Chaos.

Finally, Wolfgang broke the tense silence. "I must admit, I would never have expected to see the queen of Venom among the dregs and tourists." His stare bored into her. "To what do we owe the … pleasure?"

Zeena's nails bit into her palms, but she kept her tone light and shrugged. "You know how taxing the stresses of running a kingdom can be. I simply needed a change of scenery for a bit, a little distraction from all responsibilities. My mate indulged me, though he was too busy to come himself. I merely hoped to enjoy some of the legendary Chaos entertainment tonight."

Talulla gave a brittle laugh. "Too busy to come with his mate? It's quite rare for a male of our species to let their mate wander so far from home. Let us not be coy. He either sent you to spy on us, which I highly doubt given our new relationship, or he sent you here to speak with us. So, let us speak plainly." Her eyes hardened. "We want to know Azure's plans regarding our arrangement."

Alarm raced through Zeena. Arrangement? She schooled her features quickly, hoping they hadn't noticed her widened eyes. How much did they know of her mate's activities? And what did they know that she did not? Cautiously, she said, "The King has many affairs of state currently occupying him. To which one are you referring?"

Wolfgang snorted. "Come now, Zeena. Don't be obtuse." He leaned forward intently.

Panic threatened to choke Zeena. She could not reveal that she and her mate were no longer together. It was unheard of for a mated pair to break apart. Neither could she risk losing Chaos's allegiance by admitting ignorance. If she did, they might capture her or banish her from their kingdom. And she had to stay close by because she knew in her gut that this was where she would find Gage.

She chose her words delicately. "My mate leads Venom ably despite unrest from factions who resist necessary change." She met their stares. "We know progress requires sacrifice. Trust that Azure acts for the good of all who work with him."

Talulla's finely scaled brow drew low. "Quit with the politics. ‘Progress' better include binding animi magic and forcing the bestial change upon human females." She pointed a slender finger at Zeena. "We were promised a number of those females for our males. I can only assume you're here to tell us that everything has gone according to plan, and we will have our product soon, very soon. Otherwise, why are you here?"

Zeena paled, her blood running cold. By the Creator, how had she not known of her mate's depraved scheme? He wasn't just kidnapping animi and selling them to the highest bidder. He was forcing the change on human females—females that had not been chosen by Visata? How had he kept it a secret from her?

The deposed Queen of Venom nodded and tried her best to project an air of haughtiness, despite the panic rolling inside. "The King works ever to expand our powers. And those of our allies, of course. But the … procedure is taking more time than he expected." She dropped the haughty air and looked them both in the eyes, switching to a diplomatic tone, one she was well versed in from years serving at Azure's side. "Please be patient. Azure will provide all he has promised. We understand that anything less would be an affront to your kingdom. The last thing we want is a strained relationship with Chaos." She looked directly at Talulla. "You are correct, Queen. Azure did send me to speak with you because he was disappointed the product has been delayed, and he didn't want the delay to jeopardize the relationship he has built with the noble Kingdom of Chaos." Zeena took a long breath and exhaled before continuing. She levelled them both with a piercing gaze. "Venom understands the increased pressures under which you all as—and forgive my use of the word—outcasts operate. The distrust, the disdain. We in Venom must contend with similar contempt. None of the other kingdoms respect Venom as they should. That will soon change."

Wolfgang studied her for a long, uncomfortable moment before sighing. "You always were dutifully loyal. Perhaps to a fault." He waved a dismissive hand. "We shall await further word from Azure. For now. Although…" He paused and tilted his head, a movement that seemed more animal than man. "We've heard whispers…" He studied her intently. "Disturbing whispers that KOV was attacked by the Dire Wolf. Is this true?" He didn't give her time to answer. "And there's been talk of a new king taking the throne. This is concerning. A change in leadership in your territory could be detrimental to what Azure was trying to accomplish."

Zeena's stomach twisted. Of course, the shaman would move quickly to get the next king in place. She knew that, but she hadn't expected to have to explain it. Her mind moved a mile a minute as she tried to decide what she needed to do. Finally, she settled upon the truth, or at least some version of it. Enough to quell their worry. "The Dire Wolf is a hothead. Everyone knows that. He'd been doing some work for Azure and desired a raise that my mate did not feel he deserved. He retaliated by attempting to burn down our nest. Thankfully, the destruction was contained. But we have had to move until the damage can be repaired. I assure you it has nothing to do with your arrangement. As for the new king…" She paused and allowed herself a minute to collect her emotions, hoping to earn a few sympathy points, though her pain was real. "Azure has had to remove himself from the limelight, so to speak. He is still hard at work, but for the sake of his endeavor, he is on hiatus. And the move was made quietly so as not to invite dissension."

"We heard the news from Nico, our shaman," Wolfgang offered, his eyes watching her carefully. "He delivered the new king's animus. What was the new king's name, Sazzi?"

"Talbot," Talulla said. "The female is Rose."

Zeena wasn't surprised it was Talbot. He was next in line. But she was surprised to hear he'd found his animus. "Handpicked by Azure, of course. Talbot will make a … suitable king, for the moment."

Wolfgang narrowed his eyes. "Will he make trouble for us?"

"No," she quickly answered. "He won't. Talbot understands his job fully." Talbot understands nothing of the sort.

Talulla reached over and patted Zeena's hand. "This must be hard for you. You could have just been honest with us and told us you were dealing with losing your title, your home, your kingdom. That's a lot for anyone to deal with. We're glad you've come here to relax. And the fact that Azure is continuing to work instead of here with you shows us that he is as dedicated as you say."

Zeena swallowed hard, biting the inside of her cheek as the Chaos queen's words hit too close to home. But she would not cry in front of these people. She knew they didn't truly care for her. Zeena stood, making it clear to them that she was done with the conversation. "It has been hard, and I thank you for your kind words. I've had a busy day exploring your beautiful and busy kingdom. I'm going to retire for the evening."

"Of course." Talulla nodded. "We do hope you enjoy your stay. And if you would show your proper image, not this mismatch that makes you look like a member of Chaos, you would be recognized as the important figure you are and treated to anything you want."

"I appreciate that, but I prefer to blend in," Zeena explained. "It gives me a break from being Queen Zeena. Especially since that is no longer my title. Even us royals need rest from time to time."

"Of course," Talulla agreed. "A vacation, even a short one, does wonders for the soul."

"Thank you for having me, and it is good to see you. We should do dinner sometime once things have settled down." She backed up toward the door as she spoke. Neither royal protested as Zeena retreated hastily for the exit. They simply nodded and let her go. Thank Visata. Then again, they could have been toying with her. For all she knew, they could be calling her mate right then to check her story.

Only once back among the crowds did she stop to catch her shaky breath. How had everything spiraled so far out of control? If only she had reined in Azure's ambitions before they warped beyond recognition.

For the first time, Zeena allowed herself to acknowledge the horrifying truth—her mate was irrevocably lost to his madness. His schemes endangered them all, and yet she had stood by silently while he hatched them. No more.

Steeling her resolve, Zeena continued her circuit of the casino, outwardly casual while internally reeling. When the Dire Wolf came, she would share what she knew of her mate's depraved alliances and the network of dark magic fueling his plans. Perhaps together, they could still halt Azure's destructive path.

Zeena clung desperately to that fragile hope. The mate she loved was gone, consumed by venom and arrogance. But if she could help stop him from unleashing hell upon them all, perhaps some small redemption remained possible.

She owed it to her people and herself to try. Surely, the kings and queens, and the shaman, would listen if a Dire Wolf vouched for her motives. Hard times called for hard choices. With a heavy heart but determined spirit, Zeena committed to this new hunt.

The serpent queen lifted her chin, moving with a new purpose among the crowds. When the Dire Wolf crossed her path, she would be ready. No more hiding or equivocating. If they worked together, Azure's twisted vision could be undone before it was too late.

The devoted queen was dismissed. In her place stood a fierce warrior, ready to battle the encroaching darkness. Zeena accepted her fate without hesitation. She had watched from the shadows for too long. Now it was time for action, and she answered the call, a champion of justice. No matter what came her way, she was prepared.