A Wild Idea

The gale came as suddenly as it went. Looking up, they saw Jan'alai the Dragonhawk seize Zul'ra and fly away into the wind.

Seeing this, the Loa roared in fury, cursing "traitor." But before they could give chase, the Dragonhawk speeding away seemed to be struck by lightning. With a cawing shriek like an old crow, Jan'alai plummeted from the sky—then abruptly vanished.

Though Jan'alai's disappearance after the fall was sudden, every Loa saw it clearly: an open spatial portal had teleported the Dragonhawk away.

Jan'alai's teleportation surprised the Loa, but did not truly catch them off guard. They turned to look at Zul'ra, who was flying back from the sky.

"Let's settle things here before we discuss anything else!" Zul'ra smiled unconcernedly beneath the gazes of the many Loa, pointing at Shadra, who was being pinned down by Akil'darah and Akil'zon. Everyone then gathered around.

"Honored Silk Dancer, why did you suddenly attack us?" Standing among the Loa, Zul'ra looked down at the venomous spider queen pinned to the ground beneath the eagle's talons.

"Why talk to someone who can even devour her own mate? We should just kill her!" Akil'zon spread his wings slightly like a fighting cock, forcing even Akil'darah beside him to shift aside.

"Eat me?" Shadra raised her claws and lifted her spider eyes, looking at the Troll with a wicked smile.

"No need. You ambushed us, yes, but we were never companions—only temporary allies. You were supposed to receive a share of the spoils, but it seems there's no need to give you one now. Besides, let me remind you: you betrayed your allies today. Be careful that one day, someone does not betray you in turn."

Zul'ra had no intention of killing Shadra. After merely lecturing her a few times, he had Akil'darah