Page 55 of Throne of the Wolf Queen

He barked out a low laugh as the rebels surrounded us. Vyrus’s breath misted as he exhaled heavily.

‘Have I told you, you’re the most frustrating mortal I’ve ever met?’

Pablo’s growls ceased as a wide grin split across my face.

‘But you cross me, defy me or trick me and that meteor will resemble the stroke of a feather compared to what I’ll do you, sweetheart.’

‘State your business.’ The faint scrape of unsheathing swords forced a snarl from the wolf as he clung to my side.

‘There’s a rogue fog rolling in,’ I cried, allowing the panic coursing through me to show in my voice. ‘We need sanctuary.’

They hesitated, looking into the distance. Then the rebel in charge swore before seeming to relent. He grumbled. ‘Follow us.’

He raised his arm, indicating the direction of the house. Glowering at the back of Vyrus’s head, I clutched my wolf and headed in.

‘And you are?’ the rebel asked.

Vyrus turned back, beaming. ‘I’m one Captain Hawk. And watch your language while you’re in the presence of my charge. Her Royal Highness, Queen Sorrow Villente of Asmar. We come in peace.’

The rebel groaned. ‘You’re kidding me?’

I bit back a laugh as the warmth and bustle of The Void hit me.

Vyrus vanished the moment we walked through double doors into a hive of obsidian bees. I narrowed my gaze at the rebels as they dived about, grabbing sandbags and taping down windows in the dingy entrance hall. For a moment, my chest tightened. I swallowed past the panic. Vyrus remained close, for the time being. I’d bound myself to a God. Promised him the impossible. At least I had time to bend the deal, persuade him to kill the empress, heal Matthias. If he went… It was still imperative I succeed at this. If I could persuade the rebels to join with The Alliance, the Sisters and Brothers, then we had a united front. A futile mark on my ever-growing list.

I clutched the arm of the nearest rebel. ‘Where can I find⁠—’

He grunted, sneering at my arm before disappearing into the gloom. A fog might be on its way, but surely Raine, their leader, wouldn’t be securing the building? There were more than enough rebels to have the place safe within a few minutes.

Raising my chin, I grabbed a passing rebel, her brown eyes widening as she took in the wolf.

‘I’m here as an emissary, seeking an alliance. I need to speak to your leader.’

She swallowed as her eyes flicked down to Pablo. ‘Raine?’

I nodded, my fingers curled within Pablo’s fur.

‘Sorry, Raine’s not here. They’re out on a mission.’

I rubbed against the ache in my temple, expelling a long breath.

‘So, I’ve come all this way for nothing?’

She shrugged. The rebels moved further into their base, content the windows and doors were safe against the creeping death promised by the fog to those who weren’t Anomalies. She glanced down at the wolf again.

‘Are you…’ Her eyes widened as she suddenly realised who stood before her. ‘Are you her? That wolf queen?’

‘What gave it away? My name’s Sorrow and I have to speak to Raine. It’s vital I speak to them as soon as possible.’

The rebel’s brows furrowed. ‘Jeremiah’s here. He’s second in command. He’s in a meeting at the moment, but I reckon he’d want to see you.’

My shoulders slumped. I truly needed to plead my case to Raine, but this Jeremiah would have to do. I nodded, following her as she headed through the gloom. The God had disappeared and I fought down the knot rising through my chest at the thought of the farcical deal I’d just sealed.

‘We’ve arrived,’ she said at a set of simple wooden doors. Three rebels, features lost to the gloom, casually stood outside, cigarillos hanging limply from their mouths. These were supposedly a highly organised, fierce, almost unstoppable unit. This group didn’t appear so vicious, but then I suppose they had no one to fear within the belly of their own headquarters.

‘Can’t go in there, Ellie,’ one of them said. ‘Important meeting.’

‘They’ll want to see this one. The new queen of Asmar, Bill.’