Ren and Viper burst back into the Grand Foyer, looking like the survivors of a muddy war.
The scene before them was critical.
Syris was no longer coiled majestically. He was strained to his limit, his massive black body wrapped tight around the thrashing white tiger like a constrictor trying to squeeze the air out of a tank. Kael was roaring, his claws scraping sparks against the stone floor, his jaws snapping inches from Syris' neck.
"About time!" Syris roared, his voice tight with exertion. "What took you so long?! I am losing my grip!"
"Long story!" Ren shouted, limping toward them with the wooden jar clutched to her chest. Just hold him steady!"
Syris hissed, dodging a feral bite that would have taken his nose off. "Hurry up with the poison!"
"It's not poison, it's a sedative!" Ren corrected, stopping just outside the danger zone of Kael's flailing back legs.
She looked at the wooden jar in her hands. The white powder inside looked innocent enough.
