Page 12 of Queen of Vengeance

It was where I found the most unique ingredients for my potions.

I scribbled a sketch of the new mushroom I found hiding under a log before looking over the top of my journal at Dask below me.

I could see the villagers greeting each other and exchanging linens and food.

Although it was nowhere near as spectacular as the major cities, it had a certain charm that no one could beat.

Everyone knew each other here. We took care of each other.

I looked back down at the mushroom that I was sketching.

I can’t wait to get this baby and figure out what it can do!

I held up the Solare-colored cap to my eye, twisting it so I got lost in a dizzying tunnel of orange, yellow, and purple.

My head buzzed for a moment, throwing off my focus. That could only mean one thing… Trouble.

I picked up my satchel and potions book and began making my way out of the forest.

The more my head buzzed, the more I got concerned.

One good thing about being a werewolf was that I could sense if my close kin were in danger.

The main street of Dask showed signs of the morning’s heavy rain, with puddles sitting in the uneven cobblestones and the earth turned into a thick paste underfoot. The deep, irregular tracks in the mud indicated that a heavy caravan had passed through the street, leaving a lasting impression. The moisture in the air mixed with the earthy scent of wet soil, a reminder of the recent storm that had swept through the area.

In that instance, I knew exactly what the danger was. I began running fearfully down the street until I reached the small shack that was my home and the front of my parents’ little shop.

The opulent caravan stood right outside my home, and a few werewolves encircled it protectively.

I sneaked around the back to avoid detection. I wasn’t sure what situation they were in, but I was ready to fight. I grabbed the sturdy metal bar leaning against our house, which we used to stamp down the trash when it got too full.

The door opened silently, and I could creep into the back part of the shop without alerting anyone.

I could hear the conversation, which sent shivers down my spine.

“You think you’re being brave, but in truth, all you’re being is stupid. There is no way any one of you could match up against us. If you don’t start paying your fair, soon the ferryman will start collecting souls instead of coins.” I couldn’t quite see who was talking, but I knew it was one of those thugs who worked for Diesel.

Diesel Ransom was the head of the largest potions cartel in Dask—in all of Anterra, even. His capabilities were frightening.

Luckily, his nephew Jax was nothing like that. He was much more like his father than his uncle.

“You’re not going to come in here and threaten my family.” Papa’s voice was booming, silencing the shrill thug who was speaking.

“I’ll cut your throat open right now!” She growled, and I could feel the shift in the air as she started to change.

I couldn’t stand by any longer.

The rage I felt hearing her say that to my family was enough to push me over the edge.

My claws started to stretch from the beds of my nails, and my jaw began to crack.

I stepped out into the shop as clear as day. “If you think you’re going to attack us without a fight, you’re dead wrong!”

“Oh, look! You even have a little pup just old enough to sprout her teeth.” She mocked me.

Now that I was seeing her up close, I could see all the battle scars on her face.

Her hair was pure white down to her lashes.

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