Korahla held herself tall, chin raised. Defiant. Strong. She advanced farther. “You have been challenged.” The group of warriors who had moved to obey the queen’s command halted, a few visibly confused. “This creature”—Zurvashi jabbed a long, claw-tipped finger toward Ivy—“is not vrix. It can make no challenge.” “Not the Eight nor Queen Takari proclaimed such.” Korahla stomped on the ground, making her gold adornments rattle. “You must answer the challenge.” “Collect the creature,” the queen growled.
