A devious smile crept across the Spider Queen’s face as she felt the Arraku reach out for the second time. Her taloned fingers caressed the silken cocoon swaying in her grasp. Leaning close, she pressed a soft kiss to its surface.

  “Sweet dreams, my lovely,” she purred, and with a casual flick, she released it to dangle in the gloom like a pendulum of despair.

  She closed her eyes and stretched her senses outward, feeling the Arraku’s connection tremble through the invisible threads. The power vibrated, a lure as irresistible as a fly caught in a strand of silk. The fish was ready to take the bait. A low, guttural chuckle escaped her throat.

  Yet something was… wrong.

  She pushed deeper, seeking the source of the tether. The strength of the connection was undeniable, like a plucked string resonating across a web, yet there was no shape to the presence—no silhouette, no pulse of life she could grasp. It was there, and yet it was not. The emptiness gnawed at her instincts.

  Her eyes snapped open. Others.

  Faint, shadowed presences lingered at the edges of her awareness—like whispers just beyond hearing—a cluster.

  Betrayal.

  The realization coiled through her, sharp as venom. The Arraku had dared to form a new cluster—an act of treason that demanded severe punishment. And yet... she paused, tilting her head as the threads of the Arraku whispered secrets to her.

  He would not form a cluster without a queen. A powerful queen. Her claws twitched in anticipation. Could it be? The Arch Demana. It would fit the unknowable presence—its absence sharper than its being. A new hunger curled through the Spider Queen’s chest. Her web would snare them, and she would feast.

  Her face curved into an evil grin, the corners of her mouth splitting further than any human smile should dare. Yes. She would invite them into her trap. She closed her eyes again and pushed her power outward. The air around her shimmered, warped, and cracked. With a hiss, a portal tore open—ragged and hungry—leading to the closest edge of the desert.

  She would lead them to the nest.

  She could already see the girl, this so-called queen, writhing in her webs as her false savior watched helpless and afraid. The Arraku’s betrayal would cost him dearly. She would make him watch the girl’s suffering—her torture, her corruption. And when its despair was complete, she would eat the Arraku alive, the grind of her teeth slow enough that his legs would writhe on her lips, a grotesque parody of his pedipalps. It would be a lesson to the others. Betrayal of her—the true queen—would not be tolerated.

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  The Spider Queen smiled again, the air around her still vibrating with the portal’s power.

  “Yes,” she whispered to the void. “Come to me.”

  And when they did, the real fun would begin.

  Jack barked orders with an urgency that brooked no argument. “Will, release the horses and bring the box up here. Now.”

  Will hesitated, glancing at the shimmering portal, its edges rippling like a mirage. “Jack, I have to say, you've never met a bad idea you didn't like.”

  “Yup,” Jack said, popping the 'p' like Kleo. “We’re going through the portal. It leads to the desert, and that’s exactly where we need to take the box.”

  Kleo’s voice cut through the rising tension. “He’s right. This is the way forward. I’m going—and I’m bringing my mother with me.”

  Rugr crossed his arms, disbelief and irritation plain on his face. “You really expect us to walk into that thing? What if it kills us the second we step through?”

  “There’s something dark on the other side,” Maya said, her unease palpable. “This could be a trap.”

  Jack beamed a wide grin. “Actually, I am counting on it being a trap.”

  Kleo’s gaze was unwavering. “You and Will don’t have to come. Jack and I would understand.”

  Maya sighed, resignation settling over her. “If you're going, so am I. And I know Will won’t let me go alone.”

  Rugr groaned, his patience snapping. With a scowl, he grabbed Thespis by the scruff of his cloak and shoved him toward the portal. “Guess you’re testing it for us.”

  “Father!” Kleo cried, her voice rising in alarm as Thespis stumbled forward, flailing, before vanishing into the shimmering void.

  Rugr shrugged, his anger simmering beneath a facade of indifference. “We weren’t leaving him behind. Besides, testing this portal is the only use he’s got.” The group froze for a moment, staring at the portal. Through the hazy shimmer, they could make out Thespis kneeling in the sand on the other side, looking dazed but unharmed.

  Will came running up, dragging the box behind him. “What did I miss?”

  Jack grinned. “Rugr shoved Thespis through the portal.”

  Will’s face lit up with excitement. “Well, if he didn't die, I guess that means we’re doing this.”

  Jack clapped him on the shoulder. “Exactly. Grab whatever you can, water and food. We’ll see you on the other side.” Then, with a wink to Kleo, he grabbed the box and stepped into the portal, disappearing in a ripple of light.

  Will scrambled down the incline, grabbing everything he could carry. It wasn't time to be selective; the portal could close any second. Water, food, Jack and Kleo's bags. Wait. Maya's bag? Where was it? Got it. He untethered the horses and scrambled up the incline, the bags shifting and slipping as he squeezed them against his stomach and legs.

  Kleo turned to her strange new friend, signaling Nest. The creature rose to its full height, waiting for its queen to lead. Maya grabbed Kleo’s hand, her grip firm. Together, they reached for Rugr, pulling him along with them. “Come on, old man. I want to meet your brother.” Kleo said, her voice steady despite her nerves.

  "Where the hell is Will?" Rugr asked.

  As if summoned, Will crested the hill, his scrunched form hidden by a mountain of bags. As Rugr moved to help with the load, Will stumbled over what was left of Calman Visser, losing his balance.

  Rugr stepped back, watching Will and everything he carried careen forward, destined to hit the forest floor. At the final moment before the fall, Will lunged toward the glimmer, and they watched as he passed through.

  "That's one way to do it," Rugr said.

  "I'd prefer not to go head first," Maya said. "If I have a choice."

  "You do," replied Kleo, and the three of them stepped through, the awaiting Arraku hurrying close behind.