Chapter 19: Returning to the Zoo

"Impressive!" Kozakura stood up from her tacky throne and clapped mockingly. "That was certainly a... unique solution."

"Stay away from me." I scrambled to my feet. "We're leaving. I don't want your help."

"What happened?" Imogen looked back and forth between me and the Matriarch. "Ophelia, what's going on?"

I spat on the branch between me and Kozakura. "She's manipulative and untrustworthy and--"

"I'm a Matriarch," Kozakura drew herself up to her full height--still a head shorter than Imogen. "You won't speak to me like this."

"Then I won't speak to you at all." I turned to Imogen. "Come on, we have to leave. It's not safe here."

Kozakura's Familiar hissed and wisps of smoke began to rise from the Matriarch. "You won't leave," she growled. "Not unless I permit you--"

I whirled on her, something in me snapping. "NO."

At once, the great Maple around us groaned in protest. Leaves shivered, the branches shook violently--I have no idea how we all kept our footing.