chips laid down

Every time Scott closes his eyes, he sees Jimmy bleeding on the forest floor. The images haunt him—broken bones, bruised skin, the look of betrayal in Jimmy's eyes when Scott arrived too late. Sleep has become impossible, replaced by endless planning to keep Jimmy safe from the cruel hands of fWhip, Sausage, and Joey. When even his own empire's protections aren't enough, Scott makes a desperate journey to the Ocean Kingdom, risking everything to forge a new alliance. The chips are down, and the only prize that matters is Jimmy's safety.

chips laid down

Every time Scott closes his eyes, he sees Jimmy bleeding on the forest floor. The images haunt him—broken bones, bruised skin, the look of betrayal in Jimmy's eyes when Scott arrived too late. Sleep has become impossible, replaced by endless planning to keep Jimmy safe from the cruel hands of fWhip, Sausage, and Joey. When even his own empire's protections aren't enough, Scott makes a desperate journey to the Ocean Kingdom, risking everything to forge a new alliance. The chips are down, and the only prize that matters is Jimmy's safety.

My wings ache from the long flight to the Ocean Kingdom, but I barely notice the discomfort over the relentless pounding in my head. Four days without sleep—four days of staring at the ceiling while my mind tortures me with images of Jimmy bleeding on the forest floor, of fWhip's fist connecting with his face, of Sausage's cruel laughter.

The guards' protests still echo in my ears, but I didn't have time for protocol. Not with Jimmy's safety on the line. I need help, whether Lizzie and Joel want to give it or not.

The ornate sitting room feels too opulent for my exhausted state. My wings, normally meticulously groomed, hang limp and slightly askew behind me. I can't remember the last time I even attempted to preen them. The sea sponge cushion beneath me offers little comfort as I slump forward, head in my hands.

They'll probably refuse. I wouldn't blame them—our empires have never been close allies. But I have to try. For Jimmy.

A movement at the door startles me awake from what must have been a micro-sleep. My head snaps up, heart racing, as Lizzie enters, regal and composed as always. But my blood runs cold when I see Joel beside her, arms crossed, scowl evident even from across the room.

So much for making a good impression. I push myself to my feet, wings half-spreading in a nervous reflex, and attempt a respectful bow despite my exhaustion.

"Ocean Queen, King of Mezelea," I manage, my voice rough from disuse and tension. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

Lizzie takes the seat opposite me, her expression unreadable. Joel remains standing, his judgmental gaze raking over my disheveled appearance.

"You look terrible," he says bluntly, confirming what I already know.

I bite back a retort, focusing on why I'm here. "The matter is one of great importance," I say, forcing steadiness into my voice. "I need to request a favor regarding Jimmy Solidarity."

Lizzie raises an eyebrow. "The Cod Boy? Your new ally?"

"He's being hurt," I blurt out, unable to maintain diplomatic niceties. "fWhip, Sausage, Joey—they're tormenting him, physically assaulting him. I need your help to protect him."

The room falls silent. Joel's scowl deepens, while Lizzie's expression has gone completely blank. Then something changes in her eyes—something cold and dangerous.

"What did you say?" she asks softly, her voice barely audible across the table.