Author's Note:

Hey everyone - here is the latest chapter!

I've been going through some physical health things (non-COVID related) and mental health issues as of late, so I likely won't be updating my fics for at least a month. I want to spend more time away from the computer and focus on strengthening my body and mind (and scratching more books off my 2021 reading list goals is something I want to accomplish before buying more books from thrifting lol). I also want to read more in general and draw inspiration from other works and brainstorm different ideas for plot points, etc. I hope you're all well during these weird and difficult times!

I hope you enjoy this chapter - and see you all in a month or two xx

Chapter 3
Wolfsbane

"So it's happened…"

The council chambers echoed in an uneasy silence.

Around the large table, the council of elders sat with the Kazekage in attendance. Beside Gaara, Kankurō sat and eyed the elders with a narrowed glare of suspicion – waiting for the opportunity to rise for him to lash out in defense of his brother and sister-in-law. The councillors' expressions were variants of blank, disconcerted, and disapproval. Looming above, the stone and cracked faces of the past Kazekage cast their shadows upon them. Reto the First Kazekage appeared as if haunted by his legacy, darkness shrouding where his eyes were carved and where the blast ignited from Tenbu had fissured his chest. Time had caught up to him, it seemed – and now his legacy he fought and killed for was to be tarnished by the people he feared while alive.

Looking the Zarō directly in the eyes, Gaara nodded from his seat. "Yes. Nomasaki is pregnant."

"Very well. Then it's done… the old tenet has been met." Zarō agreed, resting his folded hands onto the table's surface. "Needless to say, we of the elders are pleased but at the same time – we are a bit… shocked, to put it bluntly. Nothing of the like has ever been seen here before in our village."

"I understand that," Gaara said. "Shock is only natural. But please know that this wasn't to satisfy an old-age tenet… rather than us living our lives as a family."

Kankurō smirked to himself. Shock is one way to put it.

An elder ruffled in his seat, his eyes narrowed in discern. "Yes… the fact of the matter is that the bloodline of Rasa-sama is preserved. However, there is a danger posed considering the mother possesses a rare and ancient bloodline of the Yamamori, which we, the council, have warned you about. Are you forgetting, Kazekage-sama?"

Gaara scoffed. "I didn't forget. I just don't care… to put that bluntly." He eyed him from his seat at the head of the chamber, glaring. "And what is this danger you speak of? She's healthy and is doing fine."

The elder slammed a fist upon the table. "The danger is that the child won't be a pure descendant! Two Kekkei Genkai will flow through the child's veins – which is unheard of in Sunagakure! We have mentioned this time and time again since before the wedding – and still, you've refused to listen! For the Kazekage line to be put in jeopardy because of a hasty affair with a foreign-born treacherous mutt is the utmost disrespect -!"

"Hold your tongue!" Baki shouted, rising from his seat as the elder did the same. "Nomasaki-sama is a respected and honourable figure of this village! Her father is the chieftain of Yamagakure and she is now the wife of Gaara-sama. If you insult my lady, you are insulting the Kazekage. Sit down."

Sensing the eyes of the council upon him, the elder grumbled and slowly retreated back to his seat in silence. A smug look painted Gaara's stoic expression as he saw the surrender. With a sigh, he glanced to his old sensei who sat across from him. "Thank you, Baki. I was about to silence this man myself, but you graciously saved me the trouble." Turning his attention towards the elder, his ringed-eyes narrowed in an iron-firm anger. "Say anything more about this and you'll be short a tongue, councillor. I won't be as kind the next time."

The elder flinched in his seat. "…U-Understood, Kazekage-sama. My apologies."

Kankurō glared at the elder, resisting every urge to go over and strike him. "Damned old bastards won't let go that easily…"

"I know," Gaara sighed, his voice low. "But they have no choice… if I have anything to say about it."

Refiling through the papers before him, Zarō gave a nod to the guards who stood at the chamber's doors. "She may now enter."

With a nod, the guards lowered their spears and opened the heavy doors to their guest. Alone and unafraid, Nomasaki entered. Standing at the front of the chamber below the towering statues of the Kazekage, she had her gold hair combed and straight and was wearing her best clothes – a simple casual kimono of blues and white with a thin sash above her waist. While she looked at the council and her husband, her violet eyes were pleasant, and her face was as calm as still water. Even if half the room still despised and distrusted her, they had to admit that she was a woman who was both intimidating and beautiful.

"Zarō-sama," She spoke, her voice crisp. "I've heard some awfully loud discussions taking place outside. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

Kankurō chuckled at her words, while Gaara looked on in silent admiration. And so it begins. It was only a matter of time before she became a fixture at the council's table – and he welcomed it fully. A Kage's wife was never permitted to the council, but a skilled kunoichi who succeeded their commander was. And Nomasaki inherited Moro's esteemed seat which lay empty beside him.

Zarō coughed into his fist. "None at all, my lady. Please, you may sit."

Bowing her head politely, Nomasaki made her way towards the table. Seeing her approach, Gaara stood and moved her chair for her. After exchanging a quiet 'thank you', she sat down next to her husband and felt all eyes upon her – both of those who were pleasant and annoyed.

"Now then…" Zarō began, drawing their attention. "Firstly, we of the council would like to say congratulations to both you and Kazekage-sama. We hope you have a healthy pregnancy and are given great care by both your husband and handmaids."

Smiling softly, Nomasaki nodded. "Thank you, sir."

"Secondly, how far along are you?"

"Three months today, to be exact." She answered, her eyes calm and firm. Placing a hand over the small bump of her kimono, she could not help but show a smile on her lips. "The appointment today went well. They are… monitoring me routinely because of my bloodline and chakra, but everything is going great."

Before the meeting, she had her first ultrasound by the doctor. Gaara went with her, using a Sand Clone to take his place so that the council could not pester him before the meeting. When they saw the black and white image on the screen, it all became real. They were going to be parents. It was healthy – and the doppler picked up the tiny hum of a heartbeat. After the doctor explained the image further and left to fill out her charts, Nomasaki swore she looked up to see Gaara near moved to tears. It was a tender moment, in her eyes. Even as she sat beside him, she could sense the pride in his presence.

"So," Zarō continued. "It's my understanding that you will be giving birth in the spring?"

She nodded. "Yes, that's correct. April."

Baki pondered for a moment. "Preparations must be made to ensure their safety during the delivery… ANBU, perhaps?"

"Yes, and the medic-nin must be prepared for all scenarios." An elder agreed. Their expression tensed, irked by a distant memory of the past when a different ruler sat in Gaara's seat. "We can't afford another careless death… such as what happened with Karura-sama."

Their words took Gaara aback. "What are you saying? Why mention my mother?"

"Is it not your intention to seal Shukaku the one-tail into your child when it's born?" An elder questioned. "If so, we must prepare for the sealing ritual -,"

"There is no sealing ritual that will be taking place." Gaara firmed, his glance as unmoving as iron. "Rest assured, nothing about this will be careless."

"Are you saying that you don't intend on sealing the one-tail into your child?!" Another elder shouted. "Shukaku is the source of our land's greatest strength! To not use the tailed-beast to our advantage would be seen as foolish by other lands!"

The chair creaked loudly as Gaara stood. "I do not intend on burdening my child's life with the fate of being a jinchuriki." He thundered, his ringed-eyes glaring directly at the elder who suggested the motion. Cautiously, Kankurō watched while Nomasaki looked on with her face pale with worry and , the elder sat with a scowl on dismay sprawled upon his wrinkled features. "No sealing ritual is to be taking place. Nothing more, nothing less. That being said, Shukaku is free. By my command, in case you've forgotten. The other shinobi villages have vowed to never seal their tailed-beasts within the bodies of humans again. I won't break that trust to play the foolish game of power."

The elder's face angered. "You can't be serious -?!"

"If I may speak,"

Catching everyone off guard, Nomasaki's soft and calm voice drew them in. The elder's rising anger quelled, turning towards her as the room fell silent. Looking to his wife beside him, Gaara saw Nomasaki stand from her seat as well. His expression eased, curious as to what she might say.

Meeting her firm purple eyes, Zarō nodded. "You may, my lady."

"As you all now know, I'm the child's mother… so I think I should have some say in this. Whether the council approves of me or not, I simply don't care. I'll speak my mind anyways regardless." She began. She glanced to Gaara beside her. "I agree with my husband on all counts. A fate of a jinchuriki is a difficult one… a fate that should not be predetermined for someone, whether a shinobi or not." She placed a hand over her tiny bump, her eyes saddening. "Already, the child's fate is being dictated by clan laws and village customs… from both the Kazekage and the Yamamori. To make the child a jinchuriki would be an act of anguish… so let them choose fate for themselves, at least this once." As her hand drifted back to her side, she gave the council a glance of unmoving determination. A gaze fitting for a mountain as stern and as unforgiving as the one where she was born. "Our child will not be used as a jinchuriki. I'd sacrifice my life to prevent that fate if necessary… I give you my word on that."

Silence echoed within the chamber.

As she took her seat, she felt Gaara's hand touch hers upon her lap. Glancing to him beside her, she met his ringed-eyes and gave a teary-eyed smile. Taking his hand in hers, she held it tightly in comfort.

Proudly, Gaara smiled back. Spoken like a true diplomat… she did well.

"Well spoken, my lady."

Surprising the elders, the sight of Grand Elder Ebizō graced the council chamber floors. As he made his way towards the discussion, started murmurs and gasps echoed faintly in the air. "Ebizō-sama!" Baki stood. "You should give the council's notice, given your age. You shouldn't be pushing yourself -,"

"I'm perfectly capable of moving on my own, despite your worries, Baki-sama." Ebizō insisted. "I apologize for my tardiness. It appears all is well, Kazekage-sama?"

Gaara nodded. "Yes, Ebizō-sama."

"Ah, that's good." Ebizō sighed. Seeing Nomasaki seated at his right-hand where Moro once sat, his old eyes near deceived him. In his hazy clouded vision, he could make out the gold of her hair and the purple of her eyes – but he noticed something as well. "And you," He said with an elderly smile, catching her attention. "My, you are glowing, Nomasaki-sama."

She smiled softly. "Thank you, sir."

Peering deeper, the elderly man noticed what lay behind her glance. A wolf's glance. "Your eyes… I must admit, they have a fierceness to them that I've only just noticed."

"They've always been fierce." She smiled. "I'm only bolder now that I've grown used to living in this place. I have no fear of Suna and its old customs. Sitting on the council will surely harden my resolve in that regard, I'm sure."

"And you intend to serve the village even after assuming motherhood, I presume?"

"Yes." She said, devoid of hesitation. "I will serve the village as I always have… as a kunoichi of both Yama and Suna."

"Ah," Ebizō sighed. "It also appears that Sunagakure is in dire need of an ambassador to Yama, now that they are a formally recognized ally of our lands. Being that the Suna Tracking Unit is no more, I would like to appoint you as our Ambassador, Nomasaki-sama. You are no stranger to the sand and snow that lies between our villages, and it also doesn't hurt that your father Kyo-sama is the chieftain. You can assume the position after you give birth, of course."

She froze, honoured by the suggestion. "Sir?" She spoke, surprised. "Ambassador? I don't know what to say."

"Kazekage-sama, what say you?" Ebizō looked to him from across the room. "What do you make of this suggestion?"

"Who am I to disagree with the Grand Elder?" Gaara glanced to her beside him, a smile on his lips. "I approve of this appointment."

"But Grand Elder Ebizō!" An elder stood. "Nomasaki-sama cannot sit on the council! She is foreign-born, and is an outsider -," Sensing Gaara's narrowed glare closing him in his sights, the elder froze. Swallowing his pride, he retreated to his seat and coughed into his closed fist. "Disregard that… I… agree."

Pleased, Ebizō turned back to Nomasaki. "Well then, my lady. It seems you are now the Suna Ambassador to Yamagakure. I wish you well in your upcoming travels and delegations."

Standing, she gave a polite nod and smiled back. "T… Thank you, Ebizō-sama. I'll do my best."

"Well said." Turning on his heel as Nomasaki returned to her seat, Ebizō took his leave from the chambers. "In that case, I'll leave you to the rest of your meeting. Enjoy your marriage, Kazekage-sama. It's only a matter of time before shadows encroach on these lands once more and the peace finally ends."

And the peace finally ends…

The final words Ebizō spoke before leaving the chambers left a stark reminder of what the future held. The times were indeed peaceful, but with the shadows growing on the horizon there was no telling when they would encroach. And the peace would inevitably end, just as he said. Mulling over the words in his thoughts, Gaara sat in silence while the elders and councillors stood and took their leave.

"Something wrong, Gaara?" Kankurō asked as he stood. "You seem troubled."

Gaara rose his head from his gaze, still averting his eyes. "It's nothing to be concerned about… just a reminder that nothing stays peaceful. I'm honestly surprised things have been this quiet for so long."

Kankurō scoffed, understanding what he meant. Placing his hands into his pockets, he tsked. "The stragglers will be caught and dealt with as you said. Council will come around. If not soon, we can always go and take care of them ourselves."

But more assassins will come for my wife and unborn child. "I have to be decisive."

He felt a soft presence touch his hand. Turning, he saw Nomasaki's purple eyes vibrant with warmth looking back at him. "We'll be decisive." She promised. "You don't have to carry this burden alone. You have us – your family."

His mind lingered on the negative. Brushing it aside, he gave a light smile. "You're right."

"Gaara, we should meet with the ANBU and Puppet Corps and detail the assignment." Kankurō reminded, starting for the open chamber doors. "I'll send the summons."

As his brother left the chambers, Gaara stood beside his wife and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I still have to settle some things here…" He leaned in. Meeting her eyes, a light smile of assurance etched itself on his lips. But his eyes were tainted with insomnia and unease. "I'll be home later, alright?"

Noticing the look in his tired ringed-eyes, her smile faded. "Okay." She nodded, feigning calm. "I have to go grab some things from the market for supper. Meiyumi is coming with me."

Something flickered in his eyes as he drew away his hand. Worry. "The market?"

"It's just for a little while. I go there all the time." She assured. "I'll be fine, Gaara."

"Kazekage-sama!" A Suna-nin entered, catching their attention. "A matter requires your attention. A hawk arrived."

"I have to go." Gaara turned back, placing a hand upon her cheek. "Be careful. I'll have ANBU follow you just in case."

She rose a brow. "ANBU…?" With a sigh, she surrendered. "I'll see you tonight."

Softly, he kissed her forehead. As he turned to take his leave, she felt a cool air of emptiness grace her cheek as his hand drew away. Not even sand lingered. Alone in the council chambers, she looked towards the window and gazed out to the desert horizon. Surprising her, it was already the afternoon.

And her blood began to stir at a scent that loomed over the winds.

The market was nothing spectacular.

With the summer finally making way for autumn, a fresh yield of bounty and harvest was littered amongst the wooden stalls that lined the streets. Being a desert, much of Sunagakure's crops were grown in greenhouses and in lands where they held strong alliances. Plums from Konoha, potatoes from Iwa, and winter wheat from Yama were some of the rare sights – nearby the native lentils, wild onion, radishes, watermelon, durian, and bananas took up most of the space. The peace-times also allowed for merchants to safely travel the lands to set shop – save for the spice traders Gaara and Nomasaki found dying on the sands only mere weeks ago.

Scents of freshly-cut meat drew her in further to the crowd while she sought out for ingredients. Trying her best, she pretended to not smell the abundant camel meat cut and carved for patrons. If anything, the mere scent alone was sure enough to trigger her morning sickness. Chicken and bovine were her favourites – but nothing could compare to the satisfaction of hunting venison herself with her mighty jaws at the end of a ravenous chase. Just thinking of the bone-crunching pursuit and the flow of blood and marrow to her lips was enough to near make her mouth water. Calmly, she set her thoughts aside and purchased two skinned rabbits from a butcher. Finding a stall from the northern lands, she bought a sack of golden potatoes, vegetable broth, and carrots. Reminding herself there were spices at home, and moved on to the variety of greens while Meiyumi watched in silent confusion. Examining the leek, she tested its firmness in her careful hands.

"What about these ones?" The merchant gestured to the ones at the front. "They're fresh, harvested only yesterday."

If yesterday was three days ago. "Hmm…" She pondered, setting aside the one in her hand. Checking out the recommendations, she nodded and readied her coin purse. "Yes, I'll take two. Thank you very much."

After placing the leek into her basket with the rest, she departed once more through the busy afternoon crowd with her friend in tow. Although Nomasaki's expression was calm and pleasant, she could feel the watchful eyes of the ANBU tailing her as she went on her leisurely stroll. Gaara's concern was understanding – she understood, too. But despite the sworn allegiance, anyone with a mask still managed to draw her suspicions and reawaken memories of a dark time of her life. Her previous life, as she would refer to it in passing. To her, they were simply dogs that barked orders – and she was not of them. In the distance, she could hear the broken and varied barks of the stray dogs that roamed the village streets. She could even smell them, their scent drawing her annoyance.

A wolf doesn't need dogs tailing their backs, she thought, A wolf would sooner snap.

Walking beside her, Meiyumi did not know what to make of their market visit. "What are you even making with these?" She jested. "Nothing in Suna uses these ingredients together. Is it some sort of Yama dish?"

"Leek and rabbit soup." Nomasaki nodded with a smile. "My mother used to make it when I was a child. I learned the recipe from her and would hunt for the rabbit myself in the forest. Our garden had leeks and potatoes, but if the season was bad some of the villagers would give us what we needed." Pausing, she turned to her friend at the crowd's clearing. "Did you want to try some? You and Kankurō can have supper with us, if you want."

Snickering, Meiyumi shook her head. "I think I'll pass…"

Alerting her guard, Nomasaki turned towards the far end of the market. Her calmness faded into a solemn panic, her eyes gone wide with the feel of their chakra. Soon after, a dignified anger narrowed her glare until she blinked it to a still calm once more. Instinctively, she knew she had best leave but her dangerous curiosity propelled her forward.

Sensing a distress, Meiyumi stepped closer. "What is it?"

"Follow me."

Making their way towards the wine and sake portion of the marketplace, the stopped upon a stall guarded by a merchant clothed in ragged robes and a sunken stare. The man appeared in his thirties, with yellowed teeth and eyes that were marked in a merchant's deceit. Seeing the two young women approach, he grew excited and rushed to meet them at the storefront.

"My lady," He bowed. "What an honour it is to be in the presence of the Kazekage's lovely wife!" Turning, he hastily grabbed a cup and poured sake. "Please, try this, my lady. A fine sake from the oasis to the east."

Feigning a smile, Nomasaki shook her head. "Oh, I can't. But thank you, good sir."

"Nomasaki," Meiyumi whispered. She grabbed her kimono's sleeve, glancing to her in knowing suspicion. "We should go… Let the ANBU handle this…" Ignoring her request, Nomasaki stayed focused on the merchant.

"Ah, no, I insist!" He grinned, holding out the cup for her to take. "Smell that? It's alcohol-free. Perfectly safe for expecting mothers such as yourself. News travels fast, you see. That's why I prepared a special cask of sake in the hopes of giving it to you and your husband as a gift."

With a kind chuckle, she once more protested. "I shouldn't -,"

"You should!" He pressed. "Wolves have quite the affinity for both strength and sake, isn't that true? Try a drink, my lady. I promise you – you will not regret the taste as it graces your lips."

"You're persistent." She smiled, taking the cup from his willing hands. "Are all merchants as determined as you?"

He grinned once more. "Only the clever ones."

So it seems. Taking it up to her nose, she gave it a subtle sniff before putting it to her lips. Kindly smiling, she passed it back. "You first."

Appalled, the merchant stood agape. "My lady, I can't. It's bad manners for a merchant such as myself to drink before a woman of your particular status. The Kazekage would surely arrest me."

Yes, he would. But for an entirely different reason. "Come now, it's just a drink. One couldn't hurt, you have an infinity of casks behind you. Drink."

"She said drink." Meiyumi stepped forward, her brown eyes conveying threat. "If you've got nothing to hide, then swallow your words."

"My lady -," The merchant met her eyes in stunned shock. "Surely you can't -,"

"Drink. Now. " Nomasaki spat through her teeth, her blood boiling. "I command it."

Mulling over his decision in frustrated bewilderment, the merchant took the cup from her hand. Looking back at her smile, he saw a certain smugness laced within her lips. "Very well…" He grumbled, anger evident in his tone. "I will." Caution in their glances, they watched the man put the sake to his lips only to pour it out onto the sands by their feet. Meiyumi tensed beside Nomasaki, ready to guard her at any moment. "A clever woman, you are… but not clever enough!"

Before they could react, he pushed Nomasaki onto the ground and flew behind the stall, flinging caskets and barrels towards them. Appearing before Nomasaki, Meiyumi formed hand-signs and slammed her hands onto the ground. An earthly wall sprung from the sands and shielded them from the onslaught. The wall shook and thundered from the weight of the caskets and the sound of wood shattering filled the air while panic grew in the market amongst the crowds of people. A strong scent surrounded them, and Meiyumi instantly recognized it from her medic-nin training. Poison… it was all poison, just as I thought. "Stay close, I'm releasing the barrier!"

With a shudder, the shield of earthen rock crumbled back into the ground. A scene of destruction lay in their wake amongst the piles of broken barrels and spilled sake. And the merchant was gone from their sights. Catching their attention, a squad of ANBU suddenly surrounded them – making out only their backs and scabbards of their katanas. "He's getting away!" The commander shouted, leading the pursuit. "After him! Protect Nomasaki-sama!"

Turning, Meiyumi knelt to her side. "Nomasaki! Are you alright?"

"I think so." Nomasaki replied, trying to stand. A sudden pain throbbed her on her hand, prompting her to bite her tongue to quell a curse and grasp it tightly. "Ouch… my wrist."

Forming her hand-signs, Meiyumi's palm glowed a comforting green of healing. "Let me," She insisted. Taking her wrist, the pain soon began to fade after the first initial sting. Glancing behind them, she saw all of Nomasaki's ingredients sprawled across the street. Turning back to her healing task, her brown eyes narrowed. "That poison… it was a blend of nightshade and wolfsbane. Very little scent but I could recognize it."

Nomasaki nodded, her expression solemn and firm. "I could tell from the moment he opened that bottle… the bastard tried to trick a wolf but used tactics to trick a human. He was a careless fool, and now he'll pay."

Her senses alerted her.

Noticing Nomasaki's head turn back towards the street, Meiyumi saw three veiled ANBU appear before them. "My lady!" One began. "We must escort you back to the estate. At once!"

"And what of the assassin?" Nomasaki pressed, her violet eyes cautious. "Is he…?"

"Captured." The ANBU nodded. "He is to be questioned immediately and then face trial. You must come with us. There may be more lurking within the village walls."

Reluctantly, she agreed.

With a wince, Nomasaki was lifted to her unsteady feet by Meiyumi's careful guide. The path to the estate was a path riddled with unease and fear. The market soon emptied after the skirmish, with civilians closing their doors and shutting their windows while shinobi soon patrolled the streets in pursuit of enemies lurking underneath the shadows from the growing shroud of dusk. The guards let them through the gates, and they ascended the flights of stairs to the Kazekage's office and family residence. Meiyumi parted ways to find Kankurō, leaving Nomasaki to meet her husband alone with her escort of silent ANBU.

Entering his office, a burst of wind and sand met her instantly and she felt his strong and protective embrace surround her. Burying his face into her golden hair, Gaara felt her warm presence in his arms as the greatest mercy he could have been given. "Thank goodness you're safe…" He spoke, his tone muffled and low. "When I heard what happened I sent a clone to find you… I was worried I was too late." Letting go, he met her eyes with worry and pain etched into his and hesitated while he put a hand to her cheek. "Are you hurt?"

Without saying a word, Nomasaki's eyes glistened as she shook her head.

Relieved, he softly kissed her forehead and held her close again. "I'm sorry I wasn't there. I should've been -,"

"Don't apologize. You can't help it." She assured, hugging his back tightly. "Meiyumi was with me, and… I'm okay. I was thrown, but I'm not hurt."

"Kazekage-sama,"

Turning, Gaara saw an ANBU standing in the doorway. Reluctantly, he slowly parted from his wife and a void of emptiness separated them once more. Pausing in his steps, he glanced back with an expression cleansed of emotion. Only an iron-firm hue remained – anger masking itself behind the turquoise.

"If you'll excuse me, I have a prisoner to interrogate in the cells…" He said. "I'll be back later tonight. Stay in the residence."

"I will." She nodded, her face concerned. "Be careful."

In a haze of sand and haste, she watched her husband vanish to the corridor and its expanse of dread. Alone, she stood in a still quiet as a trickle of fear trembled through her held hands. It had already happened – and sooner rather than later. This was to be their fate. Placing a still palm over her small bump, her glance saddened as she remembered she was without the very powers that made her who she was – the blood that boiled within her veins. If she used her Ōkamitoko, she could have handled the assassin with ease. Never before had she felt so helpless.

"Come, my lady." An ANBU appeared, meeting her from beyond the door. "I'll escort you."

Surrendering to the guard, she complied.

And she decided to wait for Gaara to return.

Notes: In case you missed it, the poison scene was inspired by Daenerys VI from "A Game of Thrones" by GRRM.

Also, wolfsbane - also known as "devil's helmet" or "queen of poisons" is a purple flowering plant called Aconitum which was used in poisons crafted in East Asia and Europe during the dark ages. In legend, it is said that the Greek philosopher Socrates was executed from a poison made from wolfsbane.