Wuya's green eyes darted around the garden again. She was growing restless and worried, her senses screaming that everything was wrong. Whatever was coming, it would be there soon.
Perhaps I should have just asked Lula for the amulet, she thought with a sigh. If I had explained, maybe she would have given it to me.
A low growl came from behind her. She turned as the striped and spotted lioness slunk over and sat down, licking her paw before acknowledging her. Wuya reached up and scratched behind her ear, her eyelids drooping when she started to purr.
"You're different from the others, aren't you?" Wuya guessed. "I wonder why that is..."
They met eyes, and something about the sparkling blue irises of the cat caused her to tilt her head. She wasn't able to process correctly, as the cat whipped around to watch Chase Young enter the terrace. He squinted at her and she shrunk, carefully slinking back indoors.
"Are you bent on taking any and all companions from me?" Wuya growled as she turned back to the garden and rested her head in her palm.
"You seem ungrateful of my hospitality, Wuya," Chase remarked, cocking an eyebrow at her. "Perhaps you wish to be elsewhere?"
"Of course I do. But unfortunately for the both of us, I can't go back."
"Yes, unfortunate for us both."
Wuya scowled. He didn't need to emphasize the 'both' part.
"In any case, I need you to do something for me. It's important, so I need to know I can trust you."
"What? I haven't proven my loyalty enough?" Wuya asked coyly. "Oh, how sad. And I thought the rose on your pillow was enough-"
"Wu-ya..." Chase snarled.
"...Fine. I'm loyal, Chase. You can trust me."
"Good. Then I want Jack's Mind Reader Conch. Bring it to me."
Wuya's eyes snapped open as Chase turned back to the citadel.
"Wait!" she cried, standing quickly. She checked herself when Chase turned and glared at her. "Uh...why would you want something like that? It only focuses on one person-"
"Who happens to be my nephew," Chase said slowly, as if his motive was easily understandable. "I won't ask again, witch. Bring me the Conch, or I will have to get it myself."
He stepped closer and leaned towards her ear.
"And if I'm reading that mortal expression you have correctly, I'm going to say you don't want me to stoop that low as to take out your kin."
Wuya shook as he walked into his city and shut the door. Whether she wanted to or not, she had to do as asked. Whatever was happening would happen soon, and she needed to be near Jack. So without too much hesitation, she left to find her nephew.