“Guys, come quick!”

A group of various half-breeds made their way to the one who’d called them.

“What is it?” a female naga asked, glaring at him.

The caller, a young male Hiveling, motioned to the computer screen. “Selena just sent a message saying that she was…” He gulped. “…compromised.”

Silence fell over the room.

“Sis…” a female harpy sniffed. “No…”

“By who?” the naga snapped. “And how?”

“Eaten by Cecilia Parker,” the boy answered grimly. “A rescue attempt wouldn’t reach her in time…”

“Drat,” a male drider muttered. “She was our best assassin! Now what?”

“The plan proceeds apace.”

They all turned to see a female neko with an hourglass figure walk into the room.

“Selena was useful,” she mused, “but not vital to our success.”