Carlos made his way to his pre-dawn meeting with the Dragon Kings, the three brothers who ruled the Shadowlands with fire, fury, and iron resolve. The Shadowlands was vast and wild, a place where ancient creatures and ancient laws still held sway. The brothers had burned the sickness from this land long ago, cleansing it with dragonfire.
It was the human world Carlos believed was still infected.
He heard the music and laughter long before he reached the great hall.
Three shifter royal guards were stationed at the entrance. Carlos gave his name to the female guard; she checked the list, nodded, and the massive wooden doors swung open. What was a heavy thump of bass outside became a wall of sound inside.
The scent of ganja drifted thick through the air.
The hall was dim, decadent, and i
