Tharion is at the Meat Market when he hears someone mention a dragon. He guesses this is Ariadne. It would be useful to have Ariadne to offer as a placatory gift to the River Queen, if she found out he cheated on her daughter. He calls Flynn to the Meat Market so they can enquire about Ariadne. Tharion and Flynn go to see the Viper Queen, and find Ariadne with her. Flynn is angry with the dragon for abandoning him and his friends. The Viper Queen tells them Ariadne asked her for asylum and she agreed to it in exchange for the dragon fighting for her. Ariadne will keep a portion of the profits from each fight so she can eventually buy her freedom.

Tharion asks the Viper Queen if he can take the dragon but she refuses. However, if he helps her keep the dragon, she can give him intelligence on Ophion or Pippa. Tharion agrees, and the Viper Queen asks him to call his friends to learn Pippa’s plans. A confused Tharion calls up Bryce and the others. When no one answers, he suspects they might be in trouble. Tharion and Flynn leave, alarmed. Flynn tells Ariadne he will return for her.