Alessio, another tetrad like Zel, was the ruler of the province counter-clockwise from Death's Grip, some place called the Black Valley. Clockwise was the Grave Valley, run by Azailia, another tetrad. Part of Mia wanted to feel kind of proud that the province she was in and its sisters were run by women -- or at least women-like demons -- but not if they were all evil bitches like Zel.

Adron looked Kas's way. Kas did nothing for a couple moments before shrugging and rubbing a claw on one of his horns, like an angry man picking his fingernails with a big knife.

"She's different," Kas said.

"Different. Well thanks...