"She can still be useful."

Teysa shook her head. "Why kill a useful vassal? She can breed and nurse the spiderlings. There's no reason to throw away an asset."
The matron stared at Teysa for just a bit longer than she was comfortable with. Then she spoke. "Very well. Hyou have proven hyourself pragmatic as well as fierce. It isssss time for hyour final test." She beckoned Teysa closer. The paladin's steps were unsteady as she crossed the sand and knelt before the gigantic drider. The matron leaned over until her face was on a level with Teysa's. She smiled, showing those needle fangs. "What must I do?" asked the paladin, panting heavily.

"Sssssssurvive." The matron's hands shot out and took hold of the woman's shoulders, yanking her close. She buried her face in Teysa's neck and sank her fangs in deeply. Teysa groaned in pain as she felt hot venom pouring into her veins. When the drider finally released her, the puncture wounds on her neck smoked. Gagging and ****, Teysa fell backwards, writhing in pain on the ground. It felt like her veins were on fire.