The Belly Dance

Fownso had been able to extract the venom of the snake from Cassandra's dried blood. But the results were astounding, he had never seen such venom before. It was a rare kind, a kind which developed in female snakes as a defence mechanism against an enemy. However, he was unable to pinpoint the species because the venom was dangerous but common amongst several female species. 

He informed Siroos of his findings, which left him stumped too. He had tried to locate the snake, but without any scent and evidence, they didn't have much to go on. With Elders breathing down his neck and keeping a distance from his mate, this was excruciating. 

Tomorrow was his mating ceremony with Cassandra, and his consciousness gnawed at him. He couldn't help but ponder over his decision until Faris arrived with wine to cheer him up and give him a carefree night.