Slaying the Basilisk (2)

Third Person's POV

It knew now that these weren't ordinary victims.

Ethan's grip tightened on his saber hilt.

He could sense the creature shifting as its body pressed against the wooden floor of the treehouse.

The weight made the structure groan under the pressure.

"Velcy, be ready to intercept. Virelle, force it into a narrow space," Ethan ordered in a controlled but sharp voice.

The snake struck first.

With blinding speed, it launched itself at Ethan, and its massive head tore through the air like a shadowy blur.

Its gaping maw aimed straight for his throat.

Ethan reacted instantly.

He twisted his body to the side and narrowly avoided the snapping jaws.

At the same moment, he slashed upwardly with his broken saber and cut it deep into the snake's cheek.

A layer of sparkling black ice froze the wound and spread a frigid coldness to its brain.