The massive serpent moved with a terrifying grace, its elongated body slithering across the forest floor, crushing trees and underbrush beneath its weight. Its golden eyes glinted as it locked its gaze on Nate, who lay crumpled and unconscious among the ruins of shattered trees. The serpent's jaw unhinged, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs glistening with venom. It opened its mouth wide, preparing to swallow its prey whole.
Before it could strike, Alice appeared between them.
Her white hair gleamed under the faint light filtering through the canopy, and her silver eyes were filled with fierce determination. Frost crackled up her arms, enveloping her hands in a sheen of ice that glittered like shards of crystal. Her presence was small compared to the colossal serpent, but there was no fear in her stance—only resolve.
"Not today," Alice murmured, her voice steady as she raised her hands.