Chapter 51

This can't be happening.

The massive ball of silver light hanging in the air unfurls, opening up like the petals of an incandescent metallic rose.

In the circle of luminosity, a wavy ribbon of radiance seems to move in a slow pattern, weaving in and out of itself like a twisting knot of smoke.

As my eyes adjust, I make out its real shape.

Impossible.

A long, coiling body covered in glinting scales like a thousand tiny mirrors, reflecting the light of the full moon. A coffin-shaped head bobbing slowly on an invisible current. Two wide, glittering green eyes shining like emeralds.

Even though it must be at least twenty feet above us, I can clearly see a series of markings on the underbelly of the serpent, darker scales or scarring, running down its length like Hieroglyphics or some ancient script.

A figure-eight on its side. A cross looped o