CHAPTER 8

Lelandi Felt Pressure On her throat, like if a sneake circulated Her Neck, Squeezing Tightly, through a fog-filled haze. Her breathing became labored, and her vision became dim. She made an effort to smell the snake, but all she caught was the overpowering smell of rotting leaves.

A stern, irritated male voice then yelled for Larissa, who was now closer.

A deep, menacing snarl could be heard.

Ural?

When the pressure on her throat let up, she struggled to breathe and gasped for air. Nothing, including where she was, who he was, or what had happened to Larissa, could hold her attention. In a hasty retreat from danger, the snake slithered through the undergrowth. Together with it, the strong humus odor vanished. Yet, a fresh aroma began to linger. It’s her cousin.

She attempted to utter “Ural,” but her throat became trapped. He crept up on her and licked her cheek; it was warm, wet, and nice. She wanted to wrap her arms around his neck but was unable to.

The male voice yelled, “Larissa!”