Isiah was deeply uncomfortable having the serpent wrapped around his wrist. The moment it finished cleaning the scabbed blood from his hand, it slithered over to his other arm, darting playfully up his forearm.
Isiah stared at the reptile with sharp indecision. Ever since a traumatic childhood incident involving chicks, he had refused to touch or pet any animal. Growing up in an abusive household where livestock was routinely slaughtered during obscure rituals had only cemented his absolute aversion to beasts.
"I am not falling for this," Isiah muttered, trying to shake the creature off. "Don't act cute, you stupid snake. I refuse to fall into this trap."
