Isiah opened his eyes slowly, tilting his head to identify whatever was gently licking his torn lip, only to discover the serpent tending to the wound.
A wave of intense revulsion swept over him. Raising his arm with immense effort, he grabbed the reptile by the neck, disgusted by the sudden display of affection.
Sitting up, he fixed the creature with an unblinking, ice cold glare. To his utter surprise, the serpent matched his gaze, staring right back into his dark eyes without a shred of fear.
A dark smirk touched Isiah's lips as he envisioned the violent fate he had planned for it.
"Now, come here, you stupid little bitch," Isiah muttered, pushing himself to his feet.
Though still physically drained from the venom's aftermath, he refused to postpone his retaliation.
The serpent proved surprisingly submissive this time, remaining limp within his tight grip.
Stepping slowly toward the shoreline, Isiah prepared to hurl the creature straight into the luminous sea.
