For several long moments neither moved and the snake remained coiled. Takoda remained crouched.
Both watched.
Both waited.
The tension between them thickened until it felt almost tangible.
Then the serpent moved.
Despite its size, the attack came with astonishing speed. Its massive body surged forward like a released spring, jaws opening wide enough to swallow her entire head. Takoda barely reacted in time. Instinct threw her body sideways just as the snake's fangs snapped shut where she had been standing.
The impact drove the creature into the earthen wall behind her.
Mud, roots, and stones exploded outward.
Before the snake could recover, Takoda launched herself forward as she aimed for its eye.
Sera had always taught her that larger opponents had weaknesses. Eyes. Throat. Joints. Soft places hidden beneath strength.
Unfortunately, the serpent twisted at the last second and instead of finding its eye, her teeth scraped along thick scales covering its face.
