Across the pit, the serpent had withdrawn into a defensive coil of its own.
Dark blood stained several sections of its scales where Takoda's teeth and claws had managed to break through its natural armor. The creature's breathing was no longer as smooth or controlled as before. Its chest expanded and contracted more noticeably now, evidence that the battle had cost it far more than it had anticipated.
Whatever assumptions it had made about the small intruder that had fallen into its territory had clearly been corrected.
Takoda lowered herself cautiously onto her haunches, never allowing her eyes to leave the snake.
The serpent responded immediately.
Its golden eyes narrowed, and a low hiss escaped between its fangs.
Takoda rolled her eyes despite herself.
"Don't start," she muttered.
The hiss deepened.
"Fine," she sighed. "Maybe we're not friends yet."
The serpent seemed thoroughly unimpressed.
