The voice was forced from deep within its throat, a grating sound like rusted metal, wet and viscous. Each word was deliberately drawn out, articulated with a stiff, laborious effort.
At the same time, a putrid gust of wind pressed down on him.
The Young Man's Adam's apple bobbed. He seemed to realize something, and his face instantly turned deathly pale.
His neck, as stiff as a rusted machine, slowly lifted. His gaze followed the source of the putrid wind.
A massive snake's head hung low, looking down at him.
The snake's head was terrifying, its scales glinting with a cold light. Viscous, murky fluid hung from its curved fangs, dripping down one drop at a time.
It made a faint SIZZLING sound as it hit the ground, corroding the earth.
The ground turned black and scorched.
The venom it contained was clearly terrifyingly potent.
A pair of Crimson serpent eyes stared at him silently. It was obvious now: the speaker was the very giant snake that had him coiled in its grip.
