Ares and Asher emerged from the direction of the mansion, their expressions tense.
Ares's gaze immediately dropped to the lifeless snake on the ground.
His face darkened.
"Security," he called sharply.
Within seconds, the head of security rushed forward, posture stiff with urgency.
Ares didn't waste time.
"How," he demanded, his voice low but laced with irritation, "did a snake get this close to the mansion?"
The air grew heavier.
The guard hesitated. "Sir, we—"
"It's venomous," Lara interjected calmly, though her hand continued absentmindedly scratching Midnight's belly. "Small, yes—but not harmless."
She glanced at the snake briefly, then back at the pup in her arms.
"If Midnight hadn't reacted…" she added, her tone softening just slightly, "…I wouldn't have noticed it in time. What if it wasn't me? What if it's Shay?"
Ares's jaw tightened.
