The sharp, burning pain hit Camilla's left ankle like a pair of hot iron nails being hammered directly into her bone.
The snake, having delivered its deadly payload, released its violent bite immediately. It unhinged its massive jaws, fell backward onto the smooth stone floor of the gazebo, and slithered away with terrifying speed. Its thick, scaled body made a soft swish, swish sound against the white wood before it disappeared completely into the safety of the thick, dark garden bushes.
But the damage was already done. The venom, highly toxic and incredibly fast-acting, pumped directly into her bloodstream with every rapid beat of her panicked heart.
Camilla's eyes rolled back into her head, exposing the whites of her eyes to the bright
