Chapter 216: Jumper

"THIS IS YOUR LAST chance, Tru," warned Peter. His eyes were wide as he took in the approaching wolf. Several rattlesnakes hissed and hovered over Ruthie, ready to strike. He pressed his lips together, staring at his pets as if communicating with them.

Suddenly, they darted toward Isaac. He growled and snapped at them, catching one in his mouth and cutting it in half. The others retreated as he padded toward Ruthie. Peter had made a drastic miscalculation, forgetting that very little could penetrate the skin of a usemi. I saw the moment it dawned on him, and he backed away, moving into another swirl of reptiles while redirecting several more rattlesnakes Ruthie's way.

Phoebe took in the crumpled form with initial confusion as lizards and snakes slithered over it almost obliterating the color of the bright orange dress. She gasped with horror when she realized who it was.