Chapter 16: Serathis

Li Wei hung suspended in Serathis's coiled tail, his muscles aching as her scaly yet oddly smooth grip kept him firmly in place. His usual confidence was beginning to wane. The great Li Wei, adored and sought after by women everywhere, had found himself in the clutches of a beast far more deadly and unpredictable than he had ever imagined.

"You're awfully quiet now, pretty boy," Serathis said, her voice a mix of amusement and icy detachment. She had shifted forms since dragging him to her lair. No longer the massive serpent, she now stood before him as a stunningly beautiful woman with porcelain skin, sleek black hair cascading down her back, and eyes the color of molten gold.

"My name is Serathis." She said in an almost inaudible voice.

"I'm Li Wei".

Li Wei was stunned by her beauty, she's totally stunning.

If it weren't for the faint scales shimmering along her arms and the slitted pupils of her eyes, Li Wei might have been fooled into thinking she was just another admirer. Except this one didn't seem inclined to let him walk away.

"I'm just...processing," Li Wei said, forcing a wry smile. He shifted in her grip but realized quickly it was futile. "You're full of surprises. First the giant snake, now this? You could've just asked me out instead of kidnapping me. I'm an easy guy to talk to."

Serathis arched a perfectly sculpted brow, her lips curving into a cold smile. "Asked you out? How quaint. I am Serathis, ruler of this domain. I do not 'ask.' I take what I want."

"Clearly," Li Wei muttered, rolling his eyes. "So, what's the plan, oh great ruler? Lock me up in your creepy lair forever? Make me your… what did you say earlier? Mate?"

Her smile faltered, and her golden eyes narrowed. "You speak too lightly of things you do not understand. Do you know how rare your kind is? How many villages and beasts fight tooth and claw to possess a male like you?"

Li Wei scoffed. "Oh, trust me, I know. But let me break it to you: this kind of attention is not new to me. What is new is being tied up like some kind of prize."

Serathis leaned closer, her golden eyes studying him intently. "You jest to hide your fear. It's admirable, but futile."

Li Wei gulped, realizing her proximity was making it harder to maintain his usual cool. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was a dangerous aura around her that made his skin crawl.

"Look, Serathis," he started, softening his tone, "I'm sure you've had a long, lonely life ruling this river or…whatever it is you do. But I don't belong here. There are people,many, many people, who need me back."

Serathis's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes. Curiosity? Annoyance? Amusement? He couldn't tell.

"You think your absence matters to them?" she asked, her voice quiet but cutting. "Your kind is fickle. They will replace you as soon as you're gone."

Li Wei frowned. "That's not true. I mean, I'm basically the star attraction everywhere I go. They'll come looking for me."

"They'll fail," Serathis replied simply.

She stood and began to pace around him, her graceful movements resembling that of the serpent she truly was. Her dark robes swirled around her, and the faint glow of the luminescent moss on the walls cast an ethereal light on her features.

Li Wei decided to change tactics. "You know, Serathis, for someone so beautiful, you're surprisingly cold. Ever heard of charm? Maybe a little conversation instead of threats and kidnapping?"

Serathis stopped abruptly and turned to him, her gaze sharp. "Do not mistake me for the foolish admirers you're accustomed to. Flattery will not sway me."

"I'm not trying to sway you," Li Wei said quickly. "I'm just saying you don't need to play the villain here. You're obviously strong, powerful, and...well, gorgeous. You could have anyone you wanted. So why settle for someone who clearly isn't interested?"

For the first time, Serathis looked genuinely surprised. "You are rejecting me?"

"Yes," Li Wei said firmly. Then he hesitated. "Well, not you exactly. I mean, you're lovely and all, but this whole…'forceful mate' thing isn't really my style."

Serathis studied him silently for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she laughed, a cold, haunting sound that echoed through the cavern.

"You truly are unique," she said, a strange mix of amusement and frustration in her tone. "Most males would be groveling at my feet, begging for my favor. Yet you defy me."

Li Wei shrugged. "What can I say? I've got standards."

Her laughter died away, and she approached him again, her golden eyes locking onto his. "You're intriguing, Li Wei. But do not mistake my interest for weakness. You will remain here until I decide otherwise. And you will learn to accept your place by my side."

Li Wei opened his mouth to retort, but she silenced him with a wave of her hand. The coils around him tightened slightly, reminding him of her power.

"Rest, little one," she said, her voice soft but commanding. "You'll need your strength."

"For what?" he asked warily.

A mysterious smile played on her lips. "You'll see."

Hours passed, and Li Wei found himself alone in the cavern, still trapped but not entirely immobilized. He had tested the strength of her coils, but they were like iron bands, unyielding.

He sighed, leaning back against the smooth surface of the wall. "Great. Just great. Kidnapped by a snake-woman. How do I always end up in these situations?"

As he mulled over his predicament, he began to notice things about the cavern. It was surprisingly well-lit, with bioluminescent plants covering the walls and ceiling. Pools of water shimmered in the corners, and the air was cool and refreshing.

"At least she has good taste in lairs," he muttered.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Serathis reappeared, her cold beauty as striking as ever. She carried a tray of food, which she placed before him.

"You must eat," she said simply.

Li Wei eyed the food suspiciously. "Is it poisoned?"

Serathis sighed, exasperated. "If I wanted you dead, you would be. Eat."

Despite his hesitation, his hunger got the better of him. The food was surprisingly delicious, fruits, roasted meat, and a sweet nectar-like drink.

As he ate, Serathis watched him silently.

"Do you always stare at people while they eat?" he asked, trying to break the tension.

"I am studying you," she replied.

"Well, I hope you're taking notes on how to be less terrifying," he quipped.

She didn't respond, but the corners of her mouth twitched ever so slightly, as if she were suppressing a smile.

For the first time, Li Wei wondered if there was more to Serathis than her cold exterior. She was undeniably powerful and intimidating, but there was a vulnerability in her eyes, a loneliness she tried to hide.

"Why do you do this?" he asked suddenly. "Kidnap males, force them to stay with you. What are you afraid of?"

Her gaze darkened. "You presume too much."

"Maybe," he admitted. "But it doesn't take a genius to see that there's more to you than the big scary snake act."

Serathis stood abruptly, her expression guarded. "You speak as if you understand me. But you know nothing of my life, my struggles. Do not mistake my hospitality for weakness."

Li Wei held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll stop prying. For now."

Serathis turned to leave, but before she disappeared into the shadows, she paused.

"You are different, Li Wei," she said quietly. "And that is why you are mine."

As she vanished, Li Wei leaned back with a sigh. He had a sinking feeling that escaping Serathis was going to be far more complicated than he'd anticipated.