Two Lives

"!!"

An overwhelming aura engulfed the cave. I gritted my teeth, forcing my legs to keep functioning and not collapse under the pressure. The small hissing sound of a viper's tongue echoed throughout the cavern, but I was unable to locate the source of the noise.

An orchestra of hisses arose around me, slowly approaching as the dozens of vipers eyed their prey. I caught a glimpse of a giant moving body, realizing that these snakes were at least dozens of mels long.

These no longer felt like snakes. It felt like I was facing an army of basilisks who could kill me with a single glance. I remained calm, closing my eyes and focusing solely on the bind that flowed throughout the room.

I sent pulses of neutral energy around my body, feeling the narrow crevices and holes within the walls... but not picking up any form of a beast. I smiled, opening my eyes and coming face to face with a giant basilisk that glared at me with its potent yellow eyes.