The ground trembled as the river split open wider, the oily surface churning like it was alive. From its depths, a colossal shape emerged — a serpent coiling upon itself, easily hundreds of meters long. Its scales shimmered dark violet beneath the corrupted moonlight, and veins of black energy pulsed beneath its hide. Yet what drew every gaze wasn't its monstrous size, but the face half-fused to its upper body.
It was human.
Its features were warped, melted into the scales like a half-finished sculpture — but still recognizably human. Once, that face might have been serene, wise, and benevolent. Now, it twisted in anger, its mouth splitting open to release a low, vibrating roar that made the air quiver.
