Remembering Grayson at this point in time makes him even more guilty and ashamed. Without conscious thought, Neville's hand moved to stroke along the snake's back. The texture was surprisingly soothing under his fingers. He found his anxiety easing with each gentle pet.
The little black snake seemed to approve, pressing closer against his touch with a soft hiss that sounded almost like a sigh.
"You're not supposed to be here, you know," Neville told it, continuing his nagging. "This is the employee dormitory. No pets allowed."
"Are you a beastman? But you should be able to transform back to your human form like me in daytime." He glanced around the empty hallway, searching for any sign of who might have left the snake at his door. "Did your owner abandon you? Would you like me to keep you?"
The hallway remained empty. Just Neville with a strange snake wrapped around his leg.
Then Neville suddenly had a thought, "Did you escape?"
The little black snake tilted its head again.
