The tunnel opened up into a wide chamber. The ceiling was high enough that my lantern barely touched it. Water pooled in shallow dips across the floor. In the center sat the thing we'd come for.
A serpent. Huge. Body coiled in thick loops, scales dull black and pitted like old iron. Head lifted slow, eyes glowing yellow slits. It watched us come in.
The mother grabbed Jorin's hand and pulled him behind a big jutting rock near the entrance. They crouched low. The boy peeked once, then ducked back.
I stopped ten feet from the coils. The others fanned out behind me. Kalia on my left, Sarah right, Aria already drawing her dagger, Bella hanging back with Tiamat and Mia.
The serpent's tongue flicked out. Voice came deep, raspy, like stones grinding.
"Been a long time since fresh meat walked in. Thought the crying would keep bringing them forever."
Kalia snorted loud. "You're the one making the noise? That pathetic sobbing was your marketing plan?"
