The dense canopy above casts shifting shadows over the group as they make their way through the treacherous jungle, moving in silence. Lusi, leading the way, feels the weight of the Serpent's power still thrumming within her. It feels like a living, breathing thing under her skin—wild, untamable. Her mind is caught between the ominous warning from the guardian and the mission ahead. There's no room for weakness, no room for doubt. But doubt gnaws at her nonetheless.
Wang Jie catches up beside her, keeping his voice low. "What now, Lusi? Do we head back to the others? Or go after the guardian?"
Lusi pauses, considering her next move carefully. She feels the jungle watching her, a thousand unseen eyes, the way it seems to shift and move around them like a living entity. The power within her stirs, urging her to act. But act how?
"We can't go back to the others yet. Not until I understand more about this power," Lusi says quietly, her gaze hard and distant. "And we can't stay here—there's something else in these woods."
"Something else?" Wang's voice has a hint of unease, and he scans their surroundings.
Lusi doesn't elaborate. She just knows. Whatever force sent the guardian wasn't finished. She can feel it pressing down on her, an invisible hand tightening around her chest. The Serpent's Heart is too valuable, too powerful to let her walk away with it so easily. It's a relic of the gods, a symbol of untold strength and danger. And now she's its bearer.
They press on for hours, the terrain growing more rugged and the air heavier with the scent of damp earth and the distant echo of predators prowling. The group's steps falter as exhaustion creeps in, but Lusi pushes them forward, determined to find a safer haven.
But as they descend into a rocky gorge, the ground suddenly shifts beneath their feet. With a rumbling sound, the very earth opens up, sending them tumbling down into a hidden ravine. Sharp rocks scrape against skin as they fall, landing with a heavy thud in a small clearing. Dust settles around them, but all remain eerily still.
Wang groans, pulling himself up slowly. "Everyone alright?"
Lusi pushes herself up, coughing as she tries to take stock of their situation. Pain radiates through her arms and legs from the fall, but nothing feels broken. She checks on the others quickly, ensuring no one's seriously hurt.
Before anyone can catch their breath, however, the temperature around them seems to drop. A chill cuts through the air, unnatural for the humid jungle. Lusi's senses flare, alerting her that something dangerous is near. The feeling of being watched intensifies.
"Get up," she snaps to the others. "We're not alone."
The words are barely out of her mouth when an ominous growl reverberates from the shadows. From the misty edges of the gorge, creatures begin to emerge—black, slinking shapes with glowing yellow eyes. There's something unnatural about their movements, almost as if they belong to another realm. They snarl and hiss, baring sharp, blood-stained teeth.
Wang Jie draws his blade, stepping forward to defend their group, but Lusi holds out her arm to stop him.
"Don't engage yet," she orders, her eyes locked on the creatures.
The Heart of the Serpent pulses within her, resonating with the dark energy of the beasts. They're drawn to her, she realizes. They're drawn to the power she now holds.
"Stay close, and don't make any sudden moves," Lusi says, slowly reaching for her weapon. Her eyes never leave the advancing creatures, which encircle the group, their growls deepening.
But before she can react further, the creatures halt in unison, their eyes fixed on the same point in the distance. A figure steps out from the shadows, dressed in dark robes that seem to blend with the night itself. It's another guardian, Lusi realizes with a sinking feeling.
This one is different from the last—his presence is even more suffocating, his aura darker. His eyes glint with an ancient wisdom and malice as he steps closer. The creatures bow their heads in submission to him.
"I see the first guardian failed," the figure says, his voice smooth like silk but filled with venom. "You carry a power that does not belong to you. And you think you can wield it?"
Lusi's grip tightens on her weapon. "I've passed the trials. The power is mine by right."
The new guardian sneers, an amused smile playing on his lips. "That's what they all say. But the Heart doesn't serve mortals. It consumes them."
He raises a hand, and the creatures grow more restless, their growls growing louder. "Give it up, girl. Hand over the Heart, and I might let you live."
Lusi squares her shoulders, determination hardening in her chest. "I won't."
The guardian's smile fades, replaced by a cold glare. "Then you've chosen death."
Before he can command the creatures to attack, Lusi raises her hand, channeling the Serpent's power. She doesn't fully understand it yet, but she can feel it answering her call, responding to her need. The air around her crackles with energy, and the creatures freeze in place, sensing the shift.
The guardian falters, his eyes narrowing. "So, you've learned to use it," he says quietly. "But how long until it uses you?"
Without waiting for an answer, he disappears into the shadows, leaving the creatures still under his control. They snarl but don't attack, hesitant in the face of the power emanating from Lusi. She steps forward, daring them to make a move.
After a tense moment, the creatures retreat, slinking back into the darkness, leaving the group alone once more.
Wang exhales, wiping sweat from his brow. "That was too close."
Lusi's shoulders relax slightly, though the weight of the encounter lingers. "This won't be the last time," she murmurs. "They'll keep coming for me—for the Heart."
Wang looks at her, concern etched on his face. "What do we do now?"
"We keep moving," Lusi replies, her voice filled with resolve. "We keep fighting. And we find a way to control this power before it controls me."
As they continue deeper into the jungle, Lusi knows that the guardian's words will haunt her. But she also knows she can't stop now—not when the future of everything she's fought for is at stake.