The air in the clearing hung heavy, the echo of Lee's offer still reverberating between them. Falcon stared at his former mentor, now a broken shell clinging to a twisted hope. The touch of Lee's hand, clammy and desperate, lingered on his own like a stain.
Suddenly, Lee lunged, his face twisted in a grotesque parody of affection. His lips aimed for Falcon's, a sickening attempt at a reunion fueled by a warped sense of redemption. Falcon reacted instinctively, a slap as sharp as a gunshot ringing through the stillness.
Lee stumbled back, a stunned look clouding his eyes. But the momentary shock faded, replaced by a predatory glint, the serpent's venom spitting into his gaze. "How dare you!" he snarled, voice thick with venomous rage.
