The snake hissed, its massive coils rippling as it advanced, its yellow eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger.
I tightened my stance, my flames flickering with barely restrained frustration as Micah stumbled backward, clutching his staff like it was the only thing keeping him upright.
"Micah, I swear, if you pass out before this is over, I'll—"
"I'm fine!" he interrupted, though the way his knees wobbled told a different story. "Just… giving it a moment to regroup!"
"The snake is regrouping," I shot back, narrowly dodging a venomous snap of its jaws. "You, on the other hand, look like you're about to keel over!"
"Am not!" he insisted, though his voice cracked on the last word. He raised his staff, the glow faint and unconvincing. "Watch this! I'll finish it off!"
I rolled my eyes. "Micah, unless that stick can turn into a magic flamethrower, I'm not holding my breath."
