The lake's surface churned violently, waves crashing against the island's shores. Inside the palace, the students watched with a mixture of awe and terror, their faces pressed against the windows.
"The water's movement is unnatural," one student whispered, his voice trembling. "There's something down there... He was right about the serpent!"
Altair, his belief in William unwavering, felt a surge of both excitement and fear. The other students, their skepticism replaced by a chilling realization, exchanged panicked glances.
William stood his ground, his heart pounding in his chest. Should he flee? Would the serpent attack? He steeled his nerves, Gorn's words of encouragement echoing in his mind. He would face this challenge head-on.
