471: FACING THE FANGS

ARIEL'S POV My heart pounded in my chest as I let out a piercing scream, my hand instinctively jerking back from the cold, slimy touch of the snake. Luke's quick reflexes kicked in, his eyes widening in alarm as he sprang into action. "Ariel, stay back!" Luke's voice was urgent as he rushed towards me, swiftly shoving the snake off my hand. "Go back, now!" I stumbled backward, my mind reeling with fear as I watched Luke take charge, his movements precise and calculated. The snake hissed menacingly, its eyes fixing on us as it slithered closer, its forked tongue darting in and out. Luke's eyes narrowed in different directions as he scanned the surroundings, searching for a weapon. His gaze landed on a sturdy rod lying on the floor nearby, and without hesitation, he lunged for it, gripping it tightly in his hand. "Stay behind me, Ariel," Luke instructed, his voice steady despite the situation. I'll handle this." As I clung to the edge of a nearby shelf for support, I nodded, my h