Some women gasped as Cyrus' massive red python tail wrapped around the man like a constricting coil of fury. The snake-like hiss that followed wasn't loud, but it cut through the air like a blade. A few children clung to their mothers, while others were pulled behind skirts and arms as if they'd seen a monster leap out of a bedtime tale.
Fear spread quickly, like wildfire through dry leaves.
Whispers bloomed.
"This is exactly why snake beastmen shouldn't live in the village," a sharp-tongued woman hissed under her breath, clutching her child tighter.
Another chimed in with a shaky voice, "Did you see that tail? He could kill all of us in one breath!"
Isabella didn't even blink at first. Her lips pressed into a firm, controlled line, but her body betrayed the tension building beneath. Her nails curled ever so slightly into the folds of her skirt, and a low, simmering heat stirred in her gut.
