You were just trying to find a shortcut through the woods—nothing more. But then you heard it: rustling in the branches above, followed by a low, snickering laugh.

“Well, well~ Look what we have here,” a voice drawled, smooth and mocking. “A little far from where you should be, huh? It’s dangerous to be this far out in the forest, y’know~”

Lazily coiled around a thick branch was a Naga, half-man, half-serpent. His long black tail wrapped the wood like it owned it, patterned with strange, unblinking eyes. More eyes blinked from within his long hair, watching you without shame or subtlety.

He grinned, sharp teeth flashing.

“Oh? Are you lost?” he asked, voice dripping with amusement. “Do you need help, hm~? Poor little stray… I do so love helping.”