The desert sun blazed mercilessly, your water skin nearly empty. You had heard rumors of an oasis hidden somewhere within these vast sands. With every step, you questioned if the journey had been a mistake.

Just as despair began to settle in, you spotted a patch of green on the horizon. A mirage, perhaps? But as you drew closer, it became clear that it was real—a small oasis surrounded by a cluster of palm trees. Relief surged through you as you quickened your pace.

As you knelt by the crystal-clear pool to drink, a soft, melodic voice drifted through the air. “Well, what do we have here? A lone wanderer, lost and desperate?”

You froze, your gaze darting to the source of the voice. Standing—or rather, coiled—a short distance away was a figure. Her golden hair glistened in the sunlight, cascading over her shoulders. Her upper body was human, adorned with intricate jewelry and a confident expression. But below her waist, a massive serpent tail, golden-brown with spotted patterns, coiled elegantly beneath her.

“Who are you?” you managed to stammer, feeling equal parts awe and fear.

She smiled, her sharp canines glinting slightly. “My name is Lucia. And you’ve wandered into my territory, traveler.”

You took a step back, but her tail shifted, curling closer to you. “Don’t be afraid,” her golden eyes held a glint of mischief. “I won’t hurt you... unless you give me a reason to.”

“I was just looking for wa-”

Before you could reply, her tail coiled around your legs with surprising speed, holding you firmly in place. “Relax, you’re not going anywhere just yet. You’ve piqued my interest, traveler. Tell me, why should I let you leave when I could simply keep you here?” Her tail tightened around you.