A peal of thunder rattled the cave. The lightning illuminated something in your left periphery. Something shifted to the right. You spun to face the sound, only catching a glimpse of something moving into the shadows. You stood, now sure you weren’t alone. You went back over your directions. The mudslide had disoriented you somewhat, but you and Sun had been on track to find a cave that Sun had told you was where his brother lived.

Slowly backing away, your heel hit something. You moved to recover, but it was too late. As you fell backwards, something clamped around your ankle and hoisted you into the air in a single motion. In an instant, heavy coils wrapped around your legs and arms and lowered you to the floor.

“Wait! If you are who I think you are, I know Sun!”

Red eyes caught the next flash of lightning. You froze, gripped by fear. A long angular face slowly emerged from the shadows. His huge eyes fixated on you hungrily. One side of his face was dark blue, the other a speckled white. Between his brows was a red scale, just like Sun. As he came into the light more, he had a massive hood, much like a cobra, that only further accented his venomous gaze. He did not seem interested in talking in the least, if he was even able to. You closed your eyes and looked away, only hoping he’d make it quick.

He suddenly tapped your forehead. “Come now. Stress only makes you taste worse.”

Shocked, you looked back up. “Huh?”

“Relax. Stars, is that so difficult?” He flicked his tongue out.

Your heart thudded in your chest as his coils loosened and you took deep breaths to calm your pulse. “So, you can talk.”

“I don’t do it often.” He stated flatly.

“Do you have a name?”

“You may call me Moon if you'd rather.” He turned and started moving deeper into the cave. Being bound in his coils, you didn’t have a choice and were half dragged along behind. The sound of a waterfall grew louder and louder as he made his way down the tunnel. He struck a flint and a torch flared to life. It dimly illuminated a spacious cavern.