Serpent Lake my spirit rises off the plate

Snake blood pooled and spilled down the side of the rock in tiny, winding streams and Phares watched with a passive smile. Raising a single paw, he delicately wet his toes in one trail before swiping it across the flat surface, making a short, wavy stroke — a symbol for the creature, one to help guide its soul away from the heartless. He then moved to retake the creature in his jaws before the voice of another interrupted.

She came as a surprise, but the priest tried not to show it, instead turning calmly as the ghost slunk forward. He studied her when she stopped, wary of the paleness of her coat and eyes. He didn't immediately react to her threat but, after a moment, Phares offered a polite smile and gestured to the snake still on the rock. "Hello there. You are very welcome to the rest of it, I only need its head," he explained.