Noctisardor Bypass yonhaka

Rapt, Druid listened as her sister spoke of a girl who whispered about secrets. Her eyes fell to the ground momentarily as Bracelet slithered around her ankle again, this time draping loosely. Then they flitted back up to Skaigona, brimming with curiosity, wondering about the stranger but much more captivated by the notion of an enchanted serpent.

Are you magic, Bracelet? the young naturalist questioned. The snake’s forked tongue gave her her answer. Druid smiled.

Despite her excitement over her newfound friend, a yawn suddenly peeled her jaws apart, followed by a subtle shudder from head to toe. The hatching had interrupted her nap; she would usually be sound asleep during this time of day.

I think I’m going to finish my nap, Druid murmured, to the snake as much as Skaigona.

Before she turned to go, her brow furrowed in hesitation. What should she do with Bracelet while she slept? Should she leave her in her sister’s care? Even though she trusted Skaigona and knew she would look after the small snake, she recoiled from the thought. Bracelet didn’t belong to her, but she belonged with her. Druid felt it in her bones.