Several hisses, belonging to wild snakes, echoed through the night. Under the bright moonlight, the snakes rushing toward Zaiyila at the highest speed came into view. They slithered onto the cage, miraculously breaking it apart, revealing Zaiyila, who remained unconscious.
Before she could fall and hit her head on the ground, the snakes had already positioned themselves beneath her. She landed directly on their coiling bodies, still lost in unconsciousness as they carried her away to an unknown place.
The round moon shone even brighter, illuminating the eerie scene below. It seemed to mark midnight as countless snakes gathered in front of a grand, noble mansion, as if attending a grand banquet.
The hissing of the serpents became the melody of the night as they parted ways, allowing the ones carrying Zaiyila to pass through.
A giant snake suddenly transformed into a handsome man with striking blue eyes and an almost feminine physique. His gaze landed on the unconscious Zaiyila, and a slow smile curved his lips before he lowered himself onto one knee.
"Prepare the Serpent Queen!" he proclaimed.
Two peculiar women stepped forward, wearing almost nothing. Their forked tongues flicked over their lips, and their long, animated hair swayed as if alive. Their eyes gleamed a deep green.
"Of course," they chimed in unison, carefully lifting Zaiyila. "We will dress the Serpent Queen immediately." With that, they walked away with graceful steps.
The hissing continued for quite some time before the two women returned, guiding Zaiyila between them.
She was now dressed in a seductive red gown that left her left thigh exposed down to her feet. The armless dress elegantly revealed the large snake tattoo on her shoulder. Her luscious black hair was styled skillfully—only a queen could wear such a regal style. Though her eyes remained closed, her beauty radiated irresistibly, making the snakes hiss even louder.
Even without consciousness, the allure she exuded was undeniable.
"The Bride is ready!" the two women announced in perfect unison.
Miraculously, all the snakes began shifting into human form. As one, they dropped to their knees.
"The Bride is ready!" they all echoed, their eyes locked on the grand doors before them.
The heavy doors creaked open, revealing a looming shadow. It stood in the entrance before gradually shifting into a form—a devilishly handsome man.
"Welcome, our King!" the crowd chanted in unison as the shadow fully took shape.
The man smirked coldly before turning his gaze toward the two women supporting Zaiyila. Their heads remained bowed as he slowly approached them. The moment he reached her, his cold smirk melted into something warmer. He leaned in, inhaling her natural fragrance, unhidden and intoxicating.
"Finally," he murmured, chuckling softly. He gently pulled Zaiyila away from the two women, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing her against him. Lowering his lips, he placed a lingering kiss on her neck.
"Long live the Serpent King! Long live the Serpent Queen!" the crowd roared in unison.
A satisfied smile tugged at the Serpent King's lips as he absentmindedly played with Zaiyila's smooth, silky hair.
"You all did well," he acknowledged, his gaze never leaving Zaiyila.
"She is the Serpent Queen from today onward. Anyone who dares to act against her will face my wrath!" His voice was both a declaration and a warning.
"The servants shall not disobey the Serpent King and Queen's orders!" the crowd chorused again.
With ease, the Serpent King lifted Zaiyila into his arms. A swirling portal suddenly appeared behind him.
"Follow me," he commanded before stepping inside.
Immediately, all the serpents—now in their human forms—shifted back into their true snake forms and rushed into the portal after him.
—---
In the village, the chief sat in his room, panting heavily. His face, already unpleasant, twisted into an expression of terror.
"She… she… she is the Serpent King's chosen one! How… how could I have made such a grave mistake? I must… I must leave the village before the Serpent King comes for me!" he stammered, his body trembling.
Frantically, he began gathering his belongings, but before he could take another step, he suddenly found himself paralyzed. A chilling sensation crept over his body, rendering him frozen in place.
Before he could utter another word, his head was sent flying.
Blood sprayed across the room as his lifeless body collapsed onto the ground.
If dawn were to break, it would be a day of utter chaos.
—---
Inside a luxurious white chamber, a grand room filled with the latest opulent furnishings, Zaiyila lay on an expensive king-sized bed. A peaceful expression graced her face, as though she was lost in a pleasant dream.
Beside her lay a long-haired man, bare-chested, his gaze fixed on her without blinking. A sweet smile played on his lips, making him look both devilishly handsome and terrifying. His irises were not of a human but resembled those of a cobra—an eerie, enchanting sight that added a unique charm to his beauty.
He reached out, gently caressing Zaiyila's cheek. Then, in a soft voice, he murmured,
"Won't you wake up now? Tell me what you want to eat, and I will prepare it for you."
Zaiyila's brows furrowed slightly, as though she disliked being disturbed from her sweet dream. However, the warmth of the hand on her cheek was reassuring. She unconsciously moved closer, instinctively seeking out the comforting presence.
The handsome man chuckled, releasing his forked tongue and lightly tickling her closed eyes with it.
"Mmm," Zaiyila murmured softly, showing no intention of waking anytime soon.
The man sighed. "If you don't wake up now, I won't guarantee that your dream won't become a reality," he whispered into her ear, his voice laced with dark temptation.
Zaiyila's expression stiffened. Slowly, she opened her eyes, only to find herself staring at a bare, muscular chest.
Her eyes widened in shock, but when she lifted her gaze and met the all-too-familiar face, her breath hitched.
She screamed instantly.
"Eh?" The handsome man raised an eyebrow. "Why are you reacting like this?" He effortlessly pulled her back into his embrace.
"Weren't you just having some… peculiar dreams about me?" he teased, his deep chuckle sending shivers down her spine.
Zaiyila's mouth hung open in disbelief.
"What is happening? Am I dreaming again? This is Everett—the Serpent King! Why am I in bed with him? Am I still dreaming?" her thoughts spiraled as her heartbeat quickened.
Everett gently lifted her chin, tilting her face up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze.
"My dear," he purred in a dangerously soft voice, "we're already married. Why are you so surprised?"