Queen of Darkness WATTPAD VERSION [Inter-Universal Protectors: Book 3]

73

It was big. 

Truthfully, big was an understatement. 

The room the King Cobra inhabited was too small for its crimson body. Its black-tipped tail piled on the floor, its head bending against the roof. There wasn't much room for maneuvering but it managed. The snake leaned down at the sight of intruders, yellow eyes gleaming. It opened its mouth revealing bloodied fangs and a forked tongue.

The snake hissed. Ema fainted. 

Amneris scanned the room. Bodies were strewn everywhere. She bent down beside one, searching what remained of the body for some sort of identification, presuming one still existed. She found it. The Terpolite seal sown onto the torn blood-stained jacket. She cursed.

Colt came to her side, recoiling at the sight of the body. Amneris tore off the seal. She held it to the group. They all realised how dire the situation was at that moment. These bodies were fresh, still warm in some cases. Nephthys and Aurelia had just come through. And had used their troops as a distraction, no less. It was a good strategy, Amneris had to admit. Distract the snake. Get the blood. Get through the next rift.  Whoever lived, lived. Whoever died, died. 

Amneris clenched the fabric in her fist. Despite what the stories said, she would never - never - use her own people as a distraction. Leave them to die. To be eaten. Maybe Kek, but no one else. There was no honour in such a death. No doubt these people had been given two choices: distract and attempt to survive the snake, or die by Nephthys' hand. 

The body's face, though carved and covered in blood, remained mostly in-tact. Amneris closed their fear filled blue eyes. Even Terpolites didn't deserve to die in such a sacrificial way. 

Colt placed his hand on her shoulder. Amneris stepped away. 

"We will get her," he said, reading her thoughts.

She let out a breath. "I know. I know." 

Amneris faced the group. 

"Divide and conquer. Hathy and Jay, you search for the next rift. Hathy, try to not look at the bodies. And take Ema with you," she said, waving at the unconscious Fae. "She's of no use like that. Kayla, you go too. See if you can't wake Ema up from her, um, shock." 

"Sure."

"You got it, Queenie."

"Can do."

"The rest of us are going to get blood from the snake-"

"Without killing it!" Hathor called firmly over her shoulder.

Amneris slumped. "Without killing it. Fine."

Xix raised a hand. "Uh, how do we do that?"

"It is Apep," Colt said, eying the serpent. "This will be difficult."

Amneris rolled her eyes. "It's not Apep."

"Certain?"

"Positive. He's much bigger. And more evil vibes. And rarely leaves the Duat." Colt appeared satisfied with her response. "As for the how," Amneris said, turning to Xix, "I was thinking we just go for it. Full frontal."

Xix's eyes narrowed. "You do remember that not all of us are immortals." Not a question.

"I am open to suggestions."

Power sparked between the two. A flash of red and blue lightning. 

Zoe stepped between the two. "I can distract the snake but I will be needing your help, Amneris. Some extra protection would be appreciated." This was to Colt who nodded. Zoe then faced Xix. "You and Kek can get the blood. If you're up to that?"