Scales can sink deeper than skin

Chapter 1 | The Bite

I took a deep breath as the cold water ran over my bare feet. The warm summer breeze and sounds of nature soothed my nerves as I rested my head on the chest of my husband, Basil. He had taken me on a surprise picnic and hike to Serpents Creek to celebrate everything finally going right with our lives.

Our life had been difficult for the longest time when we first met. We met soon after I graduated high school. I had snuck out of the house owned by my strict parents to go to a party and had been introduced to him by a friend. He was a wild card who loved to live each day to the fullest, and after talking about everything we wanted to do with our lives, We became quick friends. Weeks passed, and we soon became lovers despite my parent's disapproval. Their threats of throwing me out on my own and cutting me off meant nothing as long as he was there. I never thought they would do it until I was thrown out in the pouring rain one night when they found out I was pregnant with Basil's child. They cut all contact with me, and I went to Basil for comfort. His parents were glad to help us and gave us enough money until Basil got a job. He dreamed of becoming a famous singer with his band but gave it up to raise a family with me. We had a small wedding, and he started a career at a radio station as an intern while I had a job in an apothecary shop. We could afford a small house, and soon, I gave birth to twins, Indigo and Nero. Life was challenging, but we worked through things, and everything improved.

Last week, Basil's boss informed him that he would receive his own radio station and that the owner of the apothecary I work at told me I would be made manager. These new jobs came with a hefty payment boost, enough to get a loan on a better house in a better neighborhood. Everything we had hoped for was finally happening. Nothing could ruin this.

I sighed, grabbing Basil's shirt to pull him closer as I buried my head into his neck. I felt him touch my back and start rubbing in circles slowly. I laughed, gently kissing him on the cheek.

"Aw, come on, Kara, you can do better than that, babe. Why don't you give me a real kiss, huh?" Basil teased, lifting my head.

"Hm, I don't think you deserve it," I teased, sitting up on him.

"C'mon, I've been good! Just kiss me! Unless you're trying to tell me something with that position you're in. If you wanna ride, I am all for it!" he joked, rubbing his hands against my sides.

"Mph! B-Basil, no! We're in public! If we get caught-" I started.

"Well, we don't have to do it here. The car isn't that far, and we could move it to that spot where we used to do it. Fuck, look at you all flustered! All from me rubbing your sides, huh?" he taunted.

I covered my face and turned away, laughing. Basil did know how to get me all worked up quickly.

"How about you give me a good kiss right now, and then tonight, we can have some real fun. Do you remember that present I gave you last year? I bet that thing still fits, and I would love to see you in it bouncing up and down on my-" He muttered.

I quickly covered his mouth with my hands before he could finish. I laughed and kissed him passionately on his lips.

We laughed and got up to start the trek back to the car.

On the way there, Basil decided to entertain me with local lore.

"You wanna know why it's called Serpents Creek? Long ago, it was a sacred place where the Nagari would turn humans into Nagari. It was a significant ritual where entire kingdoms would come to watch the transformation. They say Nagari royalty has venom that can turn ten humans with a single drop." He explained.

"Don't tell me you believe in those fairy tales! The Nagari aren't real, Basil!" I responded.

"If you say so. Hey, what's that up ahead?" Basil asked.

I looked further up the trail to see a dead snake lying in the middle of the path. Its deep purple scales were dry and cracked from the sun. There were barely snakes around here, let alone ones of that color.

"I'm gonna touch it!" Basil said, running up to it and kneeling.

"No! Don't! It's probably venomous!" I shouted.

"Relax, babe! It's dead! Watch!" Basil exclaimed.

He jabbed a finger into the serpent before I could get another word out. I was helpless as the snake seemed to rise from the dead and bite Basil in the arm. It lay over dead when its fangs were out of Basil's arm.

"Ow! Fuck! Shit! That hurt!" Basil shouted as I ran over towards him.

"I told you not to touch it! We have to get to the car now!" I cried.

Looking over the bite marks, it seemed to be dripping an orange liquid.
As I walked to the car with Basil slumping over me, I only hoped everything would be okay.