For several seconds, I couldn’t understand what I was seeing.
My mind refused to accept it.
Then the snake moved.
Its head lifted.
I stumbled backward, striking the chair with my knees.
A scream escaped my throat.
The python slowly shifted its body, its tongue flicking in and out.
I ran toward the door.
My hands shook so badly that I nearly dropped the key card. I pressed it against the lock, but the door wouldn’t open immediately.
“Come on!” I cried. “Please!”
Behind me, I heard the soft movement of the snake against the sheets.
I didn’t turn around.
I pressed the card again.
The lock clicked.
I pulled the door open and stumbled into the corridor.
For a moment, I thought I was safe.
Then I heard footsteps behind me.
I spun around.
Beatrice stood at the end of the hallway.
She was wearing the same black dress she had worn to the party. Her arms were folded, and her face held an expression I had never seen before.
