Albert and Hayes reacted at the same time, their gazes snapping downward in unison—only to see nothing at all.
Naturally, neither of them was foolish enough to answer.
The intruder didn't seem surprised by their silence.
A soft laugh followed, and the presence continued climbing upward at an unhurried, almost jaunty pace.
Perhaps deliberately trying to instill fear, the creature that had been silent moments before slowed its movements, putting itself on display.
Albert heard the harsh, brittle crackle of rough scales scraping against tree bark. Under the dim moonlight, a massive, thick shadow was cast faintly onto the outside of the sleeping bag.
A snake.
A snake with the upper body of a human.
The figure's outline flickered outside—bare-bodied, hair hanging loose and wild.
