Moments earlier…
Lumberling's eyes met Skitz's.
No words passed between them.
They knew each other well enough to read each other's thoughts without a word.
Just one nod.
That was all it took.
Skitz gave it now. Barely perceptible. A twitch of the chin, followed by his left claw tapping twice against his thigh, the signal.
Lumberling shifted slightly, loosening his stance, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword just beneath his cloak.
Then, the Serpent God spoke.
"I am," she whispered, every word dripping with dark reverence. "And you, beloved child… you are my echo, blessed, bound, and born of me. A beautiful fracture of my eternal will."
Her eyes glowed, slit-pupils expanding with satisfaction.
She extended her hand toward Skitz.
"Come."
Skitz moved forward slowly, reverently, every step deliberate. His right hand lifted toward her open palm, trembling, not with fear, but restraint.
