Chapter 283

A massive steel enclosure dominated the room. Inside coiled over a dozen enormous serpents. The smallest among them measured at least the width of a woman's wrist. The largest rivaled the circumference of a large serving bowl. It was a truly terrifying spectacle.

Isabella stared, her scalp prickling with unease. Goosebumps erupted across her skin.

Oliver skipped toward the cage cheerfully. "Aunt Vivienne, come see!" he chirped. "These are all my friends. This is Sir Emerald. This is Lady Crimson. And this is Lady Gold."

His small hand reached through the bars. He began stroking the massive reptiles. The pythons displayed a variety of hideous colors. The yellow one was particularly nauseating. Its garish, overly bright scales made it distinctly stand out.

Vivienne remained pale near the doorway. "Christopher, do you only play with them in daylight?" she blurted. "Perhaps I could take you somewhere else? For a different activity?"

His expression fell. "But they haven't eaten today," he protested. "I need to feed them. And give them a bath. You promised you'd stay with me, Aunt Vivienne. Will you help me feed them?" His innocent eyes pleaded with her.

Her gaze drifted back to the cage. About ten monstrous snakes writhed together. The sight made her shudder violently. Yet, this was a rare moment of Oliver seeking her attention. She couldn't let this chance slip away.

They were securely behind bars. It had to be safe... right?

She forced a steadying breath. "What... what do they eat?"