The volcanic chamber seemed to hold its breath.
Alex's scream echoed off the obsidian walls, sharp and incredulous, startling even the distant rumble of lava flows far below. The six snakelings instantly woke in their carriers—Jade rearing up with a tiny hiss of alarm, Siddy lunging toward the sound of his mother's voice, Sterling trying to climb higher for a better view, Onyx blinking sleepily, Ripple pressing tight against Alex's ribs, and River tightening his calm coil around Alex's wrist. Meanwhile, Drakar just watched the scene with extreme fascination.
Naga was at Alex's side in an instant, coils sliding protectively around his waist while one clawed hand cupped the back of his neck.
"Alex?" Naga's voice was low, urgent, serpentine pupils blown wide. "What is it? What did the system spirit say?"
Leo stepped forward on Alex's other side, golden eyes flashing danger. "Talk to us. Now."
Meanwhile, Alex was busy glaring at system which has shrunk to the size of a furball.
