I burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the forest. "Are you thinking of me as a fool?" My voice was cold, final. "The only way you'll get that antivenom from me..." I leaned in, my smile dark, dangerous, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Is if from now on, you'll be my slave..."
Mira's face twisted in rage, her voice a snarl. "Bastard..." She spat the word like a curse, her eyes burning into me. "I'll save my son myself!"
I chuckled, shaking my head, my smile never fading. "Oh, Mira..." I murmured, my voice smooth, taunting. "You think you have a choice?" I stepped closer, my eyes locked onto hers, cold, unyielding. "You need me. Desperately." I gestured to Bill, his body slumped, his breath fading. "And time is running out."
Mira's breath hitched, her eyes darting between Bill and me. "What kind of monster are you?" she whispered, her voice breaking.
