An Jin knocked hesitantly on the door. "Mi Yin, are you in there?"
'No response. Strange. Did he go out to hunt? With his lazy temperament, he doesn't seem like the type to go hunting in this heat.'
An Jin stood at the door for a long time, deliberating, unsure if she should call out again.
After a long moment.
She heard the scraping sound of a snake's tail.
Then, a faint "mm" came from inside the house.
An Jin was puzzled. "Why didn't you answer before?"
"I was sleeping. Didn't hear you."
She could tell he wasn't in a good mood; his reply was dismissive. She nodded, a little unhappy herself. "Alright then. I won't disturb you. You get some rest..."
The sound of her light footsteps faded as she walked away from the door.
In the pitch-black room, the python coiled in the corner lifted its head. Its crimson pupils flashed. As he realized she was walking away, an intense wave of panic washed over him.
