The Lycan King's Fate Calling novel Chapter 1127

Crystal's POV:

It felt like my world had crumbled in an instant. I lost the strength in my legs, and if Rufus didn't catch me in time, I would have fallen on my knees.

"Calm down. This isn't the time to lose your wits. Pull yourself together."

I willed myself to stay upright, but I was still trembling all over. My precious Beryl was just a toddler, nothing more than a snack to the vicious python. How could anyone be so cruel as to try and feed her to that monster?

I pushed Rufus aside and took a deep, steadying breath. "What should we do now?"

"Don't worry," Rufus said in a low voice, his face set in quiet determination. "I have an idea." He signaled at his men to remain silent and retreat slowly. The more people there were, the higher the chances of alerting the python to our presence. In the end, only a handful of his trusted guards remained, stationed at intervals a few feet away from the tree.

I held my breath and stood still. I was like a spring wound tightly, ready to bolt forward at any given second.

I was familiar with the python. They called it Palmer, and it was notorious for being aggressive and extremely venomous. As far as I knew, the creature lived in the inner depths of the forbidden forest all year round. It shouldn't be here, unless it had been drawn out of its lair.

In the history of Palmer's existence, no one had ever survived its attack. Although, it was currently winter, so there was a high chance that the python was going through brumation. Even so, a single noise could rouse it from its slumber, and my daughter would immediately be in danger. Rufus was right in sending his men away.

He was gesturing at the remaining ones now, silently instructing them where to position themselves.

I figured I should make a move as well, so I braced myself and got ready to fight with the giant python. Before I could do anything else, however, Rufus touched my arm, stopping me. He leaned close and whispered in my ear. "Just stay here and leave it to me. Palmer's eyes may be closed, but it's probably just dozing off. The tiniest sound will alarm it, so we need to act fast. We both know I'm quicker and stealthier in climbing, so I should be the one to do this."