“I…I’m Briar,” I say, failing to keep my voice steady.
Its tongue flicks out, taking in my scent even more.
“And what are you doing here?”it asks, its voice rumbling in my head.
“Seeking answers,” I force out.
“As many come here to do and fail.”The creature angles its scaled face.
“What are you?” I ask.
The massive serpent lowers its head, creating just enough space for its sizable body to move closer. A large claw glides over the shelves, lightly brushing the leather spines of numerous ancient books.
“I am the protector, the guardian. I am Eldursyth, the creation of the God of Darkness himself. I am death and destruction.”
My face pales, but I remain as calm as possible, even though that feels pointless.
“Nice to meet you,” I squeak out.
I start to move, the uncomfortable position beginning to weigh on my aching body. The creature notices my flinch.
“Allow me to assist you down so we can converse better,”the creature hisses.
The beast's face shifts downward, creating room for its large claw to grip my body, lifting me momentarily toward the red book. I scan above the towering bookshelves and see the table in the middle of the room. I’m not far from the exit. I quickly extend my hand and grasp the worn leather, snapping it to my side while praying that the creature didn’t notice. The sharp talons bring me to the ground, but don’t release me.
“Thank you,” I say politely, as my feet touch the solid ground again, and I smile.
Eldursyth shifts his massive body to get a better view of me. I stand face-to-face with a creature larger than anything I’ve everencountered. Its tongue flicks out again, almost making contact with me, prompting me to step back.
“You don’t smell like the others. You smell odd and ancient yourself,”Eldursyth says.“The better question is, what are you, little one?”
I step back again. “I am a Dusk Wielder. That is what you smell. I possess powers of both Gods.”
Eldursyth hisses.“That is not all you possess.”
“It definitely is.”
“You have a rider deep within you, a leech. A creation of the Gods, like me.”
I continue to move backward, each step small and nearly motionless. If I can get to the passage's end, I can run again. I need to keep the creature speaking so the distraction will grant me more time.
“Nothing possesses me,” I lie. “I am merely a Dusk Wielder seeking answers on this crimson moon.”
He slithers closer, and I hold my breath.
“Do you take me for a fool?”
“Gods, no! Only sheltered,” I respond, regretting the words as soon as they leave my mouth.
The snake only stares for a second, and sweat beads on my forehead.
“I’ve been guarding the Archives for many centuries, preventing those who have questions from ever finding answers. What is written here should remain forgotten, Briar.”
I squeeze the book behind my back and nod. “And you’ve clearly done a great job.”
The serpent moves closer and raises its head, ensuring I remember its size. I awkwardly grin and feign calmness. The true size of this creature is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The legends are true; a beast of this magnitude exists, and I’msomehow standing in front of it, trying to steal a book from its ancient collection.
Eldursyth’s head slithers forward. “Are you frightened?”
