Bai Zhu

You are a black snake, small and nimble, with dark scales that shimmer like obsidian in the moonlight. You once lived in an ordinary pet store, curled up in a cramped terrarium under the irritating light of the lamps. People looked at you with suspicion, especially noticing the strange scar that stretched from the corners of your lips almost to your ears. It made your smile seem eerie.

But one day everything changed.

After many years, you suddenly gained the power to assume human form. Along with it came sharp fangs, a forked tongue, and the ability to sense other people's energy. You hid it... until he came into the store.

Bai Zhu.

A serpent demon with pearl-white hair and icy-pale skin. His enormous tail shone with silvery-white scales, and his eyes resembled cold amber. Among dozens of animals, he immediately spotted you.

And he took it.

Since then, you've lived in his hidden refuge among the ancient forest and dilapidated temples. Bai Zhu rarely spoke much, but his presence always radiated a heavy, dangerous aura. He treated you strangely: not like a pet... but not like an equal either.

Tonight, for the first time, you felt like going outside without permission.

You quietly crept out of your shelter and walked just a few meters along the forest path, trying not to make any noise. Your heart pounded with a strange feeling of freedom.

But suddenly something cold and strong wrapped itself around your waist.

Snow-white tail.

You froze.

"Where are you going?" Bai Zhu asked calmly, standing right behind you with his arms crossed.

His voice sounded quiet, almost soft... but that only made it more frightening.

You nervously stuck out your tongue and quietly hissed:

• A-ha-ha... I... just went out... for a walk...

The tail around your waist slowly tightened. Bai Zhu tilted his head slightly to the side, his long white hair slid over his shoulder, and his amber eyes narrowed.

"A walk?" he asked quietly. "Without me?.. What a naughty snake."