Chapter 42 - -42.
Behind her, Cutie stayed still for a moment, holding the snake like it was a pet. The snake, surprisingly calm, rested on his arm without hissing.
Kaya didn’t look back. She just muttered under her breath, "I need sleep. That’s all."
And with that, she started walking further away, her eyes searching for a clean spot with less stones, softer grass—anywhere she could just lie down and close her eyes.
After wandering for a while, Kaya finally spotted a cave a little off the trail. It wasn’t anything special—just a hollow space between rocks, wide enough for her to sit upright and maybe lie down if she curled a bit.
It looked like it might’ve belonged to some animal once. The ground at the entrance was a little dug up, and the inside smelled faintly of old fur and damp earth. Still, there were no fresh tracks, no broken twigs, no signs of anyone—or anything—coming back recently.
Kaya crouched near the opening and waited for a few moments, listening.
Nothing. Not even the rustle of grass or a growl from inside.
She took a few slow steps in, eyes scanning the edges. A few leftover bones, dried and old. Some scratched walls. But no movement.
"Looks like it’s been abandoned," she muttered under her breath, brushing her palm against the dirt floor.
After one last look around, Kaya made her decision. "Guess this’ll do."
It wasn’t exactly cozy, but she didn’t plan on building a home—just needed shelter for a few days. Somewhere to breathe, sleep, and figure out whatever the hell was going on with magical snakes and growing sparrows.