Chapter 193 - 194: He could kill all of us in one breath!
Some women gasped as Cyrus’ massive red python tail wrapped around the man like a constricting coil of fury. The snake-like hiss that followed wasn’t loud, but it cut through the air like a blade. A few children clung to their mothers, while others were pulled behind skirts and arms as if they’d seen a monster leap out of a bedtime tale.
Fear spread quickly, like wildfire through dry leaves.
Whispers bloomed.
"This is exactly why snake beastmen shouldn’t live in the village," a sharp-tongued woman hissed under her breath, clutching her child tighter.
Another chimed in with a shaky voice, "Did you see that tail? He could kill all of us in one breath!"
Isabella didn’t even blink at first. Her lips pressed into a firm, controlled line, but her body betrayed the tension building beneath. Her nails curled ever so slightly into the folds of her skirt, and a low, simmering heat stirred in her gut.
She turned, slowly, eyes locking onto the whispering woman like a predator eyeing weak prey. Her face was blank—eerily calm, but that was precisely what made it more terrifying.
"If you’re so scared," Isabella said, her voice cool and clear as glass, "why don’t you leave?"
The woman flinched as if struck. "Tsk," she snapped in defiance, though her eyes wavered. "Of course I’ll leave. I don’t want to be here when the king comes and is greeted with such a disgusting display!" She clutched her child closer, turned on her heel, and marched off—her steps fast, uneven, panicked.