Chapter 5
389words
"We've tracked a dangerous vampire to Northern Europe," he explained, carefully folding his shirts. "It's critical and requires backup. But I thought you could come along—make it our honeymoon too. Didn't you always want to see the fjords?"
I was about to agree when my phone rang. It was my father's butler.
"Miss Ivy, forgive the intrusion," the butler's voice was tight with concern, "but Oro appears to be unwell."
"What's wrong with him?" I asked, instantly alert.
"He returned last night looking quite distressed. He won't eat and barely moves. I believe you should return and assess his condition."
I glanced at Sebastian, who was watching me with narrowed eyes.
"It's Oro," I explained. "Something's wrong. I don't think I can go with you."
"It's just a snake," Sebastian said dismissively. "The staff can handle it."
"He's not just any snake," I said firmly. "I need to go back."
An hour later, I was back at the estate. Oro did indeed look unwell—curled in the corner of his terrarium, his once-brilliant silver scales now dull and lifeless.
"Oro," I whispered, "what's wrong?"
He lifted his head briefly to meet my gaze, then dropped it again.
Worried, I decided to take him back to the clinic.
"Dr. Grey, could you examine him again?" I asked anxiously. "Something's seriously wrong."
Dr. Grey was as gentle and thorough as before, checking all Oro's vital signs. Strangely, the results showed nothing amiss.
"Temperature normal, reflexes good, all vitals stable," Dr. Grey said, adjusting his glasses. "Could be stress from environmental changes. Has your routine changed since the wedding?"
As he spoke, I noticed Oro—previously so lethargic—suddenly slithering energetically around Dr. Grey's arm.
"He seems to really like you," I observed.
"Animals have good instincts," Dr. Grey smiled. "Maybe he just feels safe with me."
In the car heading back, I confronted Oro: "You were faking, weren't you?"
Oro lifted his head in the carrier, his eyes glinting with unmistakable mischief.
"To keep me from going on my honeymoon?" I pressed.
He didn't respond, but I didn't need confirmation. This mysterious snake was deliberately sabotaging my relationship with Sebastian, and also...
"Should I get you a frequent visitor card for Dr. Grey's clinic?" I asked with a wry smile.
