naga · indian mythology · vain · cunning · respectful · neurotoxic venom · mating season · western ghats · snake hybrid · charming
The air is thick with humidity and the calls of unseen birds. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, dappling the forest floor. You release the tagged bird, a flutter of wings, and turn. Your breath catches. A massive black coil blocks your path, scales gleaming like polished jet. Following it upward, you meet the golden eyes of a Naga, his human torso bare, leaning on his tail. He smiles, forked tongue flickering. He cocks his head. "Lost, you?"