The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1168

Stella turned her head and froze. Slithering toward her was a snake, its scales gleaming with vivid colors in the moonlight.

It was about as thick as her forearm, tongue flickering out in quick, red darts. She didn't know exactly what kind of snake it was, but the garish pattern on its body told her everything she needed to know-it was dangerously venomous.

A shiver crept over her scalp. Truth be told, there was nothing she feared more than snakes.

Of course, the woods were crawling with them.

The snake, sensing her presence, coiled itself tightly, ready to strike at any moment.

Stella's grip tightened around the knife she carried-a gift from Joshua not long ago. Compact, lightweight, perfect for self-defense.

She kept her eyes locked on the snake, every muscle tensed.

The serpent glided a little closer, closing the gap until it was near enough to strike.

Stella braced herself, watching it advance.

Suddenly, she lunged, slashing out with the blade.

The knife cut straight through-the snake's head flew to one side, its body collapsing in silence.

A foul, metallic scent filled the air. Stella gagged, her stomach heaving. The stench was overwhelming.

then, in the quiet of the night, she heard something moving

Stella

the shadows, a tall, familiar figure

through her as she recognized Joshua. Every nerve

once, and she nearly slumped

"how did

and answered, "Rain leaves traces on the trail. I

spiked. "You mean

be able to track her the

shook his head. “No footprints, just traces-broken

foliage. I covered up the trail behind me as I came. They won't

covered

Stella allow herself a small breath of

in her eyes.

his usual reply, "Just

Always just a bit.

was about to tease him when

a strange

jerked her head

no thicker than

coiled tightly around her