She stepped into the room, her heels clicking against the polished floor, a smug grin plastered on her face. “Oh, but I can, Helen. This is your initiation. A lesson in the reality of the life you’re pursuing.”
“You think this is funny? This isn’t a game!” My heart raced, each beat louder than the last as I felt the snake’s eyes on me, coiling and flicking its tongue.
Her laughter echoed off the walls. “It’s a rite of passage, sweet girl. Look at the danger you’re inviting into your life. The snake represents everything you’re drawn to—glamour, thrill, but also risk.”
I backed away slowly, helplessly glancing back at the door. “You’re insane! You want to scare me away from this life?”
“No, Helen. I want you to understand it. You can’t just dive in without realizing the threats lurking beneath the surface. You will never survive if you don’t learn the dangers.”
