Guardian of the Tomb

A hiss and a slow, winding slither. A flicker of a flame-thin tongue between two white teeth.

Kenna froze under the branches of the ancient tree, inches from the cracked, moss-covered gateway into the ancient tomb, and stared at the serpent hanging down in front of her, its scales shimmering in the evening light.

A single venomous bite and she’d be dead. A movement, a breath, could startle it and she’s be done for before she could move.

But wait and it might strike anyway.

Her hand twitched, a subtle movement towards her belt. The serpent’s tongue flashed.

Her fingers closed on cold steel and the serpent lunged, mouth spread wide.

The machete hacked through the writhing coils and the serpent’s head flew off, landing amidst the stones.

Kenna’s heart pounded in her chest as she looked down at the bloodstained steel.

Then she stepped forward, into the tomb’s shadow.

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Word Count: 150

This is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. Thanks to Priceless Joy for running the challenge and Kecia Spartin for providing the prompt photo!