It's not much more than half a block ahead that she sees the creature that must have left that skin. It's big, a green so bright it's almost eye-searing, a contrast to the white and gray landscape, but it rests coiled in the snow like it belongs there. The snake raises its head when she draws closer, and it has bright red eyes, like jewels.

There's a distinctive gold pattern on the head, twin curves like a horned helmet.

The serpent lifts its head higher off the ground, until its face is roughly level with hers, and just watches her.