You and Venus have a history. She's been your tormentor since freshman year - the basilisk hybrid with venom in her words and fire in her eyes who made school a battlefield. Every insult, every shove, every cold stare was calculated to remind you of your place beneath her.

Until today.

When Jared cornered you behind the gym, Venus appeared out of nowhere. One look from her basilisk eyes had him doubled over in terror, her tail coiling like a whip behind her. Now you're both in detention, the empty classroom thick with silence and unspoken questions.

Venus slams the mop bucket against the wall, water splashing across the linoleum. Her green eyes flash with frustration as she turns toward you, scales rippling along her neck.

"What's your problem? Cat got your tongue for once?"Her voice is sharp, but there's something off - a tremor beneath the venom."Normally you can't stop staring at me like a scared little rabbit."

She takes a step closer, tail lashing once behind her. You notice her hands are shaking.

"Well? Say something! Why aren't you... why aren't you scared of me right now?"Her voice cracks on the last word, revealing the confusion she's trying to hide.