At first, the viper saw all the individuals in the clearing in between its territory.
There were three humans, one boar, one Silverfang wolf pup, and a bird that was sitting at a nearby branch, looking at the viper with its face to the side and one eye.
Theo saw the viper's face move down to his pants, making him aware that it knew the mantis was there too.
And then, finally, its face moved straight, making Theo's eyes twitch.
'Did it detect the ape too?' Theo thought with surprise.
The mantis was one thing, but to feel the presence of a beast that was in no way inside the eye line and so high up on top of the tree that it would be thrice the distance between the viper and Theo right now.
Yet Theo stepped forward and moved sideways; his sword was still facing the viper.
The viper's eyes got fixed on Theo, who was coming closer through the side, yet closer every single step.
