Curtis was the one who captured the prey they had for dinner. After eating, the family of four returned to the top story. At the sight of the new snakeskin in the bedroom, Damien realized that Curtis had shed his skin, not consumed a transparent crystal as he had assumed.

Seeing this snakeskin reminded Damien of the scene where Irina was captured. Hence, he pulled a long face at Curtis. After arranging his nest, he said to Irina, “Irina, sleep with me today.”

“Sure,” Irina replied after a moment’s hesitation.

Although today was the big day where Curtis shed his skin, Damien had been slogging for half a day. If...