Part 2The Venom of Mercy

Chloe grabbed my arm. "Maya, I know I’m not a genius like you. I don't deserve your help."

"But first you claim there are vipers, and now you’re 'scared'? You’re just trying to imply I’m lying to everyone. I would never hurt my friends!"

She started to sob. "Just go. Everyone, just go. I don't deserve the luck. I’ll just accept that I’m a failure."

Before I could blink, Tyler slapped me across the face. "It's just a few snakes, you coward!"

"You're just trying to bully Chloe!"

He grabbed my wrist, dragging me toward the crate.

I was shaking. "I'll stay! I'll record! Just let me go!"

"Look at how pathetic you are," Tyler sneered, throwing me to the ground.

The other guys laughed. "Being a nerd doesn't make you part of the team, Maya."

"Ugly girls are always jealous of girls like Chloe. If she messes with Chloe again, let's just toss her into the water with the snakes."

I promised I wouldn't leave. I held up my phone.

Tyler laughed. "The 'snake bath' is supposed to be life-changing. If Chloe wasn't on her period, she’d be in there with us."

The boys roared with laughter.

"Stop it, you guys are embarrassing me," Chloe giggled. "Release them!"

The moment Tyler opened the crate, the snakes slid into the dark, murky water like oil.