Her performance momentarily deceived Emerie, who assumed the serpent had encountered the sulfur powder.

Administering a pill from her sleeve, Emerie soothed the serpent, which obediently consumed it before settling down to rest.

Unlike the callous chief, Emerie harbored affection for the creatures she had nurtured, treating them as her own kin. She hated seeing them hurt.

Approaching Nicole, Emerie offered another pill, ensuring its ingestion by guiding Nicole's throat.

Nicole complied, feeling the pills’ effects enhancing her vitality without the need for sustenance.

With a lingering scent of pine, likely from Roscoe, Emerie departed without further discourse. Nicole took it as a sign from Roscoe.

Closing her eyes, Nicole prepared to rest, buoyed by the unexpected efficacy of the pills, which infused her with uncharacteristic vigor.

As night descended, Nicole cautiously tested her surroundings. The serpent, still recuperating, lay dormant.

Stealthily approaching the door on her toes, Nicole reached for the latch, only to find it already ajar from the outside.

Panic surged through her as she turned to retreat, but before she could react, the door swung wide open.

Caught off guard, Nicole failed to get back to her original position in time. As the door swung open, she saw a tall, dark figure. She paused, realizing it wasn't Emerie she had thought. Looking more closely, she recognized it was Roscoe.

Roscoe's eyes, unlike during the day, now had a sharp, intense focus.

He spoke softly. "Nicole..."

Nicole was at a loss for words, overwhelmed by shock. “You... You haven't lost your memory?" Why else had he recognized her?

Roscoe didn't explain right away. Instead, he grabbed her wrist and said, "I'll explain later. We need to get out of here now."

Without hesitation, Nicole allowed Roscoe to lead her as they quickly slid down the tree.

To avoid making noise, they took off their shoes and proceeded in their socks, carefully walking to avoid the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Suddenly, the sound of flapping wings filled the air.

“Get down!" Roscoe whispered quickly.

Nicole instantly dropped to the ground, lying flat.