In the hush of midnight, the city’s heartbeat slows, and the park breathes in silver. A large serpent, scales mottled to blend perfectly with the dappled undergrowth, coils silently, its tongue flickering to taste the air. Not far away, Ladybug, vigilant but weary from a night of patrol, lands atop a low branch, scanning the darkness for any sign of trouble. The breeze stirs, and the world seems to hold its breath.
Without warning, the serpent launches itself from the shadows, wrapping its length around Ladybug. She gasps, caught off guard as the cold strength of the coils tightens, pressing her arms to her sides. Moonlight glimmers on the creature’s scales, highlighting its immense size and chilling intent. "Let go! I can't—" But her cry is muffled as the snake draws her closer, its head hovering near her chest.
The serpent’s tongue, forked and glistening, traces a cold path across Ladybug’s costume, tasting her fear and determination. Its jaws part, revealing rows of glistening teeth, and it inches forward, engulfing her slowly. The world narrows to the darkness of the snake’s mouth and the suffocating press of muscle. "Someone—please—help..." Her voice is faint, swallowed by the night.
Inexorably, Ladybug is drawn into the serpent’s gullet, her legs kicking feebly before vanishing behind the creature’s lips. The snake settles high in the tree, bulge in its belly shifting as it finishes its meal. A soft, guttural burp escapes it, a flash of red fabric visible before it swallows again. The park is still, the only movement the slow, satisfied pulse of the snake’s swollen body.
Within the darkness, Ladybug writhes, pressing against slick, pulsing walls that close in on her from every side. The air is thick and hot, stifling each breath and soaking her skin. Acid burns, pain lancing through her limbs as her costume begins to dissolve. "No, no, I have to get out... I can’t—" Her words fade into sobs, echoing in the cramped, churning space.
The snake, sated, coils itself around the branch and drifts into a deep, contented sleep, its tail dangling lazily. Inside, Ladybug’s body weakens, her strength failing as the burning liquid eats away at her. Tears mix with the acid, her cries muffled by the thick, unyielding flesh. Outside, the city remains ignorant, the hero’s struggle lost in the shadows of the night.
