After retreating a few steps, Anastasia looked at the snake. It had indeed been injured on the head. She sensed that the snake was still alive, she was weak and had not used enough force when stoning it. She expected it to seize the chance to escape, yet it was instead coming for her. The situation was strange indeed, but she had no time to ponder it.
She glanced around frantically for another weapon. Not far away lay a stick. This time, she could not afford to keep her eyes on the snake. She hurried over and picked up the stick, though it felt heavy in her weakened hands. Without hesitation, she turned and struck at the snake. She had never killed a snake before, and the sight of it still terrified her.
