บท 72: "Shedding"

Lia helped Sanno take off his long-sleeved shirt. His well-defined abs had some streaks and patches of snake scales at the sides, as well as his arms. On his back were some snake scales, too, but the most evident part was on his spine.

"It's terrible," Lia said after seeing some of his scales partly peeling off. In these, the thick skin had almost detached, exposing his bleeding, pink flesh. "I'll help you clean them. Where can I find some towels?"

"It's in the drawer... beside the cupboard," Sanno said as he closed his eyes because of the pain.

Lia quickly searched for the clean towels. She took some in the drawer and placed it over his arms. 

"Lia, I'll… I'll handle it, you can go now," he said in a low voice.

"No, I'll help you clean your wounds-"

"No, I'll be fine. Besides... it's not the first time," Sanno said, looking at Lia and giving her a subtle smile. "Go now, your mutant is waiting for you."