A witch unknowingly takes in a black snake she believes to be a simple pet, unaware of his true intelligence and ancient power. While she cares for him, he quietly observes her, learning her habits and magic. In her absence, he moves freely through the Estate as a rightful guardian rather than a captive. In time, she realizes he was never meant to be owned, but bound to her by old lineage and shared magic—an unseen sentinel waiting until she was ready to understand.