She’s big. She’s bold. She’s beautiful. She’s none other than Manisha’s BFF, a magical cobra who goes by the name Noni (which means small but is also the name of a green fruit that matches her moss-colored eyes). Legend says these rare serpents come from teardrops mixed with the purest droplets of water straight from heaven, and hatch from eggs made from stardust under a full moon during the passing of falling stars. Magical indeed!

And if you’re not a fan of snakes, you will be! Noni is cuddly, sweet, and loyal to the end. Manisha would even say Noni is a barrel of laughs! In a world full of mortals, humanoids, and monsters, Noni is a stretch above the rest. Literally. She’s huge.

Depending on her age, you may find her coiled around Manisha’s neck where she enjoys rides and plentiful naps; slithering amid the canopy branches snatching an enemy or two; shedding highly sought-after golden snakeskin; splitting her head into two (or even seven) and spitting venom if provoked; gobbling up soldiers who may or may not be digested; or glaring at a certain slayer should he make one wrong move towards her bestie.

Let’s welcome Noni in a round of “Would You Rather?” And since Noni can’t actually speak, she’ll hiss toward her answers instead.

Thanks for joining us, Noni!

Noni: (Silent glare.)

So cute! Let’s begin. Noni, if you were to leave the floating mountains, would you rather be thrown off the cliffs or stow away on a temperamental, fire-breathing mayura that so happens to despise snakes?

Noni: Mayura.

We don’t blame you. Looks like a long and painful drop. Would you rather be a baby snake curled around Manisha’s neck or a full-grown behemoth giving Manisha rides on your back?

Noni: Behemoth.

We love a giving bestie! Would you rather eat menacing lions or predatory soldiers?

Noni: Soldiers.

Ooh, sensing some animosity there! Would you rather have one head or seven?

Noni: Seven.

Would you rather live secluded and safe on the floating mountains or wreak havoc with your freedom on the ground?

Noni: Havoc.

We’re all about freedom! Okay, last question: Would you rather have monstrous size or venom?

Noni: (Long hiss.) VENOM.

Want to hear more from Noni? Be sure to catch her in A Drop of Venom, on sale 1/16! Just, uh, be sure to watch the fangs . . .