Capturing the chilling essence of a mythical narrative, the image depicts a giant snake ominously coiled around the crumbling ruins of an ancient temple, its formidable head emerging menacingly from swirling clouds of smoke. Rendered in a striking monochrome ink style, the artwork boasts a surreal, dark atmosphere enhanced by a high contrast between the stark blacks and ethereal whites, reminiscent of the haunting visions of Inoue Kyōichi and Zdzisław Beksiński. This technique expertly utilizes chiaroscuro and elements of double exposure, enriching the portrayal with layers of mystery and foreboding. The choice of this particular style emphasizes the surreal and horror aspects of the scene, seamlessly blending realism with elements of the grotesque to engage viewers. The strategic use of black and white not only heightens the dramatic effect but also demonstrates the benefits of using style references in AI art, enabling the creation of visuals that are both evocative and deeply resonant.