Page 52 of A Taste For Lies (The Apex Kingdom #1)
Chapter 52
TARAN
I take the stairs two at a time, Carter fast on my heels. At least he’s armed. I had no time to go back to my quarters for my sword.
But I’m never really without a weapon these days.
I slow my pace as we near the dungeons, taking a moment to scent the air. Rhegar. And two others I don’t immediately recognize. No sign of my father or Vorrick. They must still be in the ballroom where I left them. I pray Victoria was telling the truth about keeping them in the dark.
I hold up three fingers to Carter and mouth, Rhegar . He nods, sliding his sword from its scabbard as quietly as he can.
My eyes shift, and I let my stoneclaw take over. My canines lengthen, my claws harden, and horns curl over my head, somehow bigger than the last time.
Carter’s eyes, glowing with Apex power, widen at the sight.
But all I can feel is deep satisfaction. I’m going to rip them all to shreds.
Unable to wait any longer, I charge down the corridor.
Rhegar is waiting. Of course he is. He no doubt heard me coming. But the sight of me—more beast than man—freezes him just long enough. I inhale the tantalizing scent of his fear, basking in it but never slowing. He swings his sword, but it’s like it’s moving in slow motion for all it bothers me. I dodge with ease, swiping my claws across his back. His agonized screams echo, sweet and satisfying. Carter flashes back and forth at my side, battling the other two Apex simultaneously.
Rhegar manages to swipe his sword near one of my horns, and I roar as its sharp edge slices through the tips. He smiles, breathing heavily. “You fucking animal,” he grunts. “I wonder what your pretty little lynx will look like with her own claws.” He laughs hoarsely. “Think she’ll still be pretty enough to fu—”
His taunt dies in his throat as blood dribbles out of his mouth. He looks down. My hand is embedded inside his chest.
My stoneclaw roars with victory as I wrap my claws around his heart, feeling its feeble, panicked beat, and yank it from his body.