Something Immortal

42: Avarice Part Two

Annis have borne many names over the centuries—but just like the strigoi, their existence was shrouded in mystery saved by the occasional tale of their dwelling as a cave. One thing was for certain though, they have long and very sharp nails and razor-edged sharp teeth that helped them pounce on unsuspecting victims. Plus, they enjoyed throwing hexes and curses at anyone. Every spell coming out of their mouth could create a hallucination—that could turn death into something beyond the antecedents of a mirage.

In an instant, that tavern turned into a deadly cage filled with monsters looking forward to having a taste of draconian blood. To counter their hexes, Som had to barricade them with rune magic, carving each spell onto every wall and ceiling. The succubus and incubus were easy. But the black annis were noxious, not to mention their cackles were annoying.

One of them suddenly lunges at Kali, wild-eyed, her fingers clawing his neck. But Som pulled out a golden chain made of rune magic and jerked her taut at the last instant, stopping her just inches from Kali. As the witch struggled in vain to reach him, the chains were snapping and jerking, one of their kind charged at Kali followed by another and another. It has become apparent to Som that these creatures were after the draconian and barely noticed him. But no matter how many hexes and curses they threw at the Dragon Prince, Som either thwart it or it just doesn't work on Kali. Even their bite that was enough to tear down flesh was belittled by the draconian noble who just kicked them one by one in their faces, his wounds healed at a rapid pace faster than Som could even see.

On top of it all, Kali hasn't used his sword yet.

Som could only gaze at him with mouth wide open—these creatures were like cockroaches to Kali, he was even smiling as he punched and kicked them everywhere he likes, not minding where he hits them.

"This is fun," he uttered.

"I'm not enjoying it!" Som exclaimed, the sweat on his forehead had now slipped passed his temple down to the bridge of his nose. "Finish it already."

"Babe, I'm trying my best here. Kindly give me praise here."

The sudden endearment made Som blush. "Stop flirting and just finished them already. I want to get out of here!"

A flying dagger, swirling from across the room almost hit Som in the face but Kali was swift to see this and stopped it with his hand, headbutting an incubus who tried to pass through the protective circle that Som created. Kali played the dagger in his hand and throw it right back to the black annis and it hit the target, piercing her in between her brows. As though they have but one mind, they all opened their mouth wide and let out a loud cry and the vibration of it hacked down anything in their path until the walls of the tavern was destroyed.

"Kali!"

Hearing the panic in his tone, the draconian prince wielded Nightfall at last, raising his sword, coming down, and slashing across the wind, the aura alone was enough for several black annis, along with the remaining succubus and incubus to go stumbling, falling to the ground.

Seeing the power before them, the succubus and incubus made a soundless cry and feel. But not that the black annis. They were enjoying this as much as Kali, and they won't stop until every last one of them died.

Seeing that it was becoming difficult for Som since he was losing too much spiritual energy, Kali turned deadly serious, cutting, slashing, and piercing each and every one of them. There was no fear in their eyes and they cackled even when their limbs were cut. The one that was on the chain seized the moment and ripped through it. And Som, whose energy was weakened accidentally released the rune magic and she was able to take a weapon and plunged it into Kali's back. Shock rooted Som on the spot but Kali only pulled it out and impaled the same weapon through her head—the creature lets loose a cry of agony.