Beneath The Surface

Final Act 54 - You finally looked at me...

Normal text
Thinking
Onomatopoeia

Ahri's POV
Tap. Tap. Tap.

I was darting across the field while lobbing Fox-Fires at the stingray hot on my tails. And my god was this thing hideous. Must every voidborn be this ugly??? Not only did its mutated face leave much to be desired, it was bloody fast too, able to keep pace with me. I've always thought that my speed was unmatchable. In all 21 years of my life, I've never once met a prey or predator who's able to rival my nimbleness. Yet this dumb fish on land was bolting after me with fervour. Even having the extra strength left to swat my fireballs away.

Glancing sideways, I noticed Asta carrying Kaisa to safety. That's good. Just a little longer. I just need to hold this creature's attention for a few more seconds. Without warning, Bel'Veth suddenly sped up and appeared next to me like a soundless ghost. Its stinger was raised, poised to gouge out my eye. The spike approached my face with unfathomable speed.

Thump. Thump.

My instincts kicked in. Pupils constricted and claws elongated. Lava ravaged the pit of my belly. Coiled tightly and lying in wait for the ripe moment to be unleashed. And when that time comes, it's bound to be an ugly sight.

It's as if time slowed down. I stared unblinkingly at the falling scythe. Hear the agonising wails of the nearby chaos. Smell the aroma of spirit essence floating in the air. Delicious. I must have it!

You're my prey now!

When the tip was inches away, my muscles tightened and I reflexively grabbed it with both hands. Squeezing with an unearthly amount of strength, the stinger screeched to a halt. And just in time. My arms shook as they strained under the stingray's pressure. But it only got my blood pumping.

Remember this moment.

The chase of the kill. The high of being the hunter. It's flooding me with ecstasy and euphoria. Morbid desire flared inside me. Completely dulling my rationality. Everything just sort of went blank.

I am the wild.

Adrenaline rushed to my head as my irises glowed a brighter amber. I want this bastard's attention on me! The sight of life leaving those beady eyes would surely be a delight. I always adore moments before my prey's demise. It's all part of the fun and game.

Baring my fangs, I crooned, "I'm famished."

I released a hand and surged forward, "Just a taste."

The boiling sensation zipped through my veins. Streams of inferno manifested at my fingertips. They converged to a single concentrated energy ball and straight up punched a hole through the stingray. Bel'Veth shrieked and batted me away with a wing. The impact on my stomach had me spitting out a bunch of saliva mixed with traces of blood. But the pain didn't register too well with my incapacitated brain. While tumbling across the ground, my tails plumed out and wrapped around my body. I plunged my claws into the loose soil and slowed the dangerous roll. The dull twinge wasn't enough to stop me from nimbly jumping back up on my feet. Meanwhile, Bel'Veth wasn't having too much fun with a smouldering crater in its lower jaw. Fluorescent purple life essence seeped out, bringing along a unique flavour. Very different from the ordinary greenish ones. My ears perked up as I stared at the enchanting sight. It had me captivated. Salivating. I eagerly parted my lips and the poisonous essence curled towards me. But I couldn't give a damn. This screeching sushi had tempted me long enough. I want to have just a tiny taste.

Before the wonderful dessert could touch my tongue, a hand clamped over my mouth. I snapped out of my fervour and glared at the spoilsport.

Akali daringly returned my annoyed gaze with an exasperated one, "Don't go eating whatever you find on the street! You dunno what kind of tumour that thing is!"