138 The Mantis Preys on the Cicada, Unaware of its Corrupt Venom (Part 2)

In a stasis of stupor and bewilderment, Birandar didn't react to Harun's move. But not one to gamble his life on pointless probes, Mukri didn't dare waste a second and, using Jiyan as his shield, put as much distance between his rogue boss and himself as he could.

Lips curled in a devious grin, Harun pushed against Jiyan's blade and, in an atypical show of hubris, dragged his elongated claws across its surface. The grating, screeching sounds couldn't break Jiyan's composure, but that loathsome stare and flagrant murderlust Harun faced her with…slammed at her heart. Suppressing a rollercoaster of negativity, Jiyan vanished, reappearing several steps behind.