Adrian's vision still swam from the venom, but he wasn't about to let that stop him. The manticore loomed large before him, its grotesque human face twisted into a snarl, jagged teeth bared.
The scorpion tail lashed dangerously behind it, dripping venom that sizzled as it hit the stone floor.
He felt the poison still coursing through his veins, slowing his movements, but he forced himself to stay upright, gripping his sword tightly in one hand and preparing his chains with the other.
"Selene, stay back," Adrian growled in a voice hoarse but firm voice.
Selene hesitated, her eyes flickering between Adrian and the beast. She was still catching her breath from the hypnotic hold it had on her, her hand clutching her dagger, her movements shaky. "But I can—"
"No!" Adrian cut her off. "You've been grazed by that thing's venom. Stay back and relax. I'll handle it."
