Page 166 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

As they neared the cage, Vladya initiated the first step of the mind exchange ritual.

Opening his mind, he began to hum a low, resonant tune.

A deafening thunderclap ripped through the tensed arena, shaking its very foundations.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, growing into cries of mourning and grief.

As if in answer, a bolt of lightning split the sky, momentarily lighting up the place.

Another thunderclap, even louder than the first, shook the earth.

Then, the beast stirred.

The grand lords froze. Their gazes locked onto the form within the cage. Despite the veil of darkness that cloaked the arena, the feral's movements could not be mistaken.

"He...moved?" Ottai's voice cracked, his eyes widening as he turned to Zaiper. "I thought you said the darts had done their job?"

"Of course they did," Zaiper said, confidently. "Three vials of iron shards dissolved in a solution infused with scented leaves from Abaddin—"

The beast raised its massive head. The chains around its limbs clinking as it slowly straightened.

A collective gasp rose from the audience. Those who had been slouching in their seats leaned forward, their eyes on the feral.

Another flash of lightning illuminated the arena.

The first drops of rain began to fall. The gentle patter on the stone was barely heard over the hushed whispers of the crowd.

"What's happening?" Zaiper's voice was a growing panic, his composure cracking.

And then, before their very eyes, the beast began to shift.

Paws elongated into hands. Fur receded to reveal smooth skin. A wild mane smoothed into dark, flowing hair. The transformation was gradual, but undeniable.

A pin could have dropped in the stunned silence that followed.

Right there, in front of thousands of astonished Urekai, the beast completed its transformation.

Where the beast form had lain moments before, now sat Grand King Daemonikai, the tranquilizer darts scattered around him.

His emerald eyes languidly took in the chains that bound him. With a flex of his powerful muscles, they shattered like brittle twigs.

The crowd erupted in a collection of gasps, whispers, and exclamations.

"The beast...shifted!"

"The King has returned?"

"Holy Ukrae!"

Grand King Daemonikai appeared disoriented as he took in his surroundings, his gaze sweeping across the arena. His eyes passed over Vladya...then snapped back, locking onto him.

A strangled sound escaped Vladya's throat. The ceremonial dagger slipped from his nerveless fingers, clattering to the sand. Then, he was moving, his body acting on pure instinct.

He crossed the arena in a blur, his hands warped into vicious claws as he ran.

The massive paws slammed against the cage locks, metal shrieking in protest before shattering. He ripped the door open, his hand male once more as he crawled inside, his eyes fixed on Daemonikai.

"D-Daemon?" The name emerged as a hoarse whisper, thick with a mixture of fear and hope.

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