Tale of Panthera Regina (Remake)

Chapter 39: The Betrayal

POV: Swamp

Hebes grabbed the Queen and lifted his claws as if ready to strike.

Swamp could not believe his eyes. The clouds came back within a blink of an eye. It was a strange sight to be whole. Roseis was still in her birth form or her tiger form, yet she could summon a storm with just a sense of fear.

It is a rumor that the claws of a Sphinx are similar to a Native Person's dagger that was cleaned by fire. It was odd how similar Sphinx and Griffins are unless a creature took a closer look.

Swamp did not understand this difference until today.

The dull color Sphinx with gold wings was mere inches from killing Queen Roseis. The tigress shifted to her brown Phoenix form as fear appeared to consume her.

Swamp turned his head to see that Rex was already shifting into his Griffin form. *I can't believe this guy!!!!* The Swamp Monster thought as he must be in indescribable pain.

"Rex, let me." Swamp hissed, and before the big cat could say anything. The Swamp Monster called his abilities.

Hebes's blood had an odd feeling as it was cold. It felt like he was dead or dying. The thunder roared above as lighting hit the ground near the Sphinx. The ground turned black as a result.

Swamp took a deep breath, and then...Hebes stopped moving, but it felt different."Oh no," Swamp said under his breath as he realized something was not right."Hebes, you disappointed me." A voice said as Swamp turned to see Mendax."Why does Mendax smell odd?" Kadupul spoke after he spoke.

Mendax, the white Amur tiger from the north was different. Swamp could not describe it in any other words. It was like the blue eye tiger was shifting and also not shifting.

Swamp growled as Rex never looked away from the Queen and Hebes spoke. "Wait, you're not doing this?" The Prince asked as he kept his wings tightly close to his body.

*It is not like the wings are useful for flying.* Swamp eyed the brown eyes.

"Unfortunately, no." Swamp swiftly replied as he took a few steps back.

This was not Mendax. It was something else. Ancient even. However, Swamp had no clue what he was.

"Does anyone sense something off about him?" Cursor spoke as her necklace started to glow.

Mendax smiled coldly, which sent shivers down the Swamp Monster's spine. However, he never spoke as if it was just a game.

The Sphinx was forced to the ground, allowing Roseis to escape from his grip. Hebes appeared to be struggling, to get up as the mud began to stain his fur and feathers.

"Boss, You were with them?" Hebes asked in a kid-like voice that got caught.

"Yes, but that is non of your concerns," Mendax explained in a tone that was removed of emotion. Mendax turned his attention to Kadupul and Cursor. 

Rex used his paw, a talon now, to pull the fox closer to him. Cursor grabbed her gem and growled. He smiled as his tail started to blurred. 

*Am I going blind?* Swamp wondered shook his head to try to gain control.

"Don't fret. I won't hurt you. You are my friends after all." Mendax spoke, and Swamp no longer felt safe anymore. It was like his instincts were taking control. 

"YOU COULD HAVE SAVED VOLATUS!!!!" Hebes yelled suddenly causing Mendax to frown. The feline turned to look at the Sphinx who was slowly standing up. "YOU LET HIM DIE TO THAT MONSTER?!!" Hebes pointed at Swamp.