Chapter 29: Course of Death
Dominic walked over, rage burning in his eyes, and grabbed the thick, armored arm of the Iron Fisted Monkey. With a roar, he yanked it off the ground and swung it in a powerful arc, slamming the beast into the cracked, bloodied earth. Bones cracked. Dust and blood burst into the air as the monkey howled in pain and agony, limbs flailing against the impact.
But Dominic didn’t care.
Before it could recover, he pulled it up slightly and delivered a crushing blow to the side of its head. His knuckles dug into the fur-covered iron skull. The creature screeched in raw, primal pain. But it wasn’t finished.
Just as he pulled back for a final, killing strike, the Iron Fisted Monkey lashed out, its massive iron fist slamming into the side of Dominic’s face like a thunderclap. Blood exploded from his mouth. He stumbled backward, spitting red liquid, his vision shaking. His boots dragged through dirt as he staggered.
He could barely keep his balance.
"Damn! Didn’t see that coming," Dominic muttered, wiping blood from his lips. "I guess I have to be a bit more careful now."
He forced himself upright, breathing heavy. His glare rose to meet the creature’s as it shakily climbed back to its feet, growling low with fury. Then his eyes shifted—the two other Iron Fisted Monkeys had stood. All three now faced him, their glowing yellow eyes fixed on him with murderous intent.
A crooked grin split his blood-stained face.
"OK. Let’s do this again."
He cracked his fists. Shadowy tendrils licked off his body, and he flexed his arms, steel-willed and fearless.
He launched himself at the first monkey, fist swinging like a comet. But the beast raised its iron arm just in time, blocking with a dull clang. Sparks flew. The impact jolted through Dominic’s arm, stinging his knuckles.