Into the Mouth ofthe Manticore

Venom drips from the fang-filled, demonic, Cheshire grin. The Gladiator has fought and killed many animals for this sport, but somehow this feels different.
As the beast circles, the warrior gleans a glimpse of cunning and intelligence behind the creature's eyes. The almost human voice taunts him and catches him off guard. A scorpions tail lashes the distance between the combatants. Piercing armor and flesh.
Too late the warrior realizes just who was the prey in this arena as the fierce toxins burn him into unwilling slumber.

Into the Mouth of the Manticore
~Satyr