Though horns on the heads of the beast, these ten kings/bullies form a single team with the beast, as the angel explains further in Revelation 17:13. As we read this, we do need to bear in mind the beast’s own finitude, for it “goes to destruction” (Revelation 17:8, Revelation 17:11).
12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast.