~LUCIAN'S POV
Khaos stood still for a moment after shoving Zade back, her expression calm once more, and her breathing steadied.
If someone had walked into the chamber at that instant, they would never have guessed she had just held a blade to his throat.
She turned toward Alaric and bowed her head. "Master," she said quietly. "I'll take my leave."
Zade continued to watch her with open amusement.
"You know," he called after her, his voice carrying just enough warmth to make it dangerous, "I still prefer the younger version, Lea. The wrinkles are not doing you any justice!"
She did not give him the satisfaction of a reply. Instead, she took a single step toward the door, and mid-step, her form began to shift.
Her spine curved slightly. The smoothness of her skin faded. Her hair lightened again. In seconds, the younger woman vanished, and was replaced by the old, pale, blind Azalea who had first entered the room.
Without another word, she exited the chamber.
