Althea's confident facade faltered for a fleeting moment as her dark eyes flicked toward Lorelai and Kai.
She was accustomed to seeing their lifeless stares and hollow expressions, but now, standing before her like this, they exuded something she had never anticipated—defiance. The sight filled her with a simmering rage.
Lorelai had somehow shattered all of Althea's spells at once, tearing apart the last threads of control she had over her.
And even though Kai remained under the influence of her blood magic, the sheer force of his mind fighting against her grip was nothing short of remarkable.
Clutching a small dagger in her right hand, Lorelai began to move forward. Her piercing green eyes remained fixed on Althea's vile, decayed form. Surprised by Lorelai's quiet bravery, the ghoul queen instinctively took a step back.
