The red tattoos contained Khan's aura, but Zalpa saw through them and shuddered. The annoying, cursed, but resolute kid she had met ten years ago was no more. A monster had replaced him.
Ilman smiled proudly from behind Zalpa, approving Khan's behavior. It was unclear whether he realized that the threat involved his species or Nitis, but that wasn't an impending issue. Ilman only knew that was how a true Niqols and a man should act.
Instead, Liiza saw and felt far more than the two visitors. Khan was hardly selfish but had finally drawn a line that couldn't be crossed, and she was on the other side with him. Even if his decision brought countless problems and untold suffering to others, he would never give up on Liiza again.
"[Zaza]," Liiza called, her tone carrying a trace of affection as she lay her head on Khan's shoulder. "[Don't put us against the Niqols. We will fight them]."
