The lift doors slid open with a heavy, pressurized hiss, revealing a subterranean staging area that looked more like a military bunker than the polished upper tiers of the Citadel.
Daphne was leaning against a terminal console, her violet eyes tracking the opening doors. Her lab coat hung open over her normal clothes: a sleek, form-fitting sleeveless white high-neck top that hugged her curves, paired with a fitted black leather mini skirt cinched with a thin belt and silver buckle.
"You took your time," Daphne said with a smile. Her gaze lingered on Zaeryn a second longer than necessary.
Annalise stepped out of the lift first. "Hey, Daphne."
"Annalise." Daphne acknowledged her without looking away from Zaeryn, then pushed off the wall and closed the distance between them.
