Chapter 14: Princess Nyx
The morning sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden glow across the chamber. Lucas slowly opened his eyes, his body feeling refreshed from a night of intense cultivation. The lingering warmth of Qi still pulsed through his meridians, a sign of steady progress.
He stretched his arms lazily, only to pause when he noticed someone standing near the doorway. Lira was already inside, her hands neatly folded in front of her, her expression bright and blooming with excitement.
"Good morning, Master," she greeted with a deep bow, her voice filled with warmth.
Lucas blinked, still shaking off the remnants of meditation. "Oh, Lira... Good morning. You seem quite cheerful today."
"I’m making progress in my cultivation, Master!" she beamed, her eyes practically glowing with joy.
"That’s great to hear. Keep it up, dear," Lucas said, genuinely pleased.
"Thank you, Master," Lira replied, bowing slightly. "I’ve prepared your breakfast and your bath... You didn’t eat anything yesterday," she added with a hint of concern.
Lucas ran a hand through his slightly messy black hair. "Oh... that’s true. I got carried away." He chuckled. "Thanks, Lira. I’ll take my bath first."
Lira nodded and quickly turned to face the wall, giving him privacy. Lucas walked over to the bath bowl—a large wooden tub filled with warm water that carried a faint herbal scent. He reached for the vials on the nearby table, pouring in a few drops of elixirs. The water shimmered as the potent herbs mixed in, releasing a faint golden hue.
He stepped into the bath, allowing the warm water to soak into his skin, easing the tension in his muscles. As he washed, he felt the subtle energy of the herbs seeping into his pores, reinforcing his body’s recovery. It was a small but necessary step in ensuring his cultivation progressed smoothly.
After he was done, he stepped out, grabbed a robe, and tied it loosely around his waist. As he walked toward the mirror, he suddenly realized something—he had barely taken the time to properly look at himself since waking up in Xavier’s body.