Chapter 33 - 32 - Moonlit Waters
He turned his head, curiosity flickering in his gaze—then froze.
Light footsteps on the grassy ground came to a stop just a few meters from the edge of the lake. Beneath the pale moonlight stood the figure of Ashtoria, carrying several pieces of folded cloth—a thin tunic and rolled-up trousers in one arm, along with a neatly folded towel.
With just one glance, Riven immediately understood her intention.
She wanted to bathe.
Riven, who was already soaking in the lake—naked, with only half his body hidden beneath the surface—felt a sudden discomfort rise within him. His face stiffened, and he called out quickly, "Stop!"
Ashtoria paused and looked at him, puzzled. "Why?" she asked, her voice as calm as ever.
Riven cleared his throat awkwardly, lowering his gaze. "What are you trying to do?" he asked, even though the answer was obvious.
Ashtoria raised one brow slightly, then replied casually, "I want to bathe with you."
The words struck him like a slap. His face flushed with heat. He wanted to tell her to wait her turn, or perhaps go to the other side of the lake—but before he could speak, a sudden realization flashed through his mind like lightning.
’Shouldn’t I be happy to bathe with a woman this beautiful?’
He cursed himself silently.