Chapter 8: The Beast’s Burden - 7
The bathhouse behind Trail’s End was a haven of stone and steam, its sunken tubs carved into the floor, their surfaces slick with heat.
Lanterns hung from iron hooks, casting amber light across the tiled walls, their glow dancing on the water’s surface.
It was late—late enough that the tavern’s revelers had either staggered to their beds or collapsed in drunken heaps, leaving only the hum of crickets and the faint drip of condensation.
Rin lounged in the water, arms draped along the tub’s edge, her golden eyes half-lidded with sated ease.
The heat melted her muscles, her dark gray hair clinging to her shoulders, her tail floating limp like a shadow in the steam.
Faint bruises marked her collarbone, a map of Kio’s grip, each one a quiet boast of her surrender.
The door creaked open, a soft groan of wood against the stillness.
Mira entered, unapologetically bare, her bronze skin catching the lanternlight before the steam even touched her.
Her red hair was twisted into a loose knot atop her head, stray curls framing her neck.
Her full breasts swayed as she padded across the stone, her hips rolling with the confidence of a woman who knew her power.
Lira followed, her steps cautious, her emerald eyes scanning the room.