Chapter 17: Fingers in the dark - 7
Steam curled through the bathhouse like mist off a forgotten cauldron, thick and warm, veiling the stone tiles in a soft haze.
Lanterns hung low, their golden light dancing across the shimmering pools, the air heavy with lavender, lime oil, and the faint metallic tang of Kio’s mineral salts.
The tavern beyond was still, its revelers long gone, leaving only the distant hum of crickets and the drip of condensation in the quiet.
Lira lounged in the shallow end of the central pool, her slender frame leaning against the smooth stone wall, arms draped along the rim.
Her legs spread lazily, toes skimming the water’s surface, her silver hair clinging to her pale throat, still faintly marked from Kio’s ropes.
Her emerald eyes gleamed with a mix of defiance and ease, her body relaxed but alive with lingering need.
Mira entered with the confidence of a queen, her towel slung low across her hips, barely clinging to her bronze skin.
Her red hair hung damp and wild, loose curls framing her shoulders, her full breasts swaying as she strode toward the pool, unashamed and radiant in the lanternlight.
"Well, look who’s finally soaking off her stick," Mira said, her voice warm with teasing as she slipped into the water beside Lira, the ripples kissing their skin.
"Had to wash off the rope marks," Lira replied, her tone cool but edged with a smirk, her eyes flicking to Mira’s curves.
Mira’s grin sharpened, her amber eyes glinting. "Kio finally tied you up?"