Chapter 8: Escape Isn’t Easy When They Love You to Death - 3
When Rein entered the next chamber, he nearly walked back out.
The room was a sensual fever dream.
A circular table floated in midair, low and wide, hovering above a shallow pool of steam.
Beneath the surface, red lotus petals drifted over glowing stone. The air was warm and sweet—laced with cinnamon, rose, and something more primal. Spices. Wine. Want.
Asmodra sat cross-legged on a divan behind the table, arms resting delicately on the edge, a thin chain draped across her lap like a discarded ribbon.
She was barefoot now, her gown shorter, split at the thigh, exposing smooth legs and faint sigils that pulsed with dim firelight.
"Sit," she said, as if it were obvious.
"I'm not hungry."
"Then eat anyway. You'll need your strength."
"For what?"
She smiled. "Escape attempts are exhausting."