The bath was carved from smooth stone, nestled among ivy-covered walls and blooming lavender. Steam rose gently from the clear water as Ivy stepped in first, sighing at the soothing heat. The fragrant scent of lavender mingled with the faint musk of damp earth, creating a calming atmosphere that wrapped around her like a soft blanket. The sunlight filtered through the lattice of leaves overhead, casting dappled patterns on the water's surface.
Kael followed, his hand sliding into hers as he settled beside her. The moment felt almost suspended in time, as if the world outside no longer mattered. The gentle warmth of the bath seeped into their bones, erasing the chill of the day and quieting the restless thoughts that had chased them both.
For a while, they simply sat together, limbs tangled, their skin slipping against each other under the water. The quiet, broken only by the gentle ripple of water and the occasional soft breath, felt like a world of its own. Ivy's fingers traced slow circles on Kael's hand, grounding herself in his presence, while his thumb stroked delicate lines on her wrist.
Kael's hand drifted across her thigh, light and slow. His touch was unhurried, exploring every inch of her damp skin with reverence. Ivy leaned into him, her cheek resting on his shoulder. She felt the rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of him, the safety. The subtle sound of his heartbeat echoed in the silence, steady and reassuring.
He kissed her shoulder slow and warm. His lips trailed up to her neck, then to her jaw. Ivy closed her eyes, tilting her head to give him more access. His kisses weren't rushed; each one felt like a promise, like a prayer whispered directly to her soul. The heat of his breath mingled with the steam, making her skin tingle where they met.
"You feel like home," he murmured against her skin, voice low and husky.
Ivy opened her eyes, looking into his. "Then don't let go."
Their mouths met, and the kiss grew deeper, hotter. Kael's hands slid down her back, holding her tighter. Ivy's fingers tangled in his wet hair as she kissed him harder, her breath catching in her throat.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, feeling every inch of him pressed against her. His hands slid down to cup her thighs, holding her in place. The warmth of the water, the scent of lavender, the intimacy of their bodies,it was all-consuming.
Kael kissed her wet skin, his lips exploring her body with slow, burning need. His hands followed, tracing the curves he knew so well, memorizing her again as if for the first time.
"I'll never get enough of you," he said, his voice thick with desire.
Ivy pulled him down, her lips brushing his. "Hmm... me too."
Kael's body moved over hers, their skin slick and hot from the bath. Their kisses turned rougher, deeper. Every touch sent shivers through Ivy's body. He cupped her thighs, spreading her open beneath him, and lowered himself between them. Their bodies aligned, perfectly.
He entered her and Ivy gasped, her nails digging into his back. He groaned low in his throat, like a man who had been starving and finally got what he craved. Their hips met again and again in a rhythm only they knew, bodies moving in sync with need and emotion.
They moved together in perfect rhythm, their breaths mixing, their moans echoing off the stone walls. Ivy clung to him, her body arching to meet every thrust. Kael kissed her neck, her collarbone, her lips again and again.
"You're mine," he growled softly into her ear.
"I always have been," she whispered, her voice trembling with truth.
Their pace grew faster, more desperate, until the pleasure overtook them both. Ivy cried out his name, her body shaking with release. Kael followed right after, groaning as he buried himself deep inside her, his grip on her thighs tightening.
Afterward, he held her close, both of them breathless and flushed. Their bodies were tangled together, skin against skin, hearts racing. The water around them rippled gently, calming again after the storm.
Kael brushed her hair from her face and kissed her forehead. "I'll never stop loving you."
Ivy smiled sleepily, her hand resting over his heart, her body molded to his. "You better not."
The warm water had relaxed their muscles, and both Kael and Ivy were content in the silence that followed. The steamy air in the small bathhouse of Ivy's cottage clung to their skin, making everything feel more intimate, more tender.
Eventually, they stepped out, each grabbing a towel to dry off. Kael moved without hesitation, completely at ease in his own skin. Ivy, still flushed from what had passed, wrapped herself quickly in her towel, her cheeks pink. She was still getting used to moments like these with him, though every time, she felt more connected to him.
Kael dressed in a simple tunic and pants for their outing. He fastened the belt lazily, his wet hair falling across his face. Ivy watched him from the mirror as she stood in front of it, letting the towel fall and selecting a soft, off-shoulder gown.
It wasn't extravagant, but the fabric clung to her waist and flared gently at the bottom. Intricate embroidery ran along the side, and the neckline dipped just enough to reveal a teasing hint of her cleavage. She let her hair fall freely over her shoulders, her skin still glowing from the heat of the bath and Kael's touch.
Kael's eyes drifted to her as she moved. She had always been beautiful to him, but there was something different today. Something softer. Something that tugged at him.
When she caught him looking, she blushed and looked away quickly.
"You look… good," Kael said, his voice warm and simple.
Ivy turned to him, her cheeks burning. "Really?" she asked, trying to mask her shyness.
"Yes," he replied, a small, playful grin tugging at his lips. "But you always look good."
She smiled, her heart fluttering. "You always say that."
Kael stepped closer, his gaze never leaving her. "That's because it's true. You're always beautiful, Ivy."
Her heart skipped at the sincerity in his voice. The words settled inside her like a soft blanket, and she had to glance away to hide the heat rising in her cheeks.
After a long pause, Kael extended a hand. "Ready to explore?" he asked with a playful spark in his eye.
Ivy nodded, her fingers slipping into his. "Yes. Let's go."
Together, they stepped out of the cottage and into the bright day, sunlight streaming through the leaves. The world outside was alive with the sounds of birdsong and the faint rustling of a gentle breeze through the trees. Flowers nodded in the soft wind, and the fresh scent of earth filled the air. Whatever the day held, they'd face it together.
—
The morning sun had just begun to peek over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the training grounds. The dew still clung to the blades of grass, sparkling like tiny jewels in the early light. Elysia was already there, nimble and poised, dressed in a simple tunic suited for training.
Her dark hair was pulled back tight, strands sticking slightly to her damp forehead. She breathed in deeply, centering herself. Her sharp eyes scanned the open space before her, calculating and confident.
Her father, General Dain, stood nearby, watching her with a knowing smile. His posture was relaxed but authoritative, his arms folded across his broad chest. The lines of age around his eyes softened as he regarded his daughter with pride.
"Alright, Father," Elysia grinned. "Time to show you how much faster I've gotten. You won't even see me coming."
Dain raised an eyebrow, amused. "Let's see it, then."
Elysia focused, her body relaxing. Then, her form began to blur. Her figure shimmered, then darted through the training yard like a shadow, nearly soundless. She moved with a fluid grace that seemed to bend the very light around her. She reappeared on the other side, breathless but grinning.
"Did you see that?" she beamed. "I was like a shadow!"
Dain nodded, impressed. "You're improving. But you're still not fully weightless. Shadows don't leave traces."
Elysia groaned. "I'll get it right eventually. But can we do something fun today? Like your smoke trick?"
He chuckled, crossing his arms. "You've earned it."
With a swift motion, Dain vanished, replaced by a swirl of smoke that darted across the grounds. The wind picked up, carrying the scent of burning wood and ash. The smoke reformed in front of her, coalescing into a solid figure for a brief moment before dispersing again.
Elysia gasped. "That was amazing!"
"Smoke is elusive," he said. "Only powerful or ancient demons can master it. But you'll get there."
"I want to be like that," she whispered, awe in her voice.
"You will. But it's not just speed. It's about blending into the world. That takes time and patience."
Elysia took a deep breath and tried again. Her steps grew lighter, more fluid. She could feel it power humming under her skin.
"You're doing well," Dain said. "Let the power flow. Don't force it."
"I can do this," she said firmly.
"Of course you can," he replied proudly. "Kael's not the only one who'll be impressed. You've already made me proud."
Elysia grinned, a fresh burst of determination lighting her eyes. "Thanks, Father. One day, I'll move like smoke."
"You're already halfway there," Dain said, watching her with pride.
And Elysia believed him.