The warm water enveloped Kael's body like a cloak of relief. Steam rose slowly, filling the room with the gentle scent of herbs and lunar oils. For the first time in months, he allowed himself to completely relax.
His body, marked by the exhaustion of battles and journeys, sank into the black marble bathtub. His mind, finally, gave way.
Without realizing it, he fell asleep.
When he opened his eyes again, the steam still danced around him—but something had changed. The atmosphere was imbued with a distinct, dense, and familiar energy.
"Sleeping inside a circle of purification... bold even for you," said a soft voice, laden with irony and power.
Kael slowly turned his face.
Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, wrapped in a dark silk cloak that reflected the candlelight, was Eleonor Scarlet, the Queen of Witches. Her loose hair cascaded down her shoulders like a black waterfall, and her crimson gaze observed him with an almost maternal serenity.
