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The faint sound of water echoed in the quiet room as Han Yan poured it into the wooden basin. Steam rose lazily, curling through the lantern light and carrying the faint scent of herbs.
He rolled up his sleeves and dipped a hand into the water, testing the heat. Warm enough he thought. With a short nod, he straightened and began to untie his outer robe.
The rustle of fabric broke the stillness as he stripped off the layers one by one, folding them neatly before setting them aside. The light traced the contours of his body long, toned muscle wrapped in the golden warmth of countless days beneath the sun before he stepped into the wooden basin.
The warmth closed in around him instantly. He let out a low breath of relief, tilting his head back as tension eased from his shoulders. For a while, he just sat there, arms resting on the rim, the fire crackling softly in the corner he was enjoying the silence.
His gaze flicked to the surface of the bath water.
