Syris stood in the shadows of the archway, his breath caught in his throat.
What she was doing became immediately, paralyzingly clear.
Ren reached behind her neck and untied the knot of the black silk halter. The fabric fell away, pooling at her feet. Next came the shimmering green snake-skin skirt. She unknotted it at her hip and let it slide down her legs, stepping out of it with a grace that made his mouth go dry.
She was naked.
Syris had seen her naked before. Just hours ago, in his bed, covered in mud and soot. But, this was different.
The Garden of Shadows was dim, lit only by the bioluminescent moss and the soft, internal glow of the thermal pond. The light painted Ren's pale skin in hues of soft blue and violet. She looked like a moon spirit who had descended to earth to bathe.
She stepped into the water.
Dip.
