The bath itself was more like a small lake than a tub, easily surpassing a community swimming pool in size. Smooth marble tile lined the floor and walls. Steam rose in lazy curls from the heated water, filling the vaulted ceiling with mist. Ornate oil lamps cast wavering golden light across the surface.
Heena reclined against the pool's edge, dark hair unbound and floating around her like ink in water. Her eyes were closed, one arm draped over the rim, fingers loosely holding a crystal wine glass. She looked utterly, perfectly relaxed.
System 427 materialized beside her, wings flapping frantically. "Why—why are you so 'calm'?! Just think about it! What if they really 'kill' you? What if this is a bad decision?!"
Heena didn't even open her eyes. "Enough," she said lazily, taking a slow sip of wine. "If you disturb me one more time, I'll kill you before the assassins even arrive."
The system's ears flattened. "But—"
