Maribelle slides deeper into the steaming water with a long, guttural groan of pleasure. The bathhouse's marbled walls echo softly with her sigh as the scalding bath melts the ache from every joint and bruised muscle. Her skin glistens, flushed red from heat, but she doesn't care. After the morning's brawl with a battalion of berserking minotaurs, this felt like a return to the womb.
Across the large circular tub sits Vexena, her slender frame nestled into the bubbling surface with serene poise. The water boils gently around her. Steam curling off her pale skin like ribbons of incense. Her power radiates even now, heating the entire bathhouse without effort.
"Too hot?" Vexena asks, lifting one graceful brow.
Maribelle only moans in delight, slumping deeper until only her nose and eyes peeked above the surface.
The demon queen chuckles, a rare musical sound. "I'll take that as a compliment."
