[Meredith].
Azul and Kira followed me into the bathroom. Steam curled around the tiled walls, the air heavy with the scent of vanilla—the same fragrance that always seemed to quiet my thoughts.
Azul tested the water first before helping me climb in. Instantly, the warmth wrapped over me like a slow exhale.
I leaned back as Azul knelt beside the tub, gently lifted my right wrist, and let a stream of cold water run over the faint bruise.
"It will finish fading by morning," she said softly.
I didn't answer immediately. I was watching the ripples move across the surface of the bath.
Then, Kira inquired, "Do you want me to use a concealer on it later, my Lady?"
I shook my head. "No." It didn't sound like a permanent solution, at least not without it staining my clothes.
Kira tilted her head. "Then, as long as you wear a long-sleeve robe tonight, you will hide it easily."
That earned a faint smile from me. "That will do."
