I left Hina's cave under the cover of night and made my way to Ruth's hut.
The night was thick, the air heavy with the scent of smoke and sweat as I stepped into Ruth's hut.
The firepit outside cast a warm, flickering glow through the cracks in the walls, illuminating the space in a golden haze.
Ruth lay sprawled on her side, completely naked, her skin glistening with a thin sheen of perspiration, her breath slow and even in sleep.
Beside her, Ada sat upright, her own naked body bathed in the firelight, her dark eyes locking onto me the moment I entered.
"Dexter." Her voice was a low purr, thick with something unspoken. "You're here."
Her gaze flicked to Ruth, then back to me. "She's just fallen asleep." A pause. A beat. Then, softer: "Do you want me to wake her up?"
I shook my head, my lips curling into a faint, knowing smirk. "No, Mother Ada." My voice was smooth, deliberate. "Let her sleep."
