Astryl
The morning light filters through the gaps in the curtains, rousing me from a fitful sleep. I stretch and yawn, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. But as I stir, a vivid memory from last night floods my mind—the kiss. Thaldiran’s lips on mine, that electric charge between us. My cheeks warm at the thought, and I shake my head to clear it.
Fae and dragon shifters are supposed to be enemies, but he’s protected me from the wraiths and looked out for me in this strange world. Maybe we’re becoming friends, and there’s a potential for something more. It’s unsettling, really, how quickly things can change. Our histories are steeped in enmity, generations of fae and dragon shifters locked in conflict. And here we are, forging a connection neither of us saw coming. Eachgesture of protection and concern chips away at the animosity that’s supposed to define us.
The thought is both thrilling and terrifying. This is a path I never expected to tread but now find myself unable to resist. Thaldiran is still asleep on the sofa at the foot of the bed, his broad, muscular back facing me. He’s clad in nothing but a pair of loose undergarments that barely cover his private parts. The sight makes my heart skip a beat. I feel like a teenager with a crush; it’s so embarrassing.
But there’s a more pressing matter at hand: I need to bathe. I can smell myself.
As if he can hear my thoughts, Thaldiran rolls over and glances at me, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You’re staring, Astryl.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I retort, though my face feels like it’s on fire as I mumble, “I was just trying to figure out how one is supposed to bathe in this strange place. You know, given the circumstances.”
“Ah, yes, the bathing situation,” he says, stretching his arms over his head and making a show of rolling his shoulders. “I believe you’ll find the solution just behind that door.”
“Oh?” I ask, biting back a smirk. “Care to elaborate?”
“I believe that room over there is their version of a bathhouse. For indoor use. And the water seems to run through the whole building. Would you like me to show you?”
“No, no,” I refuse. “I’ll manage. Thank you.”
With determination, I stride over, ready to face whatever modern contraption lies behind it. I push the door open and step inside, my eyes widening at the sight before me.
The room is filled with gleaming fixtures and tiles, but what catches my attention is the strange box attached to the wall with a nozzle protruding from it. My brows furrow in confusion. How on earth does this thing work?
I tentatively approach the box, poking at the nozzle as if it might bite. “All right,” I mutter to myself, “how hard can this be?” I turn the nozzle, expecting water to come gushing out, but nothing happens. “Maybe it’s broken,” I mumble, feeling a bit defeated.
After a moment of awkward fumbling, I finally spot a lever near the strange box. “Aha!” I exclaim triumphantly. “This must be it.” I pull the lever, and to my relief, water starts flowing from the nozzle. I jump back in surprise, nearly slipping on the slick tiles.
“Okay, okay,” I say, steadying myself, “it’s just water. I can handle water.”
With a deep breath, I approach the box again and carefully stick my hand under the stream of water. To my relief, it’s warm, not as hot as the bathwater I’m used to, but still a welcoming change. Next, I test the nozzle, flicking the lever a few times. With each flick, the temperature seems to change, and soon, the water feels delightful.
“That’s a lot better than the cold river water,” I murmur.
With a shrug, I begin to peel off my clothes, throwing the garments into a pile on the floor. I take a moment to inspect my body in the mirror. The wounds on my back are almost completely healed, so I should be able to shift soon. Though I haven’t seen a single dragon since I’ve been here. I strongly suspect the sight might get me blown out of the sky.
With a sigh, I step into the box and allow the water to cascade over me. It’s a strange sensation, the heat seeping into my skin, filling the cracks and crevices with a soothing warmth.
As I lather up with the unfamiliar soap, I can’t help but replay last night’s events in my mind. The danger, the adrenaline, and that kiss. Oh, that kiss. My heart flutters at the thought, and I lean my head back and let my hands linger over my breasts, imagining Thaldiran’s instead of mine. I pinch mynipples, making my core clench and becoming immediately wet. My hands wander to the folds between my legs, paying special attention to the sweet spot that makes my legs go weak with need.
I’m lost in my fantasy when suddenly I hear a sound. I spin around, startled, to see Thaldiran standing there, a mischievous glint in his eye. He notices where my hands are and lust fills his eyes.
“What are you doing?” I stammer, covering myself as best as I can.
“Thought you might need some help,” he replies, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
I can’t help but notice the way his muscles ripple across his chiseled chest as he approaches. He lowers his undergarments and his cock springs out, hard and ready. I see drops of precum on the tip and wonder just how long he has been watching me for. He steps into the box, the small space suddenly feeling even more intimate. His presence is overwhelming, his proximity electrifying.
“Thaldiran, this is...”
“Shhhh,” he purrs.
Before I can protest further, he reaches out and gently takes the soap from my hand and puts it on the ledge. His touch sends a jolt of pleasure through me, even more intense than before.
“Talk later…,” he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. “Right now, let me take care of you.”
Thaldiran moves behind me. He reaches past me for the shampoo and as he does I feel his hard cock press against my ass. My core clenches, sending a jolt of desire to my pussy.
