The phantom heat of the fire clung to her skin, her mind unable to separate the memory from reality.
“Let me run you a bath. A cool one, okay? Stay here.”
She nodded, her head bobbing slightly against his chest. He picked her up effortlessly, his arms firm and reassuring, and set her back down gently before disappearing into the washroom. The sound of rushing water soon followed, echoing through the quiet space.
She curled into a ball, her nightdress clinging to her damp skin, her body still trembling from the intensity of the dream.
After a few minutes, Lucius returned. Without a word, he scooped her up again, his embrace carrying a faint scent of cedar and something earthy and comforting. He carried her into the washroom and placed her in the bath.
She sank into the water, the coolness enveloping her and soothing the lingering heat on her skin. A faint lavender scent wafted from the water, mixing with the clean, crisp scent of the early morning air drifting through the washroom window.
Lucius moved to a nearby cabinet, his movementsdeliberate but quiet. He returned with a small vial of clear liquid.
“Here,” he said, crouching beside her. “Drink this. It’ll help calm you.”
“What is it?”
“Just a calming tonic. Valerian root, chamomile.”
She took the vial, the glass cool and smooth against her fingers. She downed it, the earthy taste of herbs lingering on her tongue, and handed the empty vial back.
Sighing, she rested her head against the rim of the tub. The tension in her muscles slowly began to ebb.
Lucius knelt on the floor next to her, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The faint light caught on the sharp angles of his face, softening his features as he rested his arms on the tub's edge.
“As soon as this is over, I’ll come back to your home with you. If you want me to.”
Tavia nodded, the faint ripple of water breaking the stillness as she shifted slightly. She could use a friend. She feared returning home to find nothing there—her parents gone, the house empty.
Her eyes stung with fresh tears, and she cried, hershoulders shaking silently.
“No, don’t,” Lucius said, moving closer. He rubbed the sides of her face, his hands warm against her cool, damp skin.
She sat up in the tub, pulling her knees to her chest. Her sobs came harder now, raw and unrestrained.
He rubbed her back, the steady rhythm grounding her.
“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out,” he said firmly, his voice steady and sure.
“They’re so vivid,” she said, her words choked with emotion. “They’ve never been this bad.”
“Are you hungry?” Lucius asked after a moment.
She shook her head, still trying to steady her breathing.
“The bread’s almost ready,” he added, his attempt at levity softening the mood.
“Again?” she asked, managing a weak smile despite herself.
“Well, since I don’t need to sleep, I find kneading dough relaxing,” he replied with a shrug.
Tavia nodded, her gaze lingering on him for amoment. Then, without thinking, she leaned over and hugged him. Her damp nightdress soaked his shirt instantly, but he didn’t pull away. He held her tightly, his chin resting lightly on the top of her head.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she whispered. “I’m glad I met you.”
Her vulnerability hung in the air, and she clung to the comfort he provided.
He pulled back slightly, cupping her face in his hands.
