Early the next morning, as they had planned, Damian and Eilika made their way to the natural hot spring.
Before stepping out, she had changed into a simple, white ankle-length robe, leaving her long hair tied in a bun. When she finally entered the cavernous bathhouse, a thick steam had already risen from the water, turning the surrounding view soft and misty.
Through the white haze, her eyes fell upon Damian. He was already settled deep within the spring, his muscular torso bare to the damp air while he wore only a pair of dark satin trousers beneath the water's surface.
Hearing her quiet footsteps, he turned his head and found Eilika standing at the edge, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.
"Get in," he said softly, a welcoming smile playing on his lips.
