Steam filled the small space as Arthur leaned back into the bath.
The heat settled into his muscles slowly, loosening the tension from yesterday. For a moment, he didn't move. He just stayed there, letting the warmth sink in while his mind drifted.
"…Not bad."
His voice was low, almost lazy.
But he wasn't just relaxing.
His thoughts had already gone back to the skill.
Bondtongue.
He lifted his hand slightly, staring at it as if the answer was written there.
"It's more than just talking."
That part was obvious now.
He had felt it already. Not just words, but emotions, even small reactions that Mel didn't need to express physically.
It was direct.
Clean and honest.
Arthur closed his eyes.
"In a fight…"
He pictured it.
Mel moving ahead.
Sensing something before he did.
Danger.
Ambush.
A shift in killing intent.
"…She won't need to shout."
He wouldn't need to look.
It would just… come through.
Arthur smirked faintly.
"That's broken."
Not in a bad way.
