Atheline settled onto one of the large couches near the fireplace. A warm fire crackled nearby. Outside the windows, snow drifted through the darkness.
Lilith disappeared into an adjoining room for several minutes. Atheline assumed she was changing out of her formal attire. Instead, she returned carrying a small wooden case.
He immediately became curious and interested.
"What is that?"
She set it down beside him.
"Sit properly."
He narrowed his eyes.
"What are you planning?"
"Remove your outer robe first, I want you bare-chested... I'm doing what I promised you."
He hesitated then obeyed. Lilith had promised him a massage but this looked different from what he had expected. She felt like a healer with the case in front of her.
She opened the case. Several small bottles rested inside.
Atheline recognized them. There were healing oils, medicinal extracts, and Aether restoration mixtures.
Atheline looked at her and she looked back. His smile widened while she scowled.
