Serpent's Touch (Serpent's Touch 1)

I noticed it had an empty sheath attached to it. The two belts across his chest also had a sheath each on his back. These must’ve held weapons before. All were empty now, though.

He tossed the belts on the floor, toed off his boots, and yanked his tunic out of his pants.

“Are you joining me?” A teasing smile danced in his voice.

“Me?” I blinked, realizing I’d been watching him undress. “God, no!”

He laughed. “Is it such a repulsive idea to have a bath with me?”

I wasn’t sure what exactly I felt at the idea of getting naked in the tub with him, but it was definitely not repulsion.

My face grew hot. My entire body felt too warm under my clothes. I buried my chin into my scarf and mumbled, “No… I’ll take a shower after. The towels are right there.” I gestured at the rack with a stack of clean towels and dashed for the door. “I need to go. Call me if you need anything…or no, please don’t.”

I shut the door, blocking the sound of his laughter, then leaned with my back against it.

We were sharing the room tonight. I both liked and disliked his proximity. I loved the feeling that fluttered inside me, heating my chest and belly, but it also unsettled me.

On one hand, being with Kyllen was like having a friend I’d never had. I could joke and laugh with him, feeling closer to him than I’d ever felt to anyone before.

On the other hand, with him around, awkwardness often stifled me and words left me. I had no idea what to say, or what to do, or even where to look.

I envied his confident manner. It wasn’t even his world, but he behaved more at ease here than I ever could.

Pressing my hands to my chest, I walked over to the large window in the sitting area. Lights illuminated the dark street below. People rushed along the sidewalks. Cars hurried on the road.

I wasn’t meant to see this view. Tonight, I was supposed to be finishing my chores then finding yet another place to sleep, only to get up before the sun the next morning and start running on the endless wheel of what used to be my life—every day a mirror copy of the one before.

There had been something comforting about the predictability of the routine. The unknown I was facing now was intimidating. But it was also exciting.

I might not know what tomorrow would bring, but for the first time in my life, I was free to make my own decisions. I’d accomplished something very important today. I’d left the menagerie against Madame’s wishes. I’d released her prisoner, too. I had freed both of her VIP acts, Kyllen and Lero.

A long moan came from the bathroom with a splash of water as Kyllen must have submerged himself in the tub. I smiled, wondering how nice a bath must feel to him after months of being cramped in that crate.

I drew in a breath, straightened my shoulders, and unfolded my arms. The world seemed bigger than it had ever been. The life ahead of me was no longer a closed circle but an open road hidden in the mists of the unknown.

It was daunting to embark on this new journey, but I felt ready. And incredibly, I felt strong enough to face whatever lay ahead of me.