A deep, resonant sigh of pure contentment escaped Julian's lips. Beneath the skilled hands of Clarissa and Celestia, every last remnant of tension had been coaxed from his body, leaving behind a profound and heavy relaxation that felt like sinking into warm water.
With a final, synchronised stroke that seemed to seal their care into his skin, their hands stilled.
"The massage is complete," Celestia announced, her voice, though still measured, softer than usual. "This was… a first attempt for us. Was it… acceptable?"
Clarissa bit her lip, her bright blue eyes searching his face with a mixture of hope and nervous anticipation. "Yes… how was it?"
Julian did not answer immediately. Slowly, he pushed himself up, rolling his shoulders and stretching his neck with a series of satisfying pops. A newfound fluidity greeted him where there had once been stiffness. A slow, genuine smile spread across his face.
"It was perfect," he said, his voice a low, warm rumble. "I feel… renewed."
