The bathwater had cooled by the time Nerine finally stepped out of it, but her thoughts still burned hotter than the fire in the hearth. She scrubbed her skin raw, as if she could wash away the memory of ropes biting into her wrists, of lustful eyes hovering above her face, of Kael standing drenched in blood yet saving her.
Her heart beat heavy in her chest.
Should she thank him?
Should she accuse him?
Or should she pretend none of this ever happened?
She let out a long sigh. He saved them. He saved me. But why does it feel like he's playing with me all over again?
Dinner was late tonight, but kael insisted it would happen—everybody needed food, and maybe a semblance of normalcy after the chaos.
When Irene saw that she was done bathing she stood up to use the bathe also when she heard Nerine's voice "where's madam Helen?" Nerine asked as she hasn't seen her since she came back but was aware she was safe.
" She's with Lord kael's younger sister." Irene informed her .
