"Ahhh… now this is living,"
Kael's arms stretched high, steam still clinging to his skin. A towel hung loose around his waist. Droplets rolled down his chest, tracing paths over muscle and scars.
The necklace on his neck glowed from the light. The smirk on his face hadn't moved since they entered the room.
The chamber was more than just a resting place. Polished stone floors gleamed like water. Soft golden light spilled from lamps above, casting a warm glow across velvet couches and carved tables. Everything looked expensive—too expensive. Like the kind of room made for kings, not survivors.
Kael's eyes wandered.
Ash lay on the couch, arm over his eyes, still. His chest rose and fell, slow and deep. Not asleep. Just far away.
Max stood near the wall. His new clothes fit him like they were made for him. He tapped on a wristwatch that glowed blue, its holographic screen full of moving maps, logs, and strange shapes.
Kael tilted his head.
