The bathhouse behind Trail's End was a haven of stone and steam, its sunken tubs carved into the floor, their surfaces slick with heat.
Lanterns hung from iron hooks, casting amber light across the tiled walls, their glow dancing on the water's surface.
It was late—late enough that the tavern's revelers had either staggered to their beds or collapsed in drunken heaps, leaving only the hum of crickets and the faint drip of condensation.
Rin lounged in the water, arms draped along the tub's edge, her golden eyes half-lidded with sated ease.
The heat melted her muscles, her dark gray hair clinging to her shoulders, her tail floating limp like a shadow in the steam.
Faint bruises marked her collarbone, a map of Kio's grip, each one a quiet boast of her surrender.
The door creaked open, a soft groan of wood against the stillness.
Mira entered, unapologetically bare, her bronze skin catching the lanternlight before the steam even touched her.
Her red hair was twisted into a loose knot atop her head, stray curls framing her neck.
Her full breasts swayed as she padded across the stone, her hips rolling with the confidence of a woman who knew her power.
Lira followed, her steps cautious, her emerald eyes scanning the room.
A towel clung precariously to her hips, barely covering her slender frame, her silver hair twisted over one shoulder, damp tendrils brushing her pale skin.
She moved like a thief, always half-ready to vanish.
Rin's lips curled, a wolfish grin. "Look who's come to soak off her attitude."
Lira's gaze flicked to her, sharp but guarded. "Don't you have a cock to drool over somewhere?"
Rin's smirk widened, her tail flicking beneath the water. "He's resting. I wore him out."
Mira chuckled, easing into the tub beside Rin, the water rippling around her curves. "You always brag when you're sore."
"Earned sore," Rin corrected, sinking lower, her breasts half-submerged. "And don't pretend you're not curious."
Mira sighed, the sound rich with satisfaction. "I'll have him soon."
Rin's eyebrow arched, her tail giving a playful wag. "Group scene?"
"Solo," Mira said, her amber eyes glinting.
Lira perched on the tub's edge, her legs dipping into the water, her towel riding up to reveal the smooth line of her thigh.
She watched them, silent, her fingers tightening on the towel's knot.
Rin's gaze trailed up her legs, slow and predatory. "You're wound tighter than a crossbow," she said, voice low. "When's the last time someone tied you up and made you beg?"
Lira rolled her eyes, but a faint flush crept up her neck. "I don't beg."
"You will," Rin murmured, her tail brushing Lira's shin beneath the water, a teasing glide that crept toward her inner thigh. "We all do."
Mira stretched, her foot nudging Rin's thigh, her voice warm with amusement. "She's got that 'control me but make it subtle' vibe."
Lira's flush deepened, her voice sharp. "Shut up."
Rin's tail slid higher, grazing Lira's thigh, a featherlight tease. Lira jerked, splashing the water. "Stop that."
"You're blushing," Rin said, her grin sharpening.
"I'm not—"
Mira leaned back, her breasts breaking the water's surface. "You'll be next. The cold ones always melt fastest."
Rin shifted closer, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You know he watches the baths, right?"
Lira froze, her breath catching.
Rin's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Cracked shutter. Hidden panel. Maybe just a gap in the wall. But he always knows who's dripping for him."
Lira's lips parted, her emerald eyes darting to the walls, searching.
Mira smirked, her voice a low purr. "You just clenched."
"Did not—" Lira snapped, her voice cracking.
"Oh, she did," Rin said, sliding beside her, the water swirling around them.
She caught Lira's hand beneath the surface and guided it between her own thighs, slow and bold. "Feel that?"
Lira's fingers met heat—slick, open, unashamed.
Her breath hitched, her eyes widening.
"Still wet," Rin whispered, her lips brushing Lira's ear. "He fucked my ass so hard I howled, and I haven't stopped wanting since."
Lira's face burned, her hand trembling but not pulling away.
Mira's laughter rang off the stone, rich and unrestrained, the sound as warm as the steam curling around them.