Elysia edged backward toward the bathing chamber, her heart doing strange, traitorous things in her chest.
Malvoria didn't follow immediately but the look in her eyes promised that escape was impossible.
It took only one glance between them one silent acknowledgment of the tension crackling in the air before Malvoria pushed off the wall and stalked after her like a predator who had already decided exactly how the hunt would end.
Elysia hurried through the doorway, whispering frantic spells to activate the cooling runes along the tiled walls.
Instantly, the large stone basin at the center began to fill, crystal-clear water pouring in from hidden spouts in the shape of open-mouthed dragons.
She tugged at the fastenings of her combination outfit, fingers fumbling in her haste.
The fabric clung stubbornly to her sweat-damp skin, every movement sending a maddening brush of friction through her body.
Behind her, Malvoria's voice purred, "Need assistance?"
