Chương 45: Arianna/Thea

"Oh, Arianna! The relief I feel knowing you are safe is immeasurable," the letter read.

"Wherever you may be, I pray that you find refuge in a place of safety. May the protective embrace of the goddess surround you.

The queen is relentless in her search for you. Conceal yourself well.

By the way, where did you come across such an adorable cat?"

I read the words penned by Cassie, my heart aching for the home I had left behind in Aradia.

"How is she? And how fares my homeland?" I inquired softly, my voice laden with longing and nostalgia.

I miss it.

I miss her.

I miss everything I have left behind.

Is this worth the risk I am taking?

Maybe if I had insisted to the king, maybe he would have listened.

I don't know what to think or feel at this point.

"Cassie was in the healer's chamber just as you said she would be." She spends most of her day there healing the people in need free of cost.

With the powers gifted to her, she is among the best healers in Aradia.

"Cassie is my favorite person from now on. Unlike you, she gave me pets, and treats, and adored me. you should learn a thing or two from her," that sounds just like her. She loves animals and has several pets.

Cosmo walked before me, a soft light following on top of him.

It was a good thing that he was here or I would have been left to explore these passages in the dark, he is surprisingly powerful. I wonder why Artemis left him with me when she could have kept him as he is more than useful.

I stopped before a tiny window, through which light was streaming into the secret passage, raising onto my toes, I peeked inside the window this was the first room I had come across since we have been in this passage.

Half of the window was covered with some kind if fabric, it must be a curtain.

At first, there was nothing inside the room except for the normal stuff, after searching throughout the room I was about to leave when I saw a flash of white hair my breath hitched as I recognized him.

"Kalo..." I whispered; my voice barely audible.

What was he doing here? Why is he in such a lavish room?

The questions swirled in my mind, demanding answers.

Maybe he is in a higher rank than I thought.

Without warning, Kalo began to remove the robe he was wearing, fortunately, or unfortunately, his back turned to me.

I averted my eyes, realizing the impropriety of my actions. A mixture of embarrassment and curiosity coursed through me, the allure of the unknown held me captive, urging me to steal one more glance.

My heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sight that left me momentarily breathless. My eyes, filled with both fascination and a twinge of guilt, remained transfixed upon his strong back.

The supple contours of his sculpted muscles danced beneath his smooth, sun-kissed skin, creating an exquisite tableau of masculine strength. Every sinew and ridge seemed purposefully crafted, accentuated by a subtle sheen that hinted at a recent exertion.

The broad expanse of his back was a testament to his physical prowess, a canvas that evoked both admiration and desire. Each defined muscle seamlessly melded into the next, forming a harmonious composition that whispered tales of strength and endurance. It was a sight that awakened a primal longing within me, a yearning to trace the contours of his chiseled frame with my eager fingertips.

His shoulders, broad and commanding, tapered gracefully into a slender waist, drawing attention to the gentle curve of his lower back.

As he shook off droplets of water from his white hair, droplets that cascaded down his muscular back like liquid diamonds, a sense of raw sensuality enveloped the air. The damp strands clung to his skin, making me gulp, and my throat parched from the sight.

"Are you listening to me?" Cosmo's voice sounded from somewhere.

"shh" I shushed him, as my throat feels suddenly parched

I proceeded to watch as...

As he started unbuttoning his pants.

Before I could blink, I found myself abruptly transported back to the safety of my own room, my surroundings shifting in a bewildering instant. Turning to face Cosmo, I was met with a disapproving glare.

"You shameless woman," Cosmo hissed, his voice laced with disapproval. "Have you no sense of propriety? Show some decency!"

"I was not going to watch!" I argued.