A Dangerous Obsession -
Chapter 116 - 115
Chapter 116: Chapter 115
The corridor continued to stretch before me, silent except for the soft padding of my feet against the cold stone floor and the gentle purring of the cats nestled in my arms. For a while, it had become harder to distinguish between night and day inside the tower. It had grown progressively darker, as if the tower was consuming the light, even though it was bright outside.
Xylara shifted in my hold, pressing her small, warm body closer to my chest, while Namarie flicked her tail impatiently, clearly unamused by the way I was carrying her, her tiny paws clutching onto my sleeve as if afraid I would set her down.
As I reached my bedchamber door, I nudged it open with my shoulder, stepping inside. The familiar scent of lavender and aged parchment filled the air, mingling with the faint traces of rain that drifted in from the slightly open window. A breeze stirred the curtains, making them ripple like ghostly figures against the darkened backdrop of the room.
I set the cats down gently, and they immediately dispersed—Xylara jumping onto the bed with a satisfied stretch, Namarie stalking toward the windowsill to perch like a tiny, regal sentinel.
For a moment, I stood there, taking in the quiet comfort of my space.
Then, with a slow breath, I reached for the laces of my dress.
The fabric was heavy with the weight of the day, clinging to my skin as I loosened the ties. The moment the bodice slackened, I exhaled, rolling my shoulders as the pressure eased. One by one, I slipped the layers off, letting them pool at my feet in a heap of deep blue and silver embroidery.
The cool air brushed against my bare skin, raising goosebumps along my arms as I stepped out of the discarded garments.
I crossed the room toward the bathing chamber, my feet gliding over the smooth wooden floors. Steam curled from the large basin, the water warmed to a perfect temperature, waiting for me. The scent of rose oil lingered in the air, a subtle luxury I had long since grown accustomed to, but never quite took for granted.
I stepped in, the heat enveloping me instantly. A shiver ran through my spine—not from cold, but from the sheer contrast of warmth licking at my skin. The water reached my shoulders, soothing the tension coiled tight in my muscles, melting away the lingering stiffness of the day.
Leaning back, I let my head rest against the edge, eyes fluttering shut.
Silence.
Peace.
For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to forget everything.
Just the warmth of the water, the rhythmic sound of my own breathing, and the quiet companionship of the three creatures waiting for me beyond the bath.
My fingers skimmed lazily over the surface, creating ripples that distorted my reflection. The steam curled in the air, soft and fragrant, carrying the delicate scent of roses and something else—something ancient.
Something close to... Home.
That thought lingered in my mind, pulsing like a heartbeat, insistent and impossible to ignore.
A soft sigh left my lips as I tilted my head back against the smooth, polished stone of the tub. The quiet was almost comforting, the weight of the day slipping from my shoulders as the warmth cocooned me. My hair floated around me, the ends fanning out in the water, a dark halo against the pale marble.
Then—
A knock.
The sharp sound shattered the peace like a stone thrown into a still lake. My body tensed, and for a moment, I remained frozen, heart hammering against my ribs.
The knock came again, softer this time, but persistent.
I exhaled, pushing away the sudden unease curling in my stomach. It was probably just the maid.
Still, a flicker of irritation ran through me as I reached for the towel draped over the nearby stool. The water sloshed softly as I stood, the cool air hitting my damp skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I quickly wrapped the towel around myself, securing it before stepping out of the bath. Droplets clung to my skin, trailing down my arms and legs, leaving tiny, glistening trails in their wake.
I padded across the floor, my bare feet silent against the polished wood as I reached for the door handle. The metal was cool beneath my fingers as I turned it, and the heavy door creaked open.
My maid stood there, hands neatly folded in front of her.
Her gaze flickered over me briefly before settling on my face. "I hope you’re enjoying your bath, my lady," she beamed.
I nodded, stepping back slightly so the steam from the bath wouldn’t escape into the cooler hallway. "It was fine."
The maid tilted her head slightly, as if she wanted to say something else, but thought better of it. Instead, she clasped her hands together and gave a small nod. "I will bring your lunch shortly," she said.
With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared down the hallway, her footsteps muffled by the thick carpets lining the corridor.
With a sigh, I closed the door, leaning against it for a moment before heading back toward the bath. The water was still warm, steam curling lazily into the air, but the moment had passed. The tranquility I had felt before was gone.
I reached for a smaller towel and began drying my hair, my fingers working through the damp strands as I walked toward the vanity. My reflection stared back at me, eyes dark and searching, lips slightly parted as if caught mid-thought.
"You will be leaving here soon."
I pulled the towel from my damp skin, letting it fall onto the stool beside the vanity. The cool air prickled against my flesh, making me shiver slightly as I reached for the nightgown laid neatly on the bed. The fabric was soft between my fingers, a pale silver that shimmered under the dim candlelight. It wasn’t particularly extravagant, but it was comfortable—one of the few luxuries I allowed myself in this tower.
Slipping it over my head, the silk slid against my skin, featherlight and cool. It was loose, falling just past my knees, with delicate lace trimming the neckline. I absentmindedly smoothed my hands over the fabric before walking toward the large window.
The garden stretched beyond the glass. The wind whispered through the trees, the leaves rustling softly in the distance. Somewhere close by, a bird chirped, its lonely call echoing through.
I pressed my forehead against the cool glass, exhaling.
Two days.
It didn’t feel real yet.
For so long, this tower had been my cage, my prison. The thought of leaving it—of stepping beyond these walls and breathing air that wasn’t tainted by magic—was almost too much to comprehend. Would the outside world feel different? Would it be louder? Brighter? Or would it be just as suffocating in a different way?
I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away.
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