The surgery had been a success. The healers had managed to meticulously repair the damage. However, Jahree would require a period of convalescence to recover fully from the ordeal. Tilla returned to her home in New Trito, while Midta stayed to help keep an eye on things and check the kitchen for things that might be causing Lanni trouble. During this time, Loka found herself drawn to Midta with a request. “Since you’re going to be staying here for a while, would you mind draining me?” she asked. Midta looked at her with a slight furrow in his brow. “I can, but why do you ask?” Loka hesitated, struggling to find the right words to express her delicate request. Fi-nally, she managed, “I’d like to spend time with a friend without the constant distraction of having to read him.” A look of realization appeared on Midta’s face. As a healer, he understood all too well the challenges they faced, always being cautious about physical contact to avoid acci-dental healing or energy transfer. Few healers possessed the rare gift to self-regulate their powers, enabling them to temporarily deplete their healing energy, much like Midta did when he wanted to be intimate with his wife. Understanding her plea, he acquiesced and drained Loka of her healing energy. Free from the constraints of her powers, Loka hurried to the room where Shan’s bath was. Shan had just arrived. “I know this isn’t the first thing,” Shan said preemptively, sensing her presence. “I re-ally wanted to find out how the surgery went and to update everyone else.” Loka reassured him, “That’s fine as long as you soak. Shan hesitated. “Could you turn around, though, while I change?” “You once said you avoided women because of your looks. What if a woman already knew how you looked?” Loka asked. Shan thought about this moment before admitting, “Maybe, I suppose, but nobody knows.” “That’s not entirely true,” Loka countered softly before closing the distance between them with a gentle kiss. Startled, Shan pulled back slightly. “You? But aren’t you concerned about accidental-ly reading me?” She offered a reassuring smile. “Midta’s an augmenter. He’s completely drained my healing capabilities for the time being. I’m as ordinary as you in terms of magic right now.” The implications hung in the air, prompting Shan to ask, “Are you saying you want to sleep with me?” Loka’s smile turned shy. “I genuinely value our moments together, and I thought per-haps we could explore more than just friendship. But if you don’t want to, I understand.” Shan’s response was immediate and decisive, his voice betraying no uncertainty. “I didn’t say that.” With that, he enveloped her in a warm embrace and claimed her lips with his own. After a moment, Loka whispered, “The comfort of my room might be more suitable for us.” Shan could only nod, the gesture filled with newfound hope, as he followed her to a place that promised the beginning of a deeper connection. *** Shan lay on the soft sheets, cradling Loka in his arms. Her unexpected offer had both surprised and pleased him, but he knew it couldn’t last. They could remain friends, but being lovers was a fleeting moment for them, as Midta wouldn’t always be there to drain her. He wanted to savor every second of their time together, but he could feel her growing restless in his embrace. “Your magic is returning, isn’t it?” he asked softly. Loka nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s not too bad.” “We shouldn’t wait until it becomes unbearable. Let’s end this pleasantly for both of us.” With a sigh, Loka leaned in and kissed him. She slipped out of his arms and began to dress while Shan watched admiringly. Though she had complimented him earlier that morning, he still felt a twinge of shyness at her gaze. Years of teasing from others about his body were hard to shake off with just a few kind words from her. “Are you waiting for me to come back?” She teased. “I do have a job.” He chuckled. “Just admiring the view. I have to soak, and I’m supposed to work with one of the mages. I’m not sure who I’ll be working with today with all the chaos going on.” “Alright then, I’ll see you later.” She leaned in for one final kiss before leaving. Shan quickly dressed, feeling slightly ridiculous as he would have to undress again for his bath across the hall. But old habits die hard, and he wasn’t used to parading around naked. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands