A Spark Against the Shadows (Book Two) Fully Released

Chapter XV - Within the Night

Sonya leaned back on the narrow bench as opened her eyes. She examined the chamber as it filled up with steam while taking in a deep breath of the hot air. The resistance occupied the chamber with three large wooden baths, each blocked by a small wooden wall. She took off her chain mail and armor. Placing down her arm braces on the narrow bench before discarding her torn and scuffed boots. After removing her belt, she had nothing on except her trousers and the black cloth that laid almost skintight under her chain mail.

She turned towards the tub of water before the small paper in her arm brace caught her eye. Prince Kota of Damira. He holds the key to your future; she thought to herself again.

Sonya stared at the paper before running her hands through her black hair, slicking it back with the moisture in the air. She then reached out and touched the side of the tub as she felt the water touch her fingers. As she brought her finger to the top of the water and watched the ripples as they scattered across the water. She cracked a slight smile as she started her finger into the water as steam came from the location. Taking in this moment of peace before the chamber echoed with a light knock at the door as she heard Phe's voice ask, "Are you decent, Sonya? Can we talk?"

"Yes. If it is just you, then come in," said Sonya as she took in a deep breath as moved her entire hand inside the water before steam filled the room once again.

Sonya listened quietly as the door to the bathhouse open and close. She closed her eyes as the footsteps echoed against the cobblestone walls before they stopped. Opening her eyes, she shifted to see Phe standing there as she leaned against the small wall between the tubs. She did not wear her cloak this time, as she wore a simple red tunic with black trousers and black boots. Phe crossed her arms as she said, "Good, I caught you before you entered."

"You wanted to talk?" asked Sonya as she took out her hand from the water, placing it on the edge of the tub.

Through the steam inside the room, she smiled as she nodded. "You need not worry about the Princess at the moment. Alexis is sleeping safe and sound. She had a hot meal and fell asleep shortly after."

"I do not think you came here just to tell me that," answered Sonya swiftly as Phe looked up at her. "Is there something else on your mind?"

Phe gave a quick chuckle before nodding her head in agreement before meeting eyes. Sonya watched as she left the wall and walked towards the tub of water and placed her hand somewhat in the water. Smiling as she pushed her hand in the warm water, Phe looked up at Sonya. "When I touched her skin, I felt the coldness inside of her."

Sonya laughed lightly. "She is an ice caller. Her body runs a little colder than most. You have nothing to fear with her."

"I am not talking about the difference between your heat and her own. You have seen the struggle in her heart, have you not?" asked Phe as she took her hand out of the water and onto the border of the tub. "The tales I have heard paint an extraordinary picture of the woman I see in that room sleeping."

Sonya nodded as she watched as the water rippled across the tub. When the final ripple reached the edge of the tub, she looked up at Phe. "I knew little of her before the events with her brother. Only a few tales, but her family has been through more than anyone should in the last year."

"What is your stake in all this? I understand what the banished princess has to lose with a war, but you are not from either kingdom," questioned Phe as she turned her head slightly to meet her eyes. "Alexis said that you traveled from the west. Why help her with this quest of hers?"

"It is not only her quest. I am not doing this for her, but as a promise I made to someone," replied Sonya as brought her index finger into the water before moving it back and forth. "I will not let that person down."