The next task was far too quiet.
Varian said nothing when he entered the room—just gestured for Elias to follow.
Elias hesitated. "What now? Another test? More chains?"
"No," Varian said. "A bath."
"…You can't be serious."
"Oh, I'm very serious."
He led Elias through a winding corridor to a massive, steamy chamber lit by floating candles. At the center was a sunken marble bath, filled with shimmering water that glowed faintly red.
A long black cloth rested on the edge—clearly meant to be all Elias would wear.
"No," Elias said immediately.
"Yes," Varian countered, stepping behind him, warm breath brushing his ear. "Trial Three. You bathe. With me."
"I'd rather drown."
Varian chuckled. "Then I'll pull you back out. Just to make you do it again."
Elias turned, face flushed. "You really think I'll just strip for you?"
Varian didn't answer. He simply removed his own shirt—slowly. Muscles rippled, dark runes glowed faintly along his spine.
He looked like sin.
And he knew it.
Elias looked away fast.
Varian smirked. "You're already imagining it."
"I'm imagining stabbing you."
"Still counts."
Elias groaned and grabbed the cloth. "Turn around."
"I've already seen you."
"Turn. Around."
With exaggerated grace, Varian did.
Elias undressed quickly, wrapping the cloth around his waist and stepping into the steaming bath. The heat soaked into his skin, loosening muscles he didn't know were tight.
He sighed before he could stop himself.
Varian stepped in behind him.
Elias froze.
"I said no touching."
"I said nothing at all," Varian replied.
They sat in silence. The water swirled between them.
Then a hand brushed Elias's shoulder.
He tensed. "Varian—"
"Let me wash your back."
"No."
"It's part of the trial."
"You made that up."
"Everything here is made up," Varian said softly. "Except you."
That… silenced Elias.
The touch came again—gentler this time. A warm cloth slid across his back. Down his shoulder blades. Over the chain still wrapped tight around his neck.
"You tremble when I touch the chain," Varian whispered.
Elias didn't answer.
Varian leaned in, lips grazing the back of Elias's neck. A kiss. Then another. Then one, lower.
Elias gritted his teeth.
"Stop pretending you don't want it," Varian murmured.
"I don't."
"Then push me away."
Elias didn't.
He hated himself for it.
Hated how his skin burned where Varian kissed him. Hated how his body wanted to melt into the touch even while his mind screamed run.
Varian's hand slid lower. Elias caught it.
"Enough."
Their eyes met.
And for once, Varian didn't push further.
But he smiled like he'd already won.
---