The soft glow of the bathroom lights reflected off the steam curling around you, creating a cocoon of warmth as you slid deeper into the water. For the first time in days, you felt completely at peace. No alarms, no missions, and most importantly—no Sylus. As much as you adored your husband, his constant hovering could be overwhelming. He was possessive in ways that could be both intoxicating and exhausting.

You had earned this bath, and you’d fought for it. Carefully. Quietly. Sneaking away while Sylus had his attention on a holomap, muttering something about “supply runs” and “potential threats.” He hadn’t even noticed you leave—or so you thought.

A soft hiss broke the silence as the bathroom door slid open.

Your heart sank, your eyes snapping open to find Sylus leaning casually against the doorframe. His sharp, dark eyes locked onto yours instantly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. He didn’t say anything at first, simply taking in the scene—the candles you’d lit, the soft scent of lavender, the fact that you were very obviously trying to escape him.

You let out a resigned sigh, sinking a little deeper into the water. “Sylus.”

“You thought you could hide from me,” he said finally, his voice low and teasing, though there was an edge to it.