CHAPTER 136: THE BATH(1)

They returned to the castle not long after, taking one of the side paths that led directly inside without crossing the main route.

At the entrance stood Avelin—the maid who had been tasked with teaching Peri and Luna. Her stern gaze immediately made the three of them tense.

"Young Master," Avelin said evenly, "are you prepared?"

The question alone was enough to make the three youngsters exchange nervous looks. They all knew exactly what she meant.

Hades cleared his throat. "What do we need to do? Can you explain?"

Avelin gave a small nod. "First, the three of you will be taken to the bath. It will be infused with grassroot, arthemeir crystal powder, and several other cleansing agents. Once your bodies are properly cleansed, you will then need to..."

As she detailed the procedure, their faces grew hot with both anxiety and embarrassment.

Thankfully, only the four of them were present.

Peri and Luna glanced at Hades at the same time, and he reluctantly voiced the question hanging between them. "Umm... does it have to be done together... with both of them?"

The maid shrugged lightly. "It would be better. The process takes at least two days for both their bodies—and yours—to adapt. Considering your both mates belong to different races, the adaptation would be easier for you if done at the same time, young master. So yes, unless you wish to stay here four to six days longer, you’ll need to go through it together."

Hades exhaled through his nose, humming to himself. His mother would return in three days and take him back to the Death Well.

But that wasn’t the real issue here.

He looked at the maid. "Can we talk?"

She bowed politely. "Please call for me when you’re ready."

Hades gave a short nod, and she quietly left the room.

Hades turned to the two girls and found their faces tinged with blush.

He sighed softly. "We can do it separately if either of you feels uncomfortable."

They were close, yes—but sharing a bed with him for a ritual like this... it couldn’t be easy to accept.

Luna was the first to speak. "It would be bad if you faced any problems adapting to the Blood Bond. Every day in the Dragon Realm matters for you, Hades."

She wasn’t wrong. He had to train harder, faster—strong enough to face the foes who had been waiting for his arrival for a long time.

Peri gave a small, steady nod. "It’s not like I never saw this coming. And honestly... doing this ritual alone would be far scarier. Let’s do it together."

Luna’s lips curved into a faint smile as she agreed. "Yep. We don’t have a problem with it."

Hades drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "...Alright then. I’ll let her know."

When the maid returned, he gave her a nod. She bowed lightly. "Please, follow me."

The three of them trailed behind her in silence until they reached the dining hall, where three more maids were already waiting.

"Please follow them to the bath," Avelin instructed.

But then, Luna suddenly asked, "Can’t we bathe together?"

Her tone was firm. She didn’t want strangers touching her, and the thought of these maids laying their hands on Hades was something she simply couldn’t allow.

Avelin’s brows knit together. "You need to cleanse yourselves properly. Any impurities left behind will only cause pain during the ritual."

The three of them exchanged confused glances at her words, but before anyone could press further, Peri stepped in. "We’ll manage on our own."

Avelin let out a long sigh, clearly reluctant. "...Very well." She turned to the waiting maids. "Lead them."

The maid in the middle stepped forward. "Please follow me, Young Master."

Hades glanced at his mates, then quietly took both their hands into his own. With that silent reassurance, he led them deeper into the castle.

Walking down the gallery, they made several turns before arriving at a towering black door etched with intricate golden patterns.

The maid stepped forward and pushed it open, revealing a breathtaking sight.

A vast bathing chamber stretched before them, its walls lined with polished black stone veined in gold. Dozens of candles flickered gently along the edges, their light dancing across the surface of a wide bathing pond that dominated the center of the room.

The water was crystal clear, faint steam rising in curling threads that carried the soft fragrance of herbs and oils.

Ripples lapped gently at the edges, reflecting the candlelight like scattered stars upon the surface. The air itself was warm and soothing, thick with incense that clung subtly to the senses—not overbearing, but calming, inviting.

Several maids stood quietly within, heads lowered in silent deference.

The blue-haired maid who had led them here raised her voice softly, "Leave."

The maids exchanged brief glances before bowing in unison and quietly exiting the chamber.

Luna heaved a sigh of relief, just thinking of bathing in front of others had her on the edge, forget about having someone’s help in the pool.

Turning back to the trio, she added politely, "Please call if you require anything. Towels have been prepared." With a graceful bow, she too made her way toward the door.

Just as she was about to close it, Hades spoke. "Ah—wait. Take her with you."

The maid tilted her head, puzzled.

Luna and Peri also appeared confused...but then they realized.

For a moment, silence lingered. Then Hades exhaled, his gaze lowering. "...Maylie."

From the depths of his shadow, the darkness rippled and stirred until a familiar figure rose from it—a raven-haired woman, her presence quiet yet undeniable.

She bowed slightly. "I will remain just outside."

Hades shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "No. You’re going to rest now. Eat well, take a proper bath, and then straight to bed."

Maylie blinked in surprise, her lips parting before she quickly shook her head. "No, Master. I still need to—"

"Maylie." His voice firmed, cutting through her protest. "That’s an order."

His shadow guard seemed to waver with displeasure, her cheek puffing out in the faintest pout before she finally lowered her head. Bowing deeply, she turned and left in silence.

The blue-haired, who was standing at the door, couldn’t help but giggle as she welcomed Maylie to the other side.

Once she left, Hades turned toward the two, "So..shall we begin?"

Their faces were slightly red but they didn’t hesitate from nodding.

°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. The book...isn’t doing well. I don’t want this one to be the first book I drop. So please, leave a comment or review if you are enjoying the story so far.