The quiet between them stretched on for a while, the bubbling of the hot spring filling the air as they both soaked in the soothing warmth. For once, Kaian resisted the urge to tease Chiva further. She seemed content to simmer in her irritation, though he could see the occasional glance she shot his way when she thought he wasn’t looking. He had to admit, there was a certain peace to the silence, even if it was a bit awkward.
After about fifteen minutes, though, Kaian felt something was missing. The hot spring was relaxing, sure, but what he really needed was something cold and refreshing to drink. A sudden thought struck him, and he moved through the water toward the rock where he’d left his backpack.
“What are you doing now? Disturbing my peace,” Chiva snapped, her tone sharp despite t
