Chapter 397

Though she was reluctant to let him go and step back into the real world; a place full of worry and impending horror, she finally shut the water off and climbed out. She hunted the bathroom for a towel but couldn't find anything. Jorick suggested she air dry, but she used one of her least dirty shirts and then dressed in clean clothes. She felt like she'd climbed into a new skin, and she cheerfully enjoyed the smooth creamy nakedness of his body while he debated what to do about his clothes. His shirt and pants were smattered in old blood but he'd only brought one extra set.

"I told you to bring more," she said smugly.

He surrendered and soon they emerged, both with fresh clothes and wet hair. The rest of their group hung out in what served as a kitchen and they joined them. Etsuko sipped from a delicate tea cup and Hector poured some for the Russians. He spotted the newcomers and smiled. "Some tea?"

"Thank you," Katelina said as she took a seat and the offered cup.