~ ZEV ~
The air in the cavern changed, zinging with tension, as Zev reached for the little shelf next to the fire and the stack of dry, clean cloths there, and a cake of soap.
She was right, the pot would take forever to boil. But it wouldn't take long to warm a little. He knew he was more accustomed than her to the pure winter cold of Thana. So he offered her the cloth on an open palm and raised an eyebrow. "I volunteer to use the cold water—if you'll help."
Sasha's mouth tipped up on one side, and without another word she plucked the cloth out of his hand and stepped around him to the pot over the fire, dropping it in to soak, then turning to scan him from head to toe. "You're going to have to take your clothes off."
He didn't need to be asked twice, untying his furs and shucking them off, then stepping into the wide bath and standing there, hands at his sides.