80.- The canvas of Chaos

The fourth floor of Aurora's dungeon rose as a sanctuary carved from shadow, a haven where chaos and calm intertwined in a living, fragile balance. The black stone walls, draped in twisted vines and glowing moss, pulsed with a faint light that cast dancing shadows beneath the red orb suspended from the ceiling. The air, thick with warm humidity, carried the earthy scent of damp soil, the tart sweetness of Fire Flowers sprouting from the cracks, and a faint whisper of life resisting the eternal darkness of the place. The garden, a corner Sebastián had cultivated with devotion over years, stretched out like a living tapestry: shadow roots coiled at the base of gnarled trees, black "Aevia" flowers bloomed in small clusters, their dark petals gleaming like shards of night, and the constant rustle of leaves filled the silence with a melody that spoke of ancient cycles.

Aurora had left the fourth floor that morning, her serene figure vanishing toward the bone throne of the fifth level to meditate, as she'd said, leaving behind a void that weighed on the air like an absent shadow. In her stead, the garden welcomed Sebastián, who moved among the plants with a calm earned through years of facing the dungeon's chaos. His green tunic, stained with fresh dirt and slightly damp from the vines' dew, hung over his frame with a simplicity that contrasted with the complexity of the surroundings. His hands, calloused from years of pruning and planting, held a small glass vial filled with a clear, shimmering liquid: a new shampoo, a blend of crushed shadow berries and refreshing moss he'd crafted after days of experimenting in his garden nook. Its scent was crisp, with hints of wild mint and a sharp tang that cut through the air's heaviness—a gift he'd perfected with her in mind.

Sebastián paused beside a gnarled tree, his gaze drifting to the black flowers growing around him, their petals trembling under the orb's light. His mind, however, wasn't on the plants but on a memory that had lingered for days: Kaili, the Throne of Chaos, standing before the obsidian mirror in her chamber, wearing the garment he'd woven from Fire Flower fibers and luminous moss. The dim light had played across her purple skin, highlighting the curves of her body, the glow of her golden and red runes, and an expression on her face that wasn't her usual cutting arrogance but something softer, more indefinable. That image had rooted itself in his memory like a vine sinking into soil, and since then, an idea had sprouted within him—bold, irresistible, driving him today to fulfill a promise born long ago.

Since that night at the second floor's lagoon, washing Kaili's wings had become a habit, a ritual he repeated whenever she returned dirty or weary from her ventures in the dungeon. It had started as a simple act of care, an offer made after seeing her emerge from the water with feathers dusted in grime or blood, but over time it had evolved into something more: a silent bond neither named, yet both accepted. Today, though, it wouldn't be just a bath at the lagoon. With the shampoo vial in hand, Sebastián knew he wanted to go further—he wanted to undress her, touch her with tenderness, tell her what he felt, and break the boundaries he'd set for himself out of respect for her immense power.

Aevia stood at the garden's edge, her mature form radiating a serene, majestic presence that filled the space like an echo of ancient times. Her long corset of solidified shadows hugged her figure with elegance, the skirt falling to her calves in dark folds that rippled with each subtle movement. Golden gears along the edges turned slowly, glinting under the red orb, and her hair—a swirl of black, red, and violet—cascaded over her shoulders. Her feline eyes, with red sand swirling within them, watched Sebastián with a maternal calm that seemed to see beyond his words. Beside her, Terrón, the small earthen golem, planted black "Aevia" flowers in a corner, his chubby hands sinking the roots into the soil with a clumsiness that brought a smile to anyone watching.

"Aevia," Sebastián called, approaching her with a steady step, the shampoo vial in his hand like a talisman. His voice was clear, unwavering, laced with a resolve that had grown with each day in the dungeon. "I need to talk to you."

She tilted her head slightly, an elegant gesture that made the gears on her corset chime softly. "Always, little gardener," she replied, her resonant voice gentle and warm, like an echo from a thousand years past. "Your time sounds… resolute today. What stirs it?"

Sebastián sat before her on the ground, crossing his legs as Terrón continued planting flowers nearby, the sound of shifting earth filling the air with a quiet rhythm. "It's Kaili," he said, his tone firm yet tinged with introspection. "Since that night at the second floor's lagoon, I promised to wash her wings whenever she needed it. I've done it many times, Aevia, and today I want to do it again—with this." He raised the vial, the liquid catching the light. "But it's not just that. I want to undress her, tell her more, touch her with care."

Aevia regarded him, her feline eyes glinting with a spark of understanding that spanned centuries. "The Plague," she murmured, her resonant voice weaving the words like an ancient tale. "Her wings have trembled under your hands before, little gardener, in the lagoon where the water holds secrets. What do you wish to paint on them now?"

He smiled, a faint but confident curve on his lips. "I saw her in the dress I made a few days ago," he explained, his gaze drifting briefly to the memory. "She was beautiful, Aevia—her purple skin, the runes, everything. But today, at the lagoon, I want to go beyond looking. I want to tell her, touch her like I've never dared."

Aevia nodded slowly, her hands resting in her lap with a maternal grace that filled the space between them. "A bold canvas," she said, her tone soft but laden with deep wisdom. "You've cleansed her chaos many times, little gardener, and she's allowed it. Now, with your new brew, paint without bounds—touch with your heart, say what you hold."

Sebastián took a deep breath, letting her words sink into him like roots into soil. "She's strong, powerful, but there's something else," he continued, his voice low but resolute. "Something soft, something that trembles beneath all that chaos. I've seen it, Aevia, at the lagoon, and I want to reach it."

She reached out a hand, her fingers brushing his arm with a warmth that seemed to come from another era. "Chaos hides cracks, little gardener," she said, her resonant voice firm yet tender. "You've touched them before—at the lagoon, when you lulled her to sleep with your hands. Now make her tremble with your truth. Paint as you know how, and let her wings feel it."

Terrón raised a chubby hand, holding a freshly planted black "Aevia" flower, and offered it to Sebastián with a clumsy but earnest gesture. He took it, his fingers closing around the dark petals with care. "Thanks, little one," he said to the golem, then looked at Aevia with a smile. "And thank you. I think I know what I'm going to do."

Aevia tilted her head, her smile widening with a hint of maternal pride. "Your time paints with courage now, little gardener," she said, her resonant voice brimming with affection. "Go, and let the flowers guide you."

With the black flower in one hand and the vial in the other, Sebastián stood, his heart beating with a mix of calm and anticipation. There was no nervousness in him—only a quiet resolve, forged by years of facing the dungeon's chaos and the nights his hands had touched Kaili's wings at the second floor's lagoon. He smoothed his tunic, the shampoo's scent rising from the vial, and headed toward the second level with a steady stride, ready to keep his promise once more—but this time, with an affection he'd never shown before.

The second floor's lagoon rose as a mirror of dark waters, an underground sanctuary where green gems embedded in the walls cast a glow that danced across the liquid surface. Pulsing roots hung from the ceiling like the veins of a living organism, and the air, thick and warm, filled with the venomous perfume of nearby garden flowers, the earthy sweetness of damp moss, and a subtle hint of decay that spoke of eternal cycles. The murmur of water lapping against the rocks and the distant drip of stalactites filled the space with a steady pulse, a heartbeat that seemed to resonate with Kaili's presence.

She stood at the lagoon's edge, her combat tunic hanging loosely over her frame, her six iridescent wings folded against her back, dusted gray from a third-floor excursion. The greenish gemlight played across her purple skin, highlighting the curves of her figure, the glow of golden and red runes pulsing like living veins, and the sharp horns slicing through the gloom with a gleam of embedded gems. Her black hair fell in messy waves, and her dark eyes shone with a mix of arrogance and fatigue. Her sword rested beside her, propped against a rock, and the lagoon's water lapped at her bare feet, reflecting her silhouette like a living painting.

Sebastián approached with steady steps, the shampoo vial in one hand, the black flower in the other. "I promised to wash your wings whenever you needed it, Kaili," he said, his voice clear and calm, with a playful edge that cut through the heavy air. "And look at you—that dust doesn't suit you. Come on, let me help."

She turned her head toward him, her brow furrowed, an impatient expression etched on her face. "Another bath, human?" she shot back, her voice sharp but tinged with curiosity. "What, am I your dirty bird now?" The runes on her skin flared red for a moment, but she didn't move from the lagoon's edge, her wings trembling slightly under the accumulated dust.

He smiled, raising the vial with a confident gesture. "Something new," he said, uncorking it and letting the fresh scent—shadow berries and refreshing moss—rise like a breeze that cleansed the air. "But first, take that off. I'm not washing your wings with that tunic in the way."

Kaili arched an eyebrow, her dark eyes locking onto his with a mix of mockery and challenge. "Take it off?" she echoed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "How bold, gardener. And if I say no?"

"Then I'll do it," he replied, his voice firm but laced with a playful spark, stepping closer. Before she could protest, his hands moved with a calm boldness, untying the tunic's knots with fingers skilled from pruning tougher roots. Kaili grumbled, but she didn't stop him, letting the garment fall to the ground with a soft rustle, revealing her naked body like a vision that stole the breath.

The greenish gemlight bathed her purple skin, a living canvas woven from shadows and stars, each curve a provocation that charged the air with unspoken electricity. Her breasts, large and firm, rose with a fullness that defied gravity, their dark nipples like small crowns glistening under the glow, beckoning the gaze to linger on their perfect contours. Her wide hips curved in a voluptuous arc, a motion that mesmerized with every breath, while her sculpted, generous buttocks stood as if carved by a divine hand, each shadow enhancing their form with a silent allure. Between her thighs, her skin softened into a secret hollow, a realm of warmth and shadow exuding a magnetic pull, a whisper of intimacy that quickened the pulse without words. Golden, silver, and red runes traced her form like lines of fire, pulsing with arcane energy that outlined every curve from her neck to her toned thighs, a map of power and seduction vibrating in the air. Her six iridescent wings, folded but trembling, reflected warm hues of purple and blue, a halo of light belying their calm, while her sharp horns, adorned with gems that shone like captured stars, sliced through the gloom with silent authority.

Sebastián watched her for a moment, his gaze tracing every detail with a blend of reverence and tenderness he didn't hide. "Sit," he said, his voice low but firm, pointing to a smooth rock at the lagoon's edge. "Let's clean those wings."

Kaili huffed but complied, sitting with a grace that made the water tremble around her. Her wings unfurled slightly, iridescent feathers dusted gray, and she looked at him with a mix of mockery and curiosity. "Well, what are you waiting for?" she asked, her tone sharp. "Do it, but make it quick."

He didn't hesitate. He approached with steady steps, pouring the shampoo into his hands and warming it with a quick rub. The fresh scent filled the air, cutting through the lagoon's density, and he positioned himself behind her, his hands beginning to glide over her purple wings, feather by feather, with a precision that was both care and craft. The shampoo left a soft sheen on the feathers, dust slipping away like ash under his fingers, and the wings started to reflect the greenish light with a renewed glow.

Kaili sat still, her wings trembling faintly under his touch, and something shifted in her. Her dark eyes drifted to the water's reflection, and a light trance settled over her imposing figure. She'd never allowed such treatment—never permitted anyone to touch her with this kind of care, this intimacy. Before, anyone who harbored lust toward her, who dared to gaze at her with desire, had met a cruel end under her blade or wings, their bodies shattered as a warning to others. Yet now, a gardener had removed her clothes, his hands washing her wings with a gentleness she didn't know, and the world seemed to pause in that moment. The runes on her skin glowed golden, her breathing slowed, and a soft murmur escaped her lips, barely audible.

Sebastián continued washing, his fingers sliding over each feather with a calm learned in the garden, the shampoo leaving a cool trail that contrasted with the warmth of her skin. As he moved to her horns, cleansing the embedded dirt with care, he raised his eyes and caught hers in the water's fleeting reflection. His voice emerged low, sincere, without a trace of doubt: "You know, Kaili, you're truly beautiful. No matter how much time passes, I never tire of seeing your naked body."

Silence fell like a heavy shadow over the lagoon. Kaili's runes flared red for an instant, and she turned her head slightly, her eyes locking onto his with a mix of surprise and mockery. "Never tire, huh?" she shot back, her voice sharp but quivering faintly, as if the trance still held her. "How bold, gardener."

But before he could respond, she spoke again, her voice slipping out low, almost unintentional, a murmur escaping before she could catch it: "Feel lucky, human. You're not just the first to see me naked… you're the first to touch me."

The words hung in the air, and something broke within Sebastián. The weight of what she'd said—that no one, in all her existence, had crossed the line he now crossed—hit him like a root finding fertile ground. Without thinking, he dropped the vial to the ground and embraced her from behind, his arms wrapping around her with a deep tenderness, an affectionate, caring gesture that sought connection, not boldness. His hands settled on her waist, rising gently to rest just beneath her breasts, not touching them yet, simply holding her with a warmth that spoke of something beyond desire. His chest pressed against her back, her wings trembling more strongly under the embrace, and he leaned in, his lips near her ear, whispering: "You're softer than you seem, Kaili."

For a few moments, Kaili revealed vulnerability. Her wings quivered as if unsure what to do, her runes glowed golden with an intensity that seemed to bare her soul, and a soft sigh slipped from her lips—a sound that didn't fit the Throne of Chaos. Her body relaxed against his, her head tilting back slightly, and the trance that had enveloped her deepened, as if, for the first time in centuries, she allowed someone to care for her. But then, as if remembering who she was, her eyes snapped open, her runes steadied into a faint glow, and she regained her usual calm with a low growl. "Enough, human," she said, her voice sharp returning like a blade. "Don't overstep."

Sebastián smiled, releasing her slowly, the warmth of her skin still lingering on his hands. But before stepping back, something in him—perhaps the echo of her confession, perhaps the trance he'd seen in her—prompted him to speak again. "Kaili," he said, his voice calm but with a playful edge, "with your permission… can I touch your breasts?"

She turned her head, her dark eyes fixing on him as if he were an idiot, a mix of disbelief and mockery carved into her face. "What did you say, human?" she retorted, her tone sharp but tinged with amusement. She paused, her wings trembling faintly, then let out a low laugh, a sound that echoed through the lagoon like a mischievous ripple. "Can't avoid it with a perverted gardener, can I? Fine, take it as payment for your wing-cleaning services—but don't get used to it."

He laughed too, a low, warm sound, and reached out with a gentleness that belied the boldness of his request. His fingers brushed her firm breasts, molding them softly for a moment, feeling their warmth and softness under his palms—a tender touch that was more gratitude than lust. She didn't stop him, her runes glowing golden, and a slight tremor ran through her wings, but her gaze held that blend of mockery and calm that defined her.

Then, as if to close the moment, Kaili stood, her wings unfurling with a motion that made the clean feathers gleam under the lagoon's greenish light. Her horns, now pristine from the washing, reflected gemlike glints, and her black hair fell in soft waves, scented with the shampoo. With a swift motion, she retrieved her tunic from the ground and slipped it on, covering her naked form with an effortless grace, keeping that intimate moment a secret shared only with Sebastián.

But before she could leave, a clumsy sound broke the silence. From the hallway, Terrón appeared, his heavy steps echoing on the stone, followed by a small procession of earthen golems. Each carried a purple flower between their chubby hands, an impromptu parade advancing toward Kaili with comical solemnity.

Sebastián looked at them, surprised, as Aevia's voice whispered faintly from the fourth floor's garden: "Paint for her, little ones." Kaili paused, her tunic now cloaking her figure, and watched the scene with a mix of bewilderment and amusement. "And what's this supposed to be?" she asked, her gaze turning to Sebastián.

He shrugged, a smile spreading across his face. "I don't know," he admitted, honest. "Guess they want to give you a gift."

The golems approached, offering the purple flowers with clumsy but heartfelt gestures. Kaili eyed them with disdain for a moment, her runes flaring red, then reached out and took one, twirling it between her fingers. The flower, simple yet vivid, matched her skin's tone and the glint of her runes—a detail Sebastián noticed with quiet satisfaction. "Flowers," she said, her voice dry but with a hint of curiosity. "How… thoughtful."

"Alright then, human," she added, tucking the flower into a fold of her tunic. "See you tonight in the garden—a dinner, right? But don't get cocky—this doesn't change anything." Her tone was sharp, but a tiny, almost imperceptible smile crossed her lips before she turned and headed toward the fourth floor, her stride elegant yet carrying a softness that hadn't been there before.

Sebastián watched her go, the black "Aevia" flower still in his hand, the warmth of her breasts still lingering on his palms. Then he turned to Terrón and the golems, who stared at him with their blank stone eyes. "Thanks, friends," he said, his smile widening. "You saved my skin again."

With renewed energy and an anticipation coursing through his veins, he headed to the fourth floor's garden to prepare the most unusual dinner of his life.