As they finally broke for air, they stood in relaxed silence, basking in each other’s scent and touch. The only sounds in the room were their heavy breaths, and the distant trickling of the spring water from the pool’s waterfall.

“Ready to try the springs?” Jace asked, far more coherent now that his elixir had fully worn off. He dropped his hands from Aster’s face to his waist with a happy smile. “I’m ready to soak and heal this wound a bit.”

Aster ...