The Crimson Dawn

Chapter 11

Derick and Gedeon finally arrived at the clearing, panting and out of breath.

Derick threw his hands up. “s**t, we missed it.”

Gedeon’s eyes fell on Finn’s body, his face tightening. “Shit.” He quickly turned to Stella, rushing to her side to look her over for injuries.

Stella brushed him off, speaking to him telepathically. ‘He knew what I was. He said he was a servant to the Kitsunes before they were wiped out.’

Gedeon raised an eyebrow and responded back, ‘Did he say anything else?’

Stella shook her head, her expression dark. ‘He died before I could ask more.’

Gedeon whispered under his breath, “Fuck.”

Aydin leaned in, his voice low so no one else could hear. “Maybe he had family. When we get back to town, we can find out. They might know something.”

Stella nodded faintly. “Maybe.”

Ari broke the tense silence, calling out, “Let’s get moving. It’s creepy out here.” She turned to Barrett. “Grab its head so we can show the lord we killed one.”

Barrett sighed but bent down, gripping the werewolf’s severed head. With a mischievous grin, he shoved his hand up its neck, manipulating the jaw like a puppet. “Hello, I’m Mr. Wolfy!” he said in a deep, growling voice.

Derick burst out laughing, the only one who did.

“Enough,” Raphael muttered, his tone sharp.

The group made their way back to the city, weary but triumphant. They collected their payment from the lord and returned to the tavern for much-needed rest.

Stella made her way to the bathhouse attached to the tavern, eager to wash the dried saliva and grime from her skin. Wrapped in a towel, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The large room was steamy, the air heavy with the scent of soap and minerals. Massive pools of hot water stretched before her, their surfaces rippling gently.

The room was empty, save for one person—Aydin.

He had his back to her, water cascading over his broad shoulders as he ran his hands through his damp hair. Stella paused, her breath hitching as she watched him. His muscles shifted beneath his skin with each movement, and her eyes traced every detail of his strong back and arms.

A wave of heat surged through her body, her mind racing with thoughts she hadn’t dared acknowledge before. When did he grow from a scrawny little boy to… this?

Clearing her throat, she finally spoke. “Aydin.”

He turned sharply, his eyes widening in surprise. Realizing he was exposed, he quickly covered himself under the water, his face flushing. “Stella! Sorry—I didn’t think anyone would be here this late.”

Stella giggled softly. “Neither did I. I can wait if you’d like.” She started to turn away, but Aydin stopped her.

“No, it’s okay. You better hurry, though. The owner said this was the last call for hot water until tomorrow.”

Stella smirked. “You sure?”

He nodded.

Without hesitation, Stella dropped her towel, revealing her flawless form. Aydin’s breath caught in his throat as he froze, his eyes unable to look away.

She stepped gracefully into the water, letting it rise to her shoulders as she tied her hair up above her head. “This feels so good,” she murmured, closing her eyes. “I can’t remember the last time I had a warm bath.”

Perching herself on one of the pool’s edges, she began lathering soap across her chest, her movements slow and deliberate.

Aydin’s pulse quickened, his body betraying him as he tried to keep his composure.

Stella glanced at him with a teasing smile. “Would you mind washing my back?”

Aydin cleared his throat, stuttering slightly as he approached her. His hands trembled as he took the soap from her.

Stella chuckled softly. “Do I make you nervous, Mr. Starash?” she asked in a husky tone.

Aydin swallowed hard, gently running the soap along her back.

Stella let out a contented sigh, closing her eyes as she relaxed under his touch.

Before anything more could happen, the door burst open.

“CANNONBALL!” Barrett shouted, sprinting into the room completely naked.

He launched himself into the pool, sending water flying everywhere. Stella shrieked, Aydin stumbled back, and Barrett surfaced with a laugh.

One by one, the rest of the group entered—Derick, Raphael, Ari, and Gedeon—all equally undressed.

Gedeon’s eyes narrowed the moment he spotted Aydin near Stella.

The group settled into the pool, discussing the next creature they needed to hunt. But Ari couldn’t help but glance at Stella, her gaze lingering on her perfect figure. A pang of envy struck her as she caught the boys—especially Raphael—stealing glances at Stella.

Gedeon, noticing the attention his sister was getting, telepathically hissed at her. ‘You need to get out. Everyone’s staring at you.’

Stella furrowed her brow, responding back. ‘We’re all naked in a bath. Of course they’re staring. What else would they look at?’

They continued their mental argument escalated until Gedeon crossed the line. ‘You’re only beautiful because you’re a Kitsune.’

Stella snapped, her voice ringing out loud and clear. “f**k YOU!”

Everyone stopped and looked between Gedeon and Stella. She stood abruptly, striding out of the pool without bothering to grab her towel. Walking into the main entrance of the tavern. The men in the tavern’s common area whistled and cheered as she marched through, her confidence unshaken.

Gedeon groaned, dunking his head under the water. “Damn her.”

Aydin cleared his throat, his voice measured. “You need to take it easy on her.”

Gedeon glared at him. “You know her like I do. You know why I have to be hard on her.”

Trying to lighten the mood, Derick grinned. “Well, Gedeon, your sister has a hot body. Can’t blame us for looking.”

Gedeon didn’t hesitate, grabbing Derick’s head and shoving him under the water.

Aydin sighed, climbing out of the pool. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he muttered, “I’m done for the night,” and headed back to his room.

Aydin walked into his room, closing the door softly behind him. He couldn’t get the image of Stella’s body out of his head, but it wasn’t just her physical beauty that consumed his thoughts. His mind wandered back to when they were kids, swimming in the lake together. He remembered her laughter, how carefree she was before the world forced them to grow up. Back then, he hadn’t thought of her in that way—they were just two kids enjoying a rare moment of peace.

But now, things were different. Stella wasn’t just his childhood friend anymore. She was fierce and fiery, with a stubbornness that drove him mad yet drew him closer. He loved the way she wrinkled her nose when she was annoyed or how her sharp wit could make even Barrett hesitate. Beneath her tough exterior, Aydin saw the kindness she tried to keep hidden, the compassion that slipped out when she thought no one was looking.

He didn’t care that she was a Kitsune. He didn’t care about her looks, though he couldn’t deny they left him breathless. He cared about her. All of her.

Aydin sighed, lying down on the soft bed. His thoughts tangled together, his emotions swirling. He wondered if Stella had any idea how deeply he cared for her, how much he wanted to protect her—not because she needed it, but because he couldn’t imagine a world without her in it.

Slowly, the tension in his body began to ease as exhaustion took over. His eyelids grew heavy, and the thoughts of Stella’s laughter and the warmth of her presence followed him into his dreams.