Neu and Evox seal their jars, then gesture to the lagoon and bow. “Please, follow us.”

  Yatzir picks up Netil and stays close to Irāvah. “Do you think it’s safe?”

  Irāvah struts toward the lagoon. “Looks all right to me!” She dives in.

  Evox stands behind Yatzir. “Don’t worry, Bogenach. I’ll be with you the entire time.”

  Yatzir shivers and stares at him. “If you say so.”

  Vuhtzev pats Yatzir’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine!”

  Yatzir swallows, then follows them into the lagoon.

  Beneath the water’s calm surface is a busy aquatic utopia with glowing yellow plants, shimmering fish, and dark scaled creatures. Kelp waves in the undercurrent and the eyes of slender figures peer from the shadows. Netil nips at a guppy swimming by, then Yatzir squeezes his shell and kicks faster. Vuhtzev points to their left, where a group of large, green, flat fish fan out around them. Yatzir spots a distant cave emanating a soft red glow. Irāvah races Seol to the giant bubble, which continues to grow in size as they approach. Merketz clings to Neu and attempts to kick her feet.

  A green platform is embedded into the lagoon’s floor. Neu and Evox position themselves around the others, then a glass dome stretches around them. The water drains causing Yatzir to wobble as his weight returns. Neu taps on the glass, then a small window appears with shiny orange blocks. She taps an icon and the dome is filled with a mist that strips away the Zovahit’s warmth.

  Seol squats on the ground and sniffs the air. “Mmm, something smells good!”

  Irāvah covers her nose. “You’d think so!”

  Neu's green eyes wrinkle in the corners as her smile widens. "You’re smelling our morning catch, which will be waiting for you in the sauna!”

  Merketz squeezes the water out of her silver hair. “I’d like to wash off first, if you don’t mind.”

  Evox bows and his golden hair bunches at his collar. “Please, allow me to show you to your rooms."

  Irāvah hangs around Yatzir's shoulders and pinches his cheek. “Excited for the best pampering of your life?”

  Yatzir grumbles and turns away from her fingers. “I guess.”

  Neu taps another icon, then a tube emerges from the sand and the water drains, linking the dome to the bubble. The glass opens causing the salty air to hit them. Yatzir winces and wipes his eyes. Vuhtzev scrunches his face. Irāvah pinches her nose and pretends to puke. Seol sprints on all fours towards the bubble, exposing the others to his bare backside.

  Steam pumps through the floor and encases Niruchah in a thick, humid cloud. Yatzir walks close to Vuhtzev as he squints through the haze. Irāvah peels her shirt off, then Evox offers to carry it for her. She gives him a wink and slaps it into his palms. The patter of Seol’s hands and feet can be heard nearby.

  They make it to the center of the bubble, where Neu stops and bows. “Evox will remain with you from here, but I will be available upon request should you need anything.”

  Merketz bows back. “Thank you.”

  Evox moves to the front of the group and leads them to a foggy wall. He taps on the glass, then another window appears and he presses an icon that causes the glass to slide open. He gestures for them to enter. “This way, Bogenach.”

  Irāvah bumps Yatzir’s shoulder and leans over. “The hell they keep talking to you for? It’s like the rest of us don’t even exist.”

  Yatzir shakes his head and leans toward her. “They creep me out.”

  Merketz stops and scowls at them. “Behave!”

  They giggle and continue on.

  The shroud thins as they enter a round chamber. Orange lights glow along the crème-colored floor. A sunken pit in the center features pale orange cushions, which are spread in a circle around a large copper grill. Flowers from the surrounding meadow are rehomed in clear vases, scattered along the walls and floor. Three hallways are spaced between sections of glass that offer scenic views of the lagoon.

  Evox bows. “Welcome to your private lounge.”

  Irāvah’s eyes bulge. “This is where we're staying?”

  Evox nods.

  She laughs, then looks at Yatzir. “Perks of being you.”

  Yatzir grins and glances at the scenery. “It's…breathtaking!”

  Vuhtzev shrugs. “Nothing beats Etirvet!” He peers through the glass as fish swim by. “But this place is quite impressive.”

  Evox points to the left hallway. “Over here is a deluxe suite with two beds.” He turns to the right. “Same on the other side.” He nods to the center hallway. “And that is where you’ll find the master suite.”

  Merketz grins. “Excellent!” Her eyes scan the trio, then she looks at Evox. “After I bathe, I’d like a word with Neu and an itinerary.”

  Evox smiles. “I’ll bring her your request.”

  Yatzir, Irāvah, and Vuhtzev stand still, staring at Merketz.

  Merketz raises a brow. “Well?” She chuckles at them. “Go on!”

  Irāvah and Vuhtzev prance through the lounge, gabbing about the scenery and atmosphere. Netil squirms in Yatzir’s arms, begging to be let down. Yatzir smiles, then sets him loose and watches from a distance.

  Merketz approaches Yatzir. “Everything all right?”

  Yatzir looks around, then stares at her. “I…” He reaches into his pocket and fidgets with the stone. “I guess so.”

  Merketz hums and crosses her arms. “I hope you don’t think that you’re getting the master suite.” A grin curls on the edge of her lips. “After all, I am your elder.”

  Yatzir grunts and rolls his eyes. “You can have it.”

  Merketz scans the others, then leans in. “This is my first time coming here, but there’s something you should know.”

  Yatzir’s eyes widen. “What is it?”

  Merketz covers her mouth and whispers in his ear. “The creature who runs this place was a close friend to your mother. He might know what happened to her.”

  Yatzir grips his chest, then catches himself on the edge of a glass table causing a vase to rattle. Merketz pats his back, then saunters toward the master suite. Irāvah waves Yatzir over. He swallows, then takes a deep breath and goes to her.

  Evox waits in the hall, listening to the group, then exits the chamber. He wades through the steam-covered sauna and taps on the glass, entering a dim yellow stairwell. He minds his step on the slick, mossy stairs, and arrives in a small barrack.

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Orange and yellow robes hang on a rusty iron rack, a dingy wooden bench is nestled against a wall, and a dull rug stretches out in the center of the room. The stone walls sweat and water drips from the ceiling into an old bucket.

  Neu leans against a chipped vanity and massages the sides of her jaw. “I don’t know how long I can keep this up.” She locks eyes with Evox in the mirror.

  Evox walks over and pulls off his robe. “You’re telling me!” He slings it over a wobbly chair. “These costumes suck!”

  Neu groans and hangs her head. “Imartzah said they’d be coming.” She brushes the sleeves of tattoos covering her arms. “Didn’t expect it to be today.”

  Evox moves around the room and plops on the wooden bench, which creaks under him. He scratches his bare chest and yawns. “With all the rehearsing, I’ve barely had any sleep.”

  Neu turns in her chair. “Think we’ll be safe for an hour?” She ruffles her hair. “If I don’t close my eyes in the next five minutes, I might seriously gut someone!”

  Evox pouts at her. “The older woman is requesting you, along with an itinerary.”

  Neu snarls and whips towards the vanity. “Sheesh! Isn’t it enough we’re giving them our rooms?” She picks up a wooden comb and tends to her hair. “What’s next? A parade?”

  Evox snickers and slouches in his seat. “Like that boy has any idea who his mother was to us.” He crosses his arms. “Dumb kid, doesn’t even question how we know him.”

  Neu rests her elbows on the desk. “Still… Imartzah believes he’s just as powerful.”

  Evox jerks. “You’re kidding!” He kicks his feet up onto the bench. “He doesn’t have a lick of tzirem in his body.”

  Neu hums and organizes her station. “But he’s her son. There must be tzirem somewhere in him.” She chuckles at herself. “Can you imagine…” She glances at Evox. “The child of a serpent doesn’t produce any venom.”

  Evox snickers and shuts his eyes. “Yet, Imartzah made us agree to put on a little show for him.”

  Neu growls and rolls her eyes. “I’m heading back.” She retrieves her robe from the rack. “Get some rest while you can.”

  Evox bobs his head, then slumps over.

  Neu climbs the slippery stairs, adjusting her robe, and stretching her lips into a smile. She enters the sauna and is stopped by a large Ogre with orange skin, a large smooshed in nose, and two short tusks.

  Neu bows. “Bortzach Shatzev, how many I serve you?”

  Shatzev crosses her arms over her bare chest while a yellow towel dangles at her waist. “Neu, what's this I hear of visitors from the Yarbil?”

  Neu sighs and gazes at the clouds of steam. “It was meant to be a secret.”

  Shatzev’s brow twitches. “Is that why you increased the steam? To obstruct my view of him?”

  Neu jolts and stares up at her. “How did you know? We didn't tell anyone he was coming!”

  Shatzev cackles and pats Neu on the shoulder. “When you've been around as long as I have, nothing gets past you!” She grins. “So tell me, where is this Bogenach?”

  Neu swallows and lowers her head. “I'm sorry, Bortzach. You cannot see him now.”

  Shatzev rubs a scar on her face. “Why's that?”

  Neu clasps her hands behind her back. “He is traveling with a group and as you're well aware they aren't allowed to interact with…your kind.”

  Shatzev huffs, then yanks off her towel and hangs it around her shoulders. “Very well, Neu. If my kind and theirs do not mix, I should be on my way.”

  Neu gasps and kneels at Shatzev's feet. “Please, we welcome you here with open arms. I know that you will come and go at your leisure, but I must insist that you do not allow the arrangement to persuade you elsewhere.”

  Shatzev laughs and shifts her weight. “Well, when you put it so eloquently, what choice do I have?”

  Neu smiles and rises. “You honor us with your presence, Bortzach. To show our gratitude, please accept an invitation to a feast with the Bogenach.”

  Shatzev brushes Neu’s cheek. “I'd much rather enjoy a night alone with you, Uchach.”

  Neu trembles, then covers her face. “My lady, please! You're embarrassing me!”

  Shatzev breathes down Neu's neck. “It's not like anyone can see us. You made sure of that.”

  Neu steps back. “I'm sorry, but I must decline your offer. The Bogenach and his companions demand my full attention at this time.”

  Shatzev tilts her head down. “And what about me?” She runs a finger over Neu's robe. “I demand your attention tonight.”

  Neu jumps away. “Forgive me.” She hurries into the steam.

  Shatzev’s purple eyes chase Neu through the mist. “You know where I sleep!”

  Neu’s fingers dance over the glass, it opens, and she dashes inside. She pauses to pat her cheeks. “Ogres are so naughty.” She fans herself. “Damn you for giving me lustful thoughts, Bortzach. I need to focus.”

  Neu regains her composure and marches into the lounge. Irāvah comes out of her suite with a large orange towel wrapped around her body. She fixes a yellow bonnet on her head, then nods at Neu. Neu smiles and returns the nod, stepping aside to let Irāvah pass. Irāvah mumbles and struts towards the sauna.

  Neu walks into the master suite. “Bogenach?” She repositions the vases and brushes a finger over the slick glass end tables. She looks at Merketz’s robes set out on the large crème-colored bed. She picks them up, then moves towards the bathroom. “My lady?”

  Merketz sits inside a large in-ground tub, bubbles surround her, and her pale skin steams. “Neu?” She waves her over. “I didn't expect you so soon.”

  Neu bows. “Forgive the intrusion.”

  Merketz shrugs, then rises and reaches for a towel. Neu passes it to her. Merketz dries herself and puts on a thin yellow robe.

  Neu avoids watching. “Evox delivered your request.”

  Merketz ties the robe. “Yes, I wanted to know how familiar you are with Yatzir.”

  Neu swallows. “I only know what Imartzah tells me.”

  Merketz purses her lips. “Speaking of… Where is the old croak?”

  Neu bows. “He apologizes for the delay, but he will not return until tomorrow.”

  Merketz raises a brow. “What has he said about Yatzir?”

  Neu’s grip tightens around Merketz's robes. “He… He speaks highly of the Bogenach's potential, yet fears he won't be ready in time.”

  Merketz tilts her head. “He told you?”

  Neu nods. “Yes, my lady.”

  Merketz sighs and folds her hands. “Tell me what he plans to do about it.”

  Neu lifts her head. “Allow me to explain somewhere more…private.”

  Merketz follows Neu out of the chamber.

  Yatzir squats in his deluxe suite, poking a block of jiggling substance. Netil takes a bite out of it, then spits it out and hides in his shell. Yatzir picks him up, then moves to the round wall and watches fish swim by. Vuhtzev exits the bathroom with a short yellow towel hanging from his waist. Yatzir's eyes follow Vuhtzev’s reflection, tracing the shape of his defined abs, then falling down to the end of his lengthy penis, which wags below the towel.

  Vuhtzev jumps on a block, jiggling back and forth. “Have you tried yours yet?” He rolls around. “It feels like a hug!”

  Yatzir looks over at him, unable to keep his eyes from wandering. “Not yet.”

  Vuhtzev sits up, then removes his towel and dries his hair. “That bathroom is something else!” He stands and slings the towel over his shoulder. “You've got to try it.” He stares at Yatzir. “Aren't you going to change?”

  Yatzir rubs his throat, then nods and goes into the bathroom. He sets Netil down and peers into the tub. Steam rolls towards him as he unbuttons his shirt. His fingertips glide over his forearms causing his chest to become warm. He unfastens his belt, then removes his pants and undergarments.

  The tiles are warm beneath his feet as he sets his shoes to the side. He lowers himself into the water and bubbles form. Several jets beat against his back. Yatzir leans into them with a sigh. Netil crawls around the rim of the tub. Another jet blows between Yatzir's legs. He jumps, then checks over his shoulder and leans back.

  His hips gyrate against the pressure of the jet. He tips his head back with his mouth hanging open. A hand pushes between his thighs, forcing his erection over the jet. His eyes flutter, then he catches his reflection in the glass above. A woman stares back at him. Pressure builds in his chest. He removes his hand and plunges underwater.

  The jets pound the water in rhythm with the beat of his heart. He squeezes his eyes shut. The pounding grows louder until it comes from inside his ears. He resurfaces, gasping for air, and swims to the ledge.

  Netil crawls over to him and pecks at his shoulder. Yatzir strokes Netil's head. “Didn’t mean to scare you.” Netil blinks at him. Yatzir rests his cheek on his arms. “Maybe this place isn't so bad.”

  Netil steps on Yatzir's arm and nudges his brow. Yatzir grins and rubs Netil's shell. “Glad you're here, too.”

  Yatzir leaves the tub, grabs a towel, and goes into the suite. Vuhtzev is already gone. Several robes hang on a rack. Some are thicker than others. He grabs two and turns to Netil. “Think it's too hot out there for me to wear one?”

  Netil blinks.

  Yatzir sighs and hangs the thicker one up. “You're right. I'm being silly.” He tugs a thin orange robe over his shoulders, then ties it around his waist. He goes into the lounge where Vuhtzev sits on a cushion.

  Vuhtzev looks at him and smiles. “That wasn't long!” He grips his towel and stands.

  Yatzir tilts his head. “You waited for me?”

  Vuhtzev scratches the back of his neck. “I figured you might be nervous.”

  Yatzir glances at the fish swimming by. “A little.”

  Vuhtzev walks toward the sauna. “Let's go!”

  Netil…Path to the soul