The Corrupted Syndicate

Her gaze returned to the Viceroy, seeking an explanation for this strange display as if the nightdress itself held secrets she was yet to unravel.

"I have no intention of locking you away. Such crude measures are beneath one as valuable as you. No, my prized trophy will sleep at my side, where I can keep a close eye on you—both for security and my own amusement."

"Now, do me the courtesy of wearing this nightdress. You'll find it far more comfortable for the evening ahead," barked Zenos as he prepared to leave the girl to dress.

"I have my scales… I wear my scales… I don't like clothes because certain fabrics would make my scales itchy..." mumbled Mavislin, as she shyly moved the nightdress away as if it was going to come to life and eat her.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I don't usually wear clothes unless I want to try on pretty dresses. My armor is my scales… Why did you think I was blushing like mad earlier when you forced me on the bed with your chest on me?!" exclaimed the dragoness.

"Put on the nightdress. The door to your left opens to my private bath—use it to refresh yourself and prepare for the night," demanded Zenos, without caring for the girl's protest.

"I have reports to attend to, which must be sent off come morning. I trust you will have the sense to remain here and not attempt any ill-conceived escape. After all, you wouldn't want to disappoint me."

"I'm not a pet, Zenos."

"There's a reason why I call you my little beast."

With that, the Viceroy left, leaving the poor girl to do as she was told. She hated bathing in the night, the cool air isn't a good mix for the semi-reptilian. Mavislin then slowly walked to the bath that Zenos had mentioned, eyes going wide with wonder and shock.

"Looks like Matt wasn't joking about the Viceroy being rich..." murmured the dragoness as she remembered to breathe.

The Shadow of the Syndicate stood in the doorway of the world's most opulent bathroom. The ceiling soared high above, and rows of exquisite white tiles lined the walls. Bright white mana crystals bathed the room in a soft, luminous glow.

In the farthest corner, a massive stone bathtub took pride of place, while a colossal sphere of Water Mana gently dispensed a steady stream of warm water into it.

Mavislin glanced around, her eyes catching the array of luxurious lotions arranged neatly on a table beside the bath.

The dragoness hesitated, tapping her foot as she retracted her scales, concerned that the water might be too harsh for them. As she neared the edge of the enormous bathtub, Mavislin realized just how deep it was, far deeper than she had initially thought.

A small, mischievous smile began to form on her lips as a playful idea took shape. She took a step back, and an eerie glow of purple and black enveloped her. Her form twisted and shrank, morphing into a petite, elegant dragon with shimmering hues of violet and obsidian.

With a satisfied sigh, she plunged into the expansive, warm water, her tiny body creating gentle ripples across the surface. As she submerged, she allowed herself to relax completely, savoring the soothing embrace of the bath in her miniature form.

"Are you planning to drown yourself?" thundered the Viceroy, shocking Mavislin awake from her peaceful spa.

Zenos furrowed his brow in mild confusion as he looked at the seemingly empty bathtub. Curiosity piqued, he walked over to investigate, only to be met with an unexpected sight.

To his surprise, a small dragon, shimmering in hues of purple and black, was frolicking in the warm water. He watched in bewilderment as the little creature swam about with an air of contentment, clearly enjoying the bath he had prepared.

"What… Are you doing?" asked the Viceroy as he gently placed a hand into the water.

"Enjoying myself?"

"Come out before it gets cold."

"But I wanna stay… It's so nice…"

"Come out. Before I grab you out of the tub with my bare hands."

Mavislin let out a small yelp as she leaped from the bath, her body instantly shivering from the sharp contrast between the warm water and the cool air.

Before she could fully register the temperature change, Zenos moved swiftly, wrapping a large, plush towel around her trembling form. The towel's warmth was a welcome relief as it enveloped her.

In a quick flash of purple, Mavislin returned to her human form, still clutching the towel tightly around her. She looked up at Zenos with a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment.

As she adjusted the towel to cover herself more securely, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. The warm fluffy towel felt like clouds hugging the dragoness.