Page 161 of When Death Whispers

Hudson snorts, amusement now replacing the calm echoing through the bond. “Sure, Bone Daddy. Whatever you say.”

A soft giggle sounds behind me, joy and light that is citrus-flavored rippling through my chest. I turn, finding Parker wrapped in a fluffy robe—her snowy hair still damp from her own recentbubble bath.Her smile is playful, warm, completely unafraid.

I briefly consider using my shadows to pry that robe open and caress every inch of her too-clean skin until she is a writhing, filthy mess again. But she may not appreciate it after spending all that time doing self-care, or whatever the puny mortal golden boy called it. Ridiculous.

“I promise it’s not going to kill you, Steo,” she reassures, amusement dancing in her eyes and down our tether. “You might even like it.”

“Of course it won’t kill me. I amDeath. I have never heard of such nonsense as death bybubbles.”

My shadows pulse in protest. Parker’s amused expression only brightens, and her fingers trail softly along one of my shadows, instantly soothing them into calm compliance.

Traitors.

“If you won’t listen to me, at least trust Parker,” Hudson calls lazily from his place in the absurdly foamy water. “Come on, big guy. Live a little.”

She does smell delicious. Like the citrusy concoction I grabbed from the mortal realm. Her favorite.

With a resigned growl, I step toward the tub. I hesitate at the edge, shadows warily testing the air, tasting the faint scent of lavender and something distinctly Parker—citrusy and sweet, inviting and warm.

Hudson’s smirk widens, daring me to retreat.

“Don’t worry, Steo,” Parker murmurs encouragingly. “You won’t dissolve.”

My pride refuses to allow hesitation. Taking a deep breath—though I have no real need to—I step into the steaming water.

Warmth immediately envelopes me, seeping into my skin, my bones, washing away tensions I did not even realize I held. I sink into the heat, startled as bubbles rise around me, encasing me in clouds of softness. Parker giggles again at my undoubtedly bewildered expression.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” she asks softly, sitting down beside the bath and dipping her fingers in the foam.

“I… suppose it is not entirely unpleasant,” I admit begrudgingly, causing Hudson to chuckle triumphantly. Once again, it’s a shame our tether prevents me from ending his life. Perhaps wringing his neck a little?

But my shadows ripple around me, swirling curiously through the frothy bubbles, thoughts of death completely forgotten. One stretches cautiously, dipping its tendril into the foam and drawing back sharply in surprise.

“Relax,” Parker whispers gently to the shadows, stroking them lightly until they pulse calmly, comforted. They quickly become bolder, playfully swishing through the water, scattering bubbles everywhere.

“Hey! No splashing, shadow babies,” Hudson laughs, shielding his face from the foam that goes flying.

My lips twitch involuntarily at the ridiculous nickname he’s given my shadows. “Shadow babies?”

Hudson shrugs, utterly unapologetic. “If the name fits.”

Warmth. Laughter. Absurdity.

And yet, strangely, it’s… peaceful.

Hudson and Parker exchange amused glances as I sink deeper into the scented water, my shoulders loosening, the constant hum of shadows around me relaxing into lazy contentment.

Maybe this particular human custom isn’t quite as foolish as I’d believed.

“I guess you were right, Snow Pea,” I finally relent, my voice an embarrassed grumble. “This bubble bath ritual is… adequate.”

Parker beams at me, leaning forward to kiss my cheek softly. Hudson laughs, splashing me with water.

“Welcome to the club, big guy,” he says cheerfully, sinking further into the foam. “Just wait till we introduce you to bath bombs.”

I narrow my eyes suspiciously. “Bath… bombs? As in bubble weapons? Bath warfare?”

Parker only smiles wider, her amusement warming me in places I did not think I could feel warmth. “Trust me—you’re going to love them.”

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