---
Vel, already relaxing in the water, reached out and flicked Sha's antenna. "Come now. Let's clean off the blood and battle." She lathered up some soaproot and began scrubbing Sha's shoulders, humming.
Naaro added from behind, playfully massaging Sha's upper back. "You fought bravely. This is your reward, big sister."
"Mmm… wait! That's my—don't touch my thorax plates like that!" Sha hissed, squirming.
"But they're soft," Naaro said, reaching over. "So squishy! Are you sure you're an assassin ant and not a fertility matron?"
"I'll kill you all!" Sha shrieked—face glowing with heat—but she made no move to escape the massaging hands or the laughter bubbling around her.
Xxx and Xxx were already reclined beside Akayoroi, who allowed them to brush her long hair-like filaments and polish her chitin gently. She tilted her head, eyes half-lidded.
"Sisters," she said softly. "Do you not find it strange… How did that handsome male appear? As if sent by fate."
