Chapter 4: The Cursed Bathhouse and the Dragon Heiress
When I woke up, I expected soft pillows, maybe Seraphina curled beside me, maybe Lilix stealing my breath with her smug smirk.
Instead, I got drenched.
A waterfall dumped hot mineral water directly onto my face, shocking me awake.
> [New Location Discovered: Veil-Touched Springs – Cursed Bathhouse]
I sat up, sputtering. Silk sheets clung to my soaked skin. The air smelled of jasmine, heat, and something faintly metallic—like old magic. The room shimmered with enchantments and runes, their colors pulsating with sensual intent.
Lilix stood at the end of the bathhouse pool, her demon tail swaying.
"You drool in your sleep," she said.
Seraphina sighed beside me, toweling off her wings. "And mumble forbidden names. Again."
I groaned. "How did we get here?"
Lilix winked. "I carried you. You're surprisingly heavy for a Lustbound."
Seraphina folded her arms. "After you passed out, we traced the divine bond fluctuations to this place. It's old. Dangerous. And it's calling to you."
> [New Quest Initiated: Break the Bathhouse Curse] Optional Objective: Avoid Sleeping With the Curse Anchor (0% Chance)
Oh, come on.
---
1. Enter the Dragon Heiress
The bathhouse doors exploded open.
Steam poured in, followed by an aura so intense it set my system interface flickering.
A woman stepped through, draped in dark silk and dragonbone jewelry. Her horns curved elegantly, glowing with runes. Her golden eyes locked onto mine.
She was stunning.
She was furious.
And she was wet.
"WHO DARES BATHE IN MY PRIVATE CURSE?" she roared.
> [New Bond Detected: Rhyssara, Dragon Princess of Embers] Status: Aggressively Curious | Heat Level: 81°F (Rising)
"I'm guessing that's the bathhouse owner?" I asked.
Lilix leaned closer. "She's in heat. Don't look into her eyes."
Too late.
Rhyssara blinked. Her nostrils flared. "You... smell like prophecy."
> [Bond Hook Triggered – Soul Resonance: 7%]
Rhyssara stalked forward, tail swaying, aura shimmering like molten gold.
"You're the Lustbound. I've read about you. You're supposed to awaken the sleeping sins. Break the primal curses. And…"
She sniffed.
"Mate with anything that doesn't kill you first."
Seraphina: "Accurate."
Lilix: "Inspiring, really."
Rhyssara dropped her towel.
"Then start with me."
---
2. The Curse Explained (Naked, Of Course)
"I have a generational curse," Rhyssara said, sliding into the bath beside me, completely unbothered by the fact that I was currently wrapped in nothing but magical steam.
Seraphina and Lilix sat nearby. Watching. Judging.
"It activates during mating season," Rhyssara continued. "Any partner I touch is overwhelmed by desire and turns into a feral dragonling."
Lilix's brows lifted. "Kinky. Dangerous. Tell me more."
"I've had thirty-seven suitors. None survived past foreplay."
Seraphina blinked. "You're cursed with lethal arousal?"
"Essentially."
> [Sub-Quest Unlocked: Break Rhyssara's Curse via Lustbound Synchronization Ritual] Warning: Extreme Risk. Potential for spontaneous combustion.
I looked between them. "So you want me to...?"
Rhyssara nodded. "Please. I want to feel without killing. Just once."
She leaned closer. Her breath hitched.
"I've waited three centuries."
My system chimed softly:
> [Lustbound Sovereign Compatibility Detected: 96.7%]
Well, damn.
---
3. Trial of Fire (and Other Things)
We began the ritual beneath the moonlit baths, where the waters glowed red with ancient heat.
Runes formed around us. Lust energy surged, weaving between us like threads of fire.
Rhyssara's skin flushed gold. My veins pulsed with primal energy.
> [Initiating Lustbound Link: Dragon Empress Variant – Fireheart Synchronization]
I held her. She held me.
And then everything exploded.
---
4. Memory Unlocked: The Third Throne
In the flames, I saw the third throne again.
The woman with eyes of hollow stars.
She wasn't gone.
She was waiting.
"Come find me," her voice whispered. "Before they consume you again."
---
5. After the Flames
I awoke floating in the bath, held gently by Rhyssara, who was humming.
Her eyes glowed with soft joy. "You did it."
> [Curse Broken: Dragonblood Flamebind Released] [Bond Level Increased: Rhyssara – Now Lustline Tier 1]
Seraphina and Lilix stood on the edge of the pool.
"Of course he succeeded," Lilix said, sipping wine. "He's ours."
Seraphina muttered. "I was going to help next."
> [Harem Harmony +2 | Jealousy Delay Activated: 48 Hours]
I groaned. "Please tell me we're done for today."
Rhyssara smiled wickedly. "Not even close."
---
End of Chapter 4