"Yeah. You're a beautiful woman.'' Lex said as the hot water washed over his pale skin.
He continued talking. ''The emperor missed out. Maralene, you shouldn't let your past control your life. The world moves on, and don't worry about the rumors or gossip. You have me, and the Dawnstrider family."
After that, he started cleaning his body to clean off the sweat; Maralene watched him briefly before leaving the bathroom in silence. Lex sighed before relaxing when she was gone, as only the older vampire was awake.
Lex sunk into the water and felt so relaxed that he nearly fell asleep. An hour passed, and he emerged from the hot water, refreshed. Lex began preparing himself before exiting the bathroom.
Stepping outside, he found Silika chatting with Maralene, who fell silent upon noticing his presence. The blue-haired girl smiled as she stood up. ''Lex. I will wash up and cook breakfast for us, but the cats aren't here. Can you look for them?''