The cavern stretched far beyond what Damon had first assumed. Massive stalactites hung like the fangs of a great beast, some encrusted with glittering crystals, others dripping a slow, viscous green liquid that hissed faintly as it hit the stone floor.
All the drops of the liquid gathered together to form a big oozing pool at the center of the chamber, its surface bubbling like lava. The air above it shimmered with toxic heat waves. Dense wisps of corrupted, toxic miasma wafted out of it.
"Well, hello." Damon grinned. It looked like another skinny dipping session was in order.
The pool seemed to react to his presence, its bubbling intensifying, sending up fat globules of venom that popped with wet, hissing sounds.
Each burst released an acrid scent that clawed at his lungs, but instead of coughing, Damon inhaled deeply, letting the poison roll through him like a fine wine. His skin prickled, and his blood hummed, the faint burn spreading into something oddly... invigorating.
"So, do you mind if I take this lake as well?"
Erin was confused. "Take? Do you wish for me to store the miasmic waters in vials, my Lord?"
Damon shook his head, smiling. "Don’t worry about that. I can just directly absorb it."
Erin’s eyes widened for a moment before she simply smiled and nodded.
"Perfect. Thanks." Damon did not bother feeling guilty about robbing every little thing from his newest follower. He stepped right up to the edge of the oozing pool, the venomous heat rolling over him like a suffocating blanket, and then started undressing.
"Allow me, my Lord." Erin quickly stepped forward and started helping Damon.
Her fingers deftly undid clasps and buckles, and piece by piece, removed all of the armor and garments. When the last of his clothing was gone, she stepped back, bowing her head slightly. There was no awkwardness or shyness in her behavior.
Damon chuckled lightly and shook his head. Well, if she did not care, then he did not mind it either.
Without another word, he stepped forward, the soles of his feet meeting the slick stone at the pool’s edge. He then stepped into the pool without hesitation.
The moment the bubbling miasmic liquid closed over his ankles, a sharp, searing sensation shot up his legs, racing into his veins like molten acid. Instead of recoiling, he sank deeper, crimson eyes glinting with anticipation as the toxic embrace began its work.
The concentrated miasmic waters were a lot more intense than the miasma he had absorbed outside. So it took a while for Damon to settle into the place and adapt to the new environment. For a couple of seconds, it was even touch and go as he had to pump a lot more healing energy into his body to keep up.
But eventually, the initial agony dulled into a deep, thrumming heat that settled in his bones. His muscles loosened, his veins sang, and every breath he drew tasted of venom and raw power. The water no longer felt hostile.
Erin watched from the shore. She knew this pool had claimed the lives of countless intruders over the centuries, yet here was her Lord, drinking it all in.
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