Chapter 59: Peaceful moment
After returning to the hotel and storing their ski equipment, the couple made their way to the rooftop.
Their hotel boasted a luxurious open-air pool on its highest level, surrounded by heated stone tiles and glass railings that offered an unobstructed view of the snow-covered mountains. Normally, the pool was open to all guests. But the couple—with their black-rank adventurer cards and a generous tip—had rented it for themselves for the evening.
Right now, the rooftop was a winter wonderland.
Fairy lights twinkled along the railings, casting soft golden reflections across the water. The pool itself was heated to a perfect, inviting warmth, steam rising from its surface into the cold night air. A light snow had begun to fall, the flakes melting as they touched the water. Beyond the railings, the city glittered below, its lanterns creating a warm, amber tapestry against the white landscape.
And above all, the stars.
They were breathtaking—thousands of them, scattered across the infinite darkness like diamonds on velvet. The Milky Way stretched in a luminous arc, and the moon, nearly full, cast a silver glow over everything.
A small table had been set up near the pool, covered with a white cloth and laden with dishes. Sushi, of course—the best in the city. Also grilled fish, steamed vegetables, and a bottle of chilled sake. Two place settings faced the mountains, their candles flickering gently.
Gabriel pulled out a chair for Lilith. She sat, her crimson eyes taking in the scene with obvious delight.
"You did all this?" she asked.
"I had some help from the staff," he admitted, sitting across from her. "But the idea was mine."
She reached across the table and took his hand. "It’s perfect."
They ate slowly, savoring each bite. The sushi was fresh and delicate, the fish melting on their tongues. The sake was smooth and warm, carrying a faint floral note. They talked about nothing and everything—about the dungeon, about the skiing, about the snowflakes that drifted down like tiny blessings.
Between courses, they fed each other, their fingers brushing, their eyes meeting. Lilith laughed when Gabriel accidentally dropped a piece of sashimi on his shirt. He laughed when she dabbed a bit of wasabi on his nose.
"Payback," she said sweetly.
"I’ll get you for that," he warned, but he was smiling.
After dinner, the table was cleared, and the couple turned their attention to the pool.
The water glowed with a soft, ethereal light from the underwater lamps, its surface rippling gently in the night breeze. The steam rose like a veil, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
They undressed slowly, their clothes falling away to reveal their bare skin, which seemed to glow in the moonlight. Gabriel’s golden body was lean and muscular, his angelic physique a testament to his divine nature. Lilith’s curves were elegant and dangerous, her gray skin gleaming like polished silver.
They slipped into the pool together.
The water was divine—hot and soothing, embracing them like a lover’s touch. Gabriel sighed as the heat seeped into his muscles, melting away the last traces of exertion from their skiing adventure. Lilith floated beside him, her silver hair fanning out across the surface like a halo.
"This is heaven," she murmured, her eyes closed.
"This is our heaven at the moment," he corrected, gently.
She opened her eyes and looked at him. "You always know how to make everything perfect."
"I have practice," he said with a smile. "A lifetime of practice with you."
She swam closer, her body pressing against his. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and her legs locked around his waist. He supported her easily, his hands finding the curve of her hips.
They floated together, suspended in the warm water, the stars wheeling slowly above them. The snow continued to fall, melting as it touched their skin. The mountains loomed in the distance, silent and majestic.
Gabriel tilted his head back, gazing at the stars. "Do you think anyone up there is watching us?"
Lilith followed his gaze. "If they are, they’re probably jealous."
He laughed softly. "Probably."
They swam together, their movements synchronized, their bodies intertwined. Lilith splashed him playfully, and he retaliated, sending a wave of water over her head. She surfaced, sputtering, and chased him across the pool. Their laughter echoed across the rooftop, a sound of pure joy.
At one point, Gabriel dove beneath the surface and swam between her legs, emerging behind her with a triumphant grin. She spun and splashed him again.
"Cheater!"
’’You like it this way.’’
They continued their playful battle until they were both breathless, collapsing against each other at the edge of the pool. Gabriel pulled her close, her back to his chest, and they floated together, gazing up at the infinite sky.
He pressed a kiss to her temple.
She smiled, her crimson eyes soft.
They floated there, wrapped in each other’s arms, under the stars, until the moon began its slow descent and the snow grew heavier.
Eventually, they emerged from the pool, their skin flushed and warm. They wrapped themselves in fluffy towels and dried each other off, their movements gentle and intimate. Lilith’s hair was a tangled mess of white, and Gabriel carefully worked through the knots with his fingers.
They returned to their suite satisfied. The fireplace had been stoked, and the room was warm and inviting. They slipped into the massive bed, the furs soft against their skin.
Lilith nestled against Gabriel’s chest, her head tucked beneath his chin. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close.
"What’s your plan tomorrow?" she inquired in soft murmur, her voice drowsy.
"Tomorrow," he responded immediately. "The aquarium. Then skiing again."
"Sounds perfect."
"Sleep, babe."
"Goodnight, hubby."
"Goodnight, Lilith."
They closed their eyes, and sleep claimed them quickly, their breathing synchronized, their hearts beating as one.
°°°
The next morning dawned bright and clear.
After a leisurely breakfast in their suite—fresh pastries, fruit, and strong coffee—the couple dressed for a day of exploration. Lilith wore a soft white sweater and dark leggings, her white hair cascading over her shoulders. Gabriel wore a navy turtleneck and dark trousers, his golden hair neatly tousled.
They made their way to Frosthaven’s famous aquarium, a magnificent structure built into the side of a mountain. The building was a marvel of magical architecture—its walls were made of enchanted glass, reinforced with runes that kept the water in and the cold out.
Inside, the aquarium was a world of wonder.
Massive tanks housed creatures from the deepest oceans: glowing jellyfish that pulsed with bioluminescent light, schools of iridescent fish that moved as one, majestic sea turtles that glided through the water with ancient grace. There were tunnels of glass that allowed visitors to walk through the tanks, surrounded by sharks and rays and creatures that seemed to come from another world.
Gabriel and Lilith walked hand in hand, their eyes wide with wonder.
They stopped at a tank filled with moon jellyfish, their translucent bodies pulsing with soft blue light. Lilith pressed her hand to the glass, her breath misting the surface.
"They’re beautiful," she whispered.
"Like you," Gabriel said.
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "You’re going to say that about every creature we see, aren’t you?"
"Only the ones that remind me of you."
They continued through the aquarium, stopping at each exhibit. Gabriel was fascinated by the deep-sea creatures—the anglerfish with its glowing lure, the giant squid with its enormous eyes, the bizarre fish that seemed to defy all logic. Lilith loved the colorful reefs, the schools of tropical fish, the sea horses that danced in the currents.
At one point, they reached a touch tank, where visitors could gently stroke the backs of small rays. Gabriel dipped his hand into the cool water, and a ray glided over his palm, its skin smooth and velvety.
Lilith did the same, her crimson eyes gleaming with delight.
"They feel like silk," she said.
"Don’t get any ideas," Gabriel teased. "We’re not adopting one."
"Pity."
They laughed and moved on.
The highlight of the visit was the main tank—a colossal chamber that held an entire reef ecosystem. A glass tunnel ran through the center, and visitors could walk through it, surrounded by sea life on all sides. Sharks circled overhead. Turtles swam beside them. Schools of fish created shimmering curtains of silver and gold.
Gabriel and Lilith walked through the tunnel slowly, their hands clasped, their faces tilted upward. A manta ray glided past, its wings spreading wide, and Lilith gasped in delight.
"This is incredible," she breathed.
"It is," Gabriel agreed. "But not as incredible as you."
She elbowed him gently. "You’re incorrigible."
"You love it."
"Unfortunately."
They reached the end of the tunnel and stepped out into a small viewing area, where benches overlooked the reef. They sat together, watching the fish swim in lazy circles, the sunlight filtering through the water in golden shafts.
After the aquarium’s visit, they returned to the mountain for another evening of skiing.
The sun was beginning to set as they ascended the sky trail, the peaks glowing with shades of gold and rose. The snow was fresh—a light dusting had fallen during the day—and the slopes were pristine.
They skied together this time, not racing, but simply enjoying the experience. Gabriel followed Lilith, his skis carving parallel tracks to hers. She led him through the forest, past frozen waterfalls and snow-covered bridges, into a small clearing where the snow was untouched.
They stopped there, in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by towering pines and the silence of the mountain.
Lilith pulled off her goggles and turned to face him. Her cheeks were flushed with cold and exertion, her eyes bright.
Then Lilith stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, her head resting against his chest.
The snow began to fall again, soft and gentle, blanketing the clearing in white. The sun continued its descent, casting long shadows through the trees. And in that quiet, beautiful moment, the couple stood together, their love as enduring as the mountain itself.
They skied back to the lodge as the stars began to emerge, their laughter echoing across the slopes.
