Genetic Ascension novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51 Three Options (3)

'I should go see if I can take a bath or something of the sort. I saw a well earlier. They should have access to fresh water even if it's cold.'

Sylas preferred cold showers anyway. He wouldn't mind it not being heated.

He slipped off of his cot, feeling some of the aches and bruises on his body. But it was already better than it had been yesterday. It seemed that his Constitution was doing wonders. The nails on his right hand were already half grown back.

Walking out of the large tent, he rounded it, heading toward where he had seen the well. But when he got to the back of the large tent, he heard a splash of water.

He looked to the side.

There, down in a deep squat, a woman with her back to him threw some water over her shoulder with a cup and almost furiously wiped herself with a rough cloth.

He couldn't see much from this angle, but because of her deep squat, he could see some of the curve of her buttocks. But more than that, there were the clear and deep scars she had suffered. It was clear that anyone who could make it so far had dealt with their fair share of struggles.

Sylas shook his head and looked away. "My apologies."

Lauren was startled and covered her chest. She looked back to see that Sylas was already facing away from her.

"No, it's not your fault," she shook her head. "I didn't expect that anyone would be awake this early. I was a little careless. The well has good water. You can use it to clean yourself if you want."

"Mm, that's what I planned to do," Sylas responded. "I also wanted to ask if they might have some spare clothes. I'm in tatters."

Lauren laughed, pulling on a towel she had to the side and wiping herself down a bit before wrapping it around her armpits.

"You can look now. Don't worry, I'm not such a prude. I've already prepared myself for much worse in this world, plus I'm already almost thirty. I left that phase long ago."

Sylas turned back, mostly out of politeness. Since she had said as much, he would only make her more uncomfortable insisting on not doing so.

Her hair was still wet, but she had a valiantness to her even in such a seemingly vulnerable position. She looked ready to drop her towel and pick up a sword right this moment if she had to, even if it meant going into battle naked.

Definitely a woman that had been through a lot.

"I think, if we can, we should try our best to hold on to as many of our old traditions as possible," Sylas replied seriously.

Lauren blinked, not expecting this response. Then she smiled. _{freёweɓnovel.com}

"Meaning I should protect my chastity with all my might?"

"If that's what you want," Sylas nodded. "I only mean that if you wanted to be a prude, don't let this world change who you are. We have to have our own sort of defiance, even in situations like this one."