Obediently, Linsey gulped down several bottles.

“It’s sweet and sour. Have you been improving the potion’s flavor?” He gave her a thumbs-up.

The cat-eared girl didn't answer, instead offering him a mysterious smile. Confusion clouded Linsey's mind, but before he could voice his questions, weakness washed over him, and he collapsed to the floor, his consciousness thankfully still intact.

He watched as Jasmine, seemingly prepared for this, chanted a spell. With the aid of the surrounding elemental energies, she lifted him. His body stiff, Linsey was at her mercy, curled against her chest.

The dragon youth looked slender, but he was surprisingly heavy. Jasmine couldn't lift him very high, his long, thick tail dragging along the floor. Stumbling slightly, she managed to carry him to the bathroom and, with some effort, maneuvered him, tail and all, into the bathtub.

Jasmine crouched down, exhausted, but still managed a triumphant, “This is my new paralyzing potion. Works pretty well, doesn't it? Since you can’t move right now, I'm going to give you a bath.”

That last part was her true objective. She still hadn't gotten over being forced to bathe him last time and was determined to reclaim some dignity by returning the favor.

Linsey’s tail was bent at an awkward angle, causing him discomfort. He couldn’t help but shift, trying to find a more comfortable position.

Meeting her shocked gaze, he said sheepishly, “Actually… I can move now. The potion doesn't seem to have much effect on me.”

“Huh?” Jasmine couldn't hide her disappointment. Her cat ears drooped almost parallel to the ground. She hadn’t expected him to be so resistant.

“But, kitty, you can continue as planned. Remember when you called me Red and bathed me?”

The dragon youth leaned against her through the side of the tub, nuzzling his cool nose against her face like a beached mermaid attempting to weave a spell.

He lazily met her gaze, his golden eyes reflecting only her image. Jasmine looked away, fidgeting. “Then you have to listen to me later, or I won't talk to you.” He nodded eagerly in agreement.

Jasmine, wearing shorts for ease of movement, stepped into the tub. It was a bit cramped for two. Kneeling between his legs, she told him to take off his clothes.

Even though they had been far more intimate, a blush crept up both their faces as he undressed. He stopped when he was down to his underwear, a noticeable bulge evident. He hesitated, glancing at Jasmine, silently questioning whether he should continue.

Under normal circumstances, she would be undressing the immobile Linsey. Now, however, he held the power.

Jasmine felt the situation slipping from her control. To mask her flustered state, she pushed him back against the tub, feigning fierceness. “Lie down! Don't move! You drank the paralyzing potion, so you can't resist me now.”

Linsey, as if suddenly understanding, relaxed against the side of the tub, signaling his cooperation.

The youth’s exposed neck, hands, and feet always appeared slender when he was clothed, but now, undressed, Jasmine noticed his broad frame, covered in a layer of smooth, tan muscle—neither overly exaggerated nor too thin. His torso was lean, his narrow waist contrasted against the red of his long hair, creating a beauty that transcended gender.

Jasmine picked up the showerhead. The steady stream of water flowed over Linsey’s chest, tracing the contours of his muscles. Under his intense gaze, Molly held the showerhead steady, spraying him while she dipped her head to lick his chest.

Her tongue caught the flowing water, redirecting its course. The barbs on her tongue, along with the warm water, scraped gently against his skin. Linsey felt a sweet, tingling sensation in his chest, as if a kitten had playfully swiped at his heart.

Like a cat grooming its fur, the girl licked him meticulously from top to bottom. With her small tongue, she lapped at his skin, lingering playfully on his n1pples, watching the brown buds harden before giving the other side equal attention.

She heard Linsey groan above her. Looking up, she saw scales appearing at the corners of his eyes, his golden pupils fixed intently on her. For a moment, Jasmine felt like prey caught in the gaze of a dangerous predator, her tail instinctively puffing up in fear.

Linsey blinked, widening his eyes in an attempt at innocence. “What’s wrong?” The dangerous aura vanished. Jasmine shook her head, unable to articulate the strange feeling.