Cassia is stroking herself

Cassia is standing no more than eight paces from your spot by the ladder, her naked body is turned slightly away from you but you see the length of smooth thigh leading to the perfect curve of her buttocks. In the dim blue glow her unblemished skin seems to glimmer like starlight. But what made you nearly gasp in surprise is that instead of suiting up in the padded undergarments Cassia appears to be stroking herself.

Her right hand is cupping her breast and pinching gently at the puckered nipple and her other hand is just visible where it curves over her belly and disappears between her thighs. From the way her eyes are tightly closed, and her mouth opens and closes you have no doubt about what her slender fingers are doing there. Nothing in your limited experience has prepared you for a sight like this.

You knew that in theory, that women were just as likely to touch themselves as men. Two or three private conversations with Eudora filled with traded confessions had confirmed that fact beyond any doubt, but Cassia wasn't just a woman, she was a priestess of Apollo. A priestess dedicated to celibacy and sworn to serve Apollo and the people of this city.

Cassia was the most beautiful woman you have ever seen, more perfect even than Europa and there was something pure and ephemeral about her that you cannot even begin to describe. Yet here in the dark gateway to the horror of the underworld she is touching herself with a unbridled sexuality that makes you want to explode in your pants. Your manhood is painfully stiff yet again and despite Cassia's explanation of how your innocence was critical to the success of this venture part you want nothing more than to take her it your arms and finish what she has started.

Perhaps Cassia senses your sudden stillness, because she abruptly stops her fingering, and her eyes begin to flutter open. Quickly you turn your head and hope that your spying has gone unnoticed. What were you thinking?

Oh gods, what if she saw you. How could you ever explain your violation of her trust in you? You pull on your leggings and shirt with a deliberate concentration and very slowly finish tying the laces until you are sure you have given Cassia enough time to get dressed as well.

"Are you ready?" Your words are simple, but to your guilty ears they sound like a confession. You wait anxiously for her reply, but she doesn't answer right away, and in the stillness, you imagine her anger at your boorish betrayal of her trust. The silence in the room was becoming uncomfortable and you wonder if you dare turn around and meet her accusing stare.