***
{Inside The Projection}
The training quarters were empty, high walls swallowed the light, leaving only a pale wash spilling from the tall windows.
A massive arena floor sat in the center, ringed by polished wooden rails and padded pillars.
Layla was already there when Malik walked in, tying her hair back, laying it on her loose, dark clothes—he'd made sure that no one was here, not even female servants, he couldn't have them see the outline of her body all sweaty, such a sight was only for him.
It was a matter of dignity.
***
{Outside The Projection}
And the projection seemed to respect that, blurring her body.
Or perhaps it was Malik himself blurring it.
Even with his soul chained, his Will remained uncontested.
For that, Layla loved him even more, smiling with reddish cheeks.
Yes, Dunya saw her nearly naked many times while helping her wash, but that was different.
They could be seen as trivialities, but these nuances mattered most.
