Fire Cups and Fading Scars
She let out an annoyed snort.
"If you're done talking..."
"I am."
"...Then hurry up."
Julian picked up the first fire cup.
Using a small flame, he briefly heated the air inside before swiftly pressing it against the center of her back.
Pop.
The cup instantly sealed itself against her smooth skin.
Felberta felt a brief wave of warmth followed by a firm but comfortable pulling sensation.
It felt as though invisible fingers were gently lifting the tension from beneath her skin.
"It doesn't hurt?" Julian asked.
"No."
"Good."
He repeated the process with steady, practiced movements.
Heat.
Seal.
Gentle suction.
Each cup found its place along carefully chosen acupuncture points.
Warmth gradually spread through her back as the rhythmic pressure eased muscles she hadn't even realized were tense.
By the time the fifth cup had been placed, her shoulders already felt lighter.
The seventh eased the stiffness around her spine.
