Nova sank slowly into the warm water of the tub with a long, relieved sigh that seemed to come from the very bottom of his chest.
The heat wrapped around him like a blanket, soaking into his cold, aching muscles and chasing away the lingering.
Steam rose in lazy curls, carrying the faint scent of herbs—something floral and soothing the innkeeper had tossed in from a little pouch.
The tub was big enough for two grown people, but right now it felt like the most luxurious thing Nova had ever touched. Water lapped gently against his collarbones as he leaned back, head resting on the smooth rim.
Sera perched proudly on top of his head like a living crown. Her snow-white fur was still damp from the quick rinse earlier, but the warmth had already started drying the tips into soft, fluffy spikes.
