Once upstairs in the bedroom, Shalma Hughes glanced around the empty room before flopping backward onto the bed. She rolled around a few times, then suddenly sat bolt upright. The previous gloom in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a sudden, radiant sparkle.
She hurried over to the wardrobe, grabbed some clean clothes to change into, and immediately ran back downstairs.
After letting Mrs. Lewis know her plans, she headed toward the courtyard behind Winslow Garden.
She walked past the sprawling flower beds behind the estate, followed a winding cobblestone path, and passed by a massive fountain. After rounding a few pavilions, Shalma finally arrived at her destination.
It was said to be the only natural hot spring in Aethelgard.
Crouching down, Shalma dipped her hand into the water. The temperature was perfect.
