Su Wanyan stepped out of the bathroom, her damp hair now neatly towel-dried and falling in soft waves around her shoulders. The icy shower had done its job; the noticeable bulge that had strained against her pants earlier had finally calmed, leaving only a faint, lingering warmth that she could mostly ignore.
Thank the heavens the cold water works, she thought with a wry, self-deprecating smile tugging at her lips. She adjusted the collar of her fresh pajamas, the fabric cool and comforting against her skin after the earlier turmoil.
She walked back toward the bedroom with measured steps, the wooden floorboards creaking softly beneath her feet. As she reached the door, however, she paused. A flicker of caution crossed her mind. She gently eased the door open just a crack, leaning in to test the air with a subtle inhale.
