(OPHELIA)
The steaming water of the tub felt like pure heaven against my overworked muscles.
After hours of dissecting border patrol routes and obsessing over Selena’s warning letter, I needed a complete shutdown. I had tossed three handfuls of crushed lavender and dried winter-berries into the boiling basin, letting the thick steam rise up to coat the walls of the private bath chamber.
I leaned my head back, closing my eyes and letting the water soak up to my collarbones. My wet, red hair floated around me like a halo of copper silk. For the first time in three days, my mind felt quiet and peaceful.
Well, until the door clicked open.
My eyes flew open swiftly as the sound of footsteps echoed through the quiet room, followed by the unmistakable sound of a belt buckle hitting the floor
