Huff...
"Relax," Rin said with a quiet chuckle. "It can always get worse."
Damian slowly turned his head and shot him an unamused glare before rolling his eyes.
"You're not helping."
Without another word, he dragged himself through the steaming pool until he stood directly beneath the enormous fox sculpture carved into the wall. A constant stream of hot water poured from its open mouth, crashing over his shoulders before cascading down his body in shimmering sheets. He folded his arms across his chest, closed his eyes, and allowed the steady rhythm of the water to drown out everything else.
The attendants exchanged quiet glances before respectfully stepping back. None of them spoke. They simply waited while the hot water washed away the fragrant oils and flower petals that still clung to his skin.
Damian's breathing gradually slowed. The political situation was far worse than Rah had warned him.
