Chapter 25. The Unseen

Astrid

I woke up with a happy feeling which was unfamiliar for me. I stretched lazily under the covers. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt happy and content.

Sliding out of bed, my feet touched the cool wooden floor. I walked over to the bathroom.

My thoughts drifted to the day ahead, a rare smile curling on my lips as I stepped into the bath. The water was warm, almost scalding, just the way I liked it. As I poured it over my skin, I closed my eyes, letting the heat seep into my muscles,

I took my time, indulging in the small luxury of a slow morning. The lavender-scented soap lathered easily in my hands, the fragrance soothing. I scrubbed my skin, watching the bubbles swirl down the drain, I ran the sponge over my body, scrubbing gently.

After rinsing off, I wrapped myself in a towel, the soft fabric absorbing the droplets of water clinging to my skin. I stood before the mirror, wiping away the condensation with a pr