The sound pierced her heart. Selene twisted around, ready to fight her way back in. Her thoughts caught up to her body, and she stopped herself, again surprised at her strong reaction to Damien’s pain.

“Don’t worry, my lady. Lord Damien is in good hands.” Taegis tugged on her arm and started walking again. “All we would be is in the way.”

There was another yell. Selene bit her lip and forced herself to keep walking. Taegis was right.

“Healer Sildaern is a cousin to House Rafel and a very gifted healer. He came two years ago in response to our desperate situation when the plague swept across the Northern Shores. Unfortunately, it was too late for Grand Lord and Lady Maris, and Lord Damien’s brother, Quinn. However, Healer Sildaern chose to stay and has been with us ever since. His lordship’s wounds will heal fast under Sildaern’s supervision.”

So she was right—the healer was related to House Rafel. Perhaps he even had a touch of healing left in his blood. She glanced at Taegis. “That’s why you wanted to bring Lord Damien here instead of to that small village.”

“Yes. I knew he would recover better and faster with Healer Sildaern than with a village healer.”

Near the end of the hall, Taegis turned left and opened a door into a large room with a round bath in the middle of the floor. The bath was enclosed by white tile, and steam rose above the rippling water. Three windows on the far wall allowed in sunlight, and a table with linens, ointments, and soaps sat on the left.

“I thought you would like to clean up after traveling so far,” Taegis said. “This bath is fed by natural hot springs here along the Northern Shores.”

Selene inhaled the humid, warm air. A bath would take her mind off of Damien and the events of today. Not to mention she was ready to be rid of her travel-worn tunic and pants. They could burn these clothes for all she cared. “A bath sounds wonderful.”

“I’ll send in a maid with fresh clothing.”

Selene nodded without turning. “Thank you, Taegis.”

“I should know more about how his lordship is doing soon and will relay that news to you.” The door closed moments later.

Selene looked over the soaps and ointments, then chose simple lavender and placed it beside the circular bath, along with clean linens.

After tossing the ragged, stained clothes to the side, she stepped into the pool and let out a deep sigh. Niggling thoughts pressed against her skull, but she held them back. There were many things she would be facing in the upcoming days, but those troubles could wait. Right now, she would enjoy the water.

Minutes later, the door opened. “My lady?”

Selene jerked her head up from where she had been lying on the tile and looked back. A young woman shut the door and turned with her head bowed and dark clothing over one arm. Her nut-brown hair was gathered beneath a white cap and hung in a single braid over her shoulder.