"This doesn't look like a government facility," I couldn't stop looking around as we approached the entrance.
"The Bureau understands the importance of aesthetics in magical relaxation," Fenric replied primly. "Studies show that proper environmental design improves magical regulation by 32%."
The interior was even more impressive. The ceiling soared overhead, creating the illusion of being underwater while remaining perfectly dry. Staff members dressed in flowing blue robes glided silently across the polished stone floors.
"Welcome to Ethereal Springs," a serene-looking woman with silver-streaked hair greeted us at the reception desk. "I see we have the Bureau party."
"Correct," Fenric handed over what looked like five identical Bureau ID cards. "We have reservations for the full wellness package."
The woman scanned the cards with a crystal wand that hummed softly. "Everything is in order. Your attendants will be with you shortly."
Rook, who had been scowling since we arrived, shifted uncomfortably beside me. "This is unnecessary," he growled under his breath. "We should be focusing on the next trial, not wasting time on pampering."
"Bureau protocol is quite clear," Fenric replied. "Prophetic stability takes precedence."
"It's just a fancy way of saying they don't want me turning more people into ferrets," I whispered to Rook, nudging him with my elbow. "And I've done it , too."
His lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile.
Five attendants approached, each carrying what looked like small glowing orbs. Mine, a woman with elaborate braids and eyes that shifted color like opals, smiled warmly.
"Ms. Winter? I'm Serena, your wellness guide for today." She held out the orb, which pulsed with a soft blue light. "This is your harmony sphere. It will help us customize your treatments."
I took the orb hesitantly. The moment my fingers touched it, it changed color, shifting from blue to a swirling mix of red and purple.
"Interesting," Serena observed. "High anxiety with underlying creative potential. We'll start you with a tension-release massage, followed by emotional balancing aromatherapy."
The others received similar assessments. Fenric's orb turned a precise, geometric pattern of blue and silver, which apparently indicated "structured thinking with regulatory tendencies." Milo's became a chaotic rainbow swirl that made his attendant's eyes widen in surprise.
Rook's turned a deep, smoldering amber that matched his eyes, causing his attendant, a willowy man with antlers sprouting from his temples, to take a step back.
"Perhaps we should begin with our most intensive deep tissue treatment," the antlered man suggested cautiously.
Rook growled.
"Excellent suggestion," Fenric agreed before Rook could refuse. "And I believe the facility has a specialized treatment room for shifters?"
"The Moonstone Suite, yes," the attendant nodded. "Reinforced walls and soundproofing."
"I don't need special treatment," Rook protested.
"Bureau records indicate you haven't taken a personal day in three years, seven months, and fourteen days," Fenric consulted his tablet. "Your accumulated stress levels are almost certainly affecting your ability to properly protect Ms. Winter."
"Is that true?" I turned to Rook, surprised. "No days off in over three years?"
He shrugged, looking uncomfortable with the attention. "The job doesn't stop."
"Well, it stops today," I declared. "Even scary werewolves need a break sometimes."
Before he could argue further, his attendant gently but firmly guided him toward a hallway marked with a crescent moon symbol. The look Rook shot me over his shoulder was one of pure betrayal.
"Don't worry," Serena smiled at me. "Deerhorn is our shifter specialist. Your friend will be in good hands."
"He's not exactly the 'good hands' type," I allowed myself to be led down a different corridor.
My treatment room was a peaceful space with walls that seemed to breathe, expanding and contracting almost imperceptibly. The air smelled faintly of lavender and something else I couldn't identify, both soothing and invigorating at the same time.
"Please change into this," Serena handed me a soft robe that felt like liquid silk against my skin. "I'll return in a few moments to begin your massage."
