The moon hung high above, its silvery light filtering through the thin veil of mist that clung to the bamboo surrounding the hot spring. The gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze harmonized with the soft trickle of water spilling over the stones. The small private spring, just outside the sliding doors of their inn room, was nestled into the landscape like a hidden sanctuary. Steam rose in lazy curls, meandering around the edges of the natural pool and giving the setting an dreamy quality.
You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )
In his full cat form, Felix stretched languidly on a smooth rock at the edge of the spring, his sleek, silvery-white fur glowing faintly in the moonlight. The heat from the water and the cool touch of the night air created a perfect balance, lulling him into a state of utter relaxation. His tail flicked lazily, dipping into the warm water occasionally as he listened to the chatter of his humans.
Sorath leaned back against the edge of the spring, his muscular arms stretched along the edges. His long shaggy dark hair was tied up in a knot, and he wore an easy grin, clearly enjoying himself. “This,” he declared, his voice echoing slightly in the enclosed space, “is what I’m talking about. No dishes, no arguments, just bliss.”
From across the pool, Virgil splashed lazily, his legs kicking up ripples in the water. “And no chores either,” he added with his own mischievous grin, tossing a small pebble at Sorath, which bounced off his chest with a plop into the water. “I could stay here forever.”
“See? Isn’t this better than worrying about training schedules or fighting evil for a night?” Albrecht cooed, leaning his chin on his folded arms resting on the edge of the spring. His bright blonde hair flopped into his eyes, for once loosened from their usual slicked back style, and his typically arrogant demeanor had relaxed, his features softened in the soothing warmth of the water.
“I guess,” Felix murmured, flicking his tail dismissively. His voice had a sleepy lilt to it, though the tip of his ears twitched in agreement.
Virgil swam over in probably what he thought was a sneaky manner, a wet hand reaching out to flick water droplets at the medium sized silvery white cat. “You’re way too uptight, Felix. Look at you—you’ve turned into a fluffy puddle of stress. This is why I keep telling you to chill more.”
Felix cracked one ruby eye open to regard his annoying human. “Sure, Virgil. If only your idea of chilling wasn’t sending others into stressful knots with your antics.”
Virgil laughed brightly, sending ripples across the surface of the pool. “Hey, I was entertaining everyone. There’s a difference.” He splashed some water in Felix’s direction, the droplets gleaming like liquid silver in the moonlight.
Felix hissed softly, leaping nimbly to another rock to avoid the spray. His white fur puffed out slightly, making him appear like an annoyed cloud. “Stop that. Or I’ll land on your head next time and we’ll see if you won’t go bald prematurely.”
“Gasp! Felix! You wound me!”
Thel, seated against a backdrop of a thick cluster of bamboo, quirked his lips up slightly in a manner that was either amused or condescending. But then again that was the norm for the youngest of Felix’s human pets. He was resting with his arms crossed, his eyes closed but clearly still engaged in the conversation. “Don’t waste your energy on him, Felix. You’ll only encourage him.”
“Oh, come on, Thel,” Virgil retorted. “You’ve to admit that without me to liven things up it’ll be so boring.”
Thel opened one sharp, carnelian eye, his smirk taking on a mean little twist. “Hardly.”
“Enough bickering,” Albrecht demanded from the far end of the pool. “Anyone up for some wine?”
At some point, he had brought over a tray with a porcelain wine jar and small cups, which now sat on a flat rock within arm’s reach. Carefully, he poured a refreshingly chilly cup of plum wine and held it out to Felix with a flourish. “Here, dearest. Try some of their plum wine. I heard it’s quite tasty.”
Felix turned his head lazily, blinking at the offered wine. He transformed briefly, his form shimmering until he appeared as a young man with silvery-white hair, pointed ears, and that large fluffy tail. Taking the cup, he muttered, “Thanks, Albrecht,” before sipping the wine, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “I needed this. No more wilderness simulations, no more survival drills. Hah~”
Albrecht sat perched on the carved stone at the edge of the water next to Felix, a towel neatly folded over his lap. His attentiveness hadn’t entirely dissipated, even in this relaxed setting. In fact, Felix felt as if the attention of all his humans were even more unnervingly focused on him than usual.
Thel’s gaze always settled on him when not closed in meditation. Sorath and Virgil would also glance over under wet lashes too often to be casual. And Albrecht was even clingier than usual. Case in point—
Albrecht glanced at Felix’s damp fur critically. “You’ll need a proper grooming session after this,” he said, looking like he was already mentally cataloging the brushes and oils required.
Felix groaned. “I’m fine, Albrecht. I don’t need a full spa treatment every time I get wet.”
“That’s debatable,” Albrecht replied primly.
Sorath chuckled. “Leave him be, Al. He’s finally unwinding, and you want to ruin it by brandishing a comb?”
Thel, sitting upright with perfect posture in his own submerged stone seat, sipped his wine with deliberate refinement. He glanced at Virgil, who had taken to floating on his back, arms stretched out like he was drifting in a lazy river. “If you keep guzzling water and lounging like that, you’ll look like a bloated corpse.”
Virgil’s eyes sparkled, “How did you know I was trying to do an impression of a drowned man!”
Felix choked on the sudden laughter. He looked up to meet Virgil’s bright twinkling eyes, a playful smile splitting the other’s face.
Sorath and Albrecht rolled their eyes in long-suffering exasperation. Thel only snorted.
It was a testament to the hot springs’ relaxing effects that no one picked at the opening Virgil gave and launched into a new volley of insults and banter. Instead, conversation lulled into a comfortable silence as the group settled further into the hot spring. The water lapped gently against the edges, the soothing heat seeping into their muscles and calming their minds.
Felix stretched languidly on his rock, his fur damp but drying quickly in the warmth. His ruby eyes drifted shut, and for the first time in what felt like days, his mind was at ease. Work and training still weighed heavily on him, but for now, he allowed himself to let go.
Thel poured a ladle of warm water over his shoulder, the sound breaking the silence softly. “This place has its charms,” he admitted.
“Not bad for a discount booking,” Albrecht added with a hint of pride.
“Still doesn’t explain why it was so cheap,” Sorath said, casually paranoid like a good heir of an affluent family. “I get the feeling there’s more to this place than meets the eye.”
Felix’s ears twitched at Sorath’s comment, and a faint unease crept into his otherwise relaxed posture. He couldn’t quite place it, but something about Misty Springs didn’t sit right with him. He sniffed the air absentmindedly, catching a faint metallic tang that made his nose twitch and ears flatten against his head.
Virgil noticed his subtle change in demeanor and splashed him again lightly. “Hey, don’t start brooding already. This is supposed to be a getaway, remember?”
Felix batted at the water with his paw. “I’m not brooding,” he muttered, though his tone was distracted.
Sorath reached over and gently scratched behind Felix’s ears in apology, eliciting a reluctant purr. “Virgil’s right. Just enjoy the moment. I’m probably just being paranoid.”
The group lingered in the spring for a while longer, the tranquil atmosphere working its magic. Eventually, the chill of the night air began to creep in, prompting Thel to stand and drape a towel over his shoulders.
“We should head back inside,” he announced. “Dinner will be served soon, and I’d prefer to eat without worrying about catching a cold.”
The others reluctantly followed his lead, stepping out of the water and drying off with the soft towels provided by the inn. Felix transformed back into his human form, his damp silvery-white hair cascading over his shoulders.
As they made their way back inside, Felix cast one last glance at the moonlit spring. The faint unease lingered, but he shook it off. For now, he chose to focus on the warmth of his humans’ presence and the promise of a hearty meal waiting for them inside.
*
Like the rest of the place, the dining hall of Misty Springs Inn was a cozy haven of rustic charm. Exposed wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and walls adorned with faded landscape paintings added a touch of homeliness. Tables were arranged with simple linen cloths, and the warm glow of hanging lanterns cast soft shadows across the room. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs, inspiring an increased appetite in all who entered.
Felix and his humans made their way to a table near the center of the room, where a small vase of daisies provided a cheerful touch. The group settled into their chairs, the remnants of steam still rising from their skin after their soak in the hot spring.
Virgil stretched his arms over his head with a contented sigh. “Man, if the food is half as good as that soak, I’m gonna roll out of here.”
Sorath smiled contently, scanning the room as a server approached with glasses of water. “This is my kind of ambiance. Nothing worse than posh pretentiousness when trying to eat.”
Albrecht arched an eyebrow, clearly disagreeing, but he replied diplomatically. “Both fancy restaurants and simple family-owned diners like this one have their merits. I’m confident the meal will be satisfactory.”
Thel, seated with his back perfectly straight, glanced at the handwritten menu provided. “Rustic and straightforward. Looks like there will be a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.”
Felix only leaned his chin on one hand. He was quieter than usual, still basking in the relaxation of the hot spring. His silvery tresses, slightly damp, framed his face as he glanced over the menu. “Everything sounds good. Let’s order something to eat and turn in early tonight.”
As they waited for their food, the murmur of conversation from other tables filled the air. Felix’s head tilted slightly as snippets of nearby discussions reached him.
“How many has it been so far,” an older man whispered to his companion at a corner table. His voice was low but tinged with fear. “Just vanished without a trace. No footprints, nothing.”
“It’s the forest,” another man muttered, shaking his head. “They say something’s not right there. I warned them not to wander too far, but these kids don’t listen…”
Felix glanced toward the source of the voices but said nothing. He caught Virgil’s curious expression as the young man leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.
“What’s all that about?” Virgil whispered, nodding toward the nearby tables.
Albrecht shrugged carelessly, swirling his water in its glass. “Sounds like local superstitions. Small towns always have their ghost stories.”
“Disappearances don’t sound like a ghost story to me,” Thel interjected, his brow furrowing slightly. “It might be worth keeping an eye out just so we don’t get taken off guard.”
Felix nodded his head slowly. It might just be rumors in the end, but it didn’t hurt to exercise caution. Especially when he couldn’t shake the faint unease that crept into his mind.
Their attention shifted when the doors to the dining hall opened, drawing a few greetings and cheerful calls from the other guests.
A slight, well-dressed man entered, his presence friendly and approachable. He wore a plaid coat over a casual shirt and slacks, and his warm smile instantly lit up the room. His tawny hair was neatly combed, and his kind brown eyes scanned the hall as if greeting each person individually.
“Dr. Hart!” an old woman near the entrance exclaimed, her face brightening. “Good to see you!”
The man chuckled softly, waving a hand. “Good evening, Mrs. Bailey. How’s your knee feeling?”
“Much better, thanks to you,” she replied, her gratitude palpable.
The dining hall seemed to shift as more guests and locals greeted him warmly. He moved slowly from table to table, exchanging pleasantries and checking on the well-being of others.
Sorath, observing the scene, leaned closer to Felix. “Quite the popular figure,” he remarked, his voice laced with curiosity. “Local hero, it seems.”
“Elias!” A chiding call from the proprietress who had welcomed them earlier could be heard from across the room.
“Sorry, mom, got held up back at the clinic.”
Felix found his gaze lingering on the man, now known as Dr. Elias Hart, the local village doctor and son of the innkeepers of Misty Springs Inn. There was something about him—a subtle aura Felix couldn’t place. His senses, sharper than his humans’, picked up on a faint metallic scent emanating from the doctor. It wasn’t overpowering, but it clung to the air around him, distinct and unsettling.
Felix’s brow furrowed as he tried to pinpoint the source of his unease. The metallic tang reminded him of blood, though it wasn’t quite the same. It was just a bit off with a hint of a sugary sweetness.
“Felix?” Thel’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Something wrong?” Intense dark eyes watched Felix with an unwavering gaze.
Felix blinked, shaking his head quickly. “No, it’s nothing. Just spaced out for a second.”
Thel’s sharp gaze flicked toward the good doctor before returning to Felix. “You’re tense,” he observed. “If something’s bothering you, we should discuss it.”
“It’s fine,” Felix said, offering a small smile. “Let’s just eat and enjoy our stay.”
Their food arrived shortly after, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Virgil and Sorath debated whether they could convince the cook to share the recipe for the roasted garlic bread, while Albrecht marveled at the perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables.
Yet Felix couldn’t shake the odd feeling Elias Hart had left behind. Even as the doctor exited the hall, bidding everyone goodnight, the sweet metallic scent seemed to linger. Felix kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to alarm his humans, but the strange whispers of the locals and the unsettling presence of the doctor weighed heavily on his mind.
You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )
As the group finished their meal and made their way back to their room, Felix couldn’t help but survey his surroundings closer, his instincts tingling. Something wasn’t right, but he pushed the thought aside for the moment. He was supposed to be on vacation. Felix only hoped he wouldn’t be that unlucky.
AN: Felix: Is a nice relaxing vacation too much to ask?!
Author: Yep. U.U I too enjoy slice-of-life but sometimes a bit of trouble is needed to keep things interesting 😆
The BL Muse 