Taking the winding path that snaked through the woods, Ace hurried uphill. Golden sunlight filtered through the leaves and dappled the ground in shifting patterns. His boots crunched on fallen leaves as he breathed deeply, savoring the air thick with the earthy scent of damp soil and pine needles. A thrill of excitement buzzed in his chest as he rushed along the faded trail.
Finally, he broke through the trees and stopped, his breath catching in awe. Nestled among the rocks was a small pool of shimmering water, steam rising lazily into the cool air. The vibrant turquoise surface rippled gently, as though beckoning him closer. Ace could almost feel the warmth radiating from it, even at a distance.
Arriving at the pool's edge, he carefully crouched down and lowered his hand into the water, letting its soothing heat envelop his skin. It was perfect—not too hot, not too cold. The warmth seeped into him, chasing away the lingering chill of the hillside.
