I looked over at Nikolai, who nodded once, then bent down and scooped up the ice water in my hands, sipping it.

As soon as the freezing water slipped down my throat, I felt better. Refreshed. And that single sip quenched my dehydration.

Then I turned to the tubs and went to the one filled with the girls from my village.

Some were sitting on the ledge, dipping their feet in, their hair slicked back like they had already bathed, and a few in the tub itself.

I took my towel off and slipped in, sighing as the heated water relaxed my body completely.

I leaned my head back against...