Firestone Hot Springs i'm leaving with the light

He started to wonder at the ways of the world when the she-wolf greeted him as if she had expected him. Phocion had seemed so collected, too— at once he felt very small and very young. Cortland nonetheless appreciated her kindness, nodding with gratitude in his eyes as he moved to join her. He did not question the safety of it, unknown as it was— not when she was peacefully submerged.
The boy lowered himself into the water, gasping slightly when his inflamed pad hit the warmth. It brought relief, but it brought pain, too. After a few beats, he turned to study the stranger further. This time, he seemed to remember his manners. Cortland. The Mayfair offered, watching her with eyes sparkling with curiosity.