Chapter -24.
"Michael, what happened to your hand?" As the exhausted and battle-worn warriors stumbled back into the village under the cloak of night, the figures guarding the village approached them, asking worriedly about their close friend.
Seeing the condition of their fellow villagers who had gone out to fight the goblins, the worrisome expressions on their faces were clearly visible despite the darkness. A few minutes later, with the loud noise of the villagers and the returning warriors, the other people sleeping deeply in their slumber couldn't help but wake up and walk out of their houses, worry etched on their faces.
Aleena, who had fallen asleep after a day filled with dark thoughts, woke up to the ruckus outside in the village. Hearing the commotion, she immediately walked out of her house to see dozens of silhouettes standing in the distance. A tightness gripped her heart as she rushed toward the crowd in the next instant.
"They are back... that means they succeeded in the goblin hunt." As Aleena finally made out that the silhouettes were of those who had gone into the forest to hunt the nearby goblin camp, her slow footsteps quickened unknowingly. The image of Lucien appeared in her mind; as she approached the group, she began to look around for him but could not find him.
She spotted her husband, Gilbert, who, despite noticing her, continued to stand there talking with others. She wanted to walk over and ask him where Lucien was, but ultimately decided against it. Once again, she swept her gaze around the crowd, thinking that perhaps, due to the darkness, she might have missed Lucien.
Just as she was doing that, she felt a heavy hand resting on her shoulder, startling her in the process. For a moment, she thought someone was trying to pull a prank on her, taking advantage of the crowd and the night. However, when she turned to look back, an immediate smile formed on her previously worried face.
With words stuck in her throat, Aleena looked at Lucien for a moment, then her gaze fell onto the bloodstains visible in the dim light of the night. Unable to contain herself, she finally asked, "Oh, my love," her voice trembling as she whispered, "You look exhausted and worn out. Are you alright?" The concern in her voice was clearly visible on her face as she took Lucien's hand in the dim light, her gentle touch sending warmth throughout his body.
Lucien, upon seeing Aleena's worry for him, wanted to embrace her tightly and let go of his exhaustion while melting into her embrace. However, with dozens of villagers around, the time was not right for such a display of affection. Instead, he managed a weary smile and said, "I am," his voice breaking slightly. "But the wounds those people suffered are heartbreaking. A few of them have lost their hands or other vital organs and won't be able to live the same life again."
For some reason, Lucien suddenly felt a tinge of sympathy for these people. Perhaps it was because they had fought alongside him. Whatever the reason, he felt a slight happiness, as the emergence of these emotions signified that he was now merging with this world, which Lucien considered a good thing.
Aleena, noticing the sad expression on Lucien's face, pulled him closer and said, "You shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself like that. I believe that despite losing hands or other organs, they must be proud of what you and the group accomplished in the forest. Killing those goblins and eradicating them for good is what everyone desires deep in their hearts."
After saying this, she let go of Lucien's hand, casting her gaze toward the others. Seeing how busy they were helping one another, she placed her hand on Lucien's cheek and said, "Let's get you cleaned up; you should rest too."
Hearing Aleena's words, Lucien couldn't help but feel slightly better. He nodded in agreement, as he really needed rest and, more importantly, to get cleaned up. Now that everything had returned to a somewhat normal state, the stench of goblin blood mixed with his own was overwhelming, especially since he had accumulated some wounds that made him feel a burning sensation all over his body.
Casting a glance at Gilbert, who was engaged in what seemed to be an important discussion with the fellow villagers, Lucien decided to return to Gilbert's house with Aleena. As they walked a short distance, where the darkness felt even heavier, his hand instinctively found its way to her waist. With her support, he finally arrived back at the house where everything had begun.
"Alright, wait here for a bit; I'll prepare warm water for you." As they stepped into the cozy confines of the house, Aleena's voice danced through the air, laced with a playful tone. With a mischievous smile, she turned and walked away, her hips swaying in an enchanting rhythm that captivated Lucien's gaze. He stood there, momentarily spellbound, his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come.
Minutes ticked by, and Lucien found himself teetering on the edge of sleep. Just as he was about to drift off into a dream, the sound of Aleena's footsteps echoed through the room, pulling him back to reality. He blinked, there she was, Aleena, standing before him with nothing but a towel wrapped around her body, the fabric clinging to her curves in a way that left little to the imagination. The soft, warm light of the room accentuated her silhouette, making her look almost ethereal.
"Your bath is ready," she announced, her voice a sultry whisper that sent a shiver down his spine. As she moved closer, Lucien felt an overwhelming urge to reach out, to bridge the distance between them. In a moment of spontaneity, he leaned forward, his head resting against her bosom, the soft fabric of the towel providing a tantalizing barrier. The warmth of her body enveloped him, and he inhaled deeply, savoring the intoxicating scent that lingered around her—a mix of floral notes and something uniquely her own.
But as the minutes passed, his hands, seemingly possessed by their own will, began to explore the edges of her towel. With a gentle flick, he let the fabric slip away, revealing her heavenly bare figure to his gaze.
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