CHAPTER 207: RAIN AND REST

Outside, the sky darkened as the rain began to pour, the steady sound echoing softly into their small cave.

They had been moving nonstop for so long and now, with their hunger sated and exhaustion catching up, the gentle rhythm of the rain made Dominic’s eyes grow heavy.

The temperature dropped slightly and Shiao Yi instinctively moved closer toward Dominic, seeking warmth from him.

Dominic wrapped his arms around him pulling him near.

Shiao Yi’s eyes were half-closed, his breathing calm and slow.

Dominic lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to Shiao Yi’s forehead.

"Let’s rest a bit," he murmured. "Good night, Shiao Yi."

"...Mm. Good night, Dominic..."

He must have been exhausted.

Shiao Yi quickly drifted into sleep, his body relaxing completely in Dominic’s embrace.

Holding him close, feeling the warmth of the man he loved in his arms, Dominic too slowly surrendered to the quiet pull of sleep.

...

When Dominic opened his eyes, for a brief moment he couldn’t understand where he was.

The rough texture of the rocky cave floor that was pressed against his bare skin reminded him that he had been sleeping directly on the ground.

He panicked for an instant, he feels confused and disoriented until his gaze fell on Shiao Yi who is still sleeping peacefully in his arms.

At the same time he saw him, he feels Relief washed over him and the memories of their situation slowly came back.

Dominic slipped his arm free and sat up carefully so as not to wake Shiao Yi.

Outside the cave, the rain had stopped.

The world was once again bathed in that same dim hazy light that never seemed to change in this underground world.

He had no idea how long he had been asleep.

There was nothing here to measure time.

But the stiffness in his body told him it had been a long rest, long enough for his muscles to ache slightly when he stretched.

Peering out from the cave opening, which was halfway up the rock wall, he could see the land ahead.

Rolling grasslands spread out into the distance, broken by scattered forests and rocky hills.

Beyond them all, rising tall and silent, was the great wall, their destination.

It looked much farther away than he had expected. Reaching it on foot would take longer than he hoped.

Behind him, he heard movement, the soft rustle of Shiao Yi stirring awake, followed by his sleepy voice.

"Dominic...?"

Dominic turned around and smiled. "You’re awake? You must’ve been tired. Are you all right?"

In the faint light of the cave, Shiao Yi’s pale skin seemed to glow.

He had sat up, the simple strip of deerskin around his waist shifting slightly, the view teasingly intimate, making Dominic’s heart stir.

Dominic moved back beside him and reached for the small pouch they had made from scraps of deer hide.

He pulled out a few pieces of dried meat and handed one over to him.

"You must be hungry. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing."

The jerky was tough and bland with no salt, no spice, but as they chewed together, the rich flavor of the meat slowly came through.

They sat shoulder to shoulder, leaning against the rock wall while quietly eating in peace.

For a moment, Dominic almost forgot they were in the demon world.

Being with Shiao Yi made everything feel warm, even this desolate place.

As long as they were together, anywhere could be paradise.

But Dominic’s self-control didn’t last long.

His hand began to wander and sliding over Shiao Yi’s bare thigh, tracing upward along his soft inner skin, moving dangerously close to his pink back entrance.

Just as his fingers were about to go further, Shiao Yi’s hand came down sharply and... slap!

Which immediately stopping him.

"Dominic," Shiao Yi said firmly, his tone carrying a warning.

Dominic let out a quiet laugh, pretending to surrender. Still, his hand lingered, gently brushing over Shiao Yi’s knee, he was reluctant to let go of that small tight entrance.

"Just a little... Shiao Yi?" Dominic’s voice was low, almost pleading.

"No, Dominic. We have to get out of here fast," Shiao Yi said firmly. "If we stay here too long, you’ll turn into a magical creatures, remember?"

Dominic gave a small, teasing smile. "Would you hate me if I became one?"

"That’s not it," Shiao Yi said softly, shaking his head. "But if you became a magical creatures, you might forget me."

Dominic’s expression gentled. "That would never happen. Still... I don’t want to lose control and become a beast that attacks you."

"Then let’s hurry and get to that wall," Shiao Yi said, determination in his voice.

"But, Shiao Yi..." Dominic sighed while brushing his fingers across Shiao Yi’s shoulder. "Your body right now, it’s driving me insane."

He pulled Shiao Yi close and kissed him.

Their lips met softly at first, then deeper, hungrier.

Shiao Yi trembled as Dominic’s tongue pressed into his mouth, their breaths mixing.

Dominic’s hand slid down, sneaking beneath the strip of cloth around Shiao Yi’s hips.

His fingers teased what was already stiff with desire, earning a soft gasp that slipped between their lips.

Dominic pushed him gently toward the rough stone floor, about to lower him completely when—

GUOOON!!

The sound tore through the air like thunder.

Dominic broke away instantly and grabbing the sword he had set aside.

He sprinted to the mouth of the cave.

The moment he stepped outside, he felt it, an enormous surge of magical power. It was overwhelming, suffocating, unlike anything he or Shiao Yi possessed.

This energy wasn’t human.

It wasn’t even alive in the normal sense.

It was the same dark and suffocating power that surrounded magical beasts and ancient magical circles... but on a completely different scale.

This wasn’t mere miasma.

It was more powerful and raw, overwhelming, the opposite of their own magic, yet still undeniably magical.

From their high position on the rock face, Dominic scanned the area, trying to locate the source.

Shiao Yi stood beside him while narrowing his eyes.