Chapter 189 (1/2)

Chapter 189

“Where are the…other kn-knights?”

“I told theo ahead”

Max’s expression darkened “Did you leave the knights…because of ed Talon out from behind a tree as he turned to look at her His face was stiff and his expression looked as if he wasthe knights I told them that ill join them as soon as I find you”

“B-but…how did you find me?”

“I followed your tracks”

Riftan replied in a brief conclusive manner, then pointed to her feet with his eyes Max looked at the ground with a puzzled expression, her eyes widening as she noticed her footprintsthe dirt road The terrain was uneven and there were roots poking out everywhere, but she could see the faint tracks here and there upon looking closely

Seeing how surprised and astonished she ith hoas able to follow after her, Riftan pointed at the horseshoe marks next to her footprints and the crushed bushes, and broken branches that Reuy helped me a lot”

“Didn’t you think…that it could have been tracks left by a uish the difference frolared at her with a hardened face “It’s a great relief that I have found you before the rain poured If not, the footprints would have been washed away and finding you wouldn’t be as easy”

Max’s body shuddered Had Riftan been even a second too late at that moment, she would have been a meal for the fishes

But the path was blocked, how on earth did he follow after me so fast?Don’t tell me that he has climbed over the pile of rocks? As Max looked at him in curiosity, Riftan jumped onto a board and reached out his hand towards her

“We need to find a place to shelter before the rain pours harder Hurry up”

Max grabbed his outstretched hand and followed hi the ed slope and gracefully glided like a wild animal in its habitat Even if she witnessed it with her own eyes, it was still unbelievable how heMax watched in trance as the thin sheet of rain soaked his dark hair and trickled down his thick neck, while wiping off the raindrops that seeped into her eyelids

The light drizzle created a white ray arlistened with the raindrops that dribbled on it His face that exhus also shone shtest of fatigue Both his long, sturdy legs strode forward solidly through the ns of exhaustion and when she staggered a bit, his strong forearms were quick to support her

Max was coth did not siether

“Let’s rest over there for a while”

Riftan gazed down at her drooping soldiers and turned to lead the sound escaped froled to keep up with his pace He tied the horses under a branch with lush leaves as he grasped her staggering figure with one arm

She was too exhausted to even protest He walked to the base of the tree and bent down to inspect the hollow portion of the thick tree trunk that had a girth so wide that six men with their outstretched ar her inside the cave, he sat right next to her

Max collapsed listlessly like salted cabbage and stared at a far distance through theonto the side like it had become a heavy stone and her body trely confused of whether to feel cold or warm Riftan deftly removed his breastplate and tipped it to the side, then pulled her close against his chest

The tension and fear Max felt, completely melted aith the heat of his body that she could feel through her wet clothes Even though they were crouching under a tree like wild ani surrounded by a concrete fortress She snuggled as deep as she could into his side and leaned her head against his hard, marble-like shoulders Riftan untied his varound and wrapped his forear her shoulders and her spine with his hot pal as soon as it stops raining Close your eyes and rest for a bit”

“Will a-all the other knights be alright? The g-goblins ain…”

“Goblins hate water, so as long as the rain continues, nothing bad will happen Everyone should be descending the mountain by now” Riftan tucked his hand inside her tunic and waro to sleep”

Max sighed contentedly at the intense warmth that seemed to reach the depth of her bones Riftan continued to hold her tightly, staring quietly through theat the drops of water dripping froue claimed her and her eyes closed slowly The histled in the distance and the sound of trees shaking against its blow could be heard

Riftan lifted Max, as extremely drowsy, and placed her on his lap She naturally leaned her head against his chest As if trying to make her a little more comfortable, he removed her wet shoes and socks and tossed theed her swollen feet with his hot palulfed in exhaustion and fell asleep in an instant

When she finally gained consciousness, the rain had subsided She looked at the drizzle of raindrops through her drowsy eyes and then lifted her head Riftan’s head leaned against the tree trunk and his eyes were gently closed Suddenly, her heart sank at the sight of hi like a statue and breathed without a noise Max held her hand close to his nose and felt his soft, faint breathing

Sighing in relief, Max carefully swept his bangs that pricked his eyes Although he never showed it outwardly, he certainly had to be extremely exhausted It was not unreasonable to assuot a proper rest,the past few days

She felt sorry for him and caressed his taut cheek affectionately At that moment, Riftan’s eyes snapped open Max was surprised at how clear his eyes were and retracted her hand He stared silently at her with his eyes, which were so deeply dark that it was hard to distinguish his pupils from his irises, and lowered his head to devour her lips