Alaric brought the first-aid kit, interrupting the heated moment between them.

Tonight's encounter awakened something intense, but he knew there was no need to rush; this flame needed to burn even brighter.

Alaric patiently waited for the right moment—the time when Emerald would no longer turn him away.

He could see her slowly opening up to him, and he felt that day was drawing near.

The key was to remain patient and not show too much eagerness, as pushing her too hard would only make her retreat.

Of course, the result was a series of cold showers at night, a frustration they both shared, albeit in different ways.

Carefully, he...