Chapter 51

After obtaining victory against the Ant Colony, the Lamians, including Rain now had a good, peaceful, and worry-free journey back to the Tribe.

They didn’t hurry so much and they allowed themselves more rests and longer ones. Some were pretty tired of course, especially Rain who, despite gaining an inhuman body after arriving into this world, was still not that used to a long journey in a mountain or forest. Therefore, unlike the others, he was easily ragged and exhausted.

Lamians can walk without rest for a day or two, but Rain can only do it half a day, or a day if he was in good condition. Actually, he was basically the one causing the journey to be quite slow. Thankfully, no one said anything…well, of course, no one would. In fact, no one even thinks of it, much less complain about it. They even preferred to have longer rests so they can approach and talk with him longer.

They had left the course of the big river some time ago. After marching continuously for three weeks, the expedition team crested the final valley, the valley of bones. Although it was covered with the green and abundant life of nature, however, if one looks closely, many kinds of bones were covered by thick plants and vines. Dig a few centimeters in the ground, and you will find a lot of bones hidden deep within—humanoid, monsters, and many more.

All kinds of bones littered all over the valley—completely unlike the pedestal where Rain had woken up, however, as they were covered by the beautiful scenery of abundant life as if trying to mask the history that entails a gruesome, but perhaps also heroic stories.

The valley was covered by a lush green canvas of grass. On it was painted the masterpiece of nature. Rows upon rows of flowers arrayed all of God’s colors, their brilliance broke only by the soaring towering trees, offering majestic, yet warm shades. One can’t really think that this was a land of death, just by seeing this moving spectacle.

Although their enemies, the Ant Colony had been vanquished. However, the Desolate Cave still didn’t have a moment of peace. It’s still possible that they would be subjected to monsters attacks when camping in the wild. Hence, not one had lowered their guard and remained vigilant and cautious as they walk through the Valley of Bones.

After a few hours of walking, the group arrived at a wide flat area, with no signs that can pose any danger to them. There was a small lake, with perhaps a diameter of dozen meters—clean and no signs of any poisonous plant lives, and terrible monsters. A good place for a rest.

Lafetti glanced at the surroundings, then look above. Now the sun got low and light got redder and the shadows got longer and the flowers began to think about closing.

The green-haired Lamians furrowed her brows as she checked every corner of the place and finally, she said: “Today, we’ll rest here! Secure the area!”

Although they didn’t need it, really but, it was necessary to rest from time to time and restored their strength and energy. Especially, Rain really needed one. They might engage in battle or attack by an enemy when they were tired and exhausted so restoring energy is very important.

In an instant, as if they had been trained girl scouts, the Lamians didn’t say anything else and started preparing for a night’s rest. They also started setting up tents made up of woods picked from the surrounding, and covered with a large, knitted fabric. It’s like a nomad’s tent, back in ancient times in Mongolia.

From time to time, Rain checks up on Zarda’s situation. However, as before, she was still deeply asleep, like a sleeping beauty. He even wondered if he kissed her right now, would she wake up?

Musing to kill time, he finds amusement in such fairytale imagination.

That was actually… a good idea…

Rain smiled at his brilliant mind but of course, he was hesitant on doing it, after all, even if Zarda and the others wouldn’t mind it, since it was just a kiss but if Lafetti knows it…God knows what he would suffer again…

Rain entered and exit as he please in Zarda’s tent which was made of wooden planks and monster parts gathered together to make an impromptu shelter.

When inside, he can't help but stare at Zarda who was sleeping with quite a peaceful expression. Since the Drova, Lafetti, Stagna, and some elite warriors are securing the perimeters of the camp, while the other Lamians were in charge of some chores like building impromptu shelters, skinning monsters they had hunted, checking and maintaining the weapons and armors, and organizing the loots and spoiled they had gained from this expedition, Rain was the one left in charge of taking care of Zarda. And since he didn’t know if he could be of help to anyone, and not be a burden, he agreed to take up the job.

This was originally Drova or Stagna’s duty but they said that they wanted to move their bodies around. Thus, they left Rain for the task and went outside to make some sweat. Though Rain was certain that they had other motives for doing this, he could only smile wryly and ignores it.

... ...

Zarda stirred and her brows furrowed slightly.

Perhaps she was having a bad dream? Rain thought as he extended his hand, and rubbed his thumb gently on her forehead, easing the crease appearing on her beautiful face.

Rain didn’t know if it has any effect, but Zarda’s expression somewhat softened, so it must have been. His lips curved into a smile. The moonlight passing through the gaps of the tent allowed him to look down and see her face and like always, she looked beautiful, her perfect features completely peaceful.

Now, seeing her beautiful face up close once again, Rain can’t help but feel enamored by her. She was really beautiful and since the snakes on her head were also unconscious, they really looked like hair. Emerald-green hair, smooth and silk as they lay around her head. A few small green scales could be seen on her face, such as her cheeks and at the center of her forehead, however, it only added to her charm.

Rain subconsciously reached out, curious, and surprisingly found out that they actually are hair, just tangled together. Not even a single green snake could be seen on them—how is this possible?

Is it possible that once Zarda sleep, or at least lost her consciousness, the snakes on her head would turn into fine hair? And they will turn back, only if she was awake?

Rain thought such a possibility would be most likely to be true.

As he was playing with her beautiful, smooth, silky hair, his gaze drifted to the smooth skin of her neck and Rain felt a sudden desire to kiss her there. He leaned over, but fortunately, he was able to snap himself away from such perverted desire.

What am I doing?

Rain smiled helplessly. Zarda’s charm was too strong that it affected him somehow. And perhaps because she was asleep, but it seemed to be affecting him much greater than usual. He let out a sigh. He reached out his hand and started gently stroking her beautiful face. Her soft pale cheeks, her red lips that seemed to have been painted with blood, and her long eyelashes. Her eyebrows were shaped slightly thin and elegant looking giving her a more warm and friendly appearance. And her lips were generous but not full and her jaw rounded gently complemented by her high cheekbones to round out her oval face.

She is a goddess- a beautiful Greek goddess.

Looking at her, Rain was certain that he was attracted to her. Zarda makes his heart throbbed, not less inferior than what Lafetti could do just by being beside him. Was he too unloyal? Was he too fickle, perhaps? Rain never thought his heart would easily be swayed before. Not like he had loved a girl before, much less two girls. He thought he would be satisfied with one woman, but boy he was wrong.

He was falling for her. Even when there were a dozen reasons why he should not, he still can’t stop himself from falling in love with this strange, outworldy Medusa.

"...is loving two people, wrong?" he wondered, and before he knew it, he started caressing her red lips with his thumb, somewhat charmed. It was so soft and he almost had an urge to nibble on it… what if he really did, would she really not mind…?

Unknowingly, his head started to lower until his face was now inches away from her face. He was currently charmed. His breath touching her face. Then he stopped and closed his eyes. He can’t do this… Especially when she’s unconscious.

That's not gentlemanly at all!

It's as if he was taking advantage of her.

Rain sighed and shook his head, trying to pull back but the moment he does so, Zarda’s eyes slightly trembled and opened - revealing her beautiful ruby slitted eyes that can bewitch any man alive. Although they look strange, there was no mistaking the predators that stared calmly out from those piercing red slitted eyes.

He tensed, and his body stilled—petrified.

Zarda was awake and she was looking at him, her lips curled into a beautiful smile—completely different from her usual grin that seems to be enjoying something entertaining, or that usual mischievous smile that cried out a premonition of mischief. The one seen in her gorgeous face at this moment was that of a pure smile filled with only happiness, love, and joy.

His eyes widened in shock and his mind blanked.

He was caught… red-handed!?

The most awkward thing to happen.

His face flushed.

“I,” He started but before he could finish, Zarda’s arms rose up and encircled Rain’s neck, pulling him over.

“Why did you stop?”

The Medusa's voice, like the sound of cupid’s laughter, whispered.

Her low voice carried up to him with the slight stir of a breeze that tickled his neck, which was being hugged by such slender, and soft pair of arms which smelled so good he could smell them all day. Rain felt giddy with excitement. Almost giggly.

“I, I was just checking you closely,” he started making excuses.

And he knows how bad a liar he was at this moment.

“Yeah, I can see that,” she smiled. Her eyes glinted with a playful glint.

Rain groaned. A fluttery feeling started in his stomach. “I saw your, you know eyelashes trembled so I thought maybe you’re awake or not,”

“And I am,”

Zarda continued smiling while slowly pulling his face over her. Right now, only inches apart and Rain can already felt her sweet breath touching his face. Their lips almost touching…

“You can continue before Lafetti comes, you know…” Zarda tempted. “You know you want to,”

“… …”

Rain gulped audibly from his nervousness, but he didn’t avert his eyes anymore. His eyes met hers with a searching glance. He looked deeply into her beautiful red eyes and the lust he’d battle all evening returned at full force.

Lord Almighty, he wanted to kiss her and make love to her at this very moment!

The Medusa licked her lips, and Rain closed his eyes, praying for control. However, it was for nothing. More like, it's beyond his control anymore. Perhaps, it's even inevitable.

He opened his eyes and found her gaze with a pleading look, telling him what she wanted, and what she wanted him to do.

Bugger off. Lord Almighty, why did you make me so receptive?

Rain didn’t need any mind-reading powers or any kind of special abilities to feel the heat coming from her. He could even hear her heart pounding. And this was making his mind even more confused.

He tried to fight it, but before he had noticed it, his lips had already touched her lips, kissing her. Although he was trying to fight his impulse, it seems like his body was quite honest...too honest, in fact.

"...?!"

Zarda was momentarily surprised since she had expected Rain to fight for a bit but he actually did it. Well, this was what she wanted and she felt her heart almost jumped out from her chest from happiness when her lips felt his. Her arms tightened around his neck, pulling him even closer to her.

Her mouth found his. She felt his lips press hard against hers, unlike the hard kisses she had gotten used to all these years. Unlike the forceful kiss she had gotten from all her mates, where it appeared she was devouring them instead, losing her interest, making her never past beyond that line and completely make love- but this was different.

Rain had truly sought her, and it made her full of jittery and excitement. She felt his tongue slip through his lips seeking hers. The Medusa, dazed and drunk from passion, reflexively part her lips and felt electricity as their tongues found each other.

Zarda’s lips were extremely soft, smooth and Rain found himself started enjoying every moment. His juvenile hand started moving and climbing the two sacred mountains and started groping them, slowly and gently. The Medusa started groaning with pleasure…she felt herself tingling as his hands kneaded her breasts. As his fingers sought out and found her nipples, she felt an electric surge shoot through her body.

“God!” she thought. “How long has it been?”

However, as the two had started heating up, suddenly, “…!!” An awkward cough broke the heated atmosphere.

As if doused with cold water, Rain immediately sobered up. His face burned up like his face was on fire and he almost jumped back. Hastily pulling his head, he looked at the entrance and saw Stagna looking at them with an awkward smile.

“I’m extremely happy that you are awake, chief…”

“Yeah, thank you,” Zarda replied.

“Though I prefer if you greeted me a little later…” she then glared at her.

“I’m sorry, I deeply apologized…” Stagna flashed a mischievous smile. “Well, then please continue as I excuse myself…”

Rain pretended that he didn’t do anything wrong and even waved at her, though his face was extremely flushed. “Oh,” He waved at the leaving Stagna.

“Well, then let’s continue,” Zarda immediately muttered.

“What do you mean by continuing?”

Rain pushed her back, gently to lie down.

“Come on, sleep. You just woke up, right? Just sleep and rest,”

“No,” Zarda unusually acted spoiled. She raised her arm, trying to enclose his neck but Rain grabbed them and put them down. “Come on, don’t act like a child and rest again…” he smiled and turned his head slightly to kiss her temple.

Although complaining, his voice sounded extremely soft as if he was talking to a small child. Despite his face redder than tomato, the fire of his desire had been put down. Stagna’s interference somehow calmed him down. Though he felt somewhat complicated—he felt relieved, at the same time, somewhat disappointed.

If Lafetti knew about it, he would surely not be allowed to sleep and stand up from the bed for three to four days. That would be torture.

Sighing, Zarda knew that her fun had ended. At this moment, she actually cursed Stagna inside her mind. She raised her head and moved it on Rain’s lap. She had seen Lafetti did this and can’t help but become interested as well.

Rain shook his head but he didn’t refuse and instead, run his finger on her cheeks, rubbing them gently. He heard her sigh in contentment and he gazed fondly at her, somewhat amazed by how happy he felt looking at the Medusa, so serene and calm.

Although it felt quite strange since he felt numerous snakes were wriggling on his legs but since it didn’t hurt or anything, he endured it. It was just ticklish that’s all…