CHAPTER 243: DON’T STOP KISSING ME

Raegar and the girls ate so much that they fell into a food coma thanks to the delicious meals the inn served. He was curled up sleeping as thunder boomed overhead, causing the windows to shake, which woke him up.

’’What the hell?’’ he mumbled, sitting up.

The room was dark, but the lightning lit it up, casting shadows over everything. Raegar shook his head and climbed out, only to walk toward the nearby window and notice the world was dark. Dawncreek only had a few Aether lights that lit up the main street of the village.

Raegar scanned the outside only to see the guards patrolling the streets, prompting him to think. ’Looks like Dawncreek will be expanding into a town once grandfather gets to work after Zahara wakes grandmother up.’

Following that, he pulled out some sake and started drinking it, allowing the warm liquid to burn his throat. Afterward, he continued watching the weather grow worse as lightning lit up the world outside.

While sitting there, Drusilla joined him in her small form and landed on his shoulder with a cheeky smile on her pretty face. ’’Looking forward to being scar-free, handsome?’’ she asked.

Raegar chuckled before bobbing his head. ’’Of course, it’ll be strange to see my normal face after getting used to my current one.’’

The Dark Fairy giggled, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. ’’Don’t worry, my mate, everyone will come to know how handsome you truly are,’’ she quickly returned to her human size and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. ’’Za will help your grandmother, then she can mend you.’’

As the atmosphere settled between them, Raegar’s gaze lingered on the beautiful blonde, drawn to her striking sapphire eyes, which shimmered with a blend of mischief and warmth. A quiet passion pulsed in the air, and he found himself leaning closer, his heart quickening with anticipation.

Her soft, full lips beckoned, and when their mouths finally met, the world around them seemed to fade into a hazy blur. The kiss was soft at first, but it soon deepened into something more passionate, the dance that stretched on, time slipping away unnoticed until they split apart, smiling.

’’Don’t stop kissing me like that, my boy,’’ she whispered.

Raegar’s laughter filled the air as he nodded in agreement, his eyes still sparkling from Drusilla’s earlier antics. The moment of fun lingered before turning their attention to the world beyond the cozy confines of their refuge. Together, they settled near the window, gazing out at the tempest battering Dawncreek.

The sky churned with heavy gray clouds, unleashing torrents of rain that lashed against the cobblestone streets below, turning them into shimmering rivers under the dim glow of flickering streetlamps. A sudden crack of thunder roared through the air, fierce and unrelenting, causing the sturdy windowpane to rattle in its frame.

Drusilla flinched slightly, her fingers tightening briefly around the edge of her sleeve, but Raegar’s presence seemed to anchor her. The storm’s raw power was both awe-inspiring and humbling, its gusts howling like a chorus of restless souls. Yet, within the safety of their shared space, the chaos outside only deepened the intimacy of the moment.

Following that, the other girls woke up one after another as Alice appeared first, she climbed out of bed and stretched. Selene was next and jumped up, only to hug him out of sheer excitement. ’’I can’t wait to meet your parent’s Rae,’’ she exclaimed nervously. ’’Will we be welcomed?’’

’’Of course,’’ he replied. ’’They are lovely people.’’

Afterward, Dominqiue and Zahara appeared, only to hug him as well before the group got ready to have breakfast. When the six of them stepped downstairs, the woman from the previous night by a younger man in his thirties.

He had sandy blonde hair and a friendly look about him. The stranger turned to them with a warm smile. ’’Morning, patrons. I’m Theo, ready for breakfast? Mother said there were loads of you, but looks like they keep you up,’’ he said, grinning.

Raegar felt his cheeks go red, and the girls giggled, only for Drusilla to make things worse. ’’We aren’t there yet until we meet the mysterious Yuki.’’

When the man heard and saw this, he started laughing before shaking his head. ’’The harem queen, I suppose?’’

’’Yes, she’s older than us and his first love,’’ Dominique said matter-of-factly. ’’We’re showing the needed respect and aren’t pushing forward.’’

Raegar glanced at the Vampress, a shocked expression appeared, causing everyone to laugh as Theo continued talking. ’’Go wait at one of the tables and I’ll bring six of the best breakfasts you’ll ever have out.’’

When the group heard this, Selene’s hand clamped on his as she dragged him toward a nearby table where they all sat down. Zahara sat on his left while the Demoness was on his right. They only had to wait ten or so minutes until Theo returned holding a massive tray full of bowls.

Seconds later, the aroma of the delicious food hit everyone’s nose, and a chorus of rumbling stomachs echoed out. Theo chuckled as he served the bowls to everyone, explaining. ’’This is the Dawn Soup, one of the best in the area, and will fill you up until tonight.’’

Raegar’s curiosity got the better of him as he reached for a piece of the steaming dish before him, unable to resist its tantalizing aroma. As he took a tentative bite, a vibrant explosion of flavors burst across his tongue, sweet, savory, and a hint of spice dancing together in perfect harmony.

His eyes widened in delighted surprise, a grin spreading across his face as he savored the moment. Turning to his companions, he gestured enthusiastically, his voice warm with excitement. ’’This is incredible! You’ve got to try it, girls. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!’’

As soon as the five heard this, they started eating while chatting about meeting his grandparents. Theos silently dismissed himself, not wanting to be dragged into any more teasing. Raegar continued with his meal, ignoring everything else around until everyone was finished and the morning sun stood high in the sky.

Following that, the six got back on the road after saying their goodbyes and headed toward the Vaelthorne mansion. It would take them a few more days to reach there, causing Raegar to have them camp next to a small stream just inside a small woods.

As Alice and Selene stepped into the clearing, their eyes sparkled with wonder, darting eagerly to absorb every detail of their surroundings. The air buzzed with energy, filled with the hum of voices and the rich scents of the surrounding plants. Nearby, a majestic oak tree stood proudly, its gnarled trunk and sprawling branches forming a natural canopy, thick enough to shield them from the gentle patter of rain overhead.

The tree’s leaves rustled softly in the breeze, casting dappled shadows that danced across the ground, inviting them to linger in its protective embrace. Raegar gave the group tasks with a smile on his face.

’’Sel and Domi,’’ he said first. ’’You’ll collect firewood for the night.’’

They nodded in agreement and rushed off as he looked at Zahara and Alice. ’’You both will try to set up a fire. In the meantime, Dru and I will scout the area for any bandits or monsters lurking around.’’

Following his words, the group broke apart and went about completing their tasks. Raegar began scouting the surrounding area as the Dark Fairy sat on his shoulder, scanning the surroundings. After some time, they found nothing and returned to the camp where the other four girls were sitting around the fire.

Raegar’s gaze fell upon a neatly stacked pile of dry wood, its bark rough and weathered, perfect for kindling a fire to ward off the evening chill. He turned to the Demoness and Vampire, their silhouettes framed against the fading light, and offered a warm, appreciative smile.

’’You two did a great job gathering all this wood,’’ he said, his voice carrying genuine gratitude. ’’This’ll keep us cozy tonight, thanks.’’

As the group settled into the peaceful evening, Raegar focused his Aether, carefully etching glowing runes into the earth around their campsite. The intricate symbols pulsed faintly with power, forming an invisible barrier that would hold any lurking monsters at bay until the first light of dawn.

With the final rune complete, he let out a satisfied breath and plopped down onto the soft grass beside Zahara and Alice. The two girls glanced at him, their eyes twinkling, before bursting into lighthearted laughter at his dramatic collapse.

Alice grinned and extended a small, polished cup of sake toward him. ’’You earned this, rune-master,’’ she teased, her voice warm and playful as she handed him the drink

Raegar took the offered drink and took a swig as the others were chatting about the summer break. When hearing this, a smile appeared on his face, thanks to the memories of his home appearing in his mind.