CHAPTER 112: CHAPTER 112 TOGETHER IN THE WOODS.

Back at the cliff, before Daniel could leave his fate to the hands of gravity, Xylander’s hands came out of nowhere and gripped him tightly, refusing to let go.

Daniel’s hands ached badly; he struggled to hold on to Xylander, whose eyes remained locked on his.

"Don’t give up on me, Daniel! Keep your hands tight—I’ll bring you up. You will live," Xylander declared with such confidence that Daniel didn’t even know when faith returned to his eyes.

He had been terrified—already giving up, believing he would die right there—but Xylander had come for him. Just as Xylander ordered, Daniel kept his hands locked tightly on Xyle’s hold until Xylander dragged him up. Eventually, Daniel was pulled free, and the two of them fell into each other’s embrace.

Xylander’s hands raked over Daniel’s body as he began to sob. He hugged him tightly, clutching his back as though letting go would end everything.

"I thought I lost you, Dan. I can’t imagine what my life would be if I lost you," Xylander cried like a baby, letting it all out. Daniel hugged him back, silently.

Daniel felt appreciated—he didn’t make his usual sarcastic comments. He just let Xyle calm down. The poor guy must’ve been traumatized, thinking he’d lost both him and the baby.

"You didn’t lose me, Xyle. Put yourself together—you’re a man, for Christ’s sake," Daniel said with a laugh.

"I wonder between us who’s the Alpha and who’s the Omega," Daniel purred teasingly.

"Fuck that, man—who cares? I can cry for my love, and no law or rule will stop me from showing my feelings," Xyle proclaimed without shame, and Daniel’s smile broadened.

"Your smile is so beautiful. It’s good to see I bring it out of your face often," Xylander said proudly, and Daniel sneered.

"That arrogance isn’t nice, Xylander—unless you want me to fall back into that cliff." With that, both of them burst into deep laughter, clutching each other.

What a wild day—from almost getting killed to nearly being abducted. How grand could it get? Imagine the headlines:

Daniel Lancaster falls to his death on his honeymoon.

His parents would be proud, for sure. What a pack of worthless bitches.

"My blood pressure must’ve risen drastically these days. Daniel, you’re going to be the death of me," Xylander groaned before cupping Daniel’s chin and pressing his lips onto his, nibbling gently and diving his tongue into Daniel’s mouth.

Daniel stopped him before things went further.

"We were almost killed, and instead of moving, you’re kissing me? How brave of you," Daniel said, half-smirking.

Xylander tilted his chin toward the sky. "Unfortunately, Daniel, the sun has retired for the day. We can’t see much in this forest—and there’s no light in sight. So, we’ll camp here tonight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll move."

Daniel’s eyes widened instantly as he stood up.

"Camp? Are you serious? Snakes, lions, and wild animals could eat us alive! Do you even know how to camp? What about a tent? A fire? I’m already freezing!" Daniel blabbed rapidly, pacing back and forth.

Xylander facepalmed. There he goes again—Daniel being Daniel, overthinking every little thing.

"Just trust nature to do its work. We just need fire, and how hard can that be?" Xylander said, standing up to gather sticks for the fire.

How hard could it be, really? If he wasn’t raised in the wild, how on earth was he supposed to start a fire with stones? Did he even know how it worked?

Damn it. They’d freeze to death right here.

Counting silently in his head, Daniel watched as Xylander carried stick after stick. He himself sat on a large rock, watching him intently.

"So... what’s next?" Daniel asked, his tone amused.

Xylander looked at him, his innocent eyes revealing he was utterly clueless.

"Just like I saw in a movie—striking these two stones will create fire," Xylander said, scanning the ground and picking two random stones.

The heck? Daniel was shocked. From TV? Really? What was he watching—cartoons?

Trying to prove himself, Xylander squatted and began striking the stones together repeatedly, waiting for a miracle. But nothing happened. No spark, no flame—nothing.

Daniel watched, smirking. "If you’re tired, let me do it," he offered.

He’d read about survival in his adventure books—not that he liked the idea, but to make things easier for Xyle, he’d help. Oddly enough, Daniel, the so-called selfish one, was trying to help.

But Xylander refused. "Just stay. I can do it—just a few more strikes," he said stubbornly, continuing until one of the stones’ sharp edges scratched his palm, leaving a deep cut.

"Xylander, fuck! I warned you!" Daniel shouted, rushing to his side.

Xylander winced in pain, his head throbbing. Daniel grabbed his hand, tightening his hold even as Xylander tried to pull away.

"Don’t even think about it, Xylander. You’ve been taking care of me all this while, and I appreciate it—but let me take care of you this time. It’s my pleasure," Daniel said firmly.

Xylander’s tension eased, and he finally relaxed.

"Let’s treat your hand first and stop the bleeding," Daniel said, tearing a patch from his shirt to dab the wound. As he worked, Xylander watched him, completely lost in those emerald eyes.

Daniel was finally caring for him—just like he’d always wanted—and nothing in the world could make him happier.

"There, done," Daniel said as he finished tying the cloth around Xylander’s palm. The pain seemed to vanish like it was never there.

Daniel placed a hand on Xylander’s cheek. "Stay aside for a while. Let me do this."

He stood, bent down, and picked a different kind of stone—stronger, brownish, and heavier. Striking them together swiftly, sparks began to fly, leaving Xylander speechless.

Who the hell was this guy? What had happened to the Daniel Moretti he once knew?

Daniel finally got the fire going, feeding it into the pile of wood. The flames rose instantly, catching the dry leaves and kindling he’d gathered.

"Voila! Told ya. Next time, don’t underestimate me again," Daniel said with a wink.

Xylander clapped, laughing softly. But before they could bask in the warmth, a loud rumble echoed.

"What was that? Thunder?" Xylander asked, glancing at the dark sky—then down at Daniel, whose face had gone crimson. Thanks to the light, his blush was clearly visible.

"It’s my stomach," Daniel confessed. "I haven’t eaten for so long—I’m starving."

Xylander chuckled and stood up. "Give me a few minutes, your highness," he said before disappearing into the dark.