CHAPTER 267: HOMECOMING

That contrast, the mix of vulnerability and quiet strength was something Dominic could never resist.

They had been traveling together for two years now, searching across distant lands for traces of the ancient magic circle, fragments of runes and faint leaks of dark magic that might show where an "entrance or exit" once existed.

Their journey had taken them farther than they had ever imagined, almost to the ends of the world.

Even though Dominic and Shiao Yi traveled alone together, there had been far fewer chances for the to have sex than Dominic had imagined when they first set out.

There were small moments of affection, like a kiss here, an embrace there but during their journey, Shiao Yi often stopped things from going any further.

It was mostly because Shiao Yi was extremely shy.

At inns, he worried that others in the next room might hear them or sense their presence.

Out in the open field, he absolutely refused, saying it felt too exposed and uncomfortable.

And when winter came and the cold grew harsh, sleeping outside made it impossible anyway.

Naturally, the days of restraint kept piling up.

Because of that, there were times when Dominic’s self-control snapped and each time, he ended up feeling terribly guilty afterward.

But really... could anyone blame him?

He wanted people to understand how it felt.

His beloved Shiao Yi was always right there beside him, just the two of them.

Whenever they rode Marengo, Shiao Yi was close against him, his warm body and the scent of him lingering in the air.

To hold your lover like that, day after day, for weeks or even months and only hold him wasn’t that almost cruel?

Shiao Yi could teleport.

With that power, they could return home to their bedroom in Rosalith in an instant.

Yet whenever Dominic suggested it, Shiao Yi refused, saying it would be embarrassing to go back just for having sex.

Was Shiao Yi deliberately testing his patience?

Dominic often wondered that.

So when they finally returned home after a long journey and Dominic’s restraint finally reached its limit, losing control for a night didn’t seem entirely unreasonable.

Shiao Yi’s dark eyes glistened, his eyes turn soft and unfocused under Dominic’s touch.

Dominic leaned close to his ear and whispered in a low voice,

"You’re beautiful, Shiao Yi. It’s all right—just let go."

Shiao Yi trembled and buried his face against him.

"Dominic, you idiot!" he said, his voice a mix of embarrassment and affection.

"I was trying to wait so we could be together," Shiao Yi murmured.

Dominic smiled gently. "Then we’ll take our time," he said. "We can always share the moment together."

Shiao Yi looked up at him, half-pouting, half-smiling, and the warmth between them deepened.

Shiao Yi’s small face, framed by a sharply defined jaw, had delicate features. His low nose, soft lips, and large, expressive eyes that seemed too big for the rest of his face.

It gave him a fragile, youthful look, more cute than beautiful.

When those wide eyes filled with tears and turned up to Dominic, silently pleading, he could never resist.

"Dominic... please. I want to feel you. Please come inside me," Shiao Yi whispered.

At that moment, Dominic’s self control shattered completely. His heart burned with love and desire that could no longer be contained.

"Shiao Yi... my only one... I love you," he murmured while holding him close overwhelmed by the happiness of being together.

...

Even though he had expected it, the night they returned home was intense.

Dominic’s passion that has been kept for so long finally broke free and it was almost too much for Shiao Yi to handle.

Not that he disliked being held by Dominic.

Far from it, he loved it.

It felt wonderful when he being dominated by him.

The warmth and affection he received filled him completely.

Before meeting Dominic, he never imagined that two men could share something so powerful or feel such closeness.

But Dominic’s stamina was incredible.

Once things began, he seemed unstoppable.

Sometimes it went on until morning, in fact, it usually did.

Dominic’s large and well trained body could handle such endurance easily, but Shiao Yi, with his slimmer, smaller frame, simply couldn’t keep up.

Even though he trained his body, there was no comparison.

Several times during the night, he lost consciousness from exhaustion, only to wake up again to find Dominic still full of energy inside him.

Eventually, his disbelief turned into reluctant admiration.

How much did Dominic love him?

To be desired so deeply by himz Shiao Yi couldn’t help but feel happy about it.

And yet, he was at his limit.

He didn’t want to die from love, he thought weakly, his whole body trembling from exhaustion.

He had held back for so long during their journey that he knew Dominic’s hunger was understandable, but even so, there were limits.

At this rate, he wouldn’t be able to move until well past noon.

Every time Dominic’s body moved inside him, Shiao Yi could feel the heavy rhythm of his strength, the heat of his touch and the overwhelming sense of being completely claimed.

His body was shaking, caught between exhaustion and pleasure, unable to rest.

It was almost painful, his breath short, his heart beating wildly, his whole body numb.

When he looked up, he saw Dominic’s face.

His brows furrowed and bus lips parted as he struggled to breathe, his eyes locked on Shiao Yi with a raw, wild intensity.

There was something fierce and beautiful in that gaze, something entirely masculine and it made Shiao Yi’s heart twist with love and awe.

Dominic’s faint smile carried a devastating allure. How lucky am I, Shiao Yi thought. To be loved by someone like this.

He loved him completelyz every part of him.

Dominic’s strength, his warmth, the way he made Shiao Yi feel that they were one and the same.

We’re together, Shiao Yi thought. Always. I’m not going anywhere, Dominic. You don’t have to be afraid. I’ll stay by your side, no matter what.

With that peaceful thought, surrounded by warmth and closeness, Shiao Yi’s consciousness faded away once more.