Chapter 158: Other Pressing Matters
“Eh?” Rebecca’s eyes lit up, a surprised smile spreading across her face. “A hug? Wait… not yet, Flora first… I-I’m a little flustered…”
She stood up and gently pushed Flora towards Abyss.
“Me?” Flora asked, blushing. “Why a hug? I don’t dislike it, but…”
Abyss looked at them, his turquoise eyes gentle and warm. “Because I feel like I owe you… I need to hug you all. Is that okay?” His gaze was clear, devoid of any lustful intent. A typical sixteen-year-old boy might have other thoughts, but Abyss’s desire was purely emotional, a need for connection with those he cherished.
Leona, after a moment of hesitation, replied, “Well… if you really need it, I suppose…”
Abyss didn’t hesitate. Now fully awake, his strength returned, he opened his arms and embraced Leona.
“Eek!” she squeaked, her body stiffening at his touch, then relaxing as his warmth enveloped her.
She was small and soft in his arms, her vulnerability stirring a protective instinct within him. She was a powerful Dou Warrior, but she was also a young woman who needed love and care, her heart still bearing the scars of her past.
He held her tightly, as if trying to merge her small form with his own. Leona, her body resilient, didn’t flinch. After a moment, she wrapped her arms around his waist.
“…I was so worried about you.”
“I know. Thank you.”
After a while, he released her, reluctantly.
Rebecca, still flustered, pushed Flora forward. “Hug Flora now. She took care of you while you were asleep. She’s a better nurse than those royal healers.”
Flora blushed, her beautiful golden eyes fixed on Abyss, her expression a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Her gaze was far more captivating than in the dream, mesmerizing him.
“Flora,” he said, smiling, taking her hands and pulling her into his embrace.
Her scent, sweet and floral, with a hint of something divine, was more intoxicating than any perfume, more comforting than any flower. He leaned his head against her shoulder, inhaling her fragrance.
His gesture, so intimate, made her blush even deeper, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she closed her eyes, a tender smile on her face.
She gently stroked his hair, her touch light and soothing, as he relaxed in her arms.
“It’s alright now. Rest, Abyss. I’ll always be here for you,” she whispered, her voice like a gentle lullaby.
Abyss closed his eyes, enjoying her warmth and her comforting presence, his heart at peace in her embrace.
After a while, he released her, his own cheeks now slightly flushed, and gently smoothed her hair, which had become disheveled.
Rebecca, seeing him look at her, pointed at herself. “My turn?”
“Rebecca, come here,” Abyss said, opening his arms. “Let me hug you.”
“Well… heehee… Now I’m embarrassed…” Rebecca said, giggling, her shyness now more pronounced than the others’. She walked towards him, sat on the bed, and leaned into his embrace.
She wasn’t fat, but her body was softer, fuller than the others’, her ample bosom pressing against his chest.
He held her, his head resting on top of hers, his voice soft. “Thank you for trusting me, for supporting me, Rebecca.”
“You say that to all of us. You’re such a smooth talker,” she said, looking up at him. “If anyone saw you hugging us like this, they would think you’re a womanizer.”
“Perhaps, but I genuinely wanted to hug you all,” Abyss said. “This might sound strange, but I need you to heal me. It’s not complicated. Just being with you is enough.”
“Those dreams must have been painful,” Rebecca said, her voice softening. “I know that feeling… I used to have long, painful dreams as well.”
“They were, but being with you makes it better,” Abyss said.
“Can’t it be completely healed?” she asked, smiling.
“Well… no,” Abyss said, winking at her.
“Not even like this?” she asked, closing her eyes, her lips pouting slightly, as she leaned closer to his face.
“Perhaps another time,” Abyss said, releasing her.
“Hmph! I knew you wouldn’t kiss me!” she said, pouting, opening her eyes. Leona, who had been watching them intently, seemed relieved.
“That’s enough for now. Hugging you all has renewed my resolve. Thank you,” Abyss said, smiling at them.
“What’s next?” Rebecca asked, adjusting her clothes.
“You can relax. I have something important to do,” Abyss said.
“We can help,” Leona offered immediately.
Flora and Rebecca nodded in agreement.
“No, this is something I must do alone,” Abyss said, shaking his head, smiling.
“What is it? Why so secretive?” Leona asked, her curiosity growing.
Abyss didn’t answer. He opened his mouth and began chanting in a strange, complex language, unlike any known tongue, not a Divine incantation or a prayer to the Lord of Nightmares.
As he chanted, his body began to glow, the light growing brighter, his form becoming translucent.
He finally turned to them, his voice gentle. “I apologize, but there are others who need my embrace. Farewell, my dear followers. Thank you for everything.”
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