Thank you for reading on ! We provide free access to all our stories, but maintaining this platform requires ongoing costs. To keep the site running and continue offering free content, we display advertisements. You can close the ads anytime, or upgrade to premium membership ($5/month) for an ad-free reading experience while supporting our mission. You can also earn premium for free by completing simple tasks. We truly appreciate your understanding and support!There were few who managed to cling to life that night as they camped in the pueblo. When dawn broke, Alessandro approached on foot, determined to continue healing the wounds left by the caballeros and the Dijo. "You should rest," he said, concern etched on his face. "It's not necessary," Abril replied, though fatigue weighed heavily on her. "I can still follow." Alessandro shook his head. "No, resting will prevent you from collapsing." He lifted Abril and gently placed her between the blankets in their makeshift shelter."You need to know when to take a break." "But there's also a horseman," she protested weakly. "It's not serious; it's just a sprain. Those who have tears will be fine." "But-" "But nothing, Abril. I'm busy," he insisted, his tone firm yet tender. "Do it now. We don't have water to drink or bathe since the well is dry. Clean yourself with the towel." "You're right; the well hasn't been purified yet..." Abril got up just as Alessandro was about to leave the shelter. She caught his arm and said, "Where do you think you're going?" "To purify the well," he replied with a laugh."I already told you no; you'll leave that for Mariana." "But there are more monsters," she argued. "Sirius has created a barrier. Nothing will come through this way." "But yes-" Alessandro took her by the shoulders and gently laid her back down between the blankets. He began to remove her clothes. "What do you think I'm doing?" he asked, a teasing smile on his lips. "I can manage on my own." "I've seen you naked countless times. Does it bother you?" "It doesn't bother me; it's just-" She hesitated as he brushed the damp towel across her skin, warmth spreading through her.As he continued, she could feel her heart racing, and she watched him with feverish eyes. In a moment of boldness, he leaned down and pressed his warm lips against hers, igniting a fire within her. "Is it chance, or don't you want this?" he asked softly. Abril wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer, and kissed him deeply. Their breaths mingled, filled with urgency and longing. "If I want," she whispered. Alessandro had been holding back, but her response shattered his restraint. "I want you," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you, Abril.I love you." She couldn't find the words to respond, but in her heart, she echoed his sentiment, feeling the weight of her love for him. As they lay together, she could hear the steady rhythm of his heart, and in that moment, everything felt warm and right, as if the struggles they had faced were merely a distant memory. "This has been...someone could have heard us," she murmured. Alessandro traced gentle circles on her back, caressing her skin. "No one has heard anything," he reassured her."To be here with you, I'm in a fight, but it's worth it." "No, this isn't a dream," she replied, her eyes growing heavy. "Then let's finish this," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Me too," she agreed, feeling the exhaustion take over. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt safe in his arms, content in the knowledge that they were together. When Abril finally awoke, she found Alessandro watching her. "Have you been awake long?" she asked, rubbing her eyes. "No, I just woke up," he replied, a hint of a smile on his lips."We should get up." Abril rose and picked a clean set of clothes from one of the trunks nearby. Alessandro donned his armor, his expression serious. "Today, don't do anything reckless," she warned. "I won't," he promised. Before they left, Abril purified the few remaining monsters that lingered, eliminating them before they could attack. She approached the survivors, apologizing for not arriving sooner to help them, but they didn't blame her. Instead, they expressed their gratitude for having been saved from the monsters. They mounted their horses, ready to ride out."I know; let's hope they're safe," Abril said, glancing back at the survivors. "Yes, let's hope they fare better," Alessandro replied, his brow furrowed in concern. Suddenly, Abril felt the presence of monsters nearby. "They're coming. There are many, and they're approaching." Alessandro helped her down from her horse, and together they prepared for battle. As Abril had predicted, a swarm of monsters surrounded them. There were so many that they needed to form a barrier to keep them at bay. The monsters must have emerged from somewhere, and Abril knew they had to find the source.There were holes along the roads they traveled, and she sensed danger lurking just beyond their sight.noveldrama