Chapter 534

Felix's body trembled at her words. His eyes darkened, as if a storm raged within him. In an instant, Tiffany's world collapsed. She awoke with a gasp from the violent shaking.

"Ah!" she cried, sitting up abruptly.

She was still in the tent. The blanket remained undisturbed; even her hand warmer was still warm.

'Soit was just a dream? No wonder I couldn't hurt Felix, no matter how hard I tried. Not a single drop of blood. It was a dream!' Tiffany thought, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead. Yet, if it was a dream, it felt incredibly real.

A gust of wind lifted a corner of the tent. Richard stood there.

Tiffany's heart clenched. She gazed at him, the tent light illuminating his handsome face. His eyes were cold, his aura strong, yet a hint of tenderness softened his sharp gaze. It was Richard.

She threw herself into his arms, clutching her chest. "That was close. I thought I might never see you again."

In her dream, the world had crumbled, a crack appearing beneath her feet. If it had been real, she might never have returned.

"What happened?" Richard frowned, gently pulling her closer. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

Tiffany recounted her dream, omitting the forced kiss from Felix.

Richard's smile vanished, replaced by a cold hostility. His aura was potent, a chilling barrier against intruders.

"It isn't a dream," he said.

"Huh?"

"To be precise, it wasn't your dream. He forced you into a dream he created."

Tiffany's stunned silence quickly gave way to action. "Then Felix is nearby? Should we search tonight? Should we leave now?"

Marching in the desert at night was extremely dangerous. Navigation was impossible; they could easily get lost. Hidden threats, like quicksand, were undetectable in the dark.

Tiffany reconsidered. "No hurry. Let's do it tomorrow. If he doesn't run, we'll catch him then."

Richard removed his coat, lying down with Tiffany in his arms. "Go to sleep. I'll watch over you."

"Okay."

Breathing in his scent, Tiffany closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep amidst the wind's whistle. Richard gazed down at her, his lips curving into a gentle smile. But the memory of her dream quickly erased the gentleness, replaced by a murderous aura. The wind outside intensified.

It was a dreamless night. Tiffany awoke to find herself still clinging to Richard's waist.

'His body is amazing. Strong and muscular, no excess fat. His abs are incredible,' she thought, her heart fluttering as she touched him again.

Her hand was abruptly captured. Richard's eyes burned with a fiery dissatisfaction.

Tiffany laughed nervously, attempting to escape, but he pinned her down, showering her with kisses.

"Stop!" she protested, blushing as she heard footsteps outside. "They're awake! Don't"

Her resistance melted into pleasure.

Forty minutes later, Tiffany emerged from the tent, initially worried, but relieved to see her subordinates checking the terrain under Sidney and Garry's supervision. No one was nearby.

'No one heard anything, right?' she thought, her ears burning. She saw Richard, contented and relaxed, watching her.

"Bastard!" she exclaimed, stomping her foot and rushing to wash her hands.

Her period hadn't ended, creating further complications.

Washing her hands, she sighed. 'I need to avoid Richard. His desires are insatiable! I was captivated for a moment, then pinned down. How tragic!'

She replaced the water bottle and retrieved some food. "The sun's setting. Let's go!" she called to Richard.

He lazily dressed. "No hurry. Let's wait."

Fifteen minutes later, camel bells chimed in the distance. An old man approached with a caravan. John purchased all his camels, paying triple the price and giving the old man an extra camel.

Tiffany was curious. Richard had anticipated this.

As they rode, she asked, "You knew they were coming?"

"Yes, I heard them," he replied.

Tiffany was incredulous. 'How could he hear that from so far away? But wasn't I… helping him with that then? His hearing is incredible,' she thought, shrinking back.

He leaned closer, a smile in his eyes. "It's simple. I can teach you."

"Tuition?"

"Yes."

"What's the price?"

"For instance, what just happened"

"Get lost," Tiffany retorted, glaring playfully. Her eyes held more coquettishness than intimidation.

Richard smiled, clearly pleased. They rode onward, enjoying the beautiful scenery and a leisurely pace. Then, a castle appeared before them.