Chapter 455

Skylar and Joe left Gardner Manor together. Joe was silent on the return trip, a stark contrast to their lively conversation on the way there. Skylar had been preoccupied since their arrival at the manor. Only when they were almost back at Galaxy Villa did she notice the shift in Joe's demeanor.

She worried she might have unintentionally upset him during their visit. Joe's behavior had seemed increasingly erratic lately.

"You" Skylar began hesitantly, but Joe's cold gaze stopped her.

Did she only just realize he'd been there with her? Joe decided to pointedly remind her. "I was with you at Gardner Manor. I stood just a few steps from that bronze artifact. While you fretted over John and Caleb and gave them your handmade amulets, did you even think of me?"

If he hadn't mentioned it, she might not have realized it until they returned home. Was this what he was upset about?

A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "There are still some of Grandma Viola's amulets at home. They're definitely more powerful than mine. I only brought one today because Grandma Viola didn't make many. I didn't want to give them all away, so I thought I'd give you one when we got home."

A fleeting thought crossed her mind—was Joe jealous? On second thought, that seemed unlikely. He was probably just wary of the artifact's influence. After all, the unsettling nature of the object could make anyone uneasy.

A hint of a smile played on Joe's lips. "I don't want Grandma Viola's. I want one you create."

Skylar was surprised. "Really? But mine might not be very effective." She hadn't tested them yet, and their success was uncertain. Only time would tell if they protected John and Caleb from nightmares.

"Yes," Joe simply replied.

Skylar studied him with a curious glint in her eyes. "Alright, then I'll make one for you when we get back."

Chapter 495

Joe smiled and acknowledged her with a hum.

The following day, Saturday, Skylar received a message from Caleb. He reported a restful sleep, free of nightmares. He woke up a little tired but managed to get an early start after breakfast. Even Alexander seemed relatively unaffected.

Reassured by Caleb's message, Skylar felt confident in her amulets' effectiveness. After replying, she turned to Joe, who had just finished washing up. "How did you sleep last night?" she inquired.

Nightmares could be more than fleeting bad dreams; they could delve into one's deepest fears, the ones one tries hardest to avoid. Fear is inevitable within the grip of a nightmare.

Joe appeared well-rested and composed. His gaze held a knowing glint as he replied, "Not as good as the night you responded to my needs."

Skylar, momentarily speechless, managed a firm, "You know what I mean!"

"Oh," Joe said with a sly smile, "I slept quite comfortably."

Despite returning late the previous night, he'd still managed to maneuver her into bed. His hands roamed her body. Initially tired, her resistance crumbled as his touch grew more practiced.