Chapter 80. Behind It All

Emerald seemed to snap back to reality, remembering how worried she had been since he called her.

"You got hurt because of me, after all."

Alaric sensed her humility despite her deep concern. "I'm in your heart, aren't I?"

Her gaze shifted, and she paused slightly. "I…"

Alaric leaned closer to her ear, his voice low and enticing. "Baby, do you want me?"

Alaric's gaze was intense, his eyes smoldering with a hunger that seemed primal, like a wild animal fixated on Emerald.

As he whispered, Emerald could feel his warm breath on her ear, his voice slow and hoarse, "Baby, what do you want?"

It felt like she had entered the lair of a fierce creature, every corner marked by his presence. Even the air seemed heavy with his aura, terrifying yet alluring, much like their encounter in the tent.

She licked her dry lips, "I..."

As she looked at him, she noticed the dried blood and thin layer of sweat, a testament to his overwhelming masculinity. Alm