Heather’s lips were full and soft. She tasted a little sweet like the ripe berries they had for dinner and a little salty from the hardships they faced during the day. Her breath as they touched was music to his ears. Her warmth was as soothing as the serene jungle night.

Her body draped atop his, shifting here and there to find a comfortable spot. He could feel her every curve through her thin clothes. It hinted at what was to come.

Zachary let a sigh and smile, even as his lips continued to caress hers. He felt his worries disappear and all unnecessary thoughts flee far away. He didn’t question why she had come to find him. He didn’t care where they would go from here. They had just been through a life-threatening ordeal. That was enough to form an everlasting connection between their souls.

“Zach…” She gasped once they broke apart.

She took in a few deep breaths and studied him with gray eyes that sparkled like the stars above.

“What, is there something on my face?” He asked.

She giggled, “No… did anyone ever tell you that you have a pretty face?”

He chuckled, “Just pretty? What about handsome or dashing? Haha, a few people have said that this face would get me in trouble. Am I in trouble, Ms. Glenn-Bower?”

“You dare?” She said in mock anger and lightly hit his chest, “I’m not that old!”

“What? You’re the one who said I was too young for you!”

“You are never allowed to bring that up ever again!”

Before he could say anymore, her lips closed around his once more.

Heather pressed him into the bed. They sank into the layer of animal fur and green moss, two people seeking comfort in each other. Her kisses were needy, hot, and full of the vigor of a skillful lover. She knew just how to use everything at her disposal to drive him crazy.

Zachary groaned as he felt the rising tide of arousal erode whatever self-control he had left. His hands started on her smooth back, then went to her narrow waist, before landing on her butt. He pressed her against him, letting her know how much he wanted her.

“Heather…”

“Shh.” She placed a finger to his lips, “Let big sister take care of everything.”

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As she straddled his waist, she unfastened her top. She pulled it over her head and threw it away, revealing her nude figure to the warm evening air and his eager eyes.

What happened afterward was a blur of joy, a haze of ecstasy.

She was a tigress that had caught her prey. She rode him with a wild passion that matched their jungle surroundings. She took him in over and over while baring her soul, letting him understand her more than ever. He returned the favor with equal fervor. With words unsaid, he let his kisses and touches convey his pent-up emotions.

They were two lonely souls that had met by chance, two lives slated for certain death, two strangers who came to rely on each other. She was trying to escape the pains of past relationships, trying to find a new life where she could finally be happy. He was fighting his way back to the Old World to seek the truth, to fill the gap in his soul left by Yaoyao. Otherwise, he didn’t know if he could ever be truly happy again.

And when she finally threw her head back in complete bliss, he let out all of his troubles and joined her in this fleeting experience of physical pleasure and soulful harmony.

---

Almost two weeks after setting out for their long mission; Zachary, Heather, and the rest finally returned to Roan Oak Village. Nellie and Oliver met them at the edge of their territory and escorted the weary party home. Hugs were exchanged and long stories of their exploits were shared.

The others in Heather’s gang were shocked by the existence of the scorpion dragon and even more amazed by the battle that took place between it and the hordes of giant seagulls. They were disappointed that they weren’t able to gather too many earth quintessences but also relieved to hear that many seagulls had been killed, including possibly an expert rank one.

These ravenous beasts were a constant danger. Having fewer of them was only a good thing, especially for the likes of Oliver, Olga, and the professor who planned to remain in the New World.

Most importantly, they were simply happy that everyone made it back in one piece. It was a long journey filled with dangers. They also came back without losing a single adept rank summon. Even if the mission wasn’t a total success, it wasn’t a failure either.

Nellie was especially happy to get Heather back. She swarmed around her friend, excited asking all kinds of questions. Some of those questions ended about being Zachary who could only look the other way. If Heather wanted to kiss and tell, he couldn’t stop her. Thankfully, she kept the details to a minimum in his presence.

“Olga! Professor! Heather is back!” Oliver shouted once the village was within sight.

The gate swung open, revealing a smiling Olga while the elder professor waved at them from atop the wooden walls.

Carlos urged his giant pill bug forward, trying to race Oliver home. Nellie followed, taking Shuhua along. Zachary laughed and glanced at Heather. He was atop Onkie while she was riding Max, her grey wolf.

“Welcome home,” She said.

“Yeah.”

At least for now, he could consider this place his home in the New World. He would soon have to head to the beach and meet whatever designs the republic had in store for the survivors. But for these remaining weeks and days, he could accept it.

“I’ll race you.” She said.

“Okay, the loser has to spend the night in the winner’s cabin!” He offered.

“Deal!”

She took off with Max in a full sprint. He followed at a leisurely pace, fully intent on letting her win. After all, he didn’t even have a bed in his cabin!