Chapter 51: Into the Fire
Shiao Yi didn’t understand what Dominic meant at first. He blinked his eyes in confusion, but Dominic gave him a gentle smile. Up close, Dominic was strikingly handsome—so much so that it was almost blinding. There was an undeniable masculine charm that poured off him.
Suddenly, Shiao Yi’s heart began to race. His chest thumped hard, and his body grew hot without warning. He couldn’t keep looking at Dominic’ face. Embarrassed, he let his gaze wander around nervously.
Dominic watched him for a moment, then leaned in and kissed his forehead. Then his cheek. And finally, his lips.
"Please think about it. Promise me," Dominic said.
He was looking at Shiao Yi with such sincere eyes that Shiao Yi couldn’t help but take him seriously. It was only right.
"I understand. I’ll think about it. But, Dominic... don’t die. You must stay alive," Shiao Yi said.
He didn’t want him to die. That feeling hit Shiao Yi hard. He wanted Dominic to live—more than anything. And if it meant keeping him alive, Shiao Yi would do whatever it took.
Dominic finally let him go, though it was clear he didn’t want to. Then he raised his arm and signaled to the assembled troops. The whole army lifted their arms high and let out a battle cry.
Dominic climbed onto the captain’s horse that Brunagum had brought him. Just before he rode off, he looked back at Shiao Yi one last time. Then, with Louis by his side, he galloped forward to lead the troops.
The army quietly began moving into the tunnel passage beneath the forest of magical beast. Behind the fortress troops, the commander-in-chief led two hundred knights forward. Following them, Mr. Vundo stood at the front of the group of mages.