Leoric felt suffocated, as though he were being engulfed by water. He blinked, and the pair of dark, obsidian orbs morphed into bright, radiant emerald eyes.
He shut his eyes, convinced he was still lost in a dream. Suddenly, a sensation of cold water enveloped him, jolting him awake. As he reluctantly opened his eyes, the once murky depths transformed into a bright, clear expanse.
He found himself enveloped in the gentle embrace of soft arms, which lifted his upper body out of the water. Meanwhile, his lower half remained submerged in the shallow pond.
Angel gently used her right hand to support his back, allowing him to maintain an upright position. With her left hand, she cupped the clear, cool water and delicately passed it over his face. Angel hoped that it could provide relief from the side effects of dehydration.
She was on her knees, and the water reached her thighs. Angel moved to his back while supporting him with her left hand.
She gently scooped up the refreshing, crystal-clear water with her cupped hand and let it cascade in gentle, soothing rivulets over Leoric's exposed back and shoulders. The droplets shimmered against his sun-kissed skin before cascading down and rejoining the tranquil pond below.
Her touch was slow and deliberate. She released her hold on him and used both her hands to gently massage his skin, washing away the dirt and dryness caused by dehydration.
Leoric knew he was fully awake but remained motionless. He felt a tingling sensation as Angel continued to pour water on his back with her hands.
He studied his surroundings through his peripheral vision. Sunlight filtered through the lush green palm trees, reflecting on the pond's surface. In front of him was a crystal clear lake, its surface shimmering under the sun and reflecting the cloudless blue sky.
Grasses and shrubs grow in the surrounding area. The different hues of green were a stark contrast against the golden desert sands.
Why did he feel that someone had forcefully carved out a depression the size of a standard swimming pool beside the lake? That depression was where he was half-submerged.
The stillness of the pond, broken only by the ripples from Angel's action of scooping water, mirrored the quiet intimacy of the moment.
Leoric closed his eyes as he focused on the gentle touch on his back and the sounds of the soft splashes of water, the faint rustle of leaves, and an occasional bird chirping.
Leoric's throat became itchy. He wanted to suppress a cough that would alert Angel to his being awake, but he failed to do so.
"Cough... cough...cough!"
Angel withdrew her hand, and Leoric felt disappointed as the softness left him.
"You are awake!" Angel blurted out. She stood and moved in front of him. "How are you feeling? Can you stand?"
Her green eyes were worried as she looked into his dark orbs.
Leoric smiled. It was a gentle one.
"Are you worried about me?" He asked teasingly.
Angel was taken aback, but she regained her composure quickly.
"We are already in a precarious situation. Even if it is another person, I will be worried." Angel said nonchalantly. She stood and walked to the direction of the bush. A shirt and a pair of trousers were laid out on the bush, basking in the sunlight to dry
It was only then that Leoric noticed that he was only wearing his boxers.
'Damn! Did she undress me?' He looked around and looked for the others but found only the eagle and furry animal nearby.
"Where are the others?" Leoric asked and tried to stand. However, he underestimated his weakness, and he fell back on the water, creating a huge splash.
"Be careful. You lost consciousness due to dehydration. Don't force yourself." Angel said in a casual voice.
She extended his hand to help him up. He accepted the offered hand and pulled her hard in an attempt to let her fall on the water, placing all his weight on her hand.
Despite shedding some weight in the past few weeks, he was still towering and possessed a muscular build. However, when he attempted to pull Angel, she effortlessly hoisted him up as if he only weighed 50 kilos.
'Did I lose so much weight?' he pondered.
"The rest of the group is on their way. They're expected to arrive in the next fifteen minutes. You should start getting ready." Angel handed him his pants and shirt before quickly turning away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
Leoric's physique was the envy of many, with a toned and chiseled body that would make any man proud. Despite having witnessed numerous men in swimwear that left little to the imagination, none could compare to the allure of Leoric's form.
Leoric stands tall at 1.88 meters. His shoulders were broad, and his body tapered down to a defined and narrow waist, creating a classic V-shape that would make any woman drool.
His chest was firm and muscular, showing strength without being overly bulky, with slight curves that suggested power and fitness. The tattoo on his chest made him look more manly. His arms were strong and toned. His biceps and triceps were well-defined and maintained a natural look rather than exaggerated.
Leoric noticed Angel ogling him. He did not know why it made him happy.
"Like what you see?" There was a hint of arrogance in his voice.
Angel averted her gaze as her face flushed. She tried to speak with indifference. "Hmmmp. I see better bodies in the Great Body Gym."
Leoric's gaze turned chilly. Great Body Gym was a famous fitness gym with branches all over the country. Its coaches were not only great in physiques but handsome as well.
Leoric pursed his lips as he sulkily changed into his shirt and pants. He walked toward the edge of the lake to scoop water to drink.
He looked at a pair of obsidian eyes, looking back at his reflection.
He suddenly recalled his dream with such vividness and clarity that it felt as if the memories came crashing back into his mind.