Shiao Yi had been wondering what kind of special ability Dominic had used in his last attack when, all of a sudden, he was pulled into a tight hug.
He let out a sharp breath as he was lifted off the ground with surprising force.
Only then did he remember—this man was unusually tall. And apparently, Shiao Yi's weight meant nothing to him.
It felt like he was being treated like a child, and honestly, it stung. No—it more than stung. It hit his pride pretty hard.
"Shiao! That was amazing! What kind of magic was that? I didn't feel any magic power coming out from you, and there wasn't even a chant!"
"Magic? I can't use magic," Shiao Yi replied bluntly.
Dominic was surprised, so he leaned in trying to get a better look at his face. But he was still holding Shiao Yi in his arms.
Too close. Way too close. Shiao Yi turned his face away instinctively.
"Then what kind of power did you use just now?" Dominic asked.
"Dominic, please put me down. Looks like we've got a lot to explain to each other. Let's go back to the fortress first."
Shiao Yi wriggled, trying to escape from the awkward position he was being held in. But no matter how much he moved, Dominic didn't budge. His grip was like iron.
Maybe the struggle reminded Dominic that Shiao Yi had been seriously injured just a short while ago.
"Ah—sorry! Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
It was fine. Honestly, his wounds had already healed. If his bones were still broken, he probably would've died the moment Dominic hugged him like that. He wouldn't have even been able to make it out here.
"I'm healed now. So please, let me down."
"I'm glad you're better. But you were seriously hurt a moment ago. Let me carry you just in case."
Instead of easing up, Dominic tightened his grip.
Seriously?
Most people would take that as a sign to ease off—but not this guy.
This was definitely more like being restrained than helped.
Ignoring Shiao Yi's protests, Dominic began walking back to the fortress with him still cradled in his arms. Like he was carrying a small child—one arm under his legs and the other supporting his back.
With Dominic' long strides, the walk back was bumpy and jostling. Shiao Yi instinctively wrapped his arms around the man's neck to avoid being dropped.
This was humiliating.
He—Shiao Yi who is once known as the top field agent of the B.O.W (Bio Organic Weapon)—was being carried like this?
Like a baby?
His face flushed with embarrassment, and he quickly buried it in Dominic' chest to hide the redness.
Dominic didn't let go even when they reached the fortress. He walked straight into the command room with Shiao Yi still in his arms.
Everyone they passed turned around to stare at them. The looks were unbearable. Some of them had their mouths open in shock. Others seemed too stunned to speak at all.