"M-Mr. Virethorn...?" The group leader stuttered when he saw who had arrived in their midst. Zerra’s cheeks flushed a bit, embarrassed. They were staring at her with shocked looks on their faces. "Cassias?" She swallowed and called out to him again. "Hm?" He mumbled incoherently but still didn’t let go of her. "People are staring," she whispered. "Let them stare," he whispered back and continued to hug her. After the people around recovered from their shock, they still stared at Zerra and Cassias with confusion in their eyes. "Let me go first. I can’t breathe." She nudged him in desperation. "Sir... are you someone from Miss Zerra’s family?" Amora stepped forward. The group leader’s shocked words earlier were too quiet, and most of them didn’t hear it. "That’s our friend, Zizi. She told us she might know where Miss Zerra is," Amora said. She seemed to notice Zerra’s awkward expression and added, "Can you let go of her first?" The group leader still had an astonished look on his face. Not too tall, slender, with black hair... he realized that all the characteristics matched Zerra’s looks. He didn’t immediately assume she was the one they were looking for because she still looked so fresh, as if she was coming to the forest for a picnic. He thought she must have separated recently from her group. Meanwhile, it had been such a long time since the earthquake happened. Some even assumed she was dead and their search was pointless if not for Lieutenant General Virethorn’s direct order. Those who were participating would also get rewards. Otherwise, no one would come to this dangerous place at all. Cassias slowly released Zerra from his embrace. Seeing her flushed face, his heart felt as if it were tickled by countless feathers. He had finally found her... "You..." Zerra widened her eyes. She sucked in a deep breath when she saw the man’s countenance. He had obvious dark circles under his eyes. His skin was dry, and the exhaustion was apparent. His hair was longer than she remembered. "I thought I would never see you again..." Cassias put his head on her shoulder and whispered. He was clutching her hand, so she could feel that the man was trembling. She didn’t know why her heart was so painful when she heard his words. Had her disappearance affected him so much? Originally, she even thought that the plot was slowly making up for its loopholes. It was trying to get rid of her and let the main leads reconcile, but now... She was a little guilty for thinking like that after seeing Cassias’ current state. The leader cleared his throat, reminding the couple that there were still people nearby. Seeing Zerra’s increasingly awkward face and Cassias, who had no intention of separating himself from her at all, he could only ask. "Mr. Virethorn, is she Miss Zerra?" Amora froze in her spot when she heard her leader’s question. Her eyes held disbelief. "Yes, I am Zerra." She opened her mouth. "Sorry for not telling you sooner." Even though he had expected it, he was still surprised when he heard the words come out of Zerra’s own mouth like that. "It’s fine, Miss. I understand why you did that." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "It’s great that now you have come back." Even so, she was still a little embarrassed and didn’t dare to meet other people’s eyes. Still, she had to make an impertinent request. "Can we stay here for some more time?" Cassias’ body looked so fragile that he could collapse at any moment. She sensed he had drained all of his energy. How long had he not slept? She was worried his health would worsen further if they returned now, so she had to ask them. If they refused, that was also fine. She could stay with Cassias. There was still the tiger. "Of course, Miss Zerra." The leader looked as if he had a lot of questions, but he held back. "We can build the tent again." "Yes, please." Zerra bit her lip and nodded. It took them a bit of time, but they finally built the tent back. Zerra brought Cassias inside. "How long have you not slept?" She asked worriedly. She took some tissues and water from her space. Cassias sat beside her. There were countless emotions in his eyes. He answered in a hoarse voice, "It’s fine." Still, he didn’t refuse when Zerra dabbed the tissue on his face, helping him to freshen up. He sat obediently in his place and took whatever snack Zerra offered. "You should get some sleep," she suggested. Cassias shook his head. "No." She wanted to persuade him again, but finally fell silent when she saw the look in his eyes. It was full of fear. He was scared, and a little traumatized. What if it was all a dream and when he woke up again, there was no Zerra beside him? "You can hold my hand as you sleep." She suggested. Her hand reached for his. With a pounding heartbeat, she linked her fingers with his. "I promise I will still be here when you wake up. If I break my promise, I am a dog!" "You are not a dog." Cassias frowned in disapproval. "Alright, sleep." She brushed his hair with her other free hand. After a while, she stopped. Her eyes gradually widened when she sensed him moving, now putting his head on her lap. He closed his eyes and drifted to sleep. Zerra took her time to examine his face. His face was a little gaunt, making her frown. His hair was longer than she remembered, too. It was only a week, so how could his hair have grown so long? It almost reached below his ears. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel·fire.net Maybe Cassias was feeling her intense stare on him. A few minutes later, he opened his eyes. She hadn’t even had the time to sort her thoughts. They stared at each other. Zerra jolted, and she stuttered, "D-did I wake you up?" He sat up and shook his head. "I have recovered a bit now." They fell silent again. Cassias pursed his lips. In her shock, he hugged her again. "Zee, where have you been these past three months, hmm?" It took her a while to process his words. The past three months?! What did he mean by that?