The Kiss that Sparked it All

Theo burst into laughter at Ellinor’s response, “Are you really that tough? Then I’ve got a bodyguard from now on!”

Ellinor stared at him angrily, “What’s so funny? I’m serious! You’re my man, only I can bully you!”

Theo paused for a moment, looking at Ellinor’s protective expression. He was touched, and he couldn’t help but lean in and give her a gentle kiss. Then he whispered, “It’s okay, don’t worry. That was all a long time ago. I’ll take care of myself and won’t leave you alone.

Ellinor blushed when she was kissed suddenly and shyly buried her head in his chest, I’m serious, don’t just kiss people like that. It’s not fair!”

Theo chuckled and ruffled her hair, “Sorry, I’ll try to control myself”

Ellinor leaned against him, her mood gradually calming as she started to recall the small village of West Water Ridge that Theo had mentioned.

She had been there before.

When she was a kid, she went with Karan from the monastery to find a rare herb, and they stayed in one of the villagers‘ houses.

up early every day to pick herbs with Karan. Sometimes she’d lose track of him because she got distracted, and then she’d have to make her way back to

into an injured man on

been bitten by a snake, which had

day, she found the exact herb that could neutralize the venom. So she

1. it.

was a bad person and was rather unfriendly. But when

of few words and

that, whenever she passed by, she would bring him some food. He didn’t say much, but

day, he

buried in

Could it be…

snapped back to reality, grabbed Theo’s arm, and pointed at a spot on his forearm, “Is this where you

hint of surprise flashed in

continued, “You were blind at the time and never saw the person who saved you,