Chapter 102: Maria's Love

He turned back. A pair of surprised emerald eyes met his worried-stricken gaze. "You're awake? Is something– Oof!" She crashed into his arms and was squashed against his hard, muscled body. Those strong arms wrapped around her tightly like bandages. He was hugging her as if she had just returned from the dead. "Sarkon?" her muffled, strained voice called out. "What's wrong?" The beast pulled her to an arm's length and growled at her, "Where were you?! I woke up, and you were gone!" Maria was shocked by the sudden outburst. "I-I felt a bit stiff, so I wanted to go for a walk… Y-you were sleeping, so I thought I'd just walk around here." "Did I not tell you to never wander off alone?" "You did, and I remember! I didn't go very far, Sarkon," the sweet voice patiently explained. "Please don't be mad." He wasn't mad. He was scared, scared of losing her. Quickly, as if she would vanish the next second, he pulled her back into his emb