Level Up: Voidwalker

Atlas watched as Zena slumped down after letting out a yawn, which exposed her sharp canines. He found her incredibly beautiful with her wild black hair and sharp yellow eyes that glowed in the firelight.

She turned to him as her cheeks went red before speaking with a hopeful expression, ''The storm will calm down in a day or two. When we escape this forest, you can ride on me if you like.''

''Sounds good to me Zena,'' Atlas answered with an honest smile. ''I was half unconscious when you carried me here, but thanks for helping.''

The dark-haired wolf woman beamed before jumping up and approaching the elk. He watched as she cut off a slab of meat after removing the fur and started cooking it, which made his stomach rumble.

When Zena heard that, she did the same thing and sat down next to him while speaking. ''Forest Elk meat is delicious. We don't have any spices, otherwise it would be even better.''

Atlas reached into his Item Box and pulled out some before handing it over. ''Use this. I got it from a fortress we raided on the way south.''

Her eyes gleamed with happiness as she took the ingredients and started sprinkling it over the meat. As the aroma hit his nose, it made him hungry, causing Zena to comment with a giggle. ''It will take some time, but it's worth the wait.''

Following that, he pulled out some blankets and created a mess of warmth on the other side of the fire. When the wolf woman saw this, she spoke up, ''I can transform into my Primal form to keep warm.''

Atlas looked at the young woman with narrowed eyes before teasing her with a fake, offended expression. ''You don't want to sleep with me, Zena?'' he asked.

When she heard this, a panicked look appeared as she tried to defend herself. ''I don't want to push my luck. I like you, but would rather take things slow.''

''We're going to need each other for warmth,'' he replied. ''And I'm sure you can't stay in that form for long.''

Zena nodded in agreement before she tended to the food while Atlas stood up and stretched his back, causing several cracks to echo out. He let out a relieved sigh, but quickly noticed the dark-haired girl panting.

''Are you okay?'' he asked in a concerned voice.

She looked at him before answering in a laboured breath, ''Need mana, I'm running extremely low.''

Atlas smiled as he tucked a lock of black hair out of her face while suggesting, ''Take some of mine, Zena. It's the least I can do.''

As the wolf woman heard this, her cheeks went even redder as she mumbled, ''Are you sure you don't mind? It's very personal to people.''

He waved her away with a charming smile before speaking in a curious tone, ''Don't worry about it. How can I give you it?''

Zena glanced at him slowly, her voice barely more than a mumble. ''I could bite you to take it faster... but only if that's okay with you.''

Atlas became curious when hearing that, but agreed with a nod. ''That's fine. How do you want to do it?''

Without answering, the wolf woman stood up and approached him while climbing into his lap until she was facing him. Zena beamed before leaning forward and biting down on his neck as her canines pierced his skin.

Soon enough, the mana started pouring out of him and flowed into her body, causing her to tense up. Atlas groaned as it felt nice, but minutes later she finished before leaning back to look at him with her bright yellow eyes.

He held her gaze for a moment before leaning in and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss, leaving Zena momentarily frozen in surprise. A heartbeat later, she responded, her hands rising to cup his cheeks as she deepened the kiss with equal fervor.

Zena's heart pounded wildly in her chest, her breath catching as the intensity of his warmth and affection washed over her. As their lips met over and over, she grew lightheaded, not just from the kisses, but from the sheer emotion that swirled between them.

Her cheeks burned, a rosy hue spreading across her face, but she couldn't bring herself to pull away. When he finally drew back, just enough to meet her gaze. Her eyes sparkled, and a shy, radiant smile played on her lips.

He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her flushed face. ''You're adorable,'' he murmured, his voice low and teasing.

Zena buried her face in his chest, her laughter muffled as she tried to calm her racing heart. ''Stop saying things like that!'' she protested, though the joy on her face betrayed her words.

Following that, the two of them continued kissing before she leaned back and sniffed the air. She jumped up while speaking with a big smile, ''Dinner's done, let's eat.''

Atlas agreed, and let the wolf woman get up and sort out the meat while her tail excitedly swayed side to side. Moments later, Zena held out a stick with a juicy piece of elk steak on it, which made his stomach rumble.

''Here handsome,'' she said with a smile. ''Elk meat is delicious and so filling.''

The couple began eating, their meal accompanied by the sound of the wind howling outside as it raced through the forest, a haunting symphony of nature's raw power. Atlas savored not just the food but Zena's presence, her laughter and warmth filling the cozy cabin.

He watched as the fire crackled and roared in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls as Atlas tossed another log onto the flames, ensuring its steady glow endured against the storm outside.

Seconds later, a haunting screech echoed out, causing them to jump up. He was ready for a fight, but Zena commented, ''Dark Ones are closing in.''

Atlas quickly approached the entrance and started creating the Runes that will keep the creatures out. Minutes later, he was finished only to jump when seeing a Dark One on the opposite side staring at him.

Its sharp teeth snapped in anger, but he quickly cast Void Lance at the monster's face. The spell destroyed the creature just as Zena appeared beside him, just as more Dark Ones poured out of the surrounding forest.

''Why are there so many?'' the beautiful wolf woman questioned while grabbing his arm while getting worried.

Atlas chuckled before revealing in a calm tone, ''These creatures are always causing me trouble for years now.''

Following that, he summoned a horde of Savage Ghouls, which crashed into the Dark Ones. The Dark Ones fought back, but the sheer number of creatures from the Otherworld easily overwhelmed them.

When Zena saw this, her eyes widened before she commented, ''Are these your creatures?''

''Yes, they won't harm you,'' Atlas replied while watched the Ghouls attacking the Dark Ones.

Afterward, the two approached the fire once again as the cold was brushing up against their skin. He sat down on the blankets and got comfortable just before Zena slumped down on his lap, which surprised him. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire

''Comfortable?'' he asked with a smile.

''Extremely,'' she answered with a giggle.

Just then, the cold crept in, its icy tendrils weaving through the cracks in the stone walls, but inside their little haven, Atlas and Zena were wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. The blankets they shared were thick and soft, a comforting shield against the chill.

Zena nestled into his chest, her head tucked under his chin as his arms encircled her protectively. She let out a contented sigh, her breath warming the fabric of his shirt. ''This is nice,'' she murmured softly, her voice barely audible over the distant howling wind.

Atlas tightened his hold, resting his chin gently atop her head. ''It's perfect,'' he whispered, his voice low as he teased the wolf woman. ''As long as I have you, I could get through any storm.''

Zena tilted her head up to look at him, her yellow eyes sparkling with emotion despite the dim light of the fire. She reached out to trace her fingers along his jawline, her touch feather-light.

''You're such a sap,'' she replied with a soft giggle, though her cheeks flushed at his words.

''And you love it,'' he responded with a grin, leaning down to press a tender kiss to her forehead.

Following that, Atlas reached up and started stroking Zena's fluffy ears, that made her entire body tremble as she squirmed around. ''Feels so good,'' she muttered with a pleased expression.

When hearing the happiness in her voice, he continued stroking her ears, which she loved and clung to him even more. Atlas was enjoying himself while hugging her tighter, which the wolf woman loved.

'This is peaceful,' he thought as the two curled up under the blankets as Zena started nibbling at his neck.

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