The night crept in faster than ever. Asher had just changed the garlic clove on Valerie and cleaned her again with apple cider vinegar. This time, her discharge wasn't as much, but it had a few bloodstains. Once he was done, he gently laid her back to rest. Then, he settled on the floor with Rin, lying on a few blankets. They cuddled together, though Asher remained on high alert—his system terrain scanner active and ready to notify him if any bandits, or anyone else targeting the estate he was assigned to guard, approached.
A few minutes later, Tama finally arrived. It had been three hours since she'd left, and the moment she stepped into the room, she pouted at the sight of Rin cuddled up with Asher.
"Ugh... Not fair!" she huffed. "Why does she get all the cuddles?!"
Asher smirked, patting the space on his left. "Then come join us, jealous kitty."
Beaming, she dove under the blankets without another word, nestling against him.
