Chapter 1193

A moment later, he started, “Even though there’s no evidence, we can at least keep our guard up against the suspect. In any case, you all should be more vigilant.”

Shane nodded, “Right, we will be more careful. Thank you for your advice.”

Caleb waved his hand, suddenly suggesting, “Our campsites are quite close. I can call my people over tonight if you have no qualms about it. We can set up camp next to yours. It’s safer for us to stick together.”

Neera met Shane’s gaze and asked, “Is this okay? Would it be too much trouble for you? It’s late, after all.”

Celeb chuckled. “No trouble at all. My men have all perked up after the commotion earlier. Moving to a new campsite is just a small matter.”

With his assurance, Shane dropped the issue and said, “Perfect, I can’t thank you enough.”

Soon, the members of the Medicina family swiftly moved their backpacks and tents over, setting them up next to the Gordon family’s camp. Together, they kept vigil throughout the night.

Neera felt slightly relieved, seeing the number of people increase.

Shane suggested she return to the tent to sleep, but she shook her head. “No, I’ll stay outside.”

She found a large rock to lean against, hugging her knees as she gazed into the dense shadows of the forest ahead.

Shane sighed. “You had quite a scare just now, didn’t you?”

Neera felt a bit embarrassed that he noticed it, but she didn’t hide it from him. “Yes, a little. That’s why I prefer to stay in crowded places. Seeing so many people around makes me feel more at ease.”

Hearing her answer, Shane didn’t try to persuade her further. “All right, then. You should get some sleep since it’s already past one. I won’t disturb you anymore.”

He took off his coat and draped it over her knees. “Use this to keep warm,” he said.

Neera thanked him and leaned back against the rock, lost in thought.

The surroundings had fallen silent, giving a false sense of security as if no one would attack again.

Yet, no matter how she tried, sleep eluded her. Despite being utterly exhausted, her imagination would run wild the moment she closed her eyes, making it impossible for her to fall asleep.

At that moment, Darcel walked over.

He had a blanket draped over his arm. When his gaze fell on the coat over her knees, it darkened slightly.

Neera had been spacing out before a pair of shoes walked into her sight. Her gaze trailed up the trouser leg until it clashed with his dark eyes.

For some reason, a strong sense of familiarity flooded her at that?

moment.

Those eyes… Why do they look so much like his? Is it because I miss him so much that whenever I see something similar, it reminds me of him…

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t realize she had been staring at the man in front of her.

11,34 Wed, 8 Nov >Darcel didn’t seem to care, though. His eyebrows moved slightly as he quietly gazed back at her.

Those eyes, darker than the night itself, were filled with a tumult of emotions others couldn’t discern.

After some time, Neera finally snapped back to reality.

Her face instantly turned red upon realizing she had been locking eyes with Darcel all along. She hurriedly averted her gaze, looking around flusteredly, not knowing what to do.

What on earth was I doing earlier? How could I just stare at some random man for so long? It’s all Jean’s fault! He’s the reason I can’t stop thinking about him! Yeah, it’s all because of him!

The man across from her was completely oblivious. He had no idea she was silently complaining about him. His eyelashes fluttered slightly, a hint of joy stirring within him.

It has been a while since I’ve really looked at her. Thankfully, I’m finally by her side. I can now protect, accompany, and watch over her just like this.

The agony he felt when separated from her made him cherish every single moment he spent with her.

Thus, even if he assumed a new identity, he didn’t want to break any eye contact and conversation with her.

“D-Darcel, are you here for me? Is there something you need?”

Neera sensed the subtle tension in the atmosphere, feeling a bit awkward. She cleared her throat, breaking the silence.

Darcel muttered an acknowledgment in a low voice. It was unclear whether he intentionally suppressed it or if it was originally like that.

“It’s best to use this blanket instead since it gets quite chilly in the mountains at night. That coat is useless against the chill.”

“Ah… Oh, okay.” Neera paused briefly from surprise before obediently accepting the blanket, removing the coat from her knees, and covering herself with the blanket he had given her.

Darcel watched her every move in silence. Finally, satisfaction filled him. He then handed her a mug of warm milk.

“You had quite a bit of scare earlier. Drinking some warm milk will help you sleep better.”

Neera didn’t expect him to be so warmhearted. It was a surprise.

She vaguely sensed that he seemed to be overly concerned about her.

However, on second thought, Caleb must have asked him to do so. Since it wouldn’t be right to refuse his kindness, she accepted it.

The milk was warm. The temperature was just right as it entered her mouth, warming her stomach comfortingly.

She obediently finished her drink, handed the cup back to him, and thanked him gently, “Thank you for going through the trouble, Darcel. You should also get some sleep soon.”

Darcel nodded slightly, advising her, “Make sure to cover up well. Be careful not to catch a cold.”