Chapter 455


    Skr and Joe left the Gardner Manor together. Joe was silent on the way back, a stark contrast to


    their lively conversation on the way there.


    Skr had been preupied since their arrival at the manor. It wasn’t until they were almost back


    at Gxy Vi that she noticed the shift in Joe’s demeanor.


    She worried she might have unknowingly upset him during their visit. Joe’s behavior


    seemed increasingly erratictely.


    “You…” Skr started hesitantly, but Joe’s cold gaze cut her off.


    Did she only just realize he had been there with her? Joe decided to remind her pointedly. “I was


    with you at Gardner Manor. I stood just a few steps from that bronze artifact. While you fretted over


    John and Caleb and gave them your handmade amulets, did you even


    think of me?”


    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    If he hadn’t brought it up, she might not have realized it until they returned home.


    Was this what he was upset about?


    A soft chuckle escaped her lips. “There are still some of Grandma Vi’s amulets at home. They’re


    definitely more powerful than mine. I only brought one today because Grandma Vi didn’t make


    many. I didn’t want to give them all away, so I thought I’d give you one


    when we got home.”


    A fleeting thought crossed her mind–was Joe jealous?


    On second thought, that seemed unlikely. He was probably just wary of the artifact’s influence. After


    all, the unsettling nature of the object could make anyone uneasy.


    A hint of a smile yed on Joe’s lips. “I don’t want Grandma Vi’s. I want one you create.”


    Skr was surprised. “Really? But mine might not be very effective.”


    She hadn’t tested them yet, and their sess was uncertain. Only time would tell if they protected


    John and Caleb from nightmares.


    “Yes,” Joe simply replied.


    Skr studied him with a curious glint in her eyes. “Alright, then I’ll make one for you when we get


    back.”


    Joe smiled and acknowledged her with a hum.


    2/2


    The following day was Saturday. Skr received a message from Caleb. He reported a restful


    sleep, free of nightmares. He woke up a little tired but managed to get an early start


    after breakfast. Even Alexander seemed rtively unaffected.


    Reassured by Caleb’s message, Skr felt confident in her amulets‘ effectiveness. After replying,


    she turned to Joe, who had just finished washing up. “How did you sleepst night?” she inquired.


    Nightmares could be more than fleeting bad dreams. They could delve into your deepest fears, the


    ones you tried hardest to avoid. Fear was inevitable within the grip of a


    nightmare.


    Joe appeared well–rested andposed. His gaze held a knowing glint as he replied, “Not as good


    as the night you responded to my needs.”


    Skr, momentarily speechless, managed a firm, “You know what I mean!”


    “Oh,” Joe said with a sly smile, “I slept quitefortably.”


    Despite returningte the previous night, he’d still managed to maneuver her into bed. His


    hands roamed her body. Initially tired, her resistance crumbled as his touch grew more


    practiced.