Greg looked into Sylvia's burning eyes and realized this was no fleeting, impulsive whim. These were feelings that had built up for far too long, finally breaking through at a tipping point.
If he did not quell the fire in Sylvia's heart now and let it keep spreading, there would definitely be serious trouble with their training later.
Greg took a deep breath and made up his mind.
"Wait a moment."
He spoke softly to Sylvia, then turned and walked back to the area where the four others were resting, speaking as though nothing were amiss:
"Ahem, do any of you have sore muscles? I can help you stretch a little. It'll help relieve the fatigue."
Victoria answered first. "Training at this level is easy for me. No need."
Lilith followed right after her, lifting her chin haughtily. "Hmph, it's easy for me too. I don't need that at all!"
After speaking, she even made a point of glancing at Victoria, and invisible sparks seemed to fly between them.
Vivian shook her head lightly without saying anything.
Melina also smiled and waved a hand to indicate she did not need it.
Greg nodded and replied naturally, "I see. Then rest a little longer. Sylvia said her muscles are a bit sore, so I'll go help her stretch."
With that, he turned and walked back to Sylvia, bent down, and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Lie on your stomach."
Although Sylvia was a little puzzled, she obediently turned over and lay face down on the soft, dry moss.
Greg crouched beside her and placed both hands on her shoulders, his voice steady and gentle:
"I'm going to help you stretch now. It might be a little uncomfortable, but bear with it."
"Senior Greg, I..." Sylvia