Villain's Second Heart: Trapped in A Fantasy Novel (BL)-Chapter 46: Asteria

Inches from each other. Tension so tight it could be cut with a knife. Tangible. Turbulent.

Hot breath mixing from both boys as Oberyn hovered over Ezra.

Both of them, just seconds away from the point of no return.

'Whatever you want. Do it.'

They shared the same thought. Each one's inner voice begging the other to take the first step.

But Ezra had already promised to let Oberyn initiate what comes next.

And Oberyn had been paralyzed by his own insecurity of not knowing what to do.

Finally, Oberyn spoke.

"We should get some rest."

Ezra hesitated for only a moment.

"...Yeah."

They laid down on opposite sides of the bed, facing away from each other. Oberyn's heart continued beating wildly out of his chest, but now he knew.

The look in Ezra's eyes was unmistakable, even if he didn't dare to proceed. Next time, he'd have the courage.

And he knew what he needed to do.

Oberyn closed his eyes, fantasizing about the moment.

'Next time. I'll do it.'

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...

In the morning, they woke up early and got ready for the day. They both had important duties to fulfill, as assigned by Rav.

The Ferin was taking Ezra to Asteria, both for chores and also to find a way to help alleviate Oberyn's curse mark.

At the same time, Oberyn and Deek were scheduled for 'Lamia cleanup' at a nearby grotto.

It would be a whole day without each other. Oberyn recoiled at the thought. But it couldn't be helped.

Ezra, on the other hand, didn't mind at all - he'd spend as much time away from Oberyn as he needed to, if it meant resolving the issue that was Oberyn's curse mark.

All Ezra wanted was to alleviate Oberyn's pain. That was the force which lured him to Asteria.

"Everyone ready?" Rav asked, making everyone turn out their pockets and show him they were well-equipped.

He took extra care to inspect Ezra, peeking down his shirt. "Good, you're wearing the necklace already," he chirped.

Oberyn glowered.

Ezra patted his chest. "Of course. You're really sure this'll work?"

As he said the words, he subconsciously triggered his new 'Appraise' skill. A window appeared before him, detailing the necklace he wore.

[Manacloak Pendant

Rarity: A

Ability: Masks the wearer's presence, making them undetectable with sensory magic. Drains 10 mana per minute.]

The idea that his mana would slowly be drained was unnerving. He checked his mana levels briefly.

[MP: 6134/500]

600 Mana an hour would drain. In just ten hours, his huge stockpile would be fully depleted. Their Asteria trip would have to be quick.

Rav's tail curled at the tip, sticking straight up behind him. "If it doesn't work, then nothing would. And we're back at square zero - I certainly can do nothing about the curse. It must be a non-Magician."

Ezra peered over to Deek.

"A HUMAN non-Magician," Rav clarified. "Curse powers, nasty stuff."

"Alright, you two," Rav said, looking from Deek to Oberyn. "Good luck. Ezra and I are on a timer, you see - gotta move!"

He whipped up a puffy cloud and helped Ezra up onto it. By now, the human had grown reluctantly used to Rav's frenetic flying.

"Next stop, Capital of the Middle Lands - Asteria!"

The cloud lurched and then suddenly zipped into the air faster than the eye could see. They streaked through the sky, the fluffy nimbus illuminated by the early morning sun.

Ezra finally worked up the courage to peek over the edge.

The view was astounding. Below him, Rav's mountain stretched toward the sky, its peak kissed by thin wisps of cloud. Further down, nestled in the valley, was the quaint Ferin Village, its earthy rooftops blending seamlessly with the surrounding greenery. And on the distant horizon, their destination.

Asteria.

A city that defied gravity.

From a distance, it gleamed like a suspended kingdom, its ivory towers rising above an inland sea, the entire metropolis elevated on massive stone platforms reinforced with magic. Bridges of white marble stretched between the city's tiers, crisscrossing over the sparkling water like a web of civilization woven above the waves. And in the center of it all, towering higher than anything else, stood the royal palace - a monument of silver and sapphire, glinting in the morning light.

"Wow." Ezra exhaled.

Even from here, he could see dozens of airships dotting the sky around the city, anchored at its floating docks. It looked straight out of a fantasy novel.

That's because, as Ezra knew, it was.

Rav dropped them down in front of the gates, brushing himself off from the flight.

"Always hated this place, to be honest," he said, flicking his tail. "Can never get that human smell out of my clothes..."

Rav smiled weakly, realizing who he's talking to.

"Alcor - you, I guess - never smelled quite so bad."

The guards standing at the stone entrance to Asteria saluted as Rav approached. He was a Ferin who needed no introduction.

"It is an honor, Sage of the Clouds!"

Rav waved them off dismissively. "Yes, yes - I'm trying to be a little discreet, gentlemen, so please, act like you didn't even see me. Last time I was here, I hardly accomplished a thing, with all the autographs I had to write!"

The guards both bowed solemnly. "Of course, Master Sage."

"Come along, my servant," Rav said, loud enough for the guards to hear. That was Ezra's cover - attendant to the Great Sage.

As they passed through the gates, Rav threw a hood on over his head, flattening out his cat ears. It wasn't a convincing disguise, but it would at least prevent him from being recognized from afar.

"Step one. Buy Oberyn some cute clothes."

"Is that really the most important thing?" Ezra snipped under his breath as they two walked side by side through the busy cobblestone street. "Shouldn't we, I don't know...focus on the curse mark stuff?"

"Shhhhhhhh."

Rav pointed toward a massive clocktower at the end of the street. It dominated the skyline, but even it was dwarfed by the imposing silhouette of the royal palace further beyond.

"See that clocktower?" Rav whispered. "Every day at noon, the bell on top chimes. The person in charge is an old associate of mine. So, it goes without saying that until noon, I have no idea where to find him. You catch what I'm saying?"

Ezra read the time on the giant clock. They still had a full hour and then some.

"We've got a little time to kill."

"Good. Great, actually. You've caught on. So let's just act natural, hm? Do a little shopping, yada yada. If anyone recognizes me, we just giggle and laugh a bit, I tell them I'm in town just for a few hours, and we leave. Then, at noon, we hit the clocktower."

"Got it."

And so their covert Asteria mission began - with a shopping trip to the finest outfitter in Asteria.