Chapter 10

(A/N: Long chapter. 6k words. I can't stop writing. Don't mind me.)

—

With confusion still etched in my face, I shot up from the bed at Arcene's words.

My gaze shifted from leaving Arcene's back to Caera. She wasn't wearing her usual ascender clothes, covering up her entire body in protection. No. She was minimally dressed; only certain parts of her body covered in cloth... showing her true figure.

Her horns ornamented in gold chains and precious stones, shimmering under the dimly lit room. The jewellery around her neck and— hips, glittered, accentuating her spotless milky skin.

While before she looked so graceful and dignified, now she looked more gracious and ethereal. All her features were highlighted by the artificial light.

Her abs were partially visible, showing how fit she was. Her bare arms, petite and slim, yet there were lean muscles that showed her constant use of the sword.

She looked like an entirely different person. I couldn't help but compare her with the ancient statues of the Greek Goddesses from my previous world. And, how easily she could pass as one.

Regis's voice snapped me out of my brief reverie. 'Oh my! Is that really our lady Caera? Regis approves' he wolf-whistled.

My gaze quickly shifted to Caera's face— for the first time since she came in. Her face radiated a pinkish tint; her thin lips painted in deep-red, highlighted by the only light source in the room.

Caera just stood there, her gaze shifting from me - to the ground. Silence lingered for a few more minutes before her soft voice spoke, "Umm... Grey, stop looking at me like that."

I let out a fake cough before averting my gaze off Caera. "I-I'm sorry." My face burned in embarrassment at my own action, as I sat back on the bed.

She still stood there, her usually stoic attitude replaced by one of a shy woman. Her gaze was lowered, almost looking at her own feet.

"W-What exactly happened? You seem— different. Are you okay?" I gestured to her 'new outfit'.

She bit her lips and kept her gaze lowered to the ground. "Umm... it's Arcene. She— took me to her place and" —she sighed— "I'm not sure what she was thinking that we're going to do. A group of women came in and started dressing me up... like this. And brought me here... to you"

"R-Right. I'm sorry about that. This is my fault, partially." I said, feeling a tinge of guilt.

She shrugged, finally looking like up to my eyes. "It's fine, Grey. We need to put up with— this...if we ever want to get out of this zone, right?"

I nodded back at her words, while the conversation with Silvairos came to my mind. I sighed. Prophecy my ass.

"You can change back if you want to", I said gesturing to her outfit, that she was very conscious about as she haven't taken a single step yet, since Arcene left.

She looked thoughtful for a while before nodding.

I stood up from the bed and started walking to the entrance door. "Great. I'll go wait outside till you're done."

But before I could step near the door, I heard Caera speak. "Um I-I think it's better if you stay in here, Grey."

I almost slipped on my tracks at her words. My face instantly heated up, before I spun around to look at Caera.

She was in confusion at my sudden action, before her eyes widened, when she understood what she had just said. "W-Wait. Wait. That's not wha— I mean, Arcene is... she said she'll wait outside if" —she bit her lips as a slight blush appeared on her cheeks— "if, we need anything— during our..." she shook her head, while her eyes blinked several times.

Pondering at her words and knowing that she was right, I decided not to go out and get caught by that horny woman.

Letting out a sigh in resignation, I lifted my gaze and looked straight at Caera. "I'll just— close my eyes and turn around. Just let me know when you're done"

Caera bit her lips in silence, soon her face looked determined. "Okay, Grey."

I walked to the bed and sat cross-legged on it, all while Caera's gaze followed me. Making sure to face the other side, I was about to call out to Caera who was behind me, when something caught my attention.

Hearing a soft ruffling noise, my attention was turned to the shadow wolf, still lying on the ground. "Regis!"

'What? I'm just sleeping.' He sent back.

'Sure you are. Get here, now.'

'Fine. I'll go inside you then.'

'No. Not inside.'

'Why not?'

'You know why...'

'Now I hate telling you about it. You're no fun.' he grunted, before leaping on to the bed as he laid next to me, facing the wall.

"Okay, you can change now" I called out to Caera.

Caera giggled, her melodic laughter filled the room. As pleasant as it was, I was confused.

She spoke in a teasing tone "Grey, I hope you don't have any ability to look when your eyes are closed."

I kept my silence, ignoring her dubious words.

"Thanks, Grey." Caera said, as tinkling sounds of her golden chains and jewelleries filled the silent room, followed by the rustling of her clothes, dropping to the floor.

After a few minutes passed, Caera's voice called out. "Grey, I'm done. You can turn around now."

Turning around, I saw Caera dressed in her usual outfit. Her entire body was covered in protective clothes, looking like an ascender.

Noticing my eyes on her, Caera cleared her throat, grabbing my attention.

She had a slight blush on her cheeks. "What's wrong Grey? Did you expect to see me in— a nightdress?", she gave a smirk.

"If you can talk like that, I guess you are okay" I deadpanned, thinking about how meekly she had acted all this time.

She giggled back; her hands playing with the strands of her navy blue hair, which looked as dark as the night sky, in the dimly lit room.

Knowing that I was getting distracted, again, I spoke up. "You can take the bed, I'll sleep on the floor."

Her face still lowered. "Oh it's okay. Not like we haven't shared one before." She let out a soft laugh.

"Huh— wha—", I stuttered like an idiot before realising what she was referring to, which only made me feel embarrassed about what I had said back then at the relictombs.

She ignored my stupid reaction and walked to the bed and sat down next to me. Regis was still lying on the bed beside us.

We let the silence pass for a moment before Caera spoke up. "So... are you going to tell me about what happened earlier?"

Knowing that this moment would come, I took a deep breath and calmed myself. Telling the truth to Caera would only complicate things further— and I wasn't ready for that, yet.

I told her about the origins of these draconic beings, linking them to the one of the many creations of the ancient mages. And their show of respect towards me came from the fact that I was a descendant. It was a perfect lie, to keep any suspicions away. Caera is clever, she might not buy the story... but I didn't know what other choice I had, besides telling her the truth, which means telling her about my past.

Caera listened to me diligently, her eyes studied my face closely like it was a piece of art. I kept my face impassive, throughout the made-up story, not even flinching when I talked about how Djinns were massacred by the Indraths, even killing the young ones; and their desperation gave them a new light to create such a species, despite their peaceful nature.

The room suddenly lit up, catching both mine and Caera's attention. Regis was in his puppy form as he had just transformed. Before I could send a mental link to ask why, he scooted down and nuzzled on top of Caera's lap.

Caera smiled slightly as she instinctively lifted her hand and patted the shadow wo— pup.

"I actually thought you were one of those dragons. After seeing them treat you that way... like their master." She laughed.

I didn't respond. I simply shrugged.

She lifted her chin and looked at me with her scarlet gaze. "You just keep getting more and more mysterious, Grey. I swear, I wouldn't even be surprised if you were— like me"

Her hands unconsciously touched her horns, while she smiled as her gaze lost focus in her own thoughts.

I didn't answer her.

Silence filled the room once again. I knew Caera's curiosity towards me was like a double-edged sword. If I ever truly trust her to reveal all my secrets, she could become my true ally... Or a needless enemy.

I sighed at that thought; feeling how tired I truly felt, keeping everything locked up inside me.

Caera's voice brought me back from my thoughts. "Well, I think I'm gonna rest for a while now. Good night, Grey."

Seeing my worried gaze, Caera smirked.

"What's wrong grey? Were you... expecting something?", her tone playful.

"Uh what? No? I mean no I wasn't." I blurted, caught off-guard by her bold words.

She looked at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Perhaps do you want the company of that woman, Arcene? Should I call her for you?"

"No. I'd rather it be the both of us" I replied back. Atleast this will be a good cover to question the old man later, I thought inwardly, not knowing the weight of the words I had just spoken out so casually.

Caera's face looked in disbelief; with her eyes widened and her mouth agape, she peered at me.

"Grey, despite your aloof and cold facade... you've been very caring to me" —she lowered her eyes, while her face started to turn red— "b-but still, that's not enough for me to just..." she trailed off while her fingers trembled slightly before she clenched the bed cover.

"H-Hey, you know what I meant!" I yelled, not wanting for her to take my words in a wrong way, despite knowing that it was too late.

The room went silent after that conversation, as Caera slid up to lay on the bed.

Thankfully Regis laughed out loud, breaking the awkward silence in the room.

Although we've gotten much closer in the past few months, I haven't felt anything for the Alacryan noble. I was happy to call her a friend, perhaps even a true friend... even if it is built up on lies.

With so many things being buried deep inside my mind, the things that I have labelled as something that I can take care of when I get stronger, knowing that I'm not capable enough now... When all of it is opened, and rushes out of my mind, I wasn't so sure what Caera would be to me then... Would I even consider her as a friend? What would my family and friends think? Wouldn't she be a constant reminder of the thing that we lost everything to?

'Oh You're overthinking again princess. She said she wouldn't sleep with you. Not the other way around. So stop being a hypocrite and don't blame Caera for your troubles; you know she didn't do anything to harm you or your continent.' Regis commented in annoyance.

Feeling the mental drain, I heavily sighed before climbing up the bed and laid on my back, leaving an arm's length of space between Caera and me.

'I know. I know. I was just— tired of everything.' My words sounded tired, even in our mental conversation.

"Don't come to me if you feel so cold like the other time" I teased the Alacryan noble with a smirk before turning away from her side.

Caera shot up from her sleeping position and sat there with her mouth agape and in disbelief. "Y-you!..."

The bed shook slightly, probably from her soft punch against the bed foam, I thought.

"Good night Caera" I said, feeling a little childish for teasing her. She hummed back, not saying anything. Knowing that she must be mentally tired too, I let her rest.

Regis moved up the bed and laid in between Caera and I in his puppy form. 'Just a precaution is all' he said.

I ignored his remark and calmed my mind, before letting Regis look into my memories. I needed to tell someone about it. Keeping so many secrets— truly felt hard.

My companion gasped and cursed several times during the multiple revelations, that I had during my conversation with Silvairos. It only took a couple of minutes for him to catch up.

'So, these dragons, they are not true Asuras?' He asked in confusion.

I thought about it for a while before answering. 'No, they're not. From his words, they were servants— lesser dragons, if you can call them that. Which means they're not pure-blooded; just think of them like Vritra half-breeds. They don't seem to have longer lifespans like the true asuras. But, they have a strong physique and high potential in mana arts.

Although these beings are as conceited as the Indrath clan, for their ability to call in aether, these lesser dragons seem more proficient due to their prolonged exposure with the Djinns. Not to forget the abundant amount of aether present in this zone.'

'Right. That explains why they were sent and be able to enter the relictombs. But how come no one seems to know about their existence... And from your memories being in Epheotus, you hadn't seen any of these so-called "servants" there. Are you sure that the old man isn't playing you to get his hands on your core?', Regis asked in a serious tone.

I sighed. 'You're right. I haven't seen these lesser dragons in Epheotus. From what Drakos and Silvairos said, after their alleged betrayal towards the Indrath's, their remaining clan of servants would've been wiped out. And knowing Kezzess and his paranoia, I wouldn't be surprised that it was a real possibility.

Also I remember gramps telling me about the dragons going extinct in the ancient times, when they used to live in Dicathen. And possibly Alacrya too. And Windsom had mentioned that there are lesser dragons or atleast used to be? Eitherway it makes sense.

And for trusting that old dragon? No, I don't. Especially his timing in coming out to have a conversation with me. And his open-hatred for the Indraths. Either he wants to make sure that the prophecy comes true. Or to keep me here to use me for his own agenda.'

'But didn't that prophecy already come true when Agrona and Sylvia had Sylvie together?' Regis questioned.

'Maybe. Maybe not. But it is our ticket to get out of here. I have a suspicion that Silvairos only came out to talk after hearing about Caera and I being together— or they thought that we were. He could've greeted me before we entered the hut, but he waited. And he doesn't know about Agrona or his betrayal, his relationship with the daughter of the Indrath clan leader, which makes sense as he seemed to have left before the 'Djinn massacre'.

So I think his true motive was to make Drakos capture me and lock me in somewhere. It's hard to let it pass when you had served your whole life as a servant to someone, only to realise that they aren't as untouchable as you had thought.'

'Makes sense though. These beings has the potential to rival the true asuras, with their control over aether. Hell, they might even be a threat to you, if they want.'

'All the more reason for us to get the heck out of here as soon as possible.'

'Why? Can't they be our allies in the upcoming war against the Asuras?'

'I'm not sure about that. After living their entire lives in peace and away from the outside world, how helpful can they be?'

'You may be right. But from what I saw in your memory of the conversation, that old dragon said that they have a way to find the exact Djinn hideouts. So... if we play it right, we could get that. Imagine having ancient mages on our side.'

'Yeah. My thoughts exactly.'

***

Waking up after what seemed to be a short nap, I climbed down the bed. Caera was still lying next to me— cuddled up with Regis, who was inside her arms.

She looked so peaceful, her rhythmic thumping of heart made my lips curve up for some reason. Not wanting to wake her up just yet, I pulled the shadow wolf from her arms. 'Regis, stop resisting and get up.'

'Uh— Arthur!...'

'Yeah. Keep quiet and don't wake her up.'

Taking the shadow wolf back inside, I walked to the leader's hut. With most of my questions answered, I didn't feel any need to stay longer in this zone.

The leader was actually outside his hut, speaking to some of the villagers. There were small children, probably around 5-6 of age practising mana arts, which didn't look like anything combat related; but more of controlling their mana flow, I thought, looking at their forms.

Seeing my arrival, Drakos bowed to me, followed by the other villagers. Gesturing them to stand up, I spoke with the leader, Drakos. "Can we have a little private conversation?"

Drakos nodded "Yes, my lord. Please, come in—"

"No, it's fine. Let's just take a walk." I stopped him.

We walked in silence for a few minutes before Drakos spoke. "My lord, was the feast and the shrine to yours and the lady's satisfaction?"

"Yeah, it was more than enough. Thanks, Drakos." I said in earnest.

"It is my honour to serve the mighty dragon" he replied back in sincerity.

He continued, "I hope her ladyship found the room satisfactory for the night. Arcene had told me about the arrangements she had done for your night together. I asked her to wait outside in guard to keep away any intrusions to your personal time."

My face turned red at the old dragon's remark, but I swiftly turned my face away so he wouldn't notice. Not wanting to talk about that any further, I changed the topic.

"Why don't the children practice any combat mana-arts?"

"It is because there is no such use for any combat, my lord. You must understand that we live in a closed expanse, with no real threat. We have our own lands for growing crops; and we have beasts that are tamed and domesticated for food." Drakos answered like it was so obvious.

"What about aether arts? I saw your men using Aether during our arrival to this mountain range" I said, keeping my curiosity from leaking out.

"Oh. That is the work of the Djinn mages. They had taught our ancestors several things about the higher energy— or aether as my lordship call it. Djinns were of peaceful origin, so they weren't willing to teach any combat related aether arts to our ancestors. I'm not sure if they were afraid of our species growing even stronger, or simply didn't want to teach ways to what could potential hurt their own kin in the future."

That makes sense, I thought. Although I couldn't stop from feeling disappointed by this revelation. I could have learned something useful; something that could've made me stronger. But at last, I couldn't. I shook my head, not wanting to feel disheartened.

"These runes helps us to call the higher energy and wield it to our will." Drakos said as he lifted his loose crimson robes up and revealing his bare arms, which were filled with several rune marks... like the ones I saw on the Djinns.

"We teach our younglings once they grow up to certain age and those who are proficient in mana arts. Imparting these runes helps them slowly tap into higher energy letting them use it accordingly. It was all thanks to the knowledge left by our ancestors; my great grandfather and his memories" he said with a proud expression.

Unlike the Indrath's, these lesser dragons seems to have understood the knowledge behind aether arts. But— to be able to teach them to the newer generations, their ancestors must have left a good portion of knowledge behind.

"How do you let your— ancestor connect with you? It seemed like he took possession of your body..." I questioned him, thinking about Drakos and his great grandfather Silvairos weird connection.

"Before my great grandfather died, he gave his innate will to his son, my grandfather. It was a way of passing information and knowledge to the future kins through memories, and also to keep wait and not forget about our origins; and what could be our future threats." He replied back in a nostalgic tone.

I nodded at his response. "Right. Makes sense."

He continued. "When I was made the leader of the village, I was given the will. Ever since I've watched the memories it had showed me, that it deemed useful for me. It is also how I was able to inform the will about my lords arrival to this expanse."

That makes sense too. Drakos seemed ignorant and more submissive towards the Indrath's— or me, with no open hostility. While I couldn't say the same about Silvairos. I wouldn't be surprised if that old dragon was manipulating and using his own descendant... Although for what? I didn't know. It wouldn't matter if these beings keep out of my way, atleast, I thought.

"So, do you plan on leaving this zone? Now that the protector is gone, more people might come here." I asked him.

Drakos spoke in a sorrowful tone, "No, my lord. This is our land. We do not have any place in the outside world. Nor do we want any. And about the protector, since it was defeated, the zone it had inhabited will slowly started to crumble back to energy. Soon the portal will collapse without any power source linked to it to cycle it, due to protector's death."

My heart started beating fast at this unexpected revelation. "What!? When will the portal collapse?"

"Do not worry my lord. It will take a century or two for that to happen. Till then we have no other choice but to defend the place, if someone finds their way inside." Drakos reassured me.

Despite his words, I asked him in haste. "What about the exit portal? Where can I find it?"

Thinking carefully for a few seconds, he finally replied. "Exit portal has been kept hidden from the sight, to keep the younglings from trying to get out, due to their curiosity. I will show you the portal, my lord. Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, we are." I replied firmly.

Drakos nodded at my words as he fell into thoughts.

"Oh I need a favour", I asked.

***

Walking back to my accommodation, I stored the relic that I had just received from Drakos, inside my extradimensional storage rune.

I'll check it out later. My priority is to leave this zone. I thought as I entered the hut.

The bed was empty, Caera wasn't there.

Exiting the hut, for probably last time, I waited till Drakos came. He had said that he will accommodate me to the exit portal after he gets few things ready, or so he put it.

'Think the Djinns are still alive?' Regis asked in curiosity.

'They should be. We just need to find the right location of the portals.' I replied with certainty.

'Think they'll help?' Regis doubted.

'Depends. We can only hope their hatred has never left their blood. Or else we can just earn some knowledge and probably few relics that could be of use. Eitherway it's a win-win situation.' I said, thinking about the relic that Drakos had given me to help locate the Djinn hideouts.

Our conversation came to an end when I saw Drakos walking in haste along with Lancel and few others by his side.

"My lord. Please come with me. I shall show you the portal."

"I need to find my— companion. Do you know where she is?" I asked, not being able to spot Caera along our way through the village.

"Oh, the lady is already at the portal, waiting for the lord's arrival. Arcene had taken her after I informed of your decision. I hope it is okay with you." Drakos replied in haste.

Sighing in relief I answered the old dragon. "Yeah, sounds good. Let's leave. How long is it from here?"

Drakos smiled back. "Just a few minutes away, my lord. Please fly with us."

After leaving the village borders, Drakos and his men transformed to their draconic form. We flew towards the deeper part of the mountain chains, which seemed to stretch endlessly on its sides. There were many beasts roaming around the forest-like area below us, although much smaller in size.

Few minutes passed, before the dragons started to descend. My eyes lowered to the ground, which was covered in green, yet devoid of any plants or trees. Only lush green grass filled the entire area, which looked like a clearing, much similar to the one where we had fought the dragon and took the portal to this zone.

In the middle of the clearing there was a white door-frame that oddly looked like a portal, albeit without any light emitting from it's surface.

It's not functioning, I thought.

After touching down few meters away from the portal, my attention was drawn to two familiar figures standing near the portal, along with few others women.

Caera and Arcene looked at me; while the former had no reaction, the latter blushed slightly before averting her gaze.

Drakos walked up to the portal and lifted his right hand up and touched the white-crystalline surface of the portal frame. After a few inaudible chants, his hand started to glow in golden-whitish hue that spread to the portal frame before slowly enveloping it.

Soon, the entire portal frame was covered in a dim golden light which started to let out a humming sound. A bright white light manifested inside the portal frame, shimmering much brighter than the previous glow.

The portal was active.

Taking out the exit portal relic from my extradimensional storage rune, my head turned towards Caera. Arcene was whispering something inside her ear, which made Caera look flustered and soon turn red.

Caera noticed my gaze on her, slightly flinching back. Ignoring her odd-actions, I waited for her to walk close to me. Arcene accompanied her, shooting a smile towards me.

"My lord, I hope you had a good night. Lady Caera hasn't said anything, despite my constant yearning to know the details", she shamelessly said.

I wordlessly looked at her, fighting to keep my face impassive. Despite my cold gaze, Arcene's smile never left her face. She looked really attractive.

With an alluring smile, she lifted her hands and soon two similar looking pendants manifested in her palms. The pendants were shaped in the form of a coiling dragon made of some shining metal. It looked very detailed. A small translucent stone was embedded on its head that shined in purple tint, replicating the aether that it contained inside.

"What are these for?" I asked Arcene.

"My lord, these two pendants are connected with each other. When two people wear these linked pendants, they can link with each other, feel each other's emotions; although only the strongest of the emotion at a particular time. You just need to will mana inside it.

It's a humble gift from this servant, to my lord and the lady. Please, accept this." Arcene knelt down on one knee, with her hands lifted in front of me, with the pendants placed on her palms.

My heart started beating fast. I felt my jaws clench and hands tightly squeeze. Blood boiled inside my body, making aether circulate and leak out of my body inadvertently.

Tess...

I felt my heart ache, as countless memories passed through my mind. It slowed down at the memory of Tessia's face in front of me, smiling, as she lifted the leaf-pendant I had just wrapped around her neck. I felt the kiss we had shared that night, my lips still soaked in the after taste of hers.

'Arthur! What the hell are you doing?' I heard Regis voice inside my head. I realised, I had let my rage consume me. Everything I had kept hidden and buried deep inside my soul, spring out, instantly consuming my entire being.

'Calm down. You're freaking everyone out.' Regis called out, trying to quench my boiling anger.

But— I didn't want to stop.

No. I wanted to let it all out. It felt liberating to let myself be consumed by my own self. My real self. I wanted to kill everyone. Spill the blood of my enemies an—

My whole body froze at an instant when I suddenly felt a warm touch enveloping my hands. A soft caress, slowly taking away the coldness that had enveloped my being. A gentle squeeze, striking contrast to the violent storm that was rampaging my inner-self.

Caera was standing close to me, her hands grabbing mine, her face filled with genuine worry as sweat dribbled from her forehead.

Seeing my eyes back on focus, she spoke in a worried tone "Grey! Are you alright? What happened?"

I didn't know why, but, I felt my rage pass, letting the calm take over my hollowed body.

A tight squeeze on my wrists brought me back to the reality. I looked at Caera, who's gaze still fixed on me, waiting for answers.

Knowing that I had once again let my emotions get the better of me, I felt embarrassed at myself. My eyes gazed on all the people around me.

Everyone was kneeling on the ground, including Arcene who had taken back the pendant she had tried to give me.

None of these people here did anything wrong, I thought.

Feeling guilty about my rude behaviour, I reassured Caera with an apologetic smile before walking to Arcene.

Her body shivered ever so slightly with every step I took towards her, while her face buried deep inside the grassland. Walking in front of her, I knelt in one knee and grabbed her shoulders gently, before lifting her up. "You can get up now. I-I'm sorry for my actions. An old memory c—"

"No, m-my lord, please do not apologise. I'm deeply sorry for giving you such an inconsiderable gift. Please don't punish me."

I let out a small laugh at her words, still feeling horrible at my outburst. Arcene's face was pale and sweaty, traces of terror still remnant; usual smile, nowhere to be seen.

"Please let me have the gift you made for m— us."

Arcene's green eyes widened, as her smile slowly returned to her face. She quickly took out the two pendants from inside her white robes as she handed them to me.

"I have a question. What if one of the persons doesn't have— mana? Would aether work on it?"

She looked thoughtful at my question. But soon a voice came from the back. It was Drakos. "My lord, the pendants can be willed by both mana and the higher energy. They were made using the runes, and passed down in generations; and are given to the newly married couples of the village to keep them linked and to understand each other in early days. I think it is a thoughtful gift from Arcene. I also hope my lord would take this gift on behalf of our village.— Drakos turned his gaze past me, looking at Caera— "my lady, please ask our lord to accept the gift." He touched his face against the grass.

My head instinctively turned towards Caera, who was trying to look me in the eyes, but failing. Her face was blushing deep red reaching her horns. "What do you think, Caera? Do you want these?" I asked in a teasing smirk.

"I —", Caera choked on her words, before turning her face away.

Turning back to Arcene, I took the twin pendants from her hands with a smile. "I think I'll take them. Thanks, Arcene."

Letting my gaze linger on everyone who came to send us away, I spoke with gratitude. "Thanks everyone, we'll be leaving now. Goo—" my farewell was interrupted by Arcene who spoke up, "My lord, shouldn't you put the pendant on lady Caera now?"

She was looking at me with a wide smile, that kinda looked vindictive at first glance. Ignoring her smile, I pondered what to do. Although what it defined— didn't sit well with me, I was still curious about the pendant's working. It was really an exciting thought to imagine that being able to converse, even share your emotions, it was too good to be true.

Being someone who had grown up with a voice in my head, knowing that it could be achieved by artificial means was something I wanted to experience and perhaps create on my own.

Without waiting any longer, I turned around and walked towards Caera. She slowly lifted her head, meeting my gaze. Her eyes were wide with surprise. Halting my steps in front of her, I lifted the pendants in my right arm towards her.

Our eyes were locked for a few seconds; Caera studying my face closely for traces of my intention. Not wanting to lie to her, I simply told her the truth. "I-I'm just curious about how it works... If— you don't want to I w—"

"No. I mean— yes. I— don't mind it. Let's try— it..." her nervous yet calm voice spoke, interrupting mine.

Unable to resist my smile, I lifted one pendant in front of Caera's face. She reacted to my gesture by turning around, showing her back to me. Her hands got hold of the un-veiled hair that was swept across her petite shoulders, into a single strand, before she lifted it up, revealing the back of her neck.

I carefully undid the pendant's chain clasp before wrapping it around Caera's neck and locked it in place.

She did the same with mine.

All of a sudden I felt a foreign emotion enter my thoughts. It was like a long paragraph broken into single words and each word was fed one at a time inside my mind. I felt the happiness, fear, nervousness and expectance.

Turning around, my eyes met Caera's. She was looking at me eagerly, while her hands clutched the pendant around her neck.

New emotions started to pour inside my mind. It was more intense than the one before. Worry followed by calmness, which gave way to happiness.

'Interesting', I thought while imbuing aether into the pendant around my neck.

Caera's eyes widened, which made me stifle a laugh.

'Why are you laughing? You look like an idiot.' Caera's voice echoed inside my mind, albeit a bit muffled than her normal voice, making my smile freeze.

She gave a silly smirk and looked at me defiantly. We both laughed out loud at each other's actions.

'Not to spoil your couple's game. But how do you think you're gonna keep your... er, secrets, away from her?' Regis asked.

"Can you hear Regis?" I asked Caera, out loud. 'Don't worry. I've done this all my life, I can control what I want to show others. Besides it works only when energy is imbued. And we're not even going to use it. I'm just testing it out.', I said to Regis inside my mind.

Caera shook her head, "Thankfully I don't" and grinned. Regis cursed in my mind, which I ignored.

"We should leave." I said to Caera. She smiled at me before nodding.

Arcene hugged Caera and whispered a few parting words to her ears. She then walked towards me and— gave a peck on my cheek before I could stop her. "My lord, please return to our village, if you ever feel the need... I'll be waiting to serve you in every way I can" she smiled seductively, her tone more causal.

"S-Sure, if I ever get a chance.", I said, more to myself than her, which made her smile widen even more.

Turning my head to the leader of this expanse, Drakos, I once again thanked him for his hospitality and the gift he gave.

After Caera and I bid farewell to the other dragons, I activated the portal relic back to my suite in the academy. Caera grabbed my hand before pulling me with her into the relic portal as we disappeared from the relictombs.

—

(A/N: For those who thought Grey and Caera would fuck tonight, RIP. Sorry guys, I'm trying to keep the characters closer to the original, as much as I can. Can't make them go OOC.

Good news is that I'm making a 'One-shot' of 'Grey x Caera' that I will publish soon. I'm making it steamy as much as I can. Read it if you're interested!

Good day!)