Chapter:8

As I prepare to venture into Arya's mind, I take in her peaceful visage, knowing well this journey will be anything but serene.

Bending over her still form, I gently press my forehead against hers, taking a deep, grounding breath before entering her psyche.

The first thing that strikes me is how unlike everything I've read it is. It's closer to a mind palace, beautifully crafted with a tranquil garden surrounding a picturesque pond at its core. It's here, basking in the sunshine, that Arya's consciousness resides. She remains oblivious to my presence until I'm sitting beside her.

"This place is exquisite," I remark casually, startling her into action.

With a gasp, she jumps away, eyes wide, "Who are you? How did you get here? What's happening?"

"Calm down," I soothe her, "I'm Dean. I've rescued you from the Shade and brought you to safety. Now, you have a couple of choices: you either stay here and meet an untimely end, or you allow me to cure you. I can inject my mana into you to neutralize the poison."

"Are you suggesting...sex?" she retorts, her voice laced with disbelief.

I sigh deeply. "No, no sex necessary. A kiss will suffice for transferring my mana."

She recoils. "I refuse."

"Alright," I respond calmly.

"Wait... what?" she stammers, confusion painting her face.

"You made your choice. I respect that. Goodbye," I conclude.

"No...wait! STOP!" In a flash, she stands in front of me, pushing me back.

"What now?" I ask, feigning exasperation. "You've made your decision."

"Please...do it," she murmurs, her cheeks flushing a vibrant shade of pink.

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that," I tease.

A deeper shade of red seizes her cheeks. "I said do it...kiss me."

"Alright, just lift your spell and wake up."

As I blink back into my own body, staring down at Arya, I see her eyes flutter open. The moment our lips touch, a spark ignites between us that leaves me with a violent need to claim this delicate elf woman.

Following that intense exchange, we embark on our three-day journey to Du Weldenvarden. As we approach the threshold, I don't slow down, much to Arya's alarm. Just as we're about to breach the barrier, a tear forms in the sky, as black as the night, allowing us to seamlessly transition into Du Weldenvarden. Arya looks around, bewildered as if I've suddenly sprouted wings and a tail.

"WHAT WAS THAT?" she demands.

"That, my dear, is one of my spells," I explain with a smirk, "I tore a hole in the sky, created another on the other side of the barrier, and we flew straight through."

The only response she can muster is stunned silence. Grinning, I navigate us towards Ellesméra.