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Chapter 15- Nagging Feelings

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Restoring my mentor's mansion turned out to be a far more daunting task than I initially thought it would be. But, with everyone's help, we managed to fix it within a few hours. Our friends were all somewhat exhausted as we all gathered in Revelin's restored basement. Makith and Lexie did their best to ease away our sore muscles, though they could do nothing because of their lack of energy.

"So, did anyone figure out what those shadow beings were? And what happened to them while I was wrestling with an overgrown eel?" I asked dryly.

"The darnest thing," Alexandra explained. "One minute, we all had our backs to each other, fighting off the hordes...and, the next minute, they just stopped what they were doing."

Prince Duncan nodded. "They merely froze and gaped at us as if we were the ones that had manifested out of nowhere!"

"After some rough communication, we figured out that what you thought were visors were actually scales from that serpent. Aquatic creatures are so meticulous. Give me blunt Arctic dragons any day." Verity concluded. "They just dropped the scales and walked back through the dimension rip they had come out of."

"And did any of you ask what they prefer to be called?" I questioned. I sighed at the silence that greeted me. That mystery would haunt me until I encountered the 'shadow' beings again.

"Itharos, just what were you doing out in the ocean when Vianis picked you off?" Revelin wondered.

Silver eyes closed shut as Itharos rubbed his temples. "Had I known..." He trailed off. "No. It could have happened to anyone, and the situation might have gotten even further out of control. My guard had been dropped." He contemplated out loud. His gaze settled onto Makith's. "I was hit with a strong wave of nostalgia. The color of the ocean in that dimension reminded me greatly of the waters of Makith's oasis. I thought it was finally time to return to my home." He admitted that he had taken both of the nymph's hands on his own. Everyone looked on as Makith smiled at the Wanderer and nuzzled their noses together.

I had never seen the nymph so happy. The very thought of it moved me. When was the last time I cared so much about others? Had there ever been a time I shared in such joy? I didn't remember the last time I entirely put my trust in others despite the many ways they could have failed me. Before me stood a new family of sorts. They were all unique individuals that I would be proud to introduce to my nephew one day.

"Well, it's a good thing you're going to tone down that Vim of yours as an Idler," Alexandra huffed as she playfully shoved at Itharos's shoulder. "We wouldn't want some other power-hungry creature to possess you again."

Itharos's nervous laughter was rich and deep. "Agreed. My Vim will be put to work restoring Makith's home to its former glory."

"On that note, we should take our leave, my friends," Makith suggested as he tugged Itharos towards the restored Arch-Passage.

Revelin let out a snort. "Fine. Just don't wear Itharos out too badly, Maki."

The Oasis nymph sent everyone a devious wink before the two of them walked right on through.

"My sister will be super relieved when I tell her that you both are finally safe and sound," Prince Damien said as he reached out to half-hug Revelin, giving him a pat on the back. "We'll be seeing you both soon, right?" He asked as he moved on to do the same to me. I couldn't help but give the blonde a smile.

"Of course," Revelin replied quickly. He reached out a hand to ruffle Prince Duncan's hair, ignoring the indignant squawk he sent his way. "Though, it sounds as if the four of you have plans of your own. You won't be needing our services much longer."

"Don't think you'll be rid of us that easily," Damien chuckled. "If Dandelion has her way, you'll end up being hired to watch over her children, as well."

"I'd be most honored." Revelin conceded.

Duncan stood before the both of us awkwardly. He had masqueraded as a magician messenger but was Prince Saul's brother all along. Though it had been a bit of a surprise when he confessed his proper title to everyone, it suited him just fine. My eyes widened when the brunette grabbed one of each of our hands and cheekily threaded mine within Revelin's. 

"Despite what you may have thought of me, I really did like you, Sir Cyrus, in my own way." He admitted before turning his green gaze to Revelin. "Give him the best of care. Only the best! If I hear that, you-" His rant was cut off as Prince Damien forcefully dragged him through the Arch-Passage.

As soon as they were gone, I tried to pull my hand back, but I felt Revelin's grip tighten as he tugged me back. I refused to look up at him and did my best to force down a blush. Alexandra's laughter drew my attention her way. Her lilac eyes were dancing with mirth.

"Aren't you two just adorable," She cooed. "It's a shame we won't be able to stick around to see the show, right V-girl?"

"Truly," Verity responded.

"Well, we have a lot of things to catch up on anyway. Have fuuun," She trilled as they, too, walked through the passage. Verity tapped her staff along the edge of the symbols, inactivating it on her way out.

I couldn't help the deep sigh of concern that passed through my lips as I saw my final friend-shields disappear to another dimension. I found myself biting my lower lip and looking anywhere but at my mentor's face. "S-so," I began nervously. "Are you going to give me my hand back?"

"No." Was the firm answer I was given.

The next moment, I nearly lost my balance as he pulled me along out of the basement and into the hallway. I was worried nearly to the point of panic. Would I still be treated with respect after he had his way with me, or was I going to be just another notch on his bedpost? With so many similar questions floating around in my head, I was surprised when we passed right past the door of his room and entered mine instead. What? Where was he taking me, then?

"Wh-what, so now I'm not even good enough for you, is that it?" The defensive words were out of my mouth before I even managed to collect my thoughts. "I may not be one of your many conquests, but that doesn't mean-"

"Stop. Talking." He growled, settling the total weight of his gaze on me. I felt my breath hitch as I was met with the full force of those multi-blue eyes once again. "And listen."

My lips thinned as I fought down the urge to talk back and gave him a nod.

"I want to change our contract."

My eyes widened. What in the world was Revelin talking about? Change it how? And how dare he ask me to keep quiet while he dropped such big bombs on me! My mentor must have read the sheer panic and chaos in my eyes because he pressed a finger to my lips as if to remind me not to speak.

"Still thinking the worst?" He questioned with a slight shake of his head. "There's no need to worry, Cyrus Kairos." There was a moment of silence before he extended his hand. "I, Revelin Eferize, hereby recognize one Cyrus Kairos as a full-fledged Wanderer. Henceforth, he shall be officially referred to as my true equal."

He didn't lean any closer to me that time, once again leaving the decision in my hands. I felt the corner of my lips turn up in a half-smirk. "I, Wanderer Cyrus Kairos, hereby accept the position of partnership to the esteemed Wanderer, Revelin Eferize," I stated as I placed my hand in his and reached up to place a kiss on his lips. When I pulled back, I frowned when I realized that I didn't feel the swirling Vim sensation of a sealed contract. Had I done something wrong?

"This contract isn't sealed with a mere kiss," Revelin whispered as he placed his hands on either side of my face. "I said 'my true equal,' not just simply a 'business partner.'" He elaborated as he closed a little more of the distance between us. "Cyrus, I want all of you. I can't settle for half."

I felt a shiver roll down my spine at what the bastard was really offering me. That was quite a leap of faith. Did I have the courage to jump? My hazel eyes peered up into the blue. I already knew the answer to that. 

"Henceforth, he shall be officially referred to as my true equal, as well..." I whispered as our lips met for the second time. I felt the swirls of Vim surrounding us entirely at that time. And, this time, the kiss intensified. I had warned him before about trying to tame the beast inside me. But it was far too late. We were both going to devour him, my caged lust, and I. It was as if Revelin had loosened the hinges enough for it to burst free.

My mouth all but claimed Revelin's own. For a good while, I dominated the kiss as I bit and sucked on his lips and tongue. But, the Wanderer began to devour me right back. I felt pleased shivers down the back of my neck as I felt his tongue fighting with mine, eventually forcing its way inside. My body began to subconsciously move against him, and my lips were suddenly wrenched away. I frowned at the interruption but joined in when I realized that clothes were being discarded.

As soon as Revelin sat in the center of my bed, I found myself clambering right onto him to continue where our mouths left off and to grind sinuously against him. I couldn't help the soft laugh that fell from my lips when I heard him groan against my lips. That was when the Vim came into play. My partner definitely had quite the talent when it came to manipulating it. I could feel it do some of the work for him as the psychic particles expanded and formed a thin buffer deep within my core. I squirmed constantly at the sensation, which did nothing to soothe the building friction of the flesh between us.

"Cy...damn." He hissed into my ear as his teeth nipped at my shoulder.

I felt his tongue swipe at the side of my throat, and I snorted softly, moving slightly. I frowned when I realized just how ticklish my skin was there. The breathy chuckle against the skin did nothing to help. "Stop that," I hissed.

"Looks like I already found a sensitive spot." I could practically hear the smirk in his voice.

I retaliated by tugging hard on his hair until I heard him hiss. "Behave if you want us to finish this."

"Threatening me?" He snickered as he slid a hand between our bodies to stroke both of our awakened members lazily. I gasped when I realized that he had somehow brought the lube into play and was already coating them. "When you're this hard for me? Admit it, you don't want me to stop."

My cheeks heated up. "Like hell would I ever admit to such a thing out loud?"

"Guess I'll just have to draw it out from your body, then." The mirth was still in his voice as he prepared to enter me.

I bit my lower lip to keep quiet when I felt him breach my entrance. I couldn't help the single twitch that the muscles gave when that part found its way inside, and I had to use all of my remaining focus to remain relaxed. "Revelin..." I groaned, wanting him to simply get on with it. But, the penetration was slow. Even with the Vim buffer and the lube, I felt his girth stretching my insides further.

"Cosmos, Cyrus," He whispered hoarsely as his hands clenched my butt cheeks.

I bit his shoulder in return until he began to shift and move. When we started to find a soft rhythm, he turned us further onto the bed, and I let out a gasp as he flopped onto his back, leaving me on top. He gave an experimental thrust, and I couldn't believe the moan that escaped me when he brushed against something rather pleasant. I began to take over the movements from there, feeling in control as Revelin's face displayed nothing but pure desire.

I leaned back onto my hands as his hands gripped at my thighs and then my hips when we began to move more earnestly. Just as my eyes fluttered closed, I gasped, and they flew right back open again when I felt Revelin's hand envelope my shaft. 

"Ah!" I cried in pleasure, barely even registering when Revelin began to pull down on my hip with his free hand on every upward thrust.

"Fuck," Was the heady hiss that Revelin gave as my only warning before I felt his release deep inside me.

"Hah...anh!" I whimpered as his hand continued to lazily stroke me to completion, even as his chest rose and fell in an attempt to catch his breath. I didn't know if it was the soft, half-lidded smirk of satisfaction he sent me or if it was the hand that slid its way up my chest to drag fingers along my already sensitive nipple...but my body decided that it was through, and my orgasm burst through me in an arch. I felt a tingling sensation running along my entire body when the final tremble ran through me. "Fuck." I gasped, unintentionally echoing my partner's word of choice upon completion.

That time, I felt his rumbling laughter against my entire body as he carefully sat up to press a surprisingly tender kiss to my temple.

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I let out a long sigh as I gazed upon what I could only describe as a nightmare. "Was that really necessary, Revelin?" I questioned as I gazed up at the new sign that marred the top of the entrance of his family's mansion.

"Don't worry, I'm sure it will grow on you," Revelin practically purred. "After all," He added with a smirk. "I grew on you, didn't I?"

As my gaze once again lifted to the fancy lettering that formed the acronym 'W.R.E.C.K,' I shook my head in disbelief. 'Wanderers Revelin Eferize and Cyrus Kairos,' indeed. That nagging feeling rose again in the back of my head of the chaos that blasted acronym was sure to attract. By then, I was absolutely sure that my "nagging feelings" were almost always justified. But I sure tended to fight my own instincts tooth and nail, didn't I?

"If we ever marry, you would be the one wearing the dress, right?"

...and my instincts were screaming at me loud and clear... He's a Bastard.

END