Chapter 768 Behind The Scenes [Pt 1]

Chapter 768 Behind The Scenes [Pt 1]

"...."

Ater had proven his case, and he didn't seem to be lying to Rey about anything. If he was, one of the Curses would have activated, and Ater would be dead on the ground.

Besides, Rey could tell if his Familiar was lying due to their bond.

'He's telling the truth about everything...' The details were still lost to Rey, but there was no doubt about it; Ater was on his side.

"If you still have your doubts, there is a way to prove the validity of my claim." Ater spoke up, forcing Rey to look in his eyes as he made a confident proposal.

"Hm? What's that?"

"Alicia White. Have her summon a Beast Familiar so you can use [Clairvoyance] on it. That way, you'll be able to—"

"No." Rey's response was flat and final.

He had a serious expression on his face, though none of it indicated anger of any kind. "May I ask why?"

Ater's sincere voice wafted through the air, causing Rey to sigh and lean backwards a little, his gaze on the Familiar, but his thoughts far away.

"Alicia still hasn't gotten over her trauma. It would be selfish of me to make her summon a Beast Familiar just to satiate my curiosity." He mumbled. "Besides, I can already see that you're telling the truth, so there really is no need for that."

For a second or two, there was silence.

Ater then gave a silent chuckle and bowed his head in respect and satisfaction.

"Understood, Master. Thank you for trusting me."

Rey smiled.

"Yeah. I guess I fully believe you now."

This wasn't just for show either. Rey found no reason to doubt Ater, and was now instead questioning the validity of The Oracle's warnings. Both Emil and Ater had only profited him in one way or the other, and while he was yet to see the full picture, he determined that it was best to simply trust in his own camp.

"I trust you'll complete your task flawlessly, as you always do."

"And I trust that you will achieve your objective in the Dragon Academy, Master." Ater beamed back.

Ater did not desire her. She desired him.

"You've been a good girl so far, and as a result... I am willing to return your wards to you." Ater gently placed his hand on her chin and lifted her head so she could stare him in the eyes.

His crimson eyes drowned her face in its glowing radiance, reflecting the passionate gaze she used to look at him.

"R-really?"

"Yes. Shai'ya and Kat'erin..." He muttered, his eyes slowly drifting away from Frey'ja to two of the five figures who stood behind the White Dragon Lord.

"Yes, Sir Ater?"

They both stepped forward, appearing no different than the Dragon Generals that they had been. Flawless Skin. Regal Attires. Perfect Forms.

They were the real deal.

"You will now return to serving your Lord, as I promised. Your loyalty to her must never waver, and your devotion to her cause must remain. Is that understood."

"Yes, Sir Ater."

He returned his gaze to Frey'ja, whose body was now slowly trembling as she kept her eyes on his own face.

His corrupted darkness heavily contrasted the purity that she represented.

It was alluring.

"Thank you, S—I mean, Ater."

"Yes... that's it." He drew his face closer to hers, causing her trembling to increase, and her face to become much hotter than usual.

Frey'ja's breathing became uneven as she remained still in his presence, and steamy clouds flowed from her lustrous lips and nostrils.

All of this only caused Ater to smile even more.

"Your eyes... they're wonderful." Gently stroking her face, he whispered those words passionately.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, but he broke the silence easily.

"How are you enjoying your new eye?"