An Extra’s POV

"I refuse!"

Rey's answer was the same as the last time, and for good reason.

'I still don't trust this Oracle character. If Esme becomes like that… will she really still be Esme? There's a lot we don't even know, so making an informed decision right now is impossible…'

There was also the fact that he already knew of another way to get The Oracle to do what he wanted. All he had to do was find Adonis and convince him to ask her to save Alicia.

'The easy part is convincing him. I'll have to find him first.' Rey thought to himself, but still considered that to be a much more solid plan than literally selling Esme off.

The last reason—certainly not the least one—on his mind was that Esme would no longer be with him if she became The Oracle.

Yes, it was a little too selfish, which was why Rey didn't want to give it so much priority.

But… that was just how he felt.

'Will she be stuck in this place for the rest of her life? I… I don't want that for her!'

All of these things were happening too fast, and rather than jumping right on it—taking The Oracle at her word—it was best to have a proper conversation with Esme about it.

'At this point, we should just leave this place, and—'

"I wasn't asking you, Rey Skylar." The Oracle's voice woke Rey from his thoughts, and that was when he noticed her gaze was on Esme.

He also noticed that Esme was yet to give a coherent response. Based on how she looked, though, he could already guess what she would say.

"Esme, wai—!"

"I accept your offer." Her voice flowed very fluidly, and her blue eyes shone with determination as she looked ahead.

holding her by both shoulders as he shoved his face close to hers in an

make such

"Why not?"

This whole deal sounds shady as hell! We should leave and

a few seconds of this, she shrugged Rey's hold off of her and pulled

this, Rey took a few steps back as

She began, turning her gaze towards him so they stared each other in the eyes. "You finally get the cure for Alicia's curse, and

"No… not like this!"

a chance to be with the girl

not that simple,

she noticed Rey trying to

goal isn't the only thing I'm worried

told you… this is what I really want! Do

"...."

few seconds. The Oracle watched all of this in silence, seeing the palpable tension that

the silence evolved and reached a crescendo, Rey whispered words that came deep from his gut and through

weren't going

he stared hard at Esme. Trembling lips prevented him from saying

Still, he said them.

what he was doing was selfish. Esme was her own person, and she had her own dreams to accomplish. But… but Rey couldn't

couldn't

Esme responded, her tone almost as detached as The

croak as he heard those

He wanted to speak, but his throat was too sore. Even when he opened his lips, only hollow