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

make such a decision on the spot like

"Why not?"

you… what are you saying? Esme, we can't trust her! This whole deal sounds shady as hell!

Rey bombarded Esme with those words, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. After a few seconds of this, she shrugged Rey's hold off of her

a

towards him so they stared each other in the eyes. "You finally get the cure for Alicia's curse, and I…

"No… not like this!"

with the girl you love, and you want to throw it

that simple,

back as she noticed Rey trying to move towards her.

isn't the only thing I'm worried about here!

Achieve my own goals? I already told you… this is what I really want! Do you really want to stand in

"...."

he had no words to say for a few seconds. The Oracle watched all of this in silence, seeing the palpable tension that existed between the two as they stared hard at each

silence evolved and reached a crescendo, Rey whispered words that came

that you weren't going

fist, he stared hard at Esme. Trembling lips prevented him from saying those words coherently or as intensely

Still, he said them.

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

he couldn't

tone almost as detached

as croak

reach her, but his hands wouldn't budge. He wanted to speak,