The Arcana: His Apprentice

Confession - Asra's POV

       I studied the book from cover to cover. From page to page. Over and over again. Seeing if there are any other possible solutions but here's doesn't seem to be any other. I guess I have to suck it up and go through with it. I already have most of the materials at hand. That same night I fount the book I went out to the forest and foraged some black roses, putting them in a pot and waiting for them to wither naturally so I can crush its remains into ashes. Candles I already have of course. The chant I have to recite I already have memorize by heart but I'm missing one thing and honestly it's the most complicated ingredient. "Blood of a Misguided One".

       It's only been a few weeks since all of this happened, Y/N's death and finding the book but it honestly feels like it's been a few years. The constant cycle of going to the palace, researching for the cure to the plague and studying and then going back home to figure out what to do about the missing ingredient and what to do after the ritual is completed and has succeeded is draining.

     I'm at the palace, of course underneath my favorite tree as always but right now it's for a different circumstance. Earlier today, Ilya has asked me to meet him under the tree for a bit to talk about something and it sounded urgent. I lay against the tree, my arms crossed and my eyes widening as I realize what is happening. Ilya has his arm resting on the tree beside me, entrapping me with his face bright red and nervous sweet trailing down his face. He starts speaking and he starts stuttering which makes it hard to understand what he's saying.

       "A-Asra, I know we haven't known each other for very long but I can't help but feel this connection with you. The way I feel about you is not something I've felt before with anyone, the way I feel about you gets me flustered and nervous and ." Ilya says, staring at me intensely.

       I knew he had feelings for me but I never thought it would come to this. My heart belongs to one only and that's Y/N, I could never love anyone else. I can't just go around dating others, not only because I'm in love with her but also because I'm committed to being her back to me.

"You might not feel the same way and I understand if you don't but I thought you should at least know how I feel so you could think about it and so that I could finally get it off my chest." He says, looking nervous.

"Look Ilya, I-" I say, before stopping myself.

       Wait a minute... This could work in favor for me. The book says "blood of a misguided one". It doesn't lead to a specific person but to a specific circumstance of a person. Maybe if I make Ilya think that I truly want him then he will become a "misguided one" since I've mislead him to believe I want him. And then I can convince him to give me some of his blood and then I will have everything needed for the ritual.

"Alright. I accept your feelings." I say, nonchalantly.

"I'm sorry for- W-what?! R-really?!" Ily says, his eyes wondering and his jaw dropping, his voice full of surprise.

       I nod slowly but still reluctantly as he smiles widely. Making am a bit uneasy about the decision I had just made.

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear this." He says, leaning into me slowly with his lips puckered.

       He starts leaning into me for a kiss. I start panicking slightly and put my hand in front of his face before he reaches. He leans in closer until his face touches my hand. Ilya opening his eyes and looked at me confused.

"M-maybe we shouldn't rush into this, you know? M-maybe taking it slow would make me feel more comfortable." I say, putting my hand down and surprising myself for making up such a quick excuse.

"R-right, s-sorry. You're right..." Ilya says, backing up slightly while scratching the back of his neck embarrassed

"I should get going before it gets too dark." I say, pushing myself off of the tree and shuffling away from Ilya.

"A-alright. I'll see you tomorrow right?" He asks, fidgeting with his fingers.

"Yes, I'll see you." I say, walking out of the garden and away from the palace as quickly as possible.

       I start walking back home, contemplating about the events that just happened. It all happened so fast.  Ilya actually confessed to me, with his nerves I'd thought this would never happen. This is all too complicating. I know this isn't right of me to do but this is the only way. Using him for my selfish need of having Y/N back but what other choice do I have. I'm sorry Ilya but you wouldn't understand unless you were in my position. Y/N don't worry, I will have you back in my arms soon enough.