Sneak Peeks — Vezriel & Ashmedai Romance Paths, Opinion on Selene

I decided to give two sneak peeks this time since I'm quite far into the chapter. Both for romance paths. Unedited yet!

It's time for sneak peeks from the next chapter! Let's start with two moments with Vez and Ash (if you romance them). Unedited yet!

Vezriel

I really liked this moment, so I wanted to share it 👀

They look tired… You want to take it all away. To support them like they supported you when you needed it.

They let you touch them. They caressed your hand. Will they allow you to do the same or a little more? Or has the haze vanished, leaving them sober, with a realization they made a mistake that morning? Now you won’t be able to rest until you know.

“Take a break,” you say. “Come with me to the gardens for a bit. To clear your head.”

Vezriel looks at you and smiles slightly. “To clear my head?” they repeat slowly.

Something in their gaze makes you pause. You swallow nervously, unable to look away from them yet again. What do they do with you? Do they have some sort of paralyzing power?

“To clear your head,” you repeat without thinking, your voice low.

What Vezriel is really thinking is that there won't be any head clearing with the Oracle near. They both are catching feelings and acting so stupid about it (for now) 😹

Ashmedai

“If I was fine,” you say, “If I had no problems, then you wouldn’t be here?”

“Of course—” They stop, looking away again. “Of course I would be by your side. If you allowed it.”

“Then what about you?” You stand up and step closer. [ height variations; one of them: Their shoulders tense slightly. ] Is it because of your proximity? “What do you want? When we’re done here, with the disaster and everything else, will you want to stay by my side then?”

You reach your hand and take their chin, keeping their head in place. Your hold is light—they can move away if they want to.

“Look at me when you answer,” you murmur.

They open their mouth. Nothing comes out. You glance at their lips, and they lick them, their gaze darting around again. A pale blush blooms on their cheeks.

They turn their head to the side, pulling away from your hold. But before your hand falls, they catch your wrist, bringing it closer to their chest.

“I would want to stay,” they whisper, unable to meet your gaze.

They’re so pretty when they’re shy.

You have no idea how fast Ashmedai's heart is beating in this scene, lol. The Oracle will put them in a grave before anything else does.

Opinion on Selene

The Oracle has some time for reflection in this chapter, specifically about Selene and your approach to her. Here are the options I wrote:

• You were too harsh. You should apologize and fix your relationship if possible. She might be helpful in the future. [Friendly]

• One thing is clear—she’s dangerous. It had been obvious before she raised her hand at you. So if you must lie to her to safeguard yourself, then that’s what you’ll do. [Lying]

• You’re not certain how to treat her. Is she a friend or a foe? Is she a helpful ally, though with a questionable behavior, or is she a threat that needs to be dealt with? You probably should to stay neutral, without showing overt friendliness or aggression. You don’t want her to get wrong ideas. [Neutral]

• You’re no less stubborn than she is. You won’t clash with her as soon as you meet, but neither will you hold back and mold yourself to her preference. [Stubborn]

I don't feel like adding a fully hostile option at this moment in the story. It would be foolish for the Oracle to act like this with her + out of character, so this is what you'll be able to choose from. Though it doesn't mean you won't be able to take a more aggressive approach at some point later on... 👀