Dual Heritage Ch. 07

19

After few days.....

Mark was lost in his thoughts as he trained in the cellar, his mind wandering to the strange talisman and the cursed dream that still haunted him. He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Julian approaching him until the older man cleared his throat.

"Yer losing focus," Julian said, his voice stern but not unkind.

"I was just... preoccupied."

"With the talisman?"

Mark nodded. "Yeah. I still can't figure out what it means or why it appeared in my dream. It's driving me crazy."

Julian placed a hand on his shoulder. "Answers come when they're ready, not when we are. Keep that in mind."

Mark sighed, feeling frustrated. "I just wish I knew what it all meant."

Julian gave him a small smile. "You will. Just give it time. And in the meantime, don't let it distract you from your training."

As days turned into weeks, Mark found himself lost in his training sessions with Julian and his upcoming exams. Despite his best efforts, he still couldn't shake the strange dream from his mind. He had tried everything to figure out its meaning, but to no avail. Even Julian had no answers for him.

But then, there was Lida. She had blown his ear off for doing something crazy, scolding him for the danger he had put himself in. Lida's anger was palpable, and Mark could feel the weight of her disappointment and concern as she scolded him. Her voice shook with emotion as she listed all the ways in which Mark's reckless behavior had endangered himself. He could see the worry etched into every line on her face and hear the fear in her voice and it pained him to know he had caused her so much concern.

He tried to apologize, but his words fell flat in the face of Lida's anger. She cut him off, her voice rising with each word, telling him that his apologies were not enough, that he needed to understand the gravity of his actions.

She treated him like her own son, and he vowed to never put her through that kind of anguish again. Despite his best efforts to make amends, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had let her down.

As the days went by, Mark threw himself into his training with renewed vigor. He pushed himself harder than ever before, honing his skills and perfecting his techniques.

Throughout all of this, Ria was there beside him, through thick and thin. She had been a constant source of support and encouragement, and he couldn't imagine going through all of this without her by his side. She spent countless hours with him, pouring over books on ancient runes and symbols, trying to find any clue that might help him piece together the fragments of his dream. She has also had a huge falling out with her family blaming them for what happened to Mark. Despite everything that had happened, he knew that he was lucky to have her in his life.

Despite all this, the strange dream continued to haunt him, a puzzle he couldn't solve. He wondered if he would ever uncover the truth behind the curse and the talisman.

As Mark walked down the corridor, he breathed a sigh of relief. His final exam was finally over, and he felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He couldn't believe how fast the semester had gone by. It felt like just yesterday he had arrived at the academy as a wide-eyed freshman, and now he was almost done with his third year. As he turned a corner, he ran into Sarah.

"Hey, Mark! How did your exams go?" She asked cheerfully.

"Better than expected," he grinned. "You?"

"Ugh, don't even get me started. I've never been great at exams. I just hope I passed. How's Ria?"

"She's been busy with some research project for one of her classes. I think it's been taking up a lot of her time."

"Yeah, I know how that goes. Is she doing okay though?"

"She's doing great. She's been working really hard, but I think she's enjoying it."

"Sounds like Ria. Has she been able to get any time to herself lately, or have you been hogging her to yourself as usual?" She smirked.

"Guilty as charged."

Sarah laughed. "You two are like two peas in a pod. But seriously, have you thought about giving her a break? Maybe let her hang out with some of her other friends for a change?"

Mark chuckled. "I'll try to be less of a hog, but no promises. Ria's just too awesome to let go of."

Sarah shook her head, still smiling. "You two are hopeless. Where is she anyway?"

"Actually, I'm not entirely sure," he said with a shrug. "She just sent me a location on text and told me to come here. Apparently, she has a surprise for me."

"A surprise, huh? Sounds exciting. Do you have any idea what it could be?"

Mark shook his head. "Nope, not a clue. But I'm looking forward to finding out. I just hope it's not another prank like the last time."

Sarah laughed. "Knowing Ria, you never know what you're going to get. But I'm sure it'll be fun, whatever it is. Where did she ask you to come anyway?"

He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his messages and showed her the message.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's fancy! Whatever Ria has planned, it must be something special. She is really going all out. A five-star hotel?"

"Yeah, I can't wait to see what she has in store. I just hope I'm dressed appropriately"

"Well, looks like you're in for a real treat. And hey, if you need a third wheel, I'm always available."

Mark chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Great, I won't keep you from your surprise any longer. Have fun, Mark!" she said, waving goodbye as she walked off down the hallway.

As they parted ways, Mark couldn't help but feel excited. He quickened his pace, What could Ria possibly have prepared for him? He couldn't wait to find out.

Mark found himself standing before an imposing edifice—a five-star hotel that shimmered like a jewel under the sun's rays. He felt conspicuously out of place in his casual attire, amidst the sea of tailored suits and designer dresses that flowed in and out of the grand entrance. Taking a deep, steadying breath, he pushed aside his apprehensions and stepped into a world of luxury.

The moment he crossed the threshold, he was enveloped by an ambiance of opulence that was almost overwhelming. The expansive lobby was a symphony of elegance, adorned with lavish furnishings, intricate art pieces, and a grand chandelier that hung like a celestial body. A soft melody floated through the air, mingling with the intoxicating aroma of exotic flowers.

Approaching the front desk, Mark felt a twinge of self-consciousness. The receptionist, however, greeted him with a disarming smile. "Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you?"

Clearing his throat, Mark managed, "I'm here to meet someone. Her name is Ria."

The receptionist's fingers danced over her keyboard before her eyes met his again. "Ah, yes. She has reserved a suite and specifically requested that you be escorted to the room. Please follow me."

He followed the receptionist to the elevator and they rode up to the fifth floor in silence. As they walked down the hallway, Mark couldn't help but feel like he was in a movie scene. The carpeted floor muffled their footsteps, and the subdued lighting gave everything a hazy, dreamlike quality.

Finally, they reached room 507, and the receptionist handed him the key card. "She is waiting for you inside, sir. Enjoy your stay," she said before walking away.

Mark took a deep breath and slid the key card into the slot. The door clicked open, and he stepped inside, and was immediately taken aback by the lavishness of the room. The suite was enormous, with a king-sized bed, a living area with plush couches, and a breathtaking view of the city from the balcony.

As he walked further into the room, he could hear the sound of water running from the bathroom. He realized Ria must be in the shower.

"Ria, it's Mark. I'm here," he announced, raising his voice to be heard over the shower's rhythmic patter.

A momentary silence ensued before Ria's voice floated from behind the bathroom door. "Just a few more minutes, sweetie."

His eyes roamed the suite, taking in the sumptuous details. The bed seemed to beckon with its cloud-like pillows and luxurious comforter. A large flat-screen TV adorned the wall, and a small table near the window was laden with an array of refreshments. Unable to resist, Mark sampled a few.

"Make yourself comfortable, Mark," Ria's voice echoed from the bathroom.

He sank onto the bed with a sigh, feeling the softness of the comforter beneath him. He couldn't help but marvel at how fancy the room was. It was like something out of a movie.

His fingers absentmindedly touched the talisman around his neck, studying the intricate symbols etched into its surface. The events of his strange dream came back to him, and he couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to it. The curse, the incantations, the strange symbols - it all felt too real to be just a dream.

As he sat there, his thoughts drifted to his recent confrontation with Elias. It had been a crucible, a trial by fire that had awakened something within him. An arcane prowess he never knew he possessed had surged forth, as if a dormant switch had been flipped. He had been able to summon mana at will, feeling the energy coursing through his veins. It had been a surreal experience, and one he wasn't sure he would ever be able to replicate.

He closed his eyes, focusing on his breath trying to calm his mind. He felt a tingle in his fingertips, and began to tap into the magical energy around him letting the sensation wash over him. It was the arcane, that elusive magical energy.

He began to experiment with manipulating the energy, trying to shape it and mold it to his will. He tried to harness it, to shape it into a flickering flame upon his fingertips, but it fizzled out.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment. On one hand, he was glad he was able to tap into his arcane abilities effectively and fight back against Elias. But on the other hand, he couldn't shake off the sinister thoughts that had been creeping up on him ever since the fight. It was like something had changed in him, and he wasn't sure if it was for the better or worse.

It was like a madness that threatened to burst out of him at any moment, consuming him whole. A shadow seemed to loom at the periphery of his consciousness, a lurking darkness that threatened to consume him.

And then there were the visions—fragmented, nightmarish glimpses that invaded his sleep. In these visions, he could hear screams and anguished shouts as people were being experimented on. It was like he was witnessing something horrific, something he wasn't supposed to see.

A burgeoning headache pulsed at his temples. He tried to push the thoughts away, to focus on the present, but they kept creeping back. It was like a constant buzzing in the back of his mind, an ever-present reminder that something was not right.

Just as he was about to drown in his labyrinthine thoughts, a voice pierced through the fog, jolting him back to reality.

"Deep in thought, are we, Professor?" Ria's voice resonated through the room like a melody. Mark's eyes flickered open, and there she was, a vision that momentarily eclipsed all his worries.

Ria's crisp white shirt was unbuttoned to her stomach, her tie loosened and dangling off her collar. The plaid skirt clung to her curves like a second skin. It was scandalously short, barely skimming the lower part of her buttocks. She had on neon sneakers and knee-high socks that threatened to slip off her feet with every step she took. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, but several loose curls hung rebelliously framed her face.

"R-Ria, what are you wearing?"

"Thought I'd surprise you. Do you like it?" She stepped back and did a quick turn, feeling the light dress almost fly up revealing she wasn't wearing any underwear.

"Uh, yeah. It's... it's nice. You look really good."

Ria grinned, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Glad you like it, professor," she cooed, sauntering over to sit beside him on the bed.

"Well, it's definitely stunning."

Ria laughed, leaning in closer to him. "I'm glad you think so. But you seemed miles away just now. What's on your mind?"

"It's nothing, really. I was just thinking about everything that's happened lately."

"Well, let's not think about that now. We're here to relax, remember?" She gently caressed his hair.

He nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing. "You're right. So, what's this surprise you've been teasing?"

She rose gracefully from the bed and walked over to the nearby wall, placing her hand against it and casting a playful glance back at him.

"Why don't you come over here and find out?" she suggested with a mischievous grin.

Mark's eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. Ria's skirt had ridden up, exposing her beautiful rear, and he could see that she was wearing a butt plug.

"I want to give you my ass."

He felt a surge of desire shoot through him, and he found himself unable to resist her invitation. He walked over to her and placed his hands on her hips, feeling the soft skin beneath the fabric of her skirt.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Of course, I'm sure," she purred, her voice laced with anticipation. "I want you to experience all of me, Mark."

"Okay, let's give this a try," he said, his voice carrying a touch of nervous excitement. Curiosity got the better of him as he asked, "When did you decide to wear it?"

"Since yesterday," she replied, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "I know how big your cock is, and I wanted to make sure I was prepared for it."

Mark felt a heat rise in his cheeks as he realized just how much Ria was willing to do for him. He couldn't believe the effect she had on him, making him feel powerful and desired all at once.

"God, Ria. You have no idea how hot that is."

"I've been thinking about you all along," she confessed with a knowing smile. "Everything I do is for you."

"You're truly beautiful," he murmured, his lips brushing against her neck in a tender kiss.

Ria moaned softly as she felt his body pressing against hers. She reached back and grabbed his hand, placing it on the plug in her rear.

"Go ahead, baby. Let's take it out," she whispered.

Mark nodded, his eyes locked on her body as traced the edge of the butt plug, feeling Ria shudder with pleasure. He slowly pushed it in deeper, feeling her muscles contract around him.

As her excitement grew, Ria knew they were about to embark on an intimate journey. "Just take your time," she murmured, her voice a gentle invitation.

He took a deep breath and slowly began to pull it out, watching as her body responded to his touch. As the plug slipped out of her, Ria let out a gasp of pleasure. She could feel Mark's hands moving over her body, exploring every inch of her. She was lost in the sensation, the feeling of his touch on her skin driving her wild.

He couldn't resist the urge to give her ass quick slap, causing Ria to let out a gasp of pleasure. "Mmm, that felt good," she moaned, turning to face him once again. "Now, let's really get started."

She straightened, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a deep, passionate kiss. Mark eagerly responded, his tongue exploring every corner of her mouth as their bodies pressed together.

Their kiss grew more intense, and Mark's desire to escalate things further intensified. In one swift motion, he tore open Ria's shirt, revealing her black bra underneath.

She moaned at the sudden rush of sensation, feeling her body grow even more excited at his bold move. Mark pulled away from the kiss, his eyes dark with desire as he took in the sight of her exposed bra.

Ria grinned mischievously and stepped back, sensing his need as she shrugged of shirt and let it fall to the floor. zShe then reached behind her back and unclasped her bra, letting it slip from her body and revealing her bare breasts to him. She could feel his eyes on her as she pulled away, reaching down to remove her sneakers and knee-high socks. She stood before him in just her short plaid skirt, her long hair cascading down her back.

Ria arched her back, pushing her chest out towards him. Mark leaned in, taking one of her nipples into his mouth, eliciting a soft gasp of pleasure from her as she felt his tongue flick against her sensitive flesh. He felt her fingers entwine in his hair, urging him on.

"Oh, babyyy...., that feels so good," she moaned. "Don't stop, please."

As Mark continued to pleasure her, Ria slipped her fingers down to the hem of her skirt, slowly pushing it down over her hips. The fabric pooled at her feet, leaving her completely naked before him. She could feel the heat rising between them, and she wanted nothing more than to feel him inside her.

"Why don't we take this to bed?" she suggests, biting her bottom lip.

"You read my mind," he replied, taking her hand and leading her to the bed. He shed his shoes and removed his pants and boxers, revealing his undeniable arousal.

Ria licked her lips in anticipation as she climbed onto the bed, spreading her legs invitingly.

She then reached into the bedside drawer and pulled out a bottle of lube, catching Mark's attention. He raised an eyebrow in surprise at how prepared she was, and Ria chuckled.

"I know you have a monster down there," she said, unscrewing the cap of the lube bottle. "There's no way I'm taking it in my ass without making sure you're nice and slippery."

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she knelt in front of him, pouring a generous amount of lube onto her hand and smoothly coating his member. Mark moaned at the sensation, feeling the slickness of the lube against his skin.

Then Ria stood up and handed him the bottle of lube. "Your turn," she said with a smirk. Mark took the bottle from her and climbed onto the bed beside her. Ria spread her legs wide, lifting them up and grabbing onto her thighs with each hand. Mark applied the lube to her anal entrance, working his fingers in gently causing Ria to squirm with pleasure. As he worked, a ticklish sensation danced across her body, making her giggle.

Giggles escaped her lips as her fingers dug into her thighs, trying to steady herself. "Ooh, that tickles," she exclaimed, her body shaking with pleasure. "Your fingers feel so funny."

Mark grinned at her response, his own excitement growing. He continued to work the lube in, ensuring that Ria was thoroughly prepared for what lay ahead.

"I'm ready for you now, my love. It's time to unveil the surprise," she announced, her anticipation palpable.

He placed the bottle back on the bedside table and crawled onto the bed, positioning himself at her anal entrance, taking a deep breath to steady himself.