NOVPUB
Chapter 305: Chapter 305 Cloud City
Simon grumbled under his breath as he soared through the sky, carrying Oceanus on his back in his eagle form. "That ruthless dragon... always so possessive," he muttered through his beak, frustration bubbling with every flap of his wings.
Oceanus, comfortably perched on Simon’s back, stroked the feathers on his neck absentmindedly. "What are you muttering about, Sim?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with mild curiosity.
Simon clicked his beak irritably. "Do you know, when I asked that dragon about female preferences, he threatened me! Goodness, the nerve of him! Once the female gets better, I’ll challenge him to a duel," he said, his tone filled with indignation.
Oceanus’s expression shifted, his eyes turning icy and unreadable. "Good," he said, his voice colder than usual.
Simon perked up, thinking Oceanus was finally on his side. "You think so too, right? It’s about time someone put him in his place—"
But Oceanus cut him off sharply. "Damon did a great thing," he said, his tone carrying an edge that made Simon falter.
Simon nearly missed a wingbeat. "What?" he squawked, bewildered, not expecting that response.
Oceanus leaned forward, his gaze piercing through the wind. "He’s protecting his mate, and he’s right to warn off anyone who steps too close. If you truly want to challenge him, you’d better think twice— From what I see Damon doesn’t just give threats, Simon. He follows through."
Simon’s feathers ruffled as Oceanus’s words sank in deeper,
"How can you say that?" Simon muttered, his pride stung, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Oceanus’s eyes never wavered, his gaze as steady as the horizon. "He said he would clip his wings, and he did it. Will you sacrifice your wings for her?" Oceanus asked, his tone casual but the question piercing.
Simon hesitated, the answer sticking in his throat. He loved the freedom his wings gave him, the thrill of the open sky, the power they represented. "...No," he finally admitted, his voice barely a whisper. For him, his wings were his life, his pride, his everything.
Oceanus continued to stroke his neck gently, his touch almost comforting. "Hmm... I think you got your answer," he said, his voice softer now, almost understanding.
"...Yes," Simon replied, the fight drained from his tone. He realized in that moment that Damon’s actions weren’t just about jealousy or territory. They were about love—something Simon wasn’t ready to understand or match yet.
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
The gates of Cloud City loomed ahead, massive and towering, casting long shadows across the path. Oceanus stopped just before the entrance, his eyes scanning the high walls guarded by two imposing eagles perched atop. As they noticed the newcomers, the eagles spread their wings and glided down gracefully, shifting into their beastmen forms as they landed, their postures tense and alert.
The first guard, with deep brown hair that gleamed like polished wood, stepped forward, his gaze sharp and assessing. "What are you doing at Cloud City?" he demanded, his voice steady and commanding, carrying the weight of authority.
The second guard, slightly taller with lighter brown hair that almost glowed under the sun, stood beside his companion, eyes narrowed as he studied the group.
Oceanus met their stares without flinching, his presence commanding without effort. "I am Oceanus, the healer," he introduced himself calmly, and immediately, both eagles bowed their heads in respect.
The light brown-haired eagle straightened up quickly, looking a bit flustered. "Apologies, great healer. We didn’t realize it was you. What brings you here? Should we call the leader?" he asked, his tone now laced with reverence.
Oceanus shook his head. "No need for that. I just need an empty house to settle in temporarily and have your healer meet me—I’m sure he remembers me. I’ll need some herbs as well. You must have heard about Simon... and we need a place urgently. I still have to treat a pregnant female," he added, his voice firm and laced with urgency.
The mention of a pregnant female made the eagles’ eyes widen in shock. They exchanged quick glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, the dark brown-haired eagle shifted back into his beast form and took off, flying swiftly toward the city to make the necessary arrangements.
They remembered Oceanus well; two years ago, when a strange and deadly disease swept through Cloud City, it was Oceanus who had come to their aid. His knowledge and skill had saved countless lives, including many of their own. Simon, who had also been gravely ill at the time, had been one of those saved by Oceanus. Deeply moved by his compassion and extraordinary healing abilities, Simon had decided to follow Oceanus, dedicating himself to his cause ever since.
That incident had forever cemented Oceanus’s reputation among them as not just a healer, but a savior. The eagles standing guard at the gate knew that whatever Oceanus requested would be given without question; his presence was always welcome in their city. For them, he was more than just a guest—he was a symbol of hope, a reminder of survival against impossible odds.
Now, with the urgent need to help a pregnant female, they understood that this situation was no less critical. They would ensure Oceanus had everything he needed.
They were most excited about the pregnant female. Although they couldn’t see her face—buried beneath the chest of the wolf beastman and wrapped tightly in a blanket—they could sense the significance.
Pregnant females meant that she was fertilized and capable of giving birth, which equated to many males having the chance to mate. This thought excited them.
Their quick help could make her feel moved, perhaps even leading her to accept one of them as her mate.
The idea was beautiful to contemplate, filling their minds with hope and excitement.
"Please enter inside, Great Healer," the light brown-haired male said, hesitating as he glanced at Damon and Lucas.
"They’re the mates of the female," Oceanus replied, turning to look back at them.
"Let’s go," Simon said, stepping forward. He was familiar with the city and eager to lead the way.
