Hi, all main characters in this story are work of fiction and above 18 years old. This chapter is the first chapter where we get to see things through Xander's point of view and a lot of the lingering questions surrounding the supernatural body switch and Samanuel gets answered, although as you will shortly see, Xander's growing affection for Alec starts to develop.
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Chapter 5: Xander's POV
As I woke up in Alec's bed, I glanced at him peacefully sleeping. Damn, this guy's face is incredible, I thought to myself. My mind drifted back to a few weeks ago, when this whole extraordinary journey began.
It was the beginning of May, and I found myself at the city library, studying diligently for an upcoming final. Despite the common misconception of me being just a dumb jock, I took my education seriously.
After finishing my study session, I sensed a voice calling out to me, as if carried by an echo. At first, I questioned my sanity, attributing it to the exhaustion from hours of studying. But then, my attention was drawn to a book on the shelf. It was a beautifully crafted leather-bound tome with delicate patterns carved onto its cover. There was an inexplicable pull compelling me to reach out and take hold of it. And as soon as my fingers made contact with the book, I was transported to a realm beyond anything I had ever experienced.
I found myself standing in the grand throne room of a palace, where a slim humanoid figure with two pairs of distinct wings sat upon a magnificent marble throne. His short black hair framed his strikingly pretty face, and he was dressed in attire reminiscent of a cyberpunk movie.
The humanoid gracefully rose from the throne and approached me, exuding an air of majesty befitting royalty. "Hello, Xander. I am Samanuel, and I'm delighted that you responded to my call," he greeted me with a warm smile.
Confusion mingled with a hint of fear swirled within me, but I did my best to maintain a brave front. Although physically larger than the enigmatic being before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation in his presence. He radiated power and wisdom that commanded respect.
Unfazed by my guarded demeanor, Samanuel spoke in a reassuring tone, "Fear not, young one. I am here to offer you an opportunity, a chance to live a different life. I can sense your discontent with your current existence."
Startled by his astuteness, I couldn't help but ask, "What do you know about me? We've just met. Tell me what you want!"
Samanuel remained calm, his voice gentle as he replied, "Patience is a virtue, my young friend. In my three thousand years of imprisonment, I have learned that lesson. Although the passage of three thousand years might be vastly different for me compared to your kind."
He continued, "I know that the persona you project, this brash, buff, and sexually assertive image, is merely a facade. No matter how muscular your body becomes or how many stereotypes you embrace, it does not change the fact that it is not your true self. Deep down, you yearn for something more, and you are unhappy with your current life."
"How?" I gasped in astonishment, as he effortlessly exposed my deepest secrets.
"Not only do I know all that, but I also know that you are not exclusively attracted to the opposite sex. Let's just say that my perception extends beyond the limitations of your dimension for a 5th-dimensional being," Samanuel continued.
"The fifth dimension?" I questioned, still trying to comprehend the weight of his revelations.
"Three thousand years ago, I was imprisoned within this very book by a human mage who had discovered the secrets of higher dimensions. At that time, I was tasked by the high council to observe your kind, the humans," Samanuel explained.
He continued, "The reason you have been chosen is that the mage who bound me within these pages was one of your ancestors. To break her spell, I must assist one of her descendants in finding true love."
Samuel revealed his purpose and the underlying connection that led him to me. "Throughout the ages, I have attempted to reach out to your lineage, but only your frequency resonated with my call."
"Do you trust me to help you find happiness and discover true love in your life?" Samanuel inquired, his eyes conveying sincerity.
In that moment, I cannot explain the whirlwind of emotions that coursed through me, but I found myself answering, "Yes." Deep down, I yearned for a better life, one filled with genuine love and fulfillment.
"Excellent," Samanuel acknowledged with a pleased expression. "This upcoming Friday, you will switch bodies with a person of my choosing. You will get to experience life from their perspective for a day, and I am confident that you will cherish the experience."
Under the direction of Samanuel, I put the tome in my locker at my campus so that when I switch bodies with Alec he'll have access to it as well. Over the weekdays I've grown to bond with Samanuel more, I ended up nicknaming him Sam, a name that he did not seem the oppose.
Friday morning soon arrived, and I stepped into Alec's shoes, quite literally. As I stepped out of the bed in Alec's brief I went to Alec's bathroom to brush my teeth and start the day. Looking at the reflection in the mirror, I cannot help but appreciate the beauty of Alec's face.