Chapter 3 feedback: (minor edits)
First off, this was the best-written chapter in the book so far. Even though it didn't have as much action, you moved the story along nicely, and you introduced your characters primary motivation: the search for revenge and answers.
The prose here was smoother than chapters 1 and 2, although I still think it would benefit a great deal from a few revisions down the line.
Onto specifics:
Great opening paragraphs. I like how you ease us in with the snake. The desert and snake imagery really paint the scene well. Consider however adjusting the viewpoint to not be in the snakes head? It may work as-is, but I think you can achieve the same interesting results if you observe it from a POV outside its head.
Regarding your character's inner thoughts in italics. I know this is frequently used by writers such as Robert Jordan. When used properly, it's very smooth, very seamless. But yo only used this technique once (That I recall) in chapter 1, and only a few times in chapter 2. I get the impression that you're right on the edge of having to either complete drop it, or use it more frequently for it to work. (For what its worth... I also struggled with this a lot before deciding to just try without doing it)
I also liked how you walked us through Aermyst's waking stape by step. You did it slowly and methodically, and it worked pretty well IMO. Just as I was wondering if maybe Dantes survived, you showed Aermyst thinking the same thing. It's a good sign when an author can lead the reader along and carefully spoon feed the right info at just the right moments.
Soulstones. Heartcrystals. Crystals. Crystalhearts. Your list of terms is growing here. I'd say its near max capacity for these gem-related things. LOL
Page 3 - how does he know where he is? Or was he just left where he had been "killed"? When the chapter opened, I got the impression he had been dumped somewhere in the middle of the desert.
Pg 4. So one moment he's in the desert, potentially in danger of dying of starvation and heatstroke. Then in the next he's in a town called Hallastan that has access to a lake way with fish that can be sold on the streets. Oh, and it rains heavily there, so much that it "pours down his cheeks". I've heard of a desert oasis, but (correct me if I'm wrong), lakes just don't appear in the middle of, or on the edge of sand deserts. (Right?) It's OK if this is the case, but consider explaining it. Also, I feel like more needs to be said about his desert travel than just "he drank cactus juice".
The entire encounter with Gwenevia was enjoyable. My only concern is over why he had to wait and why she agreed to see him so fast? Was it just because he's a crystalheart? (Or was) Why didn't he ask to see her right away? Why wait 2 hours?
He shrugged and followed her out bare-chested.
This doesn't feel motivated. I think Aermyst would want to cover his chest and his scar, even if there was no danger of him being recognized. If it was as deep an emotional hit on him that you say, this would be a good place to show that he's still trying to deal with it, perhaps even unconsciously.
Ilis didn't work for me. IMO she came across as one dimensional, and overly generic. She reeked of "ideal young woman set in the path of a twenthy-something tough hero."
Pg 10... With the crystal merchant, it's one thing to bargain. But to swap insults about his daughters being whores? That doesn't feel right to me. Consider either explaining why the merchant wouldn't just stand up and in leave in rage (is it a cultural thing to insult one's daughters? LOL), or consider changing the nature of the banter they have.