Ryker’s concerned gaze locked onto Ophelia’s face. “Ophie, you wanted to ask so many questions before, but you’re suddenly so quiet today. Don’t you want to know anything?” His voice was gentle, inviting.
Ophelia’s eyes drifted, her thoughts swirling. “Ryker, there’s a lot…” Her voice trailed off.
Ryker’s expression softened. “I know. Take your time.” He paused, studying her. “Don’t you find it weird… we said we know you, but you don’t know us?” His brow furrowed. “You must have had this feeling – whom to trust – and you chose to trust us because there wasn’t any other choice, right?”
Ophelia’s eyes snapped back to Ryker’s, her thoughts racing. She opened her mouth to respond, but hesitated.
The Stranger's presence seemed to grow stronger, though he remained silent, observing.
Ophelia’s voice barely above a whisper. “Yes… I’ve wondered.” Her gaze drifted again.
Ryker leaned in, his voice low. “We’re not going anywhere, Ophie. You can trust us.”
But Ophelia’s mind whirled with doubts and questions.
Ophelia sighed and said, “I don’t find it weird, Ryker.”
Ryker’s brow furrowed. “What?”
“I don’t find it weird that you know me, but I don’t,” Ophelia clarified, her voice hesitant.
Ryker’s expression softened, and he held her hand. “Go on.”
Ophelia’s eyes dropped. “I don’t remember anything.”
Ryker’s grip tightened. “What do you mean?”
Ophelia’s voice barely above a whisper. “I only remember when... when I was about 16… That... was the first time my parents sold me. And that day was very brutal for me.” Her eyes welled up.
Ryker’s face contorted in anguish.
“I don’t even remember how I escaped,” Ophelia continued. “I keep having flashbacks, and I see glimpses of how vulnerable I was. It was only when we were in that forest, and a wolf attacked… I saw another flashback. That day when I escaped… I was attacked by a creature. It was the Shadowhound you told me about.”
“And then I fainted,” Ophelia added, her voice trembling. “And when I opened my eyes… I was outside my home. Strangely, I still remembered my home and my parents, but nothing else.”
Ryker’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you sure? Because Shadowhound never leaves his prey. Why did Shadowhound attack you and leave you alive? It’s said that it disappeared years ago, and suddenly reappeared out of nowhere.”
Ophelia’s gaze met Ryker’s. “Maybe he didn’t kill me because he too was in a vulnerable state that day. Still, I could feel he didn’t intend to kill me.”
Ryker’s expression turned thoughtful. “You’ve seen too much, Ophie. You must have gone through a lot.”
Ophelia’s brow furrowed. “It’s weird. I could feel that forest, that river, that wolf, and everything… just didn’t intend to hurt me. But why?”
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And I’m not sure about this feeling. But ever since I came back home that day, I always felt caged. I always felt watched, like someone’s watching me. I thought it was because of the trauma I faced, but still, I couldn’t shake off that feeling.”
Ryker’s eyes locked onto hers, filled with determination.
Ophelia’s thoughts swirled in turmoil. “And… I don’t even know if I should tell you… that… that I always feel strange when I'm with The Stranger… and that I always feel weird and uneasy when you are too close to me… but… why? I just can’t even explain how I feel.”
Ryker’s gentle voice broke into her reverie. “Ophie, Ophie, where did you get lost again? What’s in your mind? What are you thinking?”
Ophelia’s gaze faltered, unable to meet Ryker’s concerned eyes. “Nothing.”
Ryker’s expression turned skeptical. “I know you’re burdened with thoughts… and I think you should find the answers for your questions yourself.”
Ophelia nodded slowly, a resolve forming within. “Yes… you’re right. I will.”
Ryker's eyes lingered on hers, searching for hidden truths. "Ophie, I mean it. You deserve answers. But promise me one thing."
Ophelia's gaze met his, a spark of curiosity. "What?"
"Be careful, okay? Whatever you're searching for, don't let it consume you. You're already slipping away from me, and I can't lose you." Ryker's voice cracked, his emotions raw.
Ophelia's heart twisted, torn between Ryker's concern and The Stranger's enigmatic pull. "I promise, Ryker. I'll be careful."
Ryker stood up, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “C’mon, Ophie, let’s go back. Lyra’s waiting for us.”
Ophelia nodded, placing her hand in his. He helped her stand, and together they walked towards the cottage.
Lyra greeted them with horses, already saddled and ready. “Let’s go. I’ve prepared everything.”
Ophelia’s curiosity piqued. “Where are we going?”
Ryker’s smile hinted at secrets. “You’ll find out soon. Come, let’s go.”
As they rode, the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow.
The horse halted, and Ryker helped Ophelia dismount.
Before them lay the breathtaking Saskova kingdom, its grandeur awe-inspiring.
Ophelia felt an inexplicable shiver, as if the forest whispered secrets.
“What’s this feeling?” she thought.
Ryker’s voice broke the spell. “Ophelia, this is the Saskova kingdom… our home.”
Ophelia’s eyes widened. “It’s… so beautiful.”
Suddenly, whispers spread through the trees: “They’re back… they’re back… woo-hoo!”
A colorful procession emerged, showering flowers and cheers upon their arrival.
Ryker grasped Ophelia’s hand, leading her toward the majestic palace.
As they walked, Ophelia sensed the weight of Ryker’s gaze, the warmth of his touch.
The palace gates swung open, revealing a grand hall filled with people.
A regal woman approached, her smile warm. “Welcome, Ophelia. We’ve awaited your return.”
Ophelia’s heart skipped a beat. “Return?”
The woman’s eyes sparkled. “You’ve come home, child.”
What secrets lie within Ophelia’s past?
YOU ARE READING
Ophelia: A Life in Shadows
Mystery / Thriller"Ophelia's world shatters when her parents betray her, selling her to a mysterious stranger. A desperate confrontation ends in darkness, as she's torn from her home and forced into an uncertain fate."
