Ophelia slept fitfully in her chamber, until a whisper pierced the darkness. "Opheliaaa..." The soft voice sent shivers down her spine. She sat up, her heart racing.
"Ophelia, come with me..." The whisper grew louder, more urgent.
Without thinking, Ophelia swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. Her feet moved of their own accord, following the mysterious voice. The darkness seemed to swirl around her, guiding her through the palace corridors.
Unknown to Ophelia, danger lurked in the shadows. A figure waited, hidden in the darkness.
Meanwhile, Ryker approached Ophelia's room, his thoughts consumed by concern.
"I should check on Ophelia, just in case. Lyra was lurking around her room earlier, and I don't trust her intentions. What if she's plotting something? Ophelia's been distant lately, and I can't shake the feeling something's off."
He paused outside the door, hand on the handle.
"Better safe than sorry," he thought, and pushed open the door.
"Ophie, Ophie..." Ryker called out softly, scanning the room.
The bed was rumpled, but Ophelia was nowhere to be seen. Ryker's brow furrowed. Where could she be? He scanned the room, his gaze falling on the open window. A faint breeze carried the scent of night blooms.
Ryker's instincts kicked in. He hastened to the window and looked out. Ophelia's figure was disappearing into the darkness, her steps mechanical.
"Where's she going?" Ryker wondered, his mind racing.
As Ophelia walked, the shadows deepened. A figure emerged, grasping for her. A glint of steel flashed in the moonlight - a dagger, poised to strike.
Just as all hope seemed lost, Ryker burst from the darkness, grabbing Ophelia and pulling her close.
"Ophie, no!" Ryker whispered, shielding her from harm.
Ophelia's eyes fluttered open.
"Ryker?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Ryker's grip on Ophelia tightened, his heart still racing from the close call.
Ophelia's gaze locked onto Ryker's, her eyes searching.
"Ryker, what...what happened?" she stammered.
Ryker's expression softened. "I saw a figure with a dagger trying to harm you."
Ophelia's eyes widened, fear flashing across her face.
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."
