Lyra's eyes blazed with jealousy as she stumbled upon Ryker and Ophelia's intimate moment. Her emotions simmered, brewing a dark storm.
Unseen, Lyra unleashed her powers, conjuring a malicious energy that crept toward Ophelia.
Ryker's instincts flared, sensing the danger. He swiftly pulled Ophelia close, shielding her.
A faint glow emanated from his hands, deflecting Lyra's dark magic.
Ophelia's eyes widened in shock. "Ryker, What was that just now? You have magical powers?"
Ryker's expression turned grim. "Ophie, just wait." He swiftly scanned their surroundings, seeking the source of the magic.
Lyra realized her mistake, panic setting in. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned illusions – shadowy figures that lunged at Ophelia.
Ryker leapt into action, his powers blazing as he fought off the dark illusions.
One figure broke through, its dagger raised high. Ryker sprinted toward Ophelia, but just as the blade descended, a burst of energy erupted from her body.
The shadowy figures dissipated, banished by Ophelia's unforeseen power.
Ryker reached her side, relief washing over him.
But Ophelia's eyes rolled back, her body limp.
"Ophie, no!" Ryker cried, catching her as she fainted.
Lyra watched, horror-stricken, as Ryker cradled Ophelia.
What have I done?
At the palace, Ryker hovered over Ophelia's unconscious form, desperation etching his face.
"Come on, Ophie," he whispered, attempting to rouse her with his powers.
Queen Elara's concerned voice broke the silence. "Ryker, what's happening?"
Eva stepped forward. "Brother, what's wrong?"
Lyra's eyes widened. "Ryker, no!"
Ryker's gaze never wavered. "Silence."
With a fluid motion, he drew his sword from its sheath. The blade gleamed in the dim light.
"Ryker, what are you doing?" Queen Elara asked, alarm creeping into her voice.
Ryker's focus remained on Ophelia. He whispered ancient words, and the sword began to bleed.
A single drop of blood fell onto Ophelia's forehead.
Ryker blew gently, and the blood vanished from the sword.
He sheathed the blade, his eyes locked on Ophelia.
"It still works," he murmured. "It's accepted. Hope she opens her eyes soon."
The drop of blood on Ophelia's forehead soaked in, and a soft, ethereal light flickered to life.
Ryker's breath caught. "Thankfully."
Ophelia's eyelids fluttered open, confusion etched on her face.
"Ryker?" she whispered.
Ryker's relief was palpable. "You're awake."
Ophelia struggled to sit up, her mind reeling.
"What... what happened?" she asked.
Ryker's expression turned serious. "You fainted. We were attacked by some shadowy figures."
He ordered everyone to leave, and the room emptied.
Ophelia’s thoughts whirled. She started looking at her hands.
"What.. what was that.. I saw some strange light.. coming from me. Was that real or just hallucinations? How can this be real? Those figures, your use of some kind of powers, light coming out from me, all these seems so unreal."
Ryker's calm voice soothed her. "Ophie, calm down.. it's real.. everything."
"I do have powers that I didn't use in front of you," Ryker admitted. "I thought it would scare you, and you'd be more confused."
Ophelia's eyes widened.
"That means.. that means I have powers too?"
Ryker nodded. "You have powers, Ophie. That’s the identity we were talking about, but this is just a small reality. You have more to discover."
Ophelia felt dizzy, her head spinning.
Ryker's concern deepened. "Are you okay?"
"Ryker, please... leave me alone for a while. I need time," Ophelia begged.
Ryker covered her with a blanket.
"I know. Take your time. Don't think too much; it'll affect your health. Take care."
With a gentle smile, he departed, leaving Ophelia to process the revelations.
Ophelia's mind reeled as she processed the revelations. Powers? Identity? What did it all mean?
She thought back to the strange occurrences: the energy surge, the shadows, Ryker's mysterious abilities.
Seeking fresh air, Ophelia rose from her bed and approached the window. As she gazed outside, she overheard a hushed conversation.
“Don’t worry, I’m here… I’ll keep an eye on her.”
The voice sent shivers down Ophelia’s spine. Where had she heard it before? Suddenly, memories flooded back – the stranger’s house.
Ophelia leaned out the window, her eyes scanning the darkness. A figure emerged from the shadows.
“Eva?” Ophelia whispered.
Eva’s gaze flickered toward Ophelia.
Ophelia retreated, her mind racing. Why was Eva with the stranger? Who was she talking to?
She wants to kill me too? Did Ryker know about this?
Oh God! Things are getting more complicated.. I’ve to be careful and solve the mystery behind all this.. I’ve to find the truth as soon as possible.. But whom should I trust? Should I trust Ryker? But what if he’s involved in this? No.. No No he won’t betray me.. I trust him.. he can’t.
The next morning, Ryker entered Ophelia’s room with breakfast.
“Ophie, how are you feeling now?” Ryker asked, his brow furrowed.
“Much better,” Ophelia replied.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them.
“Prince, Queen Elara asked for you.” Liril announced.
Ryker’s expression turned serious. “Ok. Ophie, have your breakfast. I’ll see you later.”
Ophelia nodded, watching Ryker leave.
At the queen’s chambers, Ryker found his mother pacing.
“Ryker, what’s going on?” Queen Elara asked, her voice laced with concern.
“What are we going to do now?” Queen Elara added.
Ryker reassured, “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll take care of it. I’ll take my leave now. I’ve something to do.”
Queen Elara’s eyes narrowed. “God knows what he is trying to do.”
Ryker left the queen’s chambers and headed to Lyra’s room, his anger simmering.
Ryker entered Lyra’s room and dragged her to the wall, manhandling her.
“It was you, right? Do you even know how big trouble you’ve created?” Ryker demanded, his voice low and menacing.
Lyra’s eyes widened. “Ryker, what are you doing? You’re hurting me.”
Ryker’s grip tightened. “You only care about yourself, Lyra.”
Lyra’s face twisted. “Is that so? What? You really think it was me?”
Ryker’s voice rose. “Stop it. Don’t pretend. I know it was you. I can identify your magic.”
Lyra’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Yes, you can, but do I have that much power? I can never help her evoke her powers… it wasn’t me.”
Ryker’s expression darkened. “What?”
Lyra’s gaze locked onto Ryker’s. “I only created them… but their powers… that wasn’t mine… someone else did it… someone more powerful.. but why do you care… you have me to blame for everything, right?”
Ryker’s eyes flashed with anger before he stormed out.
Lyra’s gaze followed him, a mix of fear and determination etched on 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."