Ophelia slept peacefully in her chamber until a soft whisper pierced the darkness.
"Opheliaaaa..."
She stirred, opening her eyes to find a dim blue glow emanating from the door.
Unconsciously, she rose from bed and followed the ethereal light, her bare feet padding softly on the cold stone floor.
The palace corridors blurred together as she trailed the luminescent path.
Suddenly, she regained consciousness, her surroundings unfamiliar.
Ophelia's heart racing, she spun around, frantic.
"Where am I? What's this place?"
Shadows danced around her, casting an eerie ambiance.
A low, husky voice called out, sending shivers down her spine.
"Ophelia.."
She whipped around, searching for the speaker.
Ophelia saw a light approaching her, illuminating the surrounding area.
As it drew closer, her surroundings became clear: an ancient, worn-down place filled with dusty artifacts.
"Whoa! What's this? Where am I?" Ophelia exclaimed.
She turned back to the light, now surrounding a figure.
"Ophelia," the figure called out.
Ophelia took a step back, wary.
"Who are you?" she asked.
The figure's gentle tone reassured her.
"Don't be scared, Ophelia. I'm not someone who'll harm you. It's time to reveal the secrets. You've come so far; I'm glad."
Ophelia's voice barely rose above a whisper. "Secrets, secrets, secrets... I'm fed up with these secrets."
The figure's expression softened. "I know. It must have been overwhelming for you."
Ophelia sighed, her frustration palpable.
The figure's gaze locked onto hers. "Ophelia, you must have heard of me. I'm Saskia, the queen of this kingdom. This kingdom was once mine."
Ophelia's eyes widened. "Wh-What? Queen? Oh! So you're the queen Ryker told me about."
Saskia's expression turned curious. "What did he say?"
Ophelia hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
Saskia's wave dismissed her concern. "It's okay, forget it. So, do you want to end the secrets, mystery, and everything?"
Ophelia's skepticism was evident. "But why should I trust you? Ryker told me you died."
A hint of sadness crossed Saskia's face. "I did. The one speaking with you is just a reflection."
Confusion etched itself on Ophelia's face.
Saskia's voice took on a warning tone. "Don't trust him, Ophelia. "
Ophelia's eyes narrowed. "Who?"
Saskia's gaze intensified. "Ryker. He's not worth it.
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."
