Chapter 122 Fallen Steel Doors
Ophelia went through the entire day with a blur. She could barely think or stomach anything. All she could fathom was the truth revealed to her. She always knew she was special, at least, in some sort of way. Now, she didn't know how to react upon hearing the true extent of her nature.
The Direct Descendant was a creature that no one wanted to be. Direct Descendants bled silver blood that'd heal people and lure vampires whose thirst was unquenchable upon consuming. Their flesh tempted werewolves who'd bite into the human without mercy, consuming all they could of their holy Moon Goddess. An obsession so terrifying, that the Direct Descendant would be consumed inside and out. Every part would be used. Not even bones would be left behind.
Ophelia could only picture what her life would become. Killorn swore he'd protect her, even in his death, whatever that meant. But nothing in the world would reassure Ophelia. Aaron swore secrecy and was the only person who truly knew of the truth about Selene, minus the deceased Patriarch Eves. When nightfall came, Ophelia knew she'd bid goodbye to her father in the morning. Her heart was heavy with how little time she had spent with him since marriage. This was expected.
"Janette," Ophelia mumbled from her vanity where Janette was working on undoing her hair. "W-where's Killorn?"
Janette was already used to hearing the name of her Master and Alpha. Not many people fathomed calling him that, not even a human like her. "I believe he's just returned from training the new soldiers. Shall I fix your hair, my lady?"
Ophelia shook her head, as strands fell over her shoulders. That would take too much time. "It's f-fine, I'll see him now."
Janette didn't protest. Though her lady's appearance was slightly unkempt, the woman was still beautiful. In and out. There was no denying it. No amount of accessories could hide Duchess Mavez's unnatural hair color either. Now that the weather had only grown colder, her hair was whiter like the first snowfall. - - - - -
Ophelia barely made it down the staircase when she overheard the conversation. To her surprise, Reagan was in the foyer, speaking rapidly with Killorn and Beetle. That was unexpected. She had never seen him riddled up over anything. The man was as calm as a willow tree.
"It's urgent," Reagan stated, ushering the two men up the steps with him. He paused at the sight of the lady.
Ophelia swallowed. Every time Reagan glanced at her, she felt like he could see right through her. Despite his age, his brain and mind were sharp. She wondered if he knew. "Ophelia," Killorn addressed, crossing up the stairs and clasping his palm behind her waist. He bent, kissing her fondly on the cheek, a heady scent of salt and musk falling from his broad body. "I'll join you for supper right after this."
Ophelia wished her heart would be still. He had kissed her many times before, but each time, she was a giddy little girl. "I-I want to hear w-what Reagan has to say." Killorn pressed his lips together. He peered into her expecting eyes, large and doe-like. How could he ever say no to her? Now that she knew her identity, he could only indulge in everything she wished to know. Anything could be helpful.
"Alright then, come with us," Killorn invited her.
Ophelia lit up brighter than a Christmas tree. She suppressed a grin, but her mouth curled anyway, especially as he guided her up the stairs and into her study.
"L-Layla's here as well," Ophelia said over her shoulder to Reagan, for the magician had arrived with them. She hadn't visited Layla yet, but knew she was in the library or the study once shared with her and Reagan.
"Hmph, what would I want with a magician who defected from the tower?" Reagan grumbled, disappointment weighing down his face. "She can never return now." Ophelia's head snapped to Killorn, waiting for his explanation.
"She submitted her resignation letter, approved by Prince Everest himself," Reagan continued. "On orders of Alpha Killorn Mavez."
Ophelia swallowed. She knew all magicians belonged to the royal family. A defector was practically unheard of. Rumors were, they had nowhere else to go. The humans would shun them as witches. The royal family would place a bounty on the magician's head. A surviving defector was almost impossible. "We're not here to discuss Layla, though," Reagan concluded, just as they reached the study. "Take a look at this."
Reagan reached into his bag and pulled out a heavily wrapped package with a horrible stench. He placed it onto Killorn's desk and unwrapped it. A deformed brain. Ophelia jumped, suppressing a scream. She covered her mouth, but knew everyone saw her reaction.
"We took this from one of the goblins you killed during the previous invasion," Reagan murmured. "Look at the veins and the size of this thing."
Beetle blanched. "But goblins are stupid, herd-mentality creatures. Their brains are often no more than the size of half a palm. This one is at least double or triple that size!"
"Exactly," Reagan warned. "We've discovered this horrible mutation is occurring in almost every form of monster. The creatures are growing through an evolution and soon enough just like humans, they will become smarter. Sooner or later, they'd be so intelligent, they'd start forming plans or equipment."
Ophelia didn't know what to make of it, but she did notice something odd. Silver lines ran through the brain where the regular blood streams should be.
"If we follow the line of mankind's evolution, these monsters could eventually develop the intellect of humans. They'll become a danger to mankind and the world as we know it," Reagan gravely warned. "And the royal family is fully aware of this."
"When did this begin?" Killorn demanded. "A few months ago," Reagan stated. "We don't have the exact timing. The first known mutation was when you slaughtered those monsters on your journey from bringing your wife to Mavez Dukedom."
The first time Ophelia visited the Mavez Dukedom. Her blood paled. "R-Reagan, these silver lines—"
BANG!
Gerald stormed inside, just as a horrible horn blew in the air. The sound was ominous and deep as the ocean, warning and stopping everything in its path. "Alpha!" Gerald roared, just as Killorn released a string of curses. Everyone knew what that horn warned. "The fortress spotted hoards of monsters coming our way. It's an ambush on all sides!"
"What?" Beetle cried out. "How would they have gotten through the mountains that keep Mavez Dukedom safe? Usually, attacks only come from the north, where our forests are."
"Enough panicking," Killorn demanded, keeping his voice leveled and controlled. Ophelia didn't know how he could remain this calm in this situation.
"Have some of our men escort the vulnerable women and children in the shelter. Divide our men into four groups, one for each side, and gather all of our forces. Even the newly trained soldiers today must participate. Position our archers on the walls, use the poisoned tips first, and if worst comes to worst, light up the fire arrows."
The defense system was impeccable. There were always plans in place for invasions like this. "Reagan, go with Layla and increase the magic barrier around the Dukedom," Killorn instructed the old man. "Lay down your disagreements for the sake of the people."
Gerald and Beetle dashed off to fulfill his commands, alongside Reagan who hobbled and grumbled the whole way.
"And you, Ophelia," Killorn sharply said. "I'm taking you straight to the shelter, no exception—"
"I want to fight." Ophelia refused to stand still like a frightened puppy. "I have magic flowing inside of me, Killorn. I want to—"
BOOM!
"Impossible," Killorn deadpanned in disbelief. Both of their heads snapped to the window, where devastation fell upon them all. The walls meant to keep the Mavez Dukedom safe were beginning to crumble. They could see faint outlines of a magic barrier being broken. But what was the worst was the fallen steel doors. The monsters had broken through the defense. They were infiltrating the town as the two spoke.
"You want to fight?" Killorn snarled, grabbing her wrist with a harsh glower. He didn't want her to join, but they had no choice.
"Please," Ophelia affirmed.
"Fine," Killorn gritted out. They had no more time to waste. "Come with me and see the chaos for yourself."
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