141 The Abyss
Ophelia waited for Killorn to fall asleep. She lay in his tight embrace, knowing it'd be impossible to worm her way out of his grasp. A part of her wanted to cherish this a little while longer. She could feel his body rise and fall with each soft exhale. In his sleep, his majestic features were softened and vulnerable, but his grip on her was determined. She peered upon his etched brows, lost in a deep slumber. She basked in his scent, of rich pine and sheer masculinity. And soon, Ophelia managed to slip away, writhing slowly and slightly, until she replaced herself with a pillow.
Nyx was still nowhere to be seen. With a final glance back at her husband, Ophelia slipped out into the night in a thick coat and cape. She knew what she was doing was foolish. He'd never forgive her, but she'd never forgive herself if she didn't try.
Ophelia knew how much Killorn cared for his people. They were also her responsibility. Not once have they shown her malice. Everyone was always warm and supportive of her here, treating her with great tenderness and care. Even Cora, who despised Ophelia's timidness, never once acted out on her feelings.
Ophelia wanted to protect this land. She wanted to protect the people her husband cared so much about. And above all, Ophelia wanted to keep Killorn alive.
Ophelia slipped towards the horse stables. If Everest received her message at the dining hall, he should be here.
"Luna?"
Ophelia froze at the sight of the guards that emerged from the darkness of the stable doors. They were here all along, watching her approach like some thief.
The werewolves on duty exchanged a confused glance. "How can we help you this late into the night, Luna?" one of them asked. The other searched behind Ophelia, wondering where their Alpha was.
Ophelia brushed past them, and straight for the stables, where she located Eggshell with ease. Killorn's loyal and trusted beast, yet when she offered her palm, Eggshell let out a soft snort, almost recognizing his scent on her. She ran her fingers against Eggshell's face, careful and hoping the horse would oblige.
"It's quite late for a midnight run, Luna. Please, allow us to look for the Alpha and he shall accompany you—"
"Your Alpha has been charged with treason," Ophelia murmured, turning to face their shocked and horrified expressions. She offered them a soft smile. "Let me walk free. I am on my way to clear his charges, and the only way to do so is to deliver myself to the royal family."
"Luna—"
"Please, for your Alpha's sake, step aside and pretend you never saw me," Ophelia ordered, opening the stable doors to Eggshell and slipping on the saddle. "But you're sacrificing yourself, Luna!" they protested quickly, holding onto Eggshells' reins as Ophelia hopped onto the creature.
Eggshell neighed in protest, stepping back as she firmly yanked back the reins from the guards' grips. Instantly, the horse calmed down, swaying a bit, but remaining firm in his stance. "Step aside, fools. She means to keep your Alpha alive, so let her go," a voice commanded, and immediately, the men parted, as if their body acted on their own accord.
Ophelia froze in fear when she spotted Lupinum leaning against the stable entrance. He revealed a twisted grin, dangling a piece of paper between his fingertips. The message for Everest. "Unfortunately, you'll have to journey alone and pray to your mother that you'll make it out of here alive and in one piece," Lupinum stated. "Since you clearly refused my offer… No one gets to have you."
Ophelia glowered, understanding why Everest was nowhere in sight. Lupinum intended for her to die one way or another, be it at her own hands or in the forest. It was only true her death would make the Overlords rest.
"What did you do?" Ophelia demanded.
"He's just asleep for now," Lupinum said. "And he won't wake up until you're out of this premise. It's your choice, Ophelia. You can either dash into the night for a wretched death, or, you can come with me."
Ophelia gritted her teeth, glowering deeply at him, despite the trembling of the guards beside her. They were bound by the Werewolf Sovereignty to obey their Alphas, but above all, the Father of the Werewolves. Lupinum. None of the wolves would be able to protest against Lupinum who held all the power amongst his kind.
"If I'm going to die anyways, then I'd rather die trying." Ophelia stormed out of the stables with Eggshell, much to the resounding laughter of Lupinum.
Together, they braved the cold night. The frigid wind nipped at her skin, almost slicing through her flesh with each passing second. The moon was high in the sky, dangling and pale, but shining her a path through the forest trees. She prayed to her mother, who must've been watching over her. She prayed for a safe journey out of these woods. Ophelia had only one goal in mind. She had enough gold coins to buy supplies in the nearest town. She was unable to bring anything that could keep her protected on this journey, except a small dagger strapped to her waist, not that she'd ever need it. She believed in herself and her magic. All of which would keep her safe.
The world was shrouded in an eerie stillness as Ophelia urged Eggshell onwards. Soon, the estate faded behind her. Suddenly, a chilling howl pierced the air, a sound that struck fear into her heart and shook the branches. Animals scurried into their hideouts as Eggshell trembled with memory.
"Killorn…" Ophelia exhaled under her breath, recognizing that howl anywhere. Sharp and clear. Killorn must've awakened to her disappearance in his bed and the realization of her intentions.
With a sense of urgency, Ophelia lowered her body and pressed Eggshell to go faster. The horse responded to her anxious plea as his legs broke out in a thunderous run from the ruthless noises behind them. His speed was faster than lighting with his burdenless load. Without warning, another monstrous roar echoed through the night, this time, sending shivers down Ophelia's spine. She peered back, terror gripping her throat. Actual monsters emerged, grotesque and fearsome. They slipped out of the shadows, tempted by her scent and flesh.
"Faster!" Ophelia cried out to Eggshell, understanding the animal was running at his limit. Panic seized Eggshell as the horse began to bolt forward uncontrollably, understanding his death was quickly approaching. Ophelia struggled to rein in the frightened steed, her heart pounding against her chest. Immediately, a creature jumped in front of their path.
Eggshell loudly neighed as he launched his front legs and steadfastly jumped over the tiny monster. She cried out, nearly thrown off by Eggshell's panic.
Ophelia finally understood why Killorn warned her about the horse. She didn't have the strength or power to control the wild and reckless animal. And despite his initial agreement to help her, he was just a pet. He was no human.
"Eggshell, please!" Ophelia cried out, desperately attempting to guide Eggshell away from the impending danger. The hoard of monsters was rapidly advancing behind them, eager to tear into her limbs. She could hear the forest floors tremble and shake at their strength, as hungry noises echoed from behind.
"Eggshell, no!" Ophelia cried out, yanking the horse back roughly as they found themselves near a cliff that overlooked the Mavez Dukedom. Eggshell had run them to where he was most familiar with, the last place that his master took them to. "N-no…" Ophelia gasped out, turning around, but realized they were cornered. From underneath them, she could hear the sound of the rushing waters of a river below and knew this would be her end.
The monstrous horde closed in, creatures of all shapes and sizes presented in front of her. Eggshell nervously neighed, stepping back to create distance between the two of them. Fear clenched Ophelia's heart as the creatures began to approach, their grotesque forms casting frightening shadows. "Please…" Ophelia chanted to herself, rubbing her palms together in the hopes of casting another spell. Anything at this point! "Displodo!" she cried out, throwing her hands in front of her.
Nothing.
Ophelia sharply inhaled in disbelief, shakingly glancing down. Her nerves were at an all-time high and she felt like she was drowning. How could this be? She was able to cast the spell last time! She whimpered in fear, whispering his name, hoping he'd hear her, but knew that was impossible.
"Killorn!" Ophelia cried out in desperation, a plea for salvation. For a fleeting moment, she thought she saw his wolf rapidly advancing through the thick forest. But, her hope was quickly shattered, as one of the monsters lunged forward, startling Eggshell.
"Ah!" Ophelia screamed as Eggshell reared, raising his hind legs in defense. In an instant, Ophelia felt herself tossed in the air, the wind blowing in her ears. Her body lifted and she was beginning to fall backward.
A guttural roar filled the air, a mix of despair and desperation. "NOOOO!" Ophelia knew this was the end. She could hear his rage, his fury as she began to descend. She'd recognize him anywhere. As the world blurred around her, Ophelia knew she had been flung off the cliff. She saw his arm lunging out to grab her, and then, multiple people jumping on top of him, holding him back.
Killorn wanted to join her in death. She could see the full moon hanging high in the sky, surrounded by stars before thick clouds rolled over the light, leaving them in darkness to fend for themselves.
"OPHELIA!" Killorn screamed out, his voice loud enough to shake the forest trees and send birds spiraling into the air. The cry of a monster who lost his mate. The bellow of a husband who'd lost his wife.
In those final moments, Ophelia's eyes locked with Killorn's disappearing face. An anguished expression etched upon his features.
With a sense of acceptance, Ophelia closed her eyes, surrendering to the abyss that opened to welcome her. She awaited her death in the depths below.
The world disappeared just as her body slammed into the surface of the racing water. Pain erupted on every inch of her skin, no doubt, shattering bones. Agony blossomed, seizing her movements and consciousness. The last thing she saw and remembered was the haunting image of Killorn's amber eyes, burning bright with agony and loss.
Finally, the darkness claimed her.
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