Chapter 153 Your Luna
Ophelia woke up to the heady scent of her husband and his warmth draping over her like a heavy blanket. She stirred, their thick sheets clinging to her form. She groaned, her entire body sore and aching all over from an insatiable beast. She felt his grip tightening on her waist, his protective arms never releasing her, even in his slumber.
Ophelia's eyes fluttered open, squinting at the assault of the bright sunlight pouring through the window. She turned and saw him, her breath instantly dying in her throat.
Killorn was breathtaking. He always was. His dark black hair fell in strands over his eyes, his lashes long and haunting upon his cheekbones, and his tan skin resembled tree trunks with thick veins wrapped around his muscles. Despite that, his caress was always tender, and his touch warm upon her cold skin. His features were hardened and guarded, his brows scrunched in determination to not let his wife go.
Ophelia shakingly reached up with her hand, her fingers tracing his features. She couldn't help herself. She wanted to memorize every aspect of her husband, who'd risk himself. Most heroes would risk their lovers for the world, but he'd risk the world for her.
"G-good morning," Ophelia whispered at the twitch of his mouth.
Killorn's gaze snapped open, his attention finding hers immediately. She could see her reflection within the dark abyss of his pupils that began to grow light and amber with emotions. The scars etched across his knuckles moved as he cupped her face and kissed her cheek.
"Why are you up this early?" Killorn grumbled, bringing her even closer until not even parchment could get between them.
"I'm sore," Ophelia complained to him.
A smile danced on Killorn's lips as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers gentle and slow. The room seemed to hum with the echoes of their shared intimacy last night.
"It's all my fault," Killorn teased, bending and pressing his mouth to her forehead. She softly sighed, melting under his attention and affection.
The two remained silent for a while, the background seemingly fading from existence. And within the quietness of their room, their heartbeat was slowly beginning to dance as one. Just two bodies, two souls, and one kindled flame.
- - - - -
"I-I'd like to see the damages on Mavez land," Ophelia proposed over a late breakfast. The two had woken up far beyond their regular schedules, but the chefs always worked extra hard to prepare a hearty meal for them both.
Killorn paused from beside her, who sat at the head of the table. She had insisted on being by his side, instead of leading, but he wanted her closest to all the food. He glanced at how much she ate and smiled in satisfaction.
"Let me take you," Killorn offered, placing his utensils down and wiping her hand with the moist towel beside them. Opehlia flushed under his attention. "I-I can do it on my own."
"But I like caring for you." Killorn rose to his feet and offered his palm to her. She accepted it with ease, and instantly, he laced their fingers. His heart swelled at the sight of the redness traveling to her chest now. They had been married for all this time, and she was still shy of intimate touches. The idea made his lips curl.
"My lady, your shawl," Janette said, standing by the exit of their mansion with a thick red shawl decorated with white fur. "Thank you," Ophelia whispered as Janette draped it upon her shoulders, but Killorn was quick to fasten all of the buttons and secure the heavy clothing in place. He raised her hood, covering her entire head in the process, and slid his palm behind her small back, guiding her out the door.
"P-please have the chefs prepare a hearty meal for the town today with hot, piping bread," Ophelia called over her shoulder to Janette. "I reckon the p-people will be hungry."
Then, Ophelia paused and thought about it. "Whip up a large batch of hot chocolate with c-crushed candy canes and whipped cream as well. Let that be the main priority please."
"Yes, my lady," Janette said with a warm smile, bowing as the masters of the house left.
The morning sun bathed over the village in a brilliant glow as everyone was busy restoring buildings and mending damages left by the monster hoards. Ophelia's attention canned the bustling crowd. She curiously peered up at Killorn. "W-where are the injured?" Ophelia asked.
"In the hospital, Reagan and Layla have been making their rounds non-stop. With all magic wiped from this world, they're working back to the basics, but this is for the better," Killorn said. "And no, your blood will not work. You bleed red like a human now."
Ophelia swallowed, her hope squashed on the spot. She was hoping to aid anyone that she could, but realized there wasn't anything she could contribute to the people besides her presence and ensuring they were well-fed.
"Can we go there?" Ophelia continued.
Killorn took a hard pause, glancing over his wife. "The smell there isn't pleasant, Ophelia."
"That's fine."
"Then, let's go," Killorn agreed, guiding her in the direction of the large and airy building. The window was cracked open slightly, as each floor was heavily stocked with a fireplace to keep everyone as warm and comfortable as could be. "Luna! Alpha!" The second they entered, they were greeted. The able-bodied patients rose from their positions, eager to see the faces of the people they'd laid their lines down for.
"P-please remain rested, there is no need for formalities," Ophelia quickly told them. The stench of iron and alcohol was thick in the air, as nurses carried various equipment scurried back and forth, offering aid. She anxiously passed towards a young knight whose entire body was bandaged. He was badly burnt.
"You… shouldn't be here… Luna," he whispered, releasing a soft cough whilst peering up at her helplessly through a squint. He licked his cracked lips and turned his head. "Alpha."
"The air is arid and dry," Ophelia realized to Killorn, lowering herself to pour him a cup of water as Killorn helped him into a seated position. The injured soldier quickly gulped down the water that she held to his lips, releasing a soft sigh of relief.
"I reckon w-we should try to place bowls of hot water boiled with eucalyptus and mint by the fireplace, it should help a bit," Ophelia said to Killorn.
"That can be arranged," Killorn said with a firm nod of his head. "Thank you, Luna," the soldier said, laying back down, his entire body relaxing upon the surface as Ophelia tucked him back in.
"I wish you a speedy recovery," Ophelia responded, rising to observe the remainder of the open layout. They didn't have enough time to build a walled room to house all of the wounded. Guilt nibbled at her when she realized how many people had sacrificed themselves for her.
"I'm surprised the wolf let you out of the den, my lady."
Ophelia spun at the familiar voice of Layla who revealed a bright smile. Layla engulfed Ophelia in a tight hug, surprising everyone around them. "W-what have you been up to?" Ophelia questioned, just as Layla began to drag her towards the entrance of the hospital. Killorn followed the two of them out, but didn't linger long.
"W-where are you going?" Ophelia asked.
"The children are playing with the building materials, it's dangerous," Killorn muttered, pressing a quick kiss on the side of her head and departing from the duo, knowing they were as safe as the word could get in his territory.
"H-how's Beetle and you?" Ophelia continued after Killorn left to deal with the town kids messing around with the new shipment of materials.
Layla's confident demeanor shifted, as her attention flickered up to Killorn briefly. "I'm currently being courted by Beetle, and besides that, things have been going well. I've adjusted better than most magicians, and like many, have turned to herbology after we all lost our magic."
"D-do they resent me?" Ophelia dared to ask.
"Not really," Layla shrugged. "Some might, as magic made our lives much easier, but that ease is destroyed by the presence of monsters. Magic only existed to eradicate monsters, and with them gone, we're all normal humans now. Many magicians turned to different paths. Librarians, historians, anything, but what they were. Figuring out life is quite interesting now that we're no longer the royal family's property."
Ophelia nodded, absorbing the weight of transformation in Layla's life. "And Beetle?" she prodded.
Layla slowly blinked. "Well, doesn't it scare you?" Ophelia tilted her head in confusion.
Layla cleared her throat. "Isn't it terrifying to have a werewolf husband who could easily overpower or even kill you. Humans are still prey in this world, that much will never change."
Ophelia's attention followed to Killorn, where the man was scolding the children, but they adored his presence. They clung to his long legs, grinning up at him, eager to play. He ruffled the head of the youngest boy, barking orders for them to entertain themselves, but a smile graced his lips anyway. They ran around him as another jumped onto his back and another clung to his chest, climbing at him like he was a tree. "It's normal to have that fear," Ophelia said slowly. "But even in regular relationships, human men can always overpower women."
Layla blinked, staring into the distance where Killorn had two kids dangling from his flexed biceps, one on each arm. They were using him as a piece of playing equipment, but he was laughing and walking them away from the supplies. "I suppose I should give Beetle a chance, after all. You know, he's struggling to show his face around you and the Alpha after what he did."
"I-I hope one day, he's able to forgive himself for the urges he couldn't c-control," Ophelia whispered, bowing her head at the memory of his near attack that was triggered by the overwhelming scent of her blood. She didn't blame him at all, he was fighting his hardest to not hurt her.
"You're one of the lucky ones," Layla said, turning her head in Ophelia's direction. "The Alpha is quite addicted to you and you're blissfully unaware. What a cruel addiction it is."
Ophelia laughed. "I don't think he's that obsessed with me."
Layla scoffed. "If only you could see this relationship through other people's eyes."
Ophelia opened her mouth to protest, but paused as Killorn approached her with the rowdy children.
"Come play with us, Luna!" one of the little girls asked with a tight grip on her teddy bear. She innocently blinked her eyes up at Ophelia who's lips parted.
Ophelia glanced around. The town folks were still heavily engrossed in their duty. "Alright then," Ophelia agreed, lowering her hand for the girl to take. Instantly, the child's gaze brightened and she squealed in delight. "What shall we play?"
"House!" the little girl excitedly blurted out, dragging her along.
Ophelia let herself be tugged off, Killorn quick on their steps, despite wrestling all the children clinging onto his body. Everyone around them, Ophelia could hear the bustle and laughter of the community who embraced their life wholeheartedly.
Momentarily, Ophelia was distracted from the complexities of her relationship and life. She followed after the little girl with her blond pigtails. Briefly, Ophelia wondered if she had a daughter, would the baby look like her?
"Luna!" a voice called out from a distance.
Ophelia turned, her body relaxing at the sight of Janette, accompanied by many servants with trays of piping hot chocolate.
"Gather around everyone," Killorn called out, his voice traveling to the field. "Your Luna prepared snacks for you all to enjoy."
Ophelia blinked as people slowly came forward with grateful smiles. People passed by her with thanks and gratitude and she responded with a grin of her own. All the pieces seemed to fall in place, as Ophelia guided the little girl towards the hot chocolate. But when she glanced down, the girl was already running off to her mother who instantly picked her up and kissed her.
"One day, that'll be us," Killorn vowed to Ophelia, coming to her side and wrapping his arms around her. "This, I swear to you."
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