238 My Family
Night had descended upon Celestia.
The grand feast, held in honor of the visiting kings, was in full swing. Music filled the air, and the sound of laughter and elegant chatter accompanied the clinking of glasses and utensils.
With the jovial atmosphere, a sense of calm pervaded the gathering, thanks to River’s reassuring presence. “To be honest, even if none of the dragons can find her, my sister will make her way back to us, unscathed and unruffled,” River declared, his features carved with pride.
Zephyr, seated at the table, spoke up softly, “Hmm, she is strong.”
The murmurs of agreement that followed were unanimous, with no one questioning Zephyr’s assertion.
However, Vladmir’s gaze drifted to Zephyr, filled with a deep sense of pity. He knew a secret that no one else did well… except the demons.
Goddess Ophelia was Zephyr’s daughter.
Vladmir’s heart went out to the god, who must be beside himself with worry. If possible, Zephyr’s concern for Ophelia’s safety likely surpassed that of everyone else present.
Though the feast was well–attended, a few notable faces were absent. Skylar, Ashton, Rhaziel and Esmeralda had excused themselves, with Esmeralda returning to Leimpia on urgent business.
Meanwhile, Skylar had been persuaded by Sasha to keep a safe distance from the castle and city until the current war had passed.
In the courtyard, Rhaziel stood with his back against the wall, his expression somber as he watched his brother pace anxiously, cradling a
13.00
238 My Family
white nine–tailed fox in his arms.
Pain, on the other hand, was sleeping beside Rhaziel
“So, you’re saying that since his guardian beast isn’t going on a rampage, it means he’s not in danger?” Rhaziel asked.
“Could there be another reason?” Ashton asked, inviting his brother to consider alternative explanations.
Rhaziel shrugged nonchalantly. “To be honest, that’s the only logical explanation.”
Ashton grinned. “It is crazier than the fact that he’s actually our little brother, but in a different life.” A pout played on his lips.
Rhaziel let out a sigh, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the ring on Ashton’s finger. “Were you planning on inviting me to your wedding?”
Ashton chuckled, a smile spreading across his face. “Why wouldn’t I?” He looked down, seemingly surprised that the nine–tailed fox had vanished from his grasp. “That clingy fox.”
Rhaziel raised an eyebrow. “Is he clinging to anyone apart from Cyrus?”
Ashton’s expression turned thoughtful. “He’s taken a liking to Sage… well, their child, to be precise.” He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting upward to the starry sky. “Brother, I can sense a lingering magic from the blood pearl within the castle.”
Rhaziel nodded. “I’ve already instructed Sasha to investigate. The lingering magic seems to be confined to the area where the portal was activated. However, Tiana herself is not within the castle walls.”
Ashton’s face darkened. “She’s fortunate to possess the blood pearl. It’s the
only reason we can’t pinpoint her location easily, and why the reapers can’t even approach her.”
13.00
238 My Family
Rhaziel nodded in agreement, his jaw set. “She can’t remain hidden forever.”
Just then, a magnificent golden dragon appeared in the sky, its furious roar echoing through the courtyard as it landed with a resounding thud. In an instant, the dragon transformed into its human form – Ophelia.
Ophelia’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of Rhaziel and Ashton standing before her. A nervous laugh escaped her lips, and she rubbed her head, looking a bit disoriented. “I think I need to rest more.”
She collapsed onto the courtyard floor, breathing heavily, her hand pressed against her chest. “I… can’t breathe.”
Pain immediately sensed Ophelia’s distress and rushed to her side. He began to purr and circle around her, eventually settling onto her lap.
Ophelia’s laughter was soft and soothing. “Pain! Did you miss me?”
“Ophelia!” Rhaziel’s voice cut through the air, filled with relief. He rushed towards her, accompanied by his twin, Ashton.
“You’re okay!” Rhaziel’s eyes scanned her face, searching for any signs of
distress.
Ophelia’s smile was weak but genuine. “I remember,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I remember everything from my past life, and every memory Nikolai erased of himself from my life.” Her breathing was labored, and Rhaziel’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You… you do?” Rhaziel asked, his voice filled with awe. “And you don’t feel… you know?”
Ophelia laughed, shaking her head. “I’m fine, just overwhelmed. And I think I was kidnapped by Dominik.”
A soft chuckle escaped Rhaziel’s lips. “Oh, you were.”
Ophelia’s laughter was painful, and she buried her face in her hands, her
13.00
238 My Family
voice muffled. “How long has it been? Where’s Nikolai?”
Rhaziel and Ashton exchanged nervous glances before looking back at Ophelia, their smiles faint and reassuring.
After being pampered with food and water, Ophelia was briefed on the events that had transpired during her absence. Her eyes widened in astonishment as she listened to the tale, but nothing could have prepared her for the surprise that awaited her.
Seated in the throne room, she locked eyes with a familiar figure from her past life – her father, Zephyr. His shy, adoring gaze and evident relief left her stunned.
The presence of the ice dragon, however, was an unexpected but welcome surprise. Ophelia was well aware of the animosity between Cyrus and Nikolai, but she was grateful for the ice dragon’s presence.
Pacing around the throne room, Ophelia’s agitation grew. She raked her fingers through her neatly combed hair, ruffling it as she struggled to process the information. “The Blood Moon Gods can locate the Blood Pearl,” she exclaimed, turning to face Danil, Viktor, and Valerian. “They have a deep connection to it.”
“We’ve tried, Ophelia, but Tiana seems to have vanished into thin air.” Viktor murmured.
Ophelia’s eyes narrowed, her breathing labored. “Nikolai is awake, I can feel it. He’s just… silent. Too silent.”
“Tiana must be planning something,” she muttered, her brow furrowed. “But what? Maybe she’s waiting for us to let our guard down?”
Before anyone could respond, Pain sprang to life, his eyes shining with excitement. The castle’s foundation began to tremble, the ground shaking
12:00
238 My Family
beneath their feet.
“I’m guessing that’s him?” River asked, his frown deepening.
Ophelia’s smile was nervous as she gazed at River. “I missed you, my sweet
brother.”
River’s response was gruff. “Stay away from me, you troublemaking brute.” He strode out of the throne room, his urgency palpable. Cyrus trailed
behind him, his expression unruffled.
As they departed, the tremors intensified, and the sound of distant howling grew louder, hinting at the arrival of Nikolai.
Ophelia’s eyes followed Pain as he darted out of the throne room. Without hesitation, she took off after him, her heart racing with excitement and hope. The prospect of reuniting with her husband propelled her forward.
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Lycan's Forbidden Mate