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Ophelia stormed into the throne room, her eyes flaring with rage as she approached Dominik, who was chained and flanked by guards. Dominik’s lips parted to speak, but Ophelia’s harsh slap sent his head snapping to the
side.
“What were you thinking when you infiltrated Leimpia? What were you thinking when you killed Boris?!” she yelled, hef voice echoing off the walls.
Dominik slowly turned his head, his eyes wide with shock as blood trickled from his nose. “Don’t you understand what I’m trying to do? I love you! I’ll protect you from all these-”
“Shut up!” Ophelia’s growl cut him off, her eyes flashing into their golden reptilian form. “Are you not listening to me?!”
Dominik’s frown deepened. “Tell the guards to release me, so we can talk privately.” He shot a glare at Rhaziel and Esmeralda, who stood behind Ophelia, their eyes locked on him in a fierce stare.
Ophelia scoffed incredulously. “Why should I do that?”
Dominik’s gaze snapped back to hers, his eyes burning with rage. “Why don’t you accept your fate with me?! I’ll kill Nikolai Novikov and wipe out the entire Novikov family, as well as all the golden dragons, if you don’t come with me!”
Ophelia’s expression turned from amusement to disgust. “Do you think threatening me will make things better for you?” A spear made of fiery flames materialized in her grip, its tip glinting menacingly.
“You’re threatening my family, and you think I’ll just let you go free?!” Her voice was a low, deadly whisper.
Dominik’s eyes widened in terror as Ophelia jammed the spear into his
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chest, the flames engulfing his heart. “No… no, I…” His words trailed off, his body slumping forward, lifeless. His eyes frozen in a permanent stare.
Esmeralda’s chuckle filled the air. “Wow, I didn’t expect you’d just kill him.
Rhaziel wanted a shot.”
Ophelia’s lips curled into a wry smile as she glanced at the demon and the dark fairy. “I’ve been waiting to kill him for a long time, even before I recovered my past life memories.”
Esmeralda’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh? What did he do?”
Ophelia’s expression turned somber as she began walking away. “He was the one who killed me and Nikolai. It’s his own bad luck that he was reborn
at the same time as me.”
As she entered the chamber, her heart skipped a beat. Nikolai sat awake, squatting in front of her, gently petting a purring Pain.
“Nikolai!” Tears of joy welled up in her eyes, excitement thrumming through
her soul.
Nikolai immediately swept Ophelia into a tight embrace, twirling her around as she laughed with unbridled joy.
“When did you wake up?” she asked, burying her face in the crook of his
neck.
“Not too long ago,” he whispered, his breath caressing her skin. “I was about to come find you.”
As he set her back on her feet, his hands cradled her face, his eyes drinking in the sight of her. “The darkness, Tiana’s screams… I’ve been trapped in that nightmare for so long, and now I just…”
Ophelia’s hands on his shoulders interrupted his words. “You’re free now, Nikolai. It’s all over.”
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Tears welled up in Nikolai’s eyes, and Ophelia planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. Her palm cupped his face, her touch warm and reassuring. “Fate be damned.”
Nikolai chuckled, a low and rough sound, his forehead pressing against Ophelia’s as they both closed their eyes, savoring the warmth of each
other’s presence.
A deep, heavy sigh of relief escaped his throat, the words echoing Ophelia’s. “Fate be damned.”
Days later…
Lev trailed behind Ophelia, his eyes fixed on her with concern. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You don’t have to go to the festival.”
Ophelia rubbed her temples, her brow furrowed. “I’m feeling okay, Lev. I’m just a bit dizzy.” She glanced at Pain, who was sticking close to her side.
Lev’s eyes widened. “Does Nikolai know you’re not feeling well?”
Sasha appeared from the adjacent hallway, her brow raised. “Is someone sick? What’s going on?”
Ophelia forced a laugh, trying to downplay her condition. “I’m not ill, Lev’s just overreacting.” However, her voice trembled slightly, betraying her true
state.
Sasha’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure? Let me check you over.” She grasped Ophelia’s shoulders, her eyes scanning her face.
Lev nodded in agreement. “I think that would be best.” He smiled shyly at Sasha before she dragged Ophelia away for a checkup.
Ophelia flopped onto Sasha’s bed, her gaze drifting lazily to the chandelier above. “I’m fine, Sasha, this is unnecessary,” she protested, her lips pursed in
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a childish pout.
Sasha smiled knowingly. “A checkup isn’t unnecessary, Ophelia. Nikolai’s in a council meeting with the newly appointed members and the Alphas. It won’t be good if he comes back to find you falling off the stairs because you’re dizzy.” She glanced at Pain, who was watching Ophelia with bright, concerned eyes.
Ophelia’s laughter was playful. “Now you’re overreacting like Lev. You two are meant for each other.”
Sasha’s face flushed as she returned her attention to Ophelia, her hands settling on Ophelia’s stomach. “It’s obvious you’re excited for the festival because you’ll get to meet your family. Lev told me that all your brothers and your mother are back in the castle… and Rodion is still nowhere to be found.”
“I hope he’s dead somewhere,” Ophelia said with a smile.
The days that followed had brought significant changes to Celestia. With Nikolai on the throne, the empire had stabilized, and his family had become the Alpha lords of their respective regions. The Novikovs had divided the empire among themselves, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity.
On a personal front, relationships had blossomed and evolved. Sasha and Lev had grown closer, their bond strengthening with each passing day. Ophelia and Lev had also reconciled, putting their past differences behind them. Vladmir and Valerian’s romance continued to simmer, their chemistry palpable. Danil, on the other hand, was content to enjoy life’s pleasures, unmotivated to search for his mate.
Viktor, however, had taken a different path. At Nikolai’s behest, he had entered into an arranged marriage with Skyla Flores. The union was meant to strengthen the Novikov family’s ties and expand their influence.
Esmeralda and Rhaziel’s upcoming wedding was another celebration on the
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horizon. Overall, the kingdom had finally found a sense of calm and normalcy, with relations between Celestia and Fireria also improving.
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