012 - The only and bitter option

CHAPTER TWELVE

NYMERA POV

"Are you sure you're okay? You've been zoning out a lot," Fiona said.

I flashed her a small smile. I opened my mouth to reply when she chipped in.

"And don't tell me everything is fine. I'm not a child."

"Truly, a lot has been troubling me lately, but don't worry its nothing that I can't handle," I said as I patted her arm.

She didn't say a word. Her eyes pierced mine, doubts clouded them, and her arms folded against her chest.

She nodded and sighed heavily. "If you say so. If you need someone to talk to, remember I'm always here"

I smiled and engulfed her in a warm hug.

Although I still haven't figured out her relationship with Ophelia, it's nice knowing that she cares, even though it may turn out to be temporary.

"Let's get to work," she said, and I nodded.

Together we proceeded towards Ophelia's chamber, when a guard stopped before us, blocking our path.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Fiona eyed him, pulling me behind her.

The guy indeed was unfamiliar.

He ignored Fiona, and his gaze shifted to me. "I have a message from the Clan members," he informed.

My heart raced. I swallowed heavily, but I kept calm. Fiona turned to look at me, and I flashed her a small smile.

I stepped out from behind her and stretched out my hand without a word. The guard handed it over and left without another word.

The storm continued to brew within me, and I could tell my facade was about to collapse.

"Fiona? I have to attend to something quickly. If I don't get back soon, can you fill in for me?" I asked, my voice cracked.

She reluctantly nodded. "Yeah, of course"

I voiced out, "Thanks," and rushed back to my room hurriedly. What could be in the envelope?

Immediately I got into my room, I locked the door and tore the envelope. The content fell on the floor. Pictures?

My heart pounded against my chest. Slowly, I knelt and picked up the pictures.

Instinctively, my eyes dilated. It was the picture of a woman tortured. Those blue eyes - mother.

My lips quivered as tears clouded my vision. Countless scars covered her body. I couldn't make out the original color of the dress she was wearing.

But the most distinct color was red. Her blood.

My chest tightened. How could they do this to her? Tears streamed down.

Her hands and legs were bound with chains. The room she was held in was dirty. Blood and dirt's splattered on the wall.

Mama was so different from the woman in my memory. She looked malnourished and miserable.

I took another picture, and it was a close portrait of her face. Her eyes had lost their spark. Pain, hidden anger, helplessness and disappointment and... fear - all lingered in her eyes.

"Mama..." I choked as I traced her facial features with my fingers.

"I've missed you, Mama," I cried and clutched the pictures on to my chest.

Why didn't they kill her instead of making her suffer this much? They possibly didn't turn her this way just to control me, right?

I don't know for how long I bawled my eyes out before I decided to stop crying.

Crying wouldn't solve the problem. I need a plan to get my mother out and free her from the clutches of those monsters.

Their message - the threat was crystal clear. They succeeded in shaking me. I checked the envelope, and there was a tiny note.

"Do what you've been told to do and your mother lives!"

My eyes blazed, my fists clenched and my teeth gritted.

"Wouldn't it be better to let her die than for her to continue suffering?" My subconscious suggested.

I shook my head. Angry tears welled up in my eyes again. I know those people are not trustworthy, but I can't let mama die.

Losing her for the second time would kill me. They are confident that I will succumb to their demands.

My shoulders slumped. How vicious!

I bit my lower lip. But... Dorian hates me. It would have been easier if another man hadn't marked me. He can't even stand the sight of me.

Dorian would rather impregnate a prostitute than me.

I squeezed the pictures angrily as I heaved. They all see me as a pawn. I'm nothing but a pawn in their games.

They all know that Dorian despises, yet they demand the impossible from me.

The old alarm on the wall went off, startling me. I have to get back to preparing for the party.

They want me to bear Dorian's child? Fine, I'll do it no matter what it takes. That's the only way Mother can live.

I went into the bathroom and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were swollen and bloodshot.

I washed my face and then hid the pictures under my bed and went back to work. 

"What took you so long? Ophelia almost noticed your absence," Fiona grumbled.

"I'm sorry, it took longer than expected," I gave her puppy eyes.

My eyes widened when I saw her cheek. It was swollen and flushed.

"Who slapped you, Fiona?" I asked.

She waved her hand and smiled, "no one. I mistakenly fell," she answered and looked away.

Fiona always looks away when she's lying.

"Was it Ophelia? What happened?" I pressed further.

"Enough with the questions, Nymera. Don't be nosy. Whatever happened between Ophelia and I is not your business," she spat and stormed off.

I stood rooted. My jaw dropped. Fiona has always been calm. Something is definitely fishy about her relationship with Ophelia.

A few hours later, the party was in full motion. The party was organized for the Caspian council, and Zephyros was the special guest.

Fortunately, I was not invited, so I just roamed around. I don't know why, but my legs led me back to the entrance of the party hall.

Almost immediately, Dorian staggered out alone. Mumbling to himself.

This is my chance. My lips curved into a small smile. The moon goddess had blessed me.

He stumbled and almost fell, but I was quick to hold him.

"Alpha Dorian?" I called, but he didn't answer. His eyes were droopy.

I looked around, and nobody was around. I held his arm tighter and walked him to his chambers.

Thankfully, Ophelia went to her family house. I should be done before gets back.

She got into his room, and he fell on the bed. I wanted to go and lock the door, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me.

I gasped as I fell onto his hard chest. His hands found it way under my dress and began to undo my bra.

Dorian stuck his nose in my neck and inhaled my scent. He let out a low grroan. My eyes widened in shock. Dorian is in heat.

Perfect, the earlier we get done with it the better. I shut my eyes tightly. My stomach churned as he kissed my neck.

"You smell so good today, my dear Ophelia," he growled.

My chest tightened. A single tear escaped my eye. Even in his drunken state, it's only Ophelia. How can I compete with that?

Angrily, I wiped the tear. Just this one time and it won't happen again. I began to unbutton his shirt.

I stripped off my dress, and he pushed me against the wall. I panted.

It will soon be over, Nymera. He crashed his lips onto mine, and I reciprocated with the same ferocity.

Just as things were about to go further, the door pushed open. Before I could see who it was or even react, I was pulled away roughly.

I yelped as I landed on the floor with a thud.

I snapped to look at the person, and it was Ophelia. I felt like dying.

She rushed towards me and slapped me again and again.

"How dare you try to sleep with my man? Cheap whore!" She barked and pulled my hair 

I cried out in pain, but it fell on deaf ears.

"You want to have Dorian's baby? Never!" She screamed. "Who sent you? Is it Caius? Tell him Ophelia didn't approve," she added.

Despite the pain I was feeling, the question still slipped into my head. How come Ophelia knows so much about the Creek’s affairs?

What's going on?