they are spelled, just swim the way you came and you will find yourself back upstairs,” he stated softly.
I turned. “Thank you Adriatic, really.”
His eyes warmed as he nodded. “Just stay safe, Ophelia. We need you.” Responsibility for people I didn’t even know washed over me and I think I realized at that moment just how much of this I actually believed in.
I fell into the water, his hands leaving me as my eyes flashed open and water surrounded me. I gasped, gripping the books as I looked around. The entire space was a midnight blue tinted with aqua and I swam forward finding my pace as I moved towards the lighting. I watched as scaled tails went past me and when the water started to become shallower, I surfaced with a gasp.
“Fuck!” Someone snarled, grabbing me from the water.
I inhaled Rain’s scent as I coughed, gripping the books and kneeling on the stone.
“Ophelia,” Kirin spoke softly, “breathe, Zaya.”
“What’s she holding?” Koa asked softly as I looked up at him and Bard, both of them looking concerned and trying to not hover.
Oliver gently pried my hands down so everyone could see the books, including Merrick that looked pale and his eyes dark. Oh, fuck, that’s right. Water. I stood up and pressed the books into Oliver’s hands, moving off to the side to squeeze out my hair and tug off my heavy sweater, ringing it out. Someone groaned as I ignored it, wearing my bra was enough, plus I had pants on. Merrick’s lime scent surrounded me and I looked up into his worried gaze.
“Pretty girl,” he mumbled, brushing his hand over my shoulder.
Instead of beating around the bush, I wrapped my arms around him and spoke the truth. “I’m sorry, Merrick.”
“Sorry?” he asked.
“I can tell you don’t like water,” I stated softly.
Before he could respond, I pulled away and looked around the cave. Suddenly, Kirin was there and pulled his large jacket around my shoulders. I sighed into it and tried to gather my thoughts.
“So what now?” Koa asked softly.
“I need the night to just gather myself,” I stated, knowing that if I didn’t ask for it directly it wouldn’t happen. “Let’s get back upstairs and I guess, regroup tomorrow?”
Instead of letting them voice their disagreement, I moved towards the door and the hole that would lead us back above ground. Luckily, I didn’t even have to ask before Bard had wrapped his arm around my waist and flew us right out, his gracefully dark wings fluttering against my skin briefly. I knew they were frustrated…and I didn’t blame them.
But for my own mental health, I needed space from this and there was only one place I could trust.
Chapter 15
Ophelia Rose
How Many Lies in My Life?
I was constantly torn between thinking that my trips to the Widow were a fantastic idea and a terrible mistake. One that I would no doubt continue to make and not just because the champagne they served was fantastic. No, I went there because of the two ridiculously sexy men that somehow always ended up at my side while I drank there. In fact, it had become so consistent that I didn’t consider drinking elsewhere.
I had to thank them in part for never leaving me in a vulnerable position and letting me drink despite it possibly putting their jobs in jeopardy. I was really hoping they were working tonight because without them I wouldn’t have anyone to walk me through the insanity of Village Worth.
I had yet to open that book and instead had buried it underneath all of my board games. I had a feeling that when I opened it up everything would change. So tonight, I was going to just be Ophelia Rose. Not an heir to some damn fae court.
Unlike normal, I hadn’t even dressed up. My leggings were tight and I wore an oversized sweater and boots, my damp hair braided back. This really wasn’t about going out as much as just escaping from the reality that continued to slam into me like unrelenting waves.
It was a smooth ride into Kansas City, a bit over an hour, and my phone was completely off. However, I did bring it this time. Usually, I left it because I had a burner phone so Denise couldn’t track me but today I didn’t care as much. Hell. I didn’t even tell her I was leaving. I would deal with the consequences of my stepmother tonight when I got home. Not just your stepmother. No,