Tamed – Part l

As the voices surrounding her yelled for her not to close her eyes, her heart felt heavy and burning with anguish. His agonizing cries ripped her heart as she battled for her life. He screamed and sobbed in misery as if he had been injured. She felt as if her body was being lifted and taken somewhere. She could scarcely speak, but every word she managed to utter was his name. She was frightened. Not because she was afraid of losing her life, but because she was afraid it would be the last time she saw him. The hands pressing down on her neck wound had departed, and the healer was preparing to care for her.
When the healer touched something on her raw wound, she let out an ear-splitting cry. Each time she cried, sobbed, he felt it too. He was living every bit of the misery and pain she was going through. She wished he was at her side, but his urge to protect her was always stronger than anything else. And when she awoke two days later, he was gone.
When she opened her eyes, Cressida was at her side, gripping her hand, and she told her that he had left. She had once more wept from the agony of losing him and her heart broke into a million pieces as she knew the wait for him this time would be long. Her world had grown cold without his warmth and the agony of not having him by her side was far more worse than those previous days. For countless sleepless nights she laid awake in the bed they used to share, dreaming that he would return to her. He would call her name, pull her close to his chest and tell her how much it hurt to sleep without her by his side. But that never happened and the desperation in her only grew with each passing day. Her fury too grew in her depth as he took his decision not considering her wishes. For a month her neck was tended to. The healer had regularly changed the bandage and she was bedridden. During that month, Cressida took care of her. She became her only support system and a friend she could rely on.

Three weeks after that, she was on regular medication and the wound on her neck slowly healed. Fabian was not informed of this incident for she knew he would hunt that male down and probably behead him. Ophelia had laughed a few times thinking of this possibility but she knew, her father’s love for her can drive him to unknown extents.
Ophelia found herself in front of the office Arderás. After she had regained her strength, she visited his private office often. In the hope to receive some sort of answer from him. She knocked on the door and Arderás’s voice came through,
“Come in,”
Ophelia pushed open the door and walked in. Arderás looked up and he stood up on his feet. “Ophelia!” He exclaimed and rushed to her. He took her to the couch and helped her seat down even though he knew she was well enough to walk on her own.
“Why are you here? You could have just asked for my presence!” He said as he sat down and Ophelia smiled.
“I know how busy you are, Arderás.”
“I always have time for my family, Ophelia. How can I help you?” For the past two weeks, she had visited him and he has asked this very same question every time even after knowing what she wanted to know.
“Do you where he has gone to, Arderás?” She asked and saw a bead of guilt wash over his eyes.
“I wish I had an answer for you, but I don’t. Forgive me.” He said with his head lowered and she smiled.
“I heard your mother say, an Alpha should never lower his head to anyone else besides his mate and the Goddess. And of course, their mother. She was the one who had brought them to life.” Ophelia said as she stood up and walked to the window overlooking the beautiful forest surrounding the pack.
“Do you think he is okay?” Ophelia asked and she could hear Arderás sigh.
“I believe he is.” A moment passed and she spoke up again,
“I-I can’t feel him anymore, Arderás. I can’t feel the spark of our bond and his soul.” Her voice carked and she turned around to face the Alpha.
“It’s been so long since the last I saw him, felt his warmth. I know that you are aware of where he is, Arderás.” She said and saw guilt flicker through his face. She stepped closer to her,
“Please take me to him.” She desperately said and his guilt filled face turned cold.
“I can not do that, Ophelia. Forgive me.” He curtly said.
“Why!” She exclaimed,
“For your safety, Ophelia. Brother needs to bring his beast under control and we have to find the Demon to seal the beast again. Until then I can not tell you where he is.” Arderás said and she smiled.
"Such a virtuous man he is! But he doesn't understand that him being away from me is bleeding me even more. More than his beast made me bleed." She said as she turned around.
"I will find his location, that is something I promise, Arderás. And no one will be able to stop me from bringing him home. Not even Onyx!" Ophelia hissed as she stormed out of his office.

Ophelia's nostrils filled with the smell of Cressida's maple pecan shortbread the moment she stepped back into the manor. As if sensing her presence, Cressida called her. "Come here, Ophelia. I made your favourites!"
With long strides, Ophelia reached the kitchen and Cressida placed freshly made shortbread on the counter. She gestured for her to come and Ophelia walked closer to her. She picked up a shortbread gratefully and munched it down.
"Thank you, mom," Ophelia said as she gulped down a glass of water. She pushed the plate slightly away from her and Cressida frowned.