After we ate and made our way down the hill, we returned to the path. It had only been a week and a day since we left.
"Up ahead, there should be a bridge crossing over a stream," Sabrina said.
We could already hear the water rushing violently against the rocks below. I glanced to the side-
"Wait!" I called.
Everyone froze.
"What?" Ethan asked.
"There's someone there."
I pointed toward the stream. A woman lay near the bank, water splashing against her shoes.
We all rushed toward her. She was lying still, eyes closed but breathing.
"She's alive," I muttered.
I crouched down beside her.
"Hello?" Ethan said cautiously.
Her eyes flew open. She shot upright so fast we all stumbled back.
"Whoa!"
She coughed.
"How long have I been asleep?" she asked.
"We don't know," I answered. "We just got here and found you."
Ethan stepped forward. "Who are you?"
"My name is Ophelia. My husband sent me away. I traveled for some time… grew exhausted… and must have washed up here."
Lyra shifted behind us.
"Ophelia?" She whispered.
She pulled her cloak from her face and stumbled out of Ethan's hold. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she fell to her knees and wrapped her arms around the woman.
"I thought I was the only one," Lyra cried against her shoulder.
Ophelia blinked in surprise then her expression softened. Returning the hug.
"Oh, Lyra. Did you forget I was married and living in another castle?"
Lyra laughed weakly through tears "I forgot."
I narrowed my eyes.
"So you're a vampire," I said flatly.
Ophelia met my gaze without hesitation. "Yes. From the Demon Kingdom."
"Demon Kingdom?" Ethan repeated.
"My husband is a demon."
My eyes widened. A vampire married to a demon? Was that even allowed?
Lyra sniffled. "How's my cousin, Ophelia?"
Ophelia's expression darkened. "He's fighting for his life. That's all I know."
So this demon husband of hers he's Lyra's cousin?
"Lyra," Ophelia said suddenly, studying her closely. "Are you alright?"
Lyra blinked blankly. "What?"
"You don't look like yourself."
Lyra hesitated. "I… ended up with a severe concussion."
Ophelia's face grew anxious. "What? Are you okay? Do you need anything? How much have you healed? When did this happen? How-"
"Slow down," Lyra murmured.
Ophelia swallowed. "Sorry. I'm worried."
"I'm… somewhat okay. I don't need anything. Just stay with me." Lyra touched her temple lightly. "My head was slammed into a cave wall. Repeatedly."
Ophelia went still.
"Princess Lyra," She said quietly, "do you understand what could've happened?"
Lyra nodded.
Ophelia stood, helping her up. Lyra immediately stumbled forward.
"I'm still dizzy."
Fantastic. Just when I thought we were done running into vampires.
Ophelia glanced around at us. "I see you're traveling with werewolves."
Lyra's voice sharpened. "Yeah."
"Trust me," I muttered, "we're not thrilled either."
Ophelia shot me a cold look.
"Why are you with them?" She asked Lyra, tightening her grip on her hand.
"Believe me, I don't want them with me," Lyra said. "The Shadows attacked their kingdom. They were forced out. "I'm heading to Eldoria to find Britney. My family has been taken, and that's another reason I'm traveling."
"Believe me," I added, crossing my arms, "we don't want to be with you either."
Ophelia ignored me, brushing hair from Lyra's face. "What did they do to my darling Lyra?"
I snapped.
"Are you serious right now? Maybe you should ask your 'darling' princess what she did to us. She attacked our kingdom. Threw silver weapons. Sabrina's boyfriend died because of it. Now her son grows up without a father.
Silence.
Lyra turned away from us.
"Maybe," she said quietly, "you should've thought twice before attacking us and nearly killing my father. But I will admit… I had no intention of killing anyone."
She inhaled shakily.
"I'm sorry for taking someone you love."
None of us spoke.
I never thought I'd hear her apologize.
Sabrina's fists clenched. "What do you mean no intention of killing?"
"I never studied werewolves," Lyra said. "No one told me silver could kill instantly. I knew it weakened you. I didn't know about silver poisoning. I know Jonah jumped on the bomb. I didn't think…" Her voice faltered. "I don't like calling myself a murderer."
Ophelia smiled softly at her. "You look exactly like your mother. But you act like your father."
Lyra gave a faint smile.
"How's your memory?" Ophelia asked gently.
"Foggy. Some pieces are still missing."
Sabrina looked torn. I stepped beside her.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded, though her eyes glistened. "I don't know if I can believe her."
"I know," I murmured. "But focus on healing your ribs first."
Shave gave a small chuckle.
Lyra turned back to Ophelia. "You should come with us. It's dangerous alone."
Ophelia hesitated.
"Please," Lyra whispered.
After a long breath, Ophelia nodded. "Fine. I wouldn't want you alone with them any longer."
I rolled my eyes. Of course.
"We still have a long way to go," Lyra said softly. "But I'm glad you're here."
"That makes two of us."
Lyra stumbled again. Ophelia caught her instantly.
"You're sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine."
"I'll walk you to Eldoria."
"No, I don't want to burden you."
Ophelia flicked her forehead lightly. "Nonsense."
"Yes!" Ethan suddenly cheered. "Freedom at last!" He started dancing. "Bless this day! I no longer have to carry something disgust-"
A pebble hit him in the head.
"Ow!"
Ophelia lowered her hand calmly. "Next time, it'll be silver if you don't shut up."
Sabrina stepped forward instantly. "You've got a lot of nerve throwing things at my brother."
"Would you like one too?" Ophelia asked coldly.
"What?"
"I can gladly provide-"
She suddenly paused, hand pressing to her stomach. Her other hand covered her mouth.
"Ophelia?" Lyra asked.
"I'm fine," she insisted quickly. "Let's just go."
"Sabrina, drop it," Ethan muttered, rubbing his head.
"But-"
"Let. It. Go."
He walked ahead.
I rested a hand on Sabrina's shoulder. "Come on."
As we moved forward
"Ophelia?" Lyra asked softly.
"Yes?"
"Thank you. These wolves are the death of me."
Ophelia smirked faintly. "You don't have to thank me. I'll always be here for you."
They walked side by side, sharing a brief side hug.
And for the first time since we met her… Lyra smiled. A real one.