Chapter 144 Call Off the War

Chapter 144 Call Off the War

"She's awake!" In the background, frantic footsteps could be heard, tracing and running around, followed by the company of more panicked rushing.

Ophelia groaned at the soreness and weight of her body. She felt warmth lapping upon her face, both wet and rough. Snapping her eyes open, she was horrified at the sight of an enormous dog in front of her. Instantly, the creature lets out a tiny yelp, almost offended by her rejection, but she recognizes those pupils and dark hair anywhere.

"Nyx...?" Ophelia whispered, glancing down at her bandaged hands and fingernails. She half-expected the dog to respond like her loyal pet. To her surprise, he happily panted in her direction, his tail wagging.

The creature happily barked in agreement, nuzzling closer to her body. Despite his tilted head of confusion and playful demeanor, a part of her knew he was still her pet. Ophelia was startled, wondering how he grew this large within a span of... wait, how long was she out for?

"You're not a real dog, are you?" Ophelia worriedly asked, just as Nyx curiously stepped around the modest bed they were resting on. He licked his paws, peering at her innocently. She wryly took in her surroundings, but felt weak all over, as if her limbs were fighting her. She coughed as her skin felt like she had been stung in a thousand spots

"I'm glad to see you're recovering well, my lady," a voice softly spoke from her side.

Ophelia grew alert, turning her head to see an older woman with a warm face and weathered hands.

"Where am I?" Ophelia asked, "A-and thank you for helping me."

"You are within the town just before the Mavez Dukedom. Do you not remember us, my lady? You've once lent us a fancy carriage for us to sell the parts and rebuild our economy." [1]

Ophelia was speechless. She had always heard of the butterfly effect, but not to this extent. She observed the environment and saw how well-decorated the plan was, with herbs strung above them, brightly colored curtains, fresh wooden furniture, a stoked fireplace, and warm rugs strung about. A savory scent filled the air, hinting of meat and spices.

"Quite a loyal beast you have there, my lady," the older woman continued. "When the townsfolk went to wash their clothes in the river, we found the two of you by the river bedside, all cut up from the jagged rocks."

"Yes! You've got it now!" Ophelia encouraged, watching as his tags flicked back and forth wildly at her encouragement.

Nyx took the scissors with his mouth, and happily frolicked in her direction. "G-good boy," Ophelia mused, scratching behind his ears in encouragement. Nyx panted in agreement, licking at her fingertips, but she found it all too amusing. Here she was, commanding a creature nearly her size.

Ophelia flinched and winced as she dug the tip of the scissor blade into her palm, drawing out the smallest trickle of blood. Nyx stopped swishing his tail as his ears perked. Before he could lick it off of her, she pressed her bleeding hand to her mouth. "Gross," Ophelia coughed at the stale and bitter iron of her own blood. She wondered how such a liquid could be as sweet and tempting as people claimed. Nyx instantly pounced, as he released a small growl in warning, pinning her onto the bed.

"Stop it," Ophelia gasped, struggling against his monstrous strength. She pushed the creature off of her, but froze, realizing she finally had the power to hold him back. She was recovering, quite quickly too. He instantly licked at her cut, healing the area immediately, or was that her own doing?

"What are you?" Ophelia wondered out loud, blinking at the dog. He was no ordinary pet. She wondered if he did it out of instinct to feed himself, but she was grateful for his help. She feared the smell of her blood would attract more monsters. Outside the room, Ophelia heard a commotion.

"She's opened her eyes? Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

"Anne, wait—"

"I must see her!" Ophelia winced at the screaming. Before she could recover, the doors flew open, slamming against the wall. A frantic and wide-eyed brunette with bloodshot eyes dashed into the room.

"You're awake!" a young woman cried out in exhaustion, almost collapsing at Ophelia's bedside in relief. That must've been Anne. "Hurry my lady, you still have time!"

Ophelia was startled wondering what the maiden was crying about. Without warning, the woman threw herself at Ophelia's knees.

"Luna, please I beg of you, you must convince the Alpha! My husband, m-my sons... they've all been drafted!" Anne wailed, as large tears fell from her cheeks, her tiny shoulders trembling as she bowed her head. "Drafted?" The blood drained from Ophelia's cheeks as she felt her world begin to spin.

"Alpha Mavez declared war upon the Helios Empire!" she cried. "You must convince him to call off the war!"