Ophelia turned, turned again and got up abruptly. She quickly surveyed her environment and found out that she was in a familiar yet strange room. The room was designed to look just like her room in Alkal but the feeling it gave was different. She guesses that it must have been because the materials used were different. Nevertheless, it was beautiful and unique. She sat up from her bed and habitual looked at the head mirror. Blinding light reflected back to her. She quickly looked away but was also relieved. 'He doesn't know my secret yet' she thought.
***Flash back***
Ophelia climbed the staircase and had different voices whispering in her ears, then she blacked out. When she woke up, she saw herself been carried. She tried to look around but found that she couldn't see anyone. Then she was made to stand upright and began to levitate higher. She looked around and saw different groups of humanoid creatures around her. Although she was confused, she knew that she was in an illusion, so she was not afraid. She continued moving until she saw a platform. Behind the platform was a vivid moon.
A woman stood on the platform. She was naked but was shining so bright that Ophelia had to use her hand to shield her face. She was also surprised because the woman was displaying her ability. The woman smiled at her and gestured with her hands for Ophelia to come closer.
As she went closer to the woman, she shone brighter. She kept going closer to the woman and felt a force pulling her until the woman merged with her. After the merging, she became the woman but felt like she was been controlled by the woman that merged with her. She raised her head and saw the humanoid creatures bowing to her. Afterwards, each tribe can forward introducing themselves.
"The Werewolf tribe"
"The Werecayote tribe"
"The Nightwalker tribe"
"The moon tribe"
Before she could say anything in acknowledgement, the moon tribe leader said, "let it begin!"
The scene changed and the three other tribes went into confrontation. The fight was the most brutal she had ever seen. She was so shocked that she blacked out again.
When she woke up she saw Nicklaus carrying her out of River Aurora before she blacked out again
***flashback ends****
She knew what happened afterwards.
"It seems the shock I got in the car brought me back. It's good to be myself again." she thought out loud.
Not quite long after, she heard firm steady footsteps outside and a little shuffling before the door was opened. Nicklaus shut the door and leaned against it. He didn't go any closer.
"You've been up for a while."
"Yea."
"Do you like the room?"
"Yea."
"Is there anything else that you need."
"No. I'll let you know when I do. Where are we?"
"My place."
"Okay."
"Do you want to check it out?"
"Later."
Ophelia observed the man before her. He was tall,
fair and handsome. He had a perfect well defined face. Eventhough he was simply leaning against, he still exuded the aura of nobility.
'If only he wasn't so arrogant.' she thought.
'No that's not right. He is not arrogant at the moment.' She looked up at him and their eyes met. He was also studying her. He was acting different. His approach was soft and he wasn't teasing her like before. Was it because of what happened on the road? Or maybe because of her temporal change.
"I'm okay now. You don't have to talk that way." She decided to speak up.
"You've always been okay." As if coming to a realisation, he said, "What! You are back to normal?"
"I'm always normal." she said rolling her eyes. 'This idiot. Was he saying she wasn't normal.'
"That's good. The other you was cute but I still like this you. No, I like all you." he laughed, sat down and carried her.
Ophelia was caught unawares. She didn't even know when he came that close. She tried to struggle out of his embrace but he held her firmly.
"Put me down!"
"No." said Nicklaus with resolve and nonchalance.
"You are rude."
"My wife thinks I'm rude?" He frowned.
Remembering the rumour that Nicklaus had a temper and seeing him frowning, she stiffened not daring to move an inch.
Looking at the stiff woman in his arms, he laughed out and gently caressed her face.
"I can never get angry at you, Ophelia. You are my wife." He was so sincere that Ophelia softened. Just as she was thinking that he was not as bad as she had thought, she felt rough hands around her waist and anger erupted in her heart. She pushed him forceful and escaped his arms.
"Pervert!" she yelled only to be met with Nicklaus's hearty laugh.
When the scuffle was about to heighten, a soft knock was heard and the door was pushed open.
A beautiful fat woman walked in. She was of an average height and wore a warm smile on her face. She was bubbling with life, an epitome of a homely woman. She has small perky mouth and pointy nose. Her cheeks were rosy and because she was smiling she looked like a comical character.
"I see you guys are getting along well and here I was worrying." she said and walked towards Ophelia, giving her a warm hug. Noticing the questioning look on her face she said in a clear suiting voice.
"Ophelia, welcome to our home, your home. Hi, I'm Chloe, this blockhead's sister."
"Hi, Chloe. I'm pleased to meet you." she smiled.
"I'm expecting my first daughter" said Chloe caressing her stomach. A dreamy smile on her face.
"Wow. Your first child?"
Nicklaus saw the bright smile on his wife's face and felt relieved. He had been concerned for her, especially because of the incident back in Alkal but now that she was okay, he was more relaxed.
"No. I have two boys already. Lincoln and Linnaeus. They are blockheads just like their uncle, so I need a daughter to console me." said Chloe.
"What!" smiled Ophelia.
"Yes. Those boys are too mischievous and cunning and stubborn and they throw their weight around everywhere. Calling themselves princes. Can you imagine."
"No. I can't"
Both women were laughing and discussing. Soon, they moved from discussing children to other topics. They were so engrossed in their discussion that poor Nicklaus felt like a cannon fodder.
"Chloe, don't you think you're been an intruder right now? Whose are you, Ophelia? Leaving your husband for his sister." He looked quite frustrated which made the women burst into another round of laughter.
"I'm leaving." He said but he didn't move.
"Okay, shuu" said Chloe as she pushed him out the door which made Nicklaus throw a fit.
The women continued to discuss with Chloe leading and Ophelia responding every now and then.
Ophelia looked at the pregnant woman beside her and she felt that she would not be too lonely here after all.