Alpha's Cruel Addiction

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."

Ophelia gulped. "When we found out, he was already licking and lapping at your wounds. We thought he was feasting on you! Butalass, he remained quite guarded over your body, so we assumed he was your dog, my lady."

Ophelia shakingly nodded her head, as a terrible realization brewed in her belly. Nyx's growth was attributed to her blood. That thought alone was quite frightening. If just a few drops of her blood could result in this astronomical growth, then what about her large bottle of blood out there? Was that why there were bigger-than-average creatures spotted lately?

Ophelia was barely able to move her head. Her eyes grew watery from the pain, but she didn't want to cause a greater burden.

"A-and you are?" Ophelia asked.

"Pardon me, my lady!" the old lady exhaled. "I've forgotten to introduce myself. I am Meredith, the town's healer. You're currently residing in my spare room and have been in recovery for an entire week. We've been trying to get into communications with the Alpha, but with the growing number of monsters around us, our men have been struggling to make it past the first layers of the forest."

Ophelia gulped. A week?! Killorn must've lost his mind by now. She feared for the townsfolk and knew she couldn't stay here a day longer. She had to get out as soon as possible, especially with the monsters gathering in the vicinity, most likely attracted by her scent. "But strangely today," Meredith continued. "The monsters are almost all gone, as if called or lured by something, and have been heading in the opposite direction of our town. In fact, we were just going to send out a group of people this morning, but then, came the draft…"

"Draft?" Ophelia echoed, but Meredith was quickly distracted by the sound of rumbling stomach and a flushed face. "I-I suppose I am a bitch parched…" "Ah, my lady!" Meredith realized. "You must be quite hungry, let me fetch you some food first, so you can take your medication."

"T-thank you, that'd be much appreciated," Ophelia responded with a slight grimace of a smile. She knew she had to get out of here as soon as possible, but feared making a fuss. Despite that, her body was burning with pain, and she could barely move. "Can you howl for Killorn?" Ophelia gingerly asked Nyx who blinked innocently, unable to understand her command. She exhaled, dejected, and continued lying down, accompanied by Nyx who snuggled to her side. He licked at her hands, almost fearful of her opening her wounds again. He must've been protecting her all this time…

Suddenly, a startling idea came to mind. Ophelia turned and saw the scissors used to cut her bandages, resting a few feet away from her on the table.

"F-fetch," Ophelia said to Nyx, pointing at the scissors. Nyx barked at her words, rising to his feet and glancing at the direction.

"Fetch," Ophelia tried again, watching as he pounced to his feet and walked towards the table. He tilted his head, tongue wagging, believing it to be a game. Then, he hopped onto the chair for support and nuzzled his snout against the different items present.

"N-no, not that!" Ophelia said when he tried to pick up one of the pens with his mouth.

Nyx continued sniffing until he bumped against the cold metal.

"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?!" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"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!"