Nightmares at Everglade Falls

16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Gabriel

I love the feel of Ophelia in my arms, her warmth, her scent. It’s all so soothing. “Are you ready for dinner?” I ask her, my voice soft.

She looks up at me, her eyes a bit distant. “Can we just lay here a minute more?” she asks. I nod, understanding. The fame, the attention—it’s all new for her, and it’s overwhelming.

Just then, there’s a knock on the door. For a moment, I think it might be Isabella, but then I hear Owen’s voice calling out. “I’ll get it,” I say, kissing Ophelia’s forehead.

She shakes her head and stands, but she sways on her feet, almost dropping to the floor. “Whoa, what the fuck!” I grab her quickly, my heart racing. “You okay?”

She steadies herself, nodding. “I must’ve stood up too fast.”

I help her sit back down on the bed. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah,” she assures me. “Just a little dizzy. You should get the door.”

I open the door to find Owen and Aurora. Owen’s arm is draped around Aurora’s neck, despite him being over a foot taller than her. Aurora squeals as soon as she sees me.

“Oh my god, Gabriel!” Aurora’s voice is a high-pitched excitement. “Did you hear? News of the ball is all over the school! Everyone is so excited. And guess what? Classes have been suspended, and the gates are open so we can go to the city and shop!”

Aurora’s enthusiasm is infectious. “Sounds like a plan,” I say, glancing back at Ophelia. She’s sitting on the bed, looking a bit subdued.

“I know the best stores,” Aurora continues, practically bouncing on her feet. “We should all go together. It’ll be fun!”

Ophelia looks subdued, and I can tell she’s still processing everything. Owen looks utterly infatuated with Aurora, who’s practically buzzing with energy. “We can even get dinner there,” Aurora suggests, her eyes sparkling.

“Why?” I ask, curious.

“It’ll be a double date!” she exclaims, clapping her hands.

I watch Ophelia blush, and it’s adorable. “Owen, go order us an Uber,” I say. “We’ll meet you outside.”

Once they leave, I pull Ophelia into a hug. “Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry for my friend,” she says, her voice small.

“Why?” I ask, genuinely confused.

She nods, a small smile on her lips. “She can be a bit much.”

“Don’t apologize,” I say. “Aurora’s not wrong. Most people can scent us on each other.”

Ophelia laughs softly. “I keep forgetting about this dumb magical school.”

I kiss her forehead. “You sure you’re okay?”

She nods. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

I grab my wallet and hand it to her. “Pick whichever card you want. My treat.”

“You don’t have to do this,” she protests.

“Do you have a dress ready?”

“Well…no…”

“Then I absolutely have to do this. You are the one being honored, baby.”

“Gabriel…”

I kiss her cheek. “You’re my girl, haven’t you heard? I take care of what’s mine.”

Aurora’s already on Owen’s lap when we get outside, and I pull Ophelia close, loving how my blazer looks on her. We all pile into the Uber, and the ride to the city is filled with laughter and lighthearted banter.

We arrive at a boutique that Aurora swears by. It’s high-end, the kind of place I usually avoid, but Aurora’s enthusiasm is hard to resist. “This place is amazing,” she gushes as we walk in. “You’re gonna love it!”

Ophelia looks a bit overwhelmed, but I squeeze her hand reassuringly. “Let’s find something perfect for the ball,” I say.

The store is a whirlwind of activity. Aurora dives into the racks, pulling out dresses and holding them up to Ophelia. Owen and I stand back, watching the spectacle with amusement.

“What do you think of this one?” Aurora asks, holding up a shimmery, floor-length gown.

“It’s beautiful,” Ophelia says, but she looks unsure.

“Try it on,” I encourage her.

She disappears into the dressing room, and when she comes out, my breath catches. The dress fits her perfectly, hugging her curves in all the right places. “You look stunning,” I say, my voice husky with admiration.

“Really?” she asks, her cheeks turning pink.

“Absolutely,” I reply, unable to take my eyes off her.

Aurora claps her hands together. “It’s perfect! You have to get it.”

Ophelia looks at the price tag and hesitates. “I don’t know…”

I step forward, taking her hand. “I told you, my treat. You deserve this.”

She finally agrees, and we make our way to the checkout. Aurora insists on paying for a few accessories, and before long, we’re back in the Uber, heading to a restaurant for dinner.

The restaurant is cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. We find a table, and the conversation flows easily. Owen and Aurora are wrapped up in each other, leaving me and Ophelia to our own world.

“Are you excited for the ball?” I ask her as we look over the menu.

“A bit nervous,” she admits. “But I’m glad you’ll be there with me.”

“Always,” I say, reaching under the table to squeeze her hand.

Dinner is delicious, and by the time we’re done, I can see that Ophelia is more relaxed. We finish our meal and decide to walk around the city for a bit, enjoying the cool evening air.

As we walk, I pull Ophelia closer, wrapping my arm around her waist. “You know, I can’t wait to see you at the ball. You’re going to blow everyone away.”

She smiles, leaning into me. “Thanks, Gabriel. I’m just happy I’ll have you by my side.”

The night passes quickly, and soon, we’re back on campus. Owen and Aurora say their goodbyes, leaving us alone. We head back to my room, and as soon as we’re inside, I pull her into my arms.

“I had a great time tonight,” she says, looking up at me with those big, beautiful eyes.

“Me too,” I reply, kissing her softly.

We get ready for bed, and as we lie down, I can’t help but feel grateful for this moment. Holding her in my arms, everything feels right.

“Goodnight, Ophelia,” I whisper.

“Goodnight, Gabriel,” she replies, snuggling closer.

As I drift off to sleep, I know that whatever happens tomorrow, we’ll face it together. And that’s all that matters.

*

I wake up to Ophelia thrashing beside me, her face contorted in distress. “Ophelia!” I shake her gently, trying to pull her out of the nightmare.

Her eyes snap open, and she’s crying. “Gabriel, hold me,” she whispers, her voice trembling.

I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly. “It’s okay. I’m here. What’s wrong?”

She clings to me, her body shaking. “I don’t know. It’s just... something feels wrong.”

I don’t press her for details. Instead, I just hold her until she calms down. Later, at breakfast, I can’t help but notice how she winces with every movement. Aurora notices, too.

“Ophelia, are you okay?” Aurora asks, concern etched on her face.

Ophelia gives a small smile. “I have a headache. Don’t worry about it. I’m just a little overwhelmed.”

I lean in. “You can sleep in if you need to.”

Aurora nods. “Yeah, we can meet up around six to work on hair and makeup. Then you and Owen can come get us.”

We’re all aware of the cafeteria’s eyes on us, but I’m more concerned with Isabella’s absence. I hope she’s okay, but there’s nothing I can do about it now.

The whole day, I spend time with Ophelia. We make love, and I watch her nap, the tension easing from her face as she sleeps. At six, she reluctantly leaves to meet Aurora. Owen shows up not long after.

“How are you doing with the breakup?” Owen asks as he sits down. “You and Isabella were together for years.”

I sigh. “It’s been hard, but... I …Owen, I have to tell you something. I have to tell someone because it is driving me insane.”

“What’s going on?”

“It will sound crazy, but I think Ophelia is my mate. I’m waiting for everything to calm down before I talk to her about it.”

Owen nods thoughtfully. “There’s something different about the way you interact with her.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yeah… I mean, I have seen you with Iz. This is not right versus wrong, it just feels different. The way you dote over Ophelia. You are constantly checking on her, and I have never seen fear the way I did that time she was attacked. Yeah, it makes sense that she is your mate.”

“Have you talked to Isabella lately?” I ask.

Owen shakes his head. “I’ve seen her with the rest of House Lacroix, but since the breakup, she’s been avoiding me.”

“It’s for the best,” I say, though I can’t help but worry about her.

“Yeah, it is. And, I will admit, I have been a little preoccupied myself.”

“Talk to me. What’s going on?”

“I’m worried about my family accepting Aurora,” Owen admits. “She’s a fairy, and you know how snobbish they are about anyone they consider lowborn , but I love her.”

“You do?”

“I do. And I am not ready to give her up. I don’t think that is even an option at this point.”

“Wow! Look at us. Who would have thought?” I ask. This finally pulls a smile out of him. “Not me.”

“Not me either, man. Listen, as for Aurora and your relationship, we will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, focus on being happy with her.”

“You’re right, Gabe.”

“Of course I am, and when…if the time comes, you know that you have my support,” I promise him.

Owen stands up. “I need to go back to my place to get my tux and my blood supply for the night.”

Suddenly, the door crashes open, and Aurora bursts in, panic written all over her face. “It’s happened again. Ophelia has been attacked!”

My heart stops. “What? Where is she?”

Aurora’s eyes are wide with fear. “She’s at the clinic. They’re taking care of her now.”

I don’t wait for more information. I grab my keys and rush out the door, Owen close behind me. We race to the clinic, my mind spinning with worry and fear.

How could this happen again?

When we get to the clinic, I see Ophelia lying on a bed, looking pale and fragile. The sight of her like that makes my heart ache. I rush to her side, taking her hand in mine.

“Ophelia,” I whisper. “I’m here.”

She opens her eyes, and I can see the pain in them. “Gabriel...”

“Shh, don’t talk. Just rest.” I brush her hair back, trying to comfort her.

Aurora and Owen stand nearby, their faces etched with concern. “What happened?” I ask, turning to the nurse.

“She was found unconscious near the library,” the nurse explains. “We’re not sure what caused it yet.”

I feel a surge of anger and helplessness. “Who did this to her?”

“We’re investigating,” the nurse says. “Right now, she needs rest.”

I nod, turning back to Ophelia. “I’m not leaving your side,” I promise her.

She squeezes my hand weakly. “Thank you, Gabriel.”

And then I watch in horror as her eyes roll to the back of her brain, and she has a convulsion.