Nightmares at Everglade Falls

18. Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Gabriel

Ophelia hasn’t woken up again. It’s been days, and every second feels like an eternity.

Aurora says if one of the other fairies hadn’t been leaving the library that evening, no one would have even known Ophelia had been attacked. The thought of her lying there, helpless and alone, makes my blood boil.

We’re in Principal Celestia’s office, surrounded by ancient texts and magical artifacts. Aurora, Owen, and Principal Celestia Silvermoon are all here, trying to figure out a way to wake Ophelia up.

Celestia’s been regaining her memories, piecing together fragments of the past. She finds a paper that Elias and Seraphina had been working on when they were here. It’s about black creatures with claws that attack other supernatural creatures. They’re called Nephilim.

“This is it,” Celestia says, holding up the paper. “Elias and Seraphina were studying these creatures. They knew something about them, something we can use.”

Aurora leans over, reading the text. “It says here the Nephilim’s poison can be counteracted by the blood of four different creatures: a witch, a fairy, a vampire, and a wolf.”

Owen looks up, determination in his eyes. “Then let’s do it. We have all the components right here.”

Principal Celestia nods. “We’ll need to perform a binding spell to mix the blood. It’s a delicate procedure. Any mistake could be fatal.”

I step forward. “I’ll do whatever it takes. Just tell me what to do.”

We gather everything we need: a silver chalice for the blood, candles for the spell, and ancient runes for protection. Celestia starts chanting in an old, magical language, her voice steady and powerful. The air hums with energy.

Aurora goes first, slicing a small cut on her palm and letting her blood drip into the chalice. Next is Owen, his fangs glinting as he bites into his wrist. The dark, rich blood of a vampire mingles with the fairy’s light, ethereal blood. Principal Celestia cuts her finger, her witch’s blood a deep crimson. Finally, it’s my turn. I cut my hand, watching as my blood mixes with theirs. The chalice glows, the mixture shimmering with magic.

Celestia raises the chalice, chanting louder now. The candles flicker, the flames dancing wildly. The runes around us glow with an intense light. The air crackles with power. She pours the mixture into a vial, sealing it with a wax stamp.

“This is it,” she says, her voice heavy with responsibility. “We have to inject this directly into Ophelia’s bloodstream.”

We rush to the infirmary, where Ophelia lies motionless. My heart clenches seeing her like this. Her skin is pale, almost translucent, and her breathing is shallow. Aurora holds her hand, whispering words of comfort.

Principal Celestia carefully injects the vial’s contents into Ophelia’s arm. We all hold our breath, waiting. Seconds feel like hours. Then, Ophelia’s body jerks, her eyes fluttering open. She gasps, sucking in a deep breath as if surfacing from underwater.

“Ophelia!” I exclaim, rushing to her side.

She looks around, disoriented, then focuses on me. “Gabriel?” Her voice is weak but clear.

“I’m here,” I say, squeezing her hand. “You’re safe now.”

She nods, tears welling in her eyes. “I know the creatures… they’re working with someone. But I don’t know who.”

“What happened?” Aurora asks gently.

Ophelia takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “After I left Gabriel’s room, I felt a pull towards the library. It was like something was luring me there. Then, these creatures attacked. There were two of them, watching me. One of them hissed, ‘Yes, master,’ and then they attacked. The other one dug its nails into the back of my skull before I could scream.”

Owen frowns, deep in thought. “They’re not acting alone. Someone is controlling them.”

Principal Celestia looks grave. “We need to find out who. If the Nephilim are working with someone, it means there’s a greater threat we need to address.”

Ophelia shudders, and I pull her closer, wrapping my arms around her. “We’ll figure it out,” I promise. “You’re not alone in this.”

Aurora nods. “We’ll all help. We’re in this together.”

Ophelia leans into me, her body trembling. “Thank you,” she whispers. “I don’t know what I’d do without you all.”

I kiss the top of her head, feeling a fierce protectiveness surge through me. “You’ll never have to find out. We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Principal Celestia stands. “We need to be vigilant. There’s a dark force at work, and we must be prepared for anything.”

As we leave the infirmary, I keep my arm around Ophelia, supporting her. She’s still weak, but there’s a fire in her eyes that wasn’t there before. She’s a fighter, and together, we’ll face whatever comes our way.

Back in my room, I help Ophelia settle onto the bed. “Are you feeling okay?” I ask, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She nods, though she still looks shaken. “I’ll be fine. I just need some rest.”

I sit beside her, holding her hand. “I’m here. If you need anything, just let me know.”

She gives me a small smile, her eyes softening. “Thank you, Gabriel. For everything.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” I say, squeezing her hand. “I’ll always be here for you.”

As she drifts off to sleep, I stay by her side, keeping watch. I won’t let anything hurt her again.

Not while I’m here.

We’ll find out who’s behind this, and we’ll stop them.

Together.

*

The assembly hall buzzes with anxious energy. Principal Celestia stands at the podium, her presence commanding. She starts speaking, and the room falls silent.

“Students, I want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to ensure your safety. We are working on getting wards up to protect the school. Due to the recent attack, the Founding Ball has been postponed. We will inform you of the new date soon. In the meantime, classes will resume as normal, and the soccer games will begin this Friday.”

The announcement sends a ripple of relief through the crowd, but there’s still an undercurrent of tension. As Head Boy, it’s my turn to speak. I step forward, clearing my throat.

“Hey, everyone. I know things have been crazy, and it’s hard to feel safe right now. But we’re a strong community, and we’ll get through this together. Let’s focus on supporting each other and staying vigilant. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. We’re here for each other.”

After the assembly, Principal Celestia catches my eye and gestures for me to follow her. I use the opportunity to ask about Isabella, whose absence has been gnawing at me.

“Principal Celestia, do you know where Isabella is? She hasn’t been on school grounds.”

She nods, her expression serious. “She had a family emergency and was pulled out of school temporarily.”

That news doesn’t sit well with me, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as we reach the office. Ms. Blume has her wings curled inwards and looks absolutely flustered.

“The guests are a bit anxious to talk to you, Principal,” she says, glancing at me with a mix of sympathy and worry.

The door to the principal’s office swings open, and my father steps out. His expression is a storm of fury. He barely acknowledges Principal Silvermoon, his eyes locking onto me.

“We need to talk, privately,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I follow him into a smaller office adjacent to Principal Celestia’s. The door closes with a heavy thud. My father’s anger radiates off him in waves.

“What the hell is going on here, Gabriel?” His voice is a low growl. “First, I hear about the attacks. Now, I find out you’re involved with that girl, Ophelia?”

I stiffen, trying to keep my cool. “Dad, there’s a lot happening. Ophelia’s been through a lot. We’re just trying to keep everyone safe.”

“Safe?” He scoffs. “This girl is trouble, Gabriel. She’s attracting danger. You need to stay away from her.”

I clench my fists, struggling to keep my voice steady. “She’s not the problem, Dad. The Nephilim are. We’re working on a plan to deal with them.”

My father shakes his head, his frustration palpable. “You’re too involved, Gabriel. Your judgment is clouded.”

“It’s not clouded,” I snap back. “I care about her, and she’s part of this school. We’re in this together.”

He steps closer, his eyes narrowing. “This isn’t about your feelings. It’s about keeping our family safe. Our reputation.”

“Reputation?” I repeat, disbelief and anger mingling. “There are lives at stake here, Dad. Real lives. Including Ophelia’s.”

He grips my shoulder, his expression softening slightly. “I know you think you’re doing the right thing, but you have to think about the bigger picture. Our family can’t afford to get dragged into this mess.”

I pull away from his grip. “I am thinking about the bigger picture. And right now, that means protecting Ophelia and stopping these attacks.”

He sighs, shaking his head. “You’re too stubborn, just like your mother.”

I flinch at the mention of my mother, but I hold my ground. “I’m not giving up on this, Dad. I need your support, not your opposition.”

My father’s eyes harden. “This is me supporting you. As an alpha, you cannot consort with a witch.”

“Why does it matter so much? Ophelia isn’t just any witch. She’s—”

He cuts me off, his voice a low growl. “Your mother is angry and hurt. She found out you were chosen as Head Boy from others, not from you. And now she had to hear about your breakup with Isabella from the other betas.”

I swallow hard. “I didn’t mean for it to happen this way. Things have been chaotic.”

“Your education came with the understanding that you’d work on your future, get your papers, and join the family company,” he continues, ignoring my plea. “Our family works with the Lacroix. Your breakup with Isabella cannot stand.”

“This isn’t about the company or the Lacroix. This is about my life!”

He takes a step closer, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. “There can be nothing between you and the witch. If you pursue this, we’ll have no choice but to force you out of the pack.”

I blink, stunned. “You can’t do that. As an alpha, you can’t throw me out.”

His eyes narrow. “Do you remember your uncle? Maxwell?”

He was my father’s only brother who chose love over family. He was cut off from the family for defying us. Then the woman he chose died in a road accident a few months later.

The last time I heard of him, he lived alone, in isolation, a drug addict on the streets.

My father refused to reach out to him. That was his only brother. I know that he is not just threatening me. There is truth to his threats.

Fuck.

“Dad…”

“Is that what you want for yourself? Because that is what is going to happen if you keep shucking up your responsibilities for a fucking fling.”

I grit my teeth. “That won’t happen to me.”

“It can, and it will,” he says, his tone final. “Denounce Ophelia. Now.”

I take a deep breath, trying to think clearly. I’ll be at school for the rest of the semester. No one will have to know that I am with Ophelia.

No one has to know anything. I will just talk to Ophelia and hope she understands why we need to keep our relationship a secret for a while.

“Fine. I’ll tell her it’s over.”

His face softens slightly. “You’re doing the right thing.”

I don’t respond as I watch him pace the room once, and then he stops and says, “Call your mother soon. She needs to hear from you.”

With that, he leaves, the door closing behind him with a resounding click. I sit down heavily, my mind racing.

How the hell am I supposed to fake break things off with Ophelia? The thought makes my stomach churn. And Isabella. She must have ratted me out to my parents. We need to talk.

I head back to my room, my thoughts a chaotic mess. How can I choose between my family and Ophelia? As soon as I walk in, Ophelia’s eyes light up. She’s sitting on my bed, looking exhausted but relieved.

“Hey,” she says softly. “How did it go? The principal looked confused. Is it anything to do with the Nephilim?”

I can’t tell her the truth, not yet.

“No, baby. This was about soccer. And she was telling me that classes begin today, so she is going to talk to the rest of the teachers about it.”

She cocks her eyebrow and then winces. I immediately rush to her side. “What’s wrong?”

“Just a headache. I am fine, though.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I am fine, Gabriel. You need to stop worrying about me.”

I look into her gorgeous green eyes, and my heart beats fast, reaffirming what I already know.

There is no way in hell I am breaking up with her. None at all.