Chapter6
"What do you mean?" I couldn't comprehend Ryan's words.
However, instead of explaining further, he tossed me to the ground, paying no attention to my bewildered expression. His smile vanished, and he retreated to the corner of the Devil's prison, ignoring my questions.
As time passed, the sky darkened, enveloping the prison in an eerie gloom.
The cold seeped into my bones, and without any warm clothes or blankets, I huddled up to find solace in the cold abyss.
Yet, deep inside, I knew Ryan hadn't fallen asleep. His presence surrounded me like a protective embrace, easing the loneliness and soothing my shattered soul. I couldn't fathom the strange connection between us, but I sincerely appreciated how it made the night less unbearable.
"Hey... What's your relationship with Phillips? Who are you?" I ventured to ask.
There was no response. Ryan's presence, which had embraced me moments ago, seemed to fade away like morning mist in a forest. All that remained were faint sounds echoing through the prison, reminiscent of distant wolf howls on moonlit nights, inexplicably stirring Alyee within my mind.
Standing in the prison, I remained vigilant, scanning my surroundings. I was always prepared to confront any imminent danger. The sense of alertness had become ingrained in me during my five years as a Gamma.
"Ophelia," an unfamiliar voice whispered, and I knew she was near.
"Who's there?" I spun around swiftly, searching for the source of the voice, but found no one behind me. "Where are you?"
"I am beside you, yet miles away. I exist in both daylight and darkness. You could say I am everywhere," the mysterious voice replied.
"Who are you?" Fear tinged my teeth with a slight tremor, a rare occurrence, as I usually felt invincible. I believed I possessed enough strength to overcome any crisis. Yet, at that moment, my wolf and I were gripped by fear.
"Who I am is inconsequential, my child," her voice carried a hint of a smile. "I sensed your pain and have come to offer my assistance."
"I... I don't need your help. I can handle things on my own," I protested. But the next instant, a searing pain tore through my mind, splitting my soul.
"Do not resist, Ophelia. Follow your heart and take deep breaths," she advised.
I complied, aligning my breathing as instructed. Strange visions began to materialize before me.
My white wolf, Alyee, was engulfed in flames; Devil Lycan held me in his arms; Carlee was consumed by fire, and... Phillips was drenched in blood!
"No!" I screamed, reaching out, desperate to break free from this haunting vision.
"Do not fight it, Ophelia. This is your past, and it will be your future," she declared.
"No, it's not true!" I cried out. "I am not a Devil Wolf."
"Ophelia, calm down. I want you to understand that Devil Wolves do not embody evil," she soothed me with a gentle voice. "Devil Wolves are as wise and kind-hearted as ordinary werewolves. It is their formidable abilities that make people ostracize them. Out of fear, Devil Wolves become the target of their violence."
"Ophelia, you were once a mighty Devil Wolf. It was Phillips who beseeched me to seal your powers and memories. I made a grave mistake." She materialized before me at last. She wore pristine white garments, her hair shimmering like gold, and her eyes piercing and sharp. Though unspoken, I knew she was the Moon Goddess.
"Moon Goddess." I bowed respectfully.
"My child, I apologize for orchestrating your mate and destiny, causing you pain. If you heed my call, I will aid you in reclaiming your identity as a Devil Wolf," she conveyed.
"What awaits me once I become a Devil Wolf?" An uneasiness stirred within me.
"Child, though it is challenging, I must inform you that you will lose all memories of Phillips," she divulged.
Losing my memories of Phillips? I hesitated. Slowly, I stepped back, creating a distance between myself and the Moon Goddess.
Seeing through my inner turmoil, the Moon Goddess did not press further. She smiled gently and said, "Then, when the time comes, answer my summons, my child." After saying that, she vanished.
Abruptly, I opened my eyes, sitting on the straw bed in the prison cell. Sweat clung to my clothes. I took deep breaths as my heart raced erratically, the stench of blood permeating each inhalation. Was it just a dream, or could it be real? How could I possibly be a Devil Wolf?
"Are you alright?" Ryan's concerned voice immediately emanated from the adjacent cell. He sensed something amiss with me.
"I'm fine," I replied, still panting, failing to shake off the Moon Goddess's words that lingered in my mind.
Before I could fully contemplate the thing, footsteps grew louder. Someone was approaching the prison.
I swiftly stood up. Four young warriors appeared at the prison gate, adorned in armor with wolf head motifs. It indicated that they served under Alpha Phillips' direct command.
"The Alpha has tasked us to reinforce the chains of Devil Lycan. Lead the way, you damn bitch," their leader spat, shoving me forward. The path within the prison was labyrinthine, and apart from myself, who had guarded these halls for years, it was easy for outsiders to become disoriented.
"How dare you treat me like this?" I glared at them, wanting to unleash my aura and intimidate them. But alas, I discovered myself too feeble to do so.
"Wake up, will you? The Alpha has already rejected you, so you are no longer Luna, and we don't have to show you any respect!" They sneered, approaching me with malice. Roughly grabbing my collar, they yanked me down to the ground, causing the sharp gravel to cut into my hands and knees. "And now, you're too injured to fight back. Lead the way if you don't want to get beaten!"
Struggling to my feet in a sorry state, I pointed towards the prison where Devil Lycan was held captive. "Right here."
The four warriors moved forward to inspect the chains while I stood there, observing their hostile actions. Phillips had always told me that all Devil Wolves were cursed and deserved death. But what if the Moon Goddess was right? What if they, like me, were innocent? Should they also be condemned to die? I had never contemplated such questions before and always believed Phillips was right. However, the Moon Goddess claimed that Devil Wolves were not inherently sinful.
However, there was no time for contemplation. The four warriors, having reinforced the chains, approached me. "Ophelia, your execution site is ready."