Page 73 of When the Wicked Sing
“Uh—Ophelia,” Mariana started, and the fae turned to her with a hesitant smile. “I’d like to search on my own, please. I appreciate the help, but—”
Ophelia lifted her hands. “Say no more. I’m happy to let you have your time alone. If you ever need me, though, just say my name out loud, and I’ll hear you.” Mariana squinted and tilted her head, unsure how she would justhearher. But before she could ask, Ophelia gave her a little wave and walked out, Kosta following her.
As soon as they were gone, Mariana took a deep breath and began pulling books from the shelf that she hoped held the answers she so desperately needed.
Chapter 39
ThesilencethatgreetedDax the moment he entered the med bay was peaceful, and he welcomed its calming effect on him. He spotted the white-robed female holding the hands of a crying male and could barely hear her soft words.
Ophelia’s eyes were black, starry orbs. Her heart-shaped lips uttered soft words to the distressed male. She was deep in the spirit realm.
“She’s at peace and pain-free,” Ophelia murmured. “She says to take care of the children. Watch them grow up, she says, and enjoy every moment you can, and know that she’ll be right there the entire time. She loves you.”
The male’s head dipped, his dark hair falling over his wrinkled eyes. “Oh, Celia,” he sobbed, his body shaking with grief. Ophelia winced as her eyes turned back to their pale rose hue, and she put a gentle hand on his shoulder, staying with him until the tears stopped.
Dax recognized the servant, though he’d never spoken to him. He considered how fortunate the palace workers were to haveaccess to the royal med bay and that Ophelia offered her services to those grieving. Despite the minor pains it caused her.
“Thank you, Seer. What you’ve done for me … I cannot thank you enough. My dear Celia never deserved to suffer. The cancer consumed her before we had any chance to stop it. I was so angry, and now, I see that she’s in a much better place.” The male sniffed and wiped his eyes with the tissue she handed him.
“She is,” Ophelia assured with a small smile. “And one day, when your time comes, you will be reunited once again. Until then, enjoy being with your children. Do as Celia asked and watch over them.”
They both stood, and Ophelia kept a steadying hand on his arm as they walked to the entrance, passing Dax, who kept his head down.
“Seer.” The male paused and gazed at Ophelia with hope. “Is it true that Celia’s spirit will be with us? If I speak to her, will she hear me?”
Ophelia nodded. “Yes, the spirit world is kind. For those who wish to remain close to their loved ones, the Eternal Sands holds their place for them in the desert until they are ready to rest. Your Celia will remain close to you within the Veil for as long as you and your children need her.” Ophelia squeezed the male’s hands and gave him a reassuring smile.
He sniffed, thanked her with a relieved smile, and exited the med bay.
Ophelia turned to Dax and clasped her hands in front of her.
“Strange seeing you here. I thought you hated the clinic,” she said with a lifted brow and a curious smile.
“On the contrary, it’s the doctors I don’t like. I prefer the healers outside the palace.”
“Ahh,” she said and crossed her arms. “So why are you here, then?”
Dax rubbed his neck and stared at the floor for a moment. “Have you seen her?” He hesitantly lifted his eyes to see Ophelia’s amused gaze.
“Yes, I have.” She took the seat beside him. “She’s strong, brave. I like her.” Her gaze turned curious as she inspected him. “You should go see her.”
Dax bit the inside of his cheek. “If Halia wants the location, then it’s best that I stay out of Ma—” He cleared his throat, just barely stopping himself from mentioning Mari’s name in a public space. “It’s best I leave her be.”
The Seer hesitated, like she wanted to ask him to spill everything on his mind, but to his surprise, she didn’t. Instead, she nodded.
“I understand. It’s easier to run away into the night than face the challenges that dawn brings to light.”
Dax’s brows dipped. Did she just call him a coward? “I’m not running from anything.” He cared about Mari—far more than he should have. If anything, he was saving her by staying away. He couldn’t have the darkness infecting him tainting her life.
Ophelia placed a gloved hand on his arm, her eyes going soft. “Maybe not, Dax. But sometimes, we don’t realize we’re running until we’re out of breath. The hardest paths often lead to the most worthwhile destinations. Trust yourself to face the dawn.”
~
He repeated Ophelia’s words over and over in his mind as he walked down the hall toward the forbidden wing. Not even the king visited the place. Queen Cybele had resided in her private wing whenever she visited the kingdom. That was before Dax worked for the royal family, before he became their servant—their dog to order around.
He nodded to the guards stationed at the door, then took a deep breath. He placed his hand on the knob and had to work up the courage to step inside.
Darkness greeted him, the only light coming from the fire burning in the ornate hearth. Did Mari not know how to turn on the lights?
