~ Ophelia’s POV ~
The walk to Ryker’s study felt like a walk to my own execution.
Every guard I passed stared straight ahead, faces blank, but I could feel their eyes follow me once I moved by.
The walls felt tighter with every step, like the house itself was holding its breath.
By the time I reached the tall double doors, my palms were slick with sweat.
The metal handle was cold — too cold, biting into my skin like a warning.
“Enter,” Ryker’s voice called from inside before I could even knock.
He always knew. Always one step ahead — it scared me how much.
I pushed the door open slowly. He sat behind his desk, coat off, sleeves rolled up, the faint glow from the window outlining him in silver. Papers were spread across the table, but his eyes were already on me.
That gaze could st
