Chapter 51: Dangerous

Ophelia slowly drifted into consciousness, her mind pulling itself out of a fog as she felt a warm breath ghosting across her face. Instinctively, she turned her head away from the sensation, her brows furrowing slightly as her eyes fluttered open. In the dim light, they appeared almost midnight blue, glinting faintly as she blinked against the lingering haze of sleep. As she fully opened her eyes, Ophelia noticed the source of the hot breath—a Tiger Phoenix, sitting just inches from her face. The magnificent creature was staring at her with a level of intensity that made her feel as though she were under a microscope, its emerald eyes gleaming with curiosity. It seemed to be studying her, as if she were a puzzle it couldn’t quite figure out. A small, bemused smile curled at the corners of Ophelia’s lips. "Hello there, Pain," she greeted softly, her voice still laced with the remnants of sleep. She carefully sat up, her movements slow and deliberate, so as not to startle the beast. R