The train ride was monotonous, but Ophelia didn’t seem to mind. She stared out of the window, her pale blue wings shimmering in the sunlight that filtered through the glass. Her mind was elsewhere, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a voice broke through her contemplation. “I didn’t know trains had a scenic route through the Sahara.” Gus, a boy with deer antlers and a tail, grinned at her, his green eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ophelia chuckled, her lips curling into a small smile. “You’re just jealous because you don’t have wings to carry you across the desert.”
Wendy, a girl with pig ears and a snout, rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t encourage him, Ophelia. He’ll start thinking he’s some kind of majestic stag.”
The banter continued until the train came to a sudden, jarring stop. The three hybrids looked at each other, sensing a strange presence. Ophelia’s hand reached for the knife hidden in her boot. Gus’ antlers twitched, and Wendy’s snout twitched as she sniffed the air.
They disembarked the train, only to find the camp empty. It was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of laughter and chatter absent. Suddenly, an army of hybrids ambushed them, blow darts flying through the air.
Ophelia, Gus, and Wendy moved as one, their bodies reacting before their minds could process. They dodged and weaved, their bodies moving with a grace and precision that came from years of training. In a matter of moments, they had subdued their attackers.
The last thing the gods saw before they passed out was Ophelia and the other campers dragging them away.
When they woke up, they found themselves tied up in the middle of the camp. Ophelia stood before them, surrounded by the other campers. Her wings were spread out, creating a halo of blue light around her.
“Names,” she demanded, her voice sharp and commanding. “Business at the camp.”
After they responded, Ophelia declared their ignorance and ordered their removal to the dungeon. The campers dragged the gods under the camp and put them in separate cells.
Ophelia delivered a playful insult to the gods, telling them to “enjoy their stay.” She stood in the doorway, her confident smile signaling her control over the situation.
As she walked away, she couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement. She had always loved a good ambush, and this one had been executed flawlessly. She couldn’t wait to see what the rest of their stay would bring.
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