29. Branding her

The moment Nikolai left, I let out a deep sigh and sat on the edge of the bed. The key once again dug into my skin, reminding me of its presence. My fingers slipped into my pocket, and I pulled out the key. I held it between my fingers; the metal shone under the lights.

I wanted to meet Dimitri today, to learn the whole truth, to understand why Nikolai killed my family and what exactly he did to me in the past. But now that Nikolai is back home early, it doesn't seem easy.

I clenched the key in my fist. I had to hide this key somewhere Nikolai can't see.

But where?

This wasn’t just any room. It was his room. His space. I coukdn’t stop him from wandering around or touching things.

My eyes scanned the room, searching for possibilities.

The wardrobe? No. He might go through his clothes.

The drawer? Too obvious.

The bathroom? He spent too much time there.

I needed a place he would never think to check.

My gaze landed on a tall flower vase in the corner of the room. It was sleek, dark