LOGINLiora’s POVThe days after our return settled into a beautiful, careful rhythm. Mornings belonged to Alora, her giggles filling the dining room as she demanded Nikolai carry her on his shoulders around the table. Afternoons often pulled him into the war room, but evenings were ours again. Soft. Intentional. A quiet rebellion against the shadows that still lingered at the edges of our world.This morning, I found him in the study earlier than usual, staring at a tablet with that familiar crease between his brows. The Reaper was hovering close again. I could see it in the set of his shoulders, the way his jaw tightened as he read the latest report on Elias’s remaining fragments.I didn’t knock. I simply walked in, slipped behind his chair, and wrapped my arms around his neck from behind. My cheek pressed to his temple.“Come back to me, baby,” I whispered, pressing a soft kiss just below his ear.He exhaled slowly, the tension easing as he set the tablet down and pulled me around into
Liora’s POVThe moment the wheels touched down on familiar ground, my heart began racing with a beautiful mix of excitement and nerves. The island had felt like a dream — endless blue skies, soft kisses, and a version of Nikolai I’d fallen impossibly deeper in love with. But home meant Alora. It meant reality. And after everything we’d healed on that island, I was terrified and thrilled to see how our new light would hold up in the world that had tried so hard to break us.Nikolai’s hand never left mine during the drive back to the mansion. His thumb stroked slow, reassuring circles over my knuckles, and every few minutes he’d lift my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss there like he needed the constant reminder that I was real.“You’re quiet,” he murmured, gray eyes searching my face in the dim interior of the armored SUV.“I’m just… happy,” I whispered, leaning my head on his shoulder. “And a little scared that the shadows will feel heavier after tasting so much sun.”He tilte
Liora’s POVThe last morning on the island felt like a gentle sigh from the universe — soft golden light spilling through the curtains, the distant sound of waves whispering goodbye. I woke slowly to the heavenly aroma of fresh coffee and warm pastries, and the feeling of warm, reverent lips brushing across my forehead, my cheeks, the tip of my nose.“Wake up, moya koroleva,” Nikolai murmured, his deep voice wrapped around me like a blanket. “I couldn’t let our last day start without spoiling you one more time.”I opened my eyes to find our bedroom transformed into something out of a fairytale. Rose petals in soft pinks and creams were scattered across the sheets and floor. A beautiful rolling cart stood beside the bed, loaded with all my favorites — ripe strawberries glistening with dew, warm croissants, yogurt drizzled with golden honey, fresh fruit salad, and perfectly brewed coffee steaming in elegant cups.Nikolai sat propped against the headboard, shirtless and breathtaking, ho
Liora’s POVWe decided to stay one extra day.The minor call from home had been handled efficiently the night before, and neither of us was ready to leave this bubble of sunlight and healing just yet. Nikolai had looked at me over breakfast, gray eyes soft with quiet longing, and simply said, “One more day. Just us.”I had kissed him in answer. One more day of freedom. One more day of falling impossibly deeper.The morning began with sunrise yoga on the wide terrace overlooking the sea. I had convinced him to try it with me, spreading two mats on the warm stone as the sky painted itself in soft pinks and golds. I moved through the gentle poses with ease, breathing in the salty air. Nikolai, however…“My strong, powerful king,” I teased, biting back laughter as he attempted downward dog and nearly toppled sideways. His powerful frame, all broad shoulders and corded muscle, looked comically out of place trying to balance. “You’re supposed to breathe, not grunt like you’re interrogatin
Liora’s POVThe coastal town was a dream — narrow cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored shops, colorful awnings fluttering in the sea breeze, and the distant sound of waves mixing with soft chatter. Nikolai had arranged everything discreetly: a private car, minimal security blending into the background, and a light disguise for us both simple sunglasses and casual clothes that somehow still made him look unfairly regal.I felt like a normal woman walking hand-in-hand with her husband, not the queen of a mafia empire. And Nikolai? He looked lighter, happier, stealing glances at me every few steps like he couldn’t believe this was real.“You’re spoiling me already,” I teased as we stepped into the first boutique, a charming little shop filled with flowing sundresses in every color imaginable.His gray eyes sparkled with mischief. “This is only the beginning, moya koroleva. Let me.”He spoiled me shamelessly.Dress after dress found its way into my arms — soft fabrics in shades
Liora’s POVThe rain had lightened to a gentle drizzle overnight, but the morning air still carried a cool dampness that clung to the villa. I woke to the sound of Nikolai coughing — a deep, rough sound that immediately pulled me from sleep. He was lying on his back, one arm thrown over his eyes, brow furrowed even in rest.I sat up quickly, pressing my hand to his forehead. Warm. Too warm.“Baby,” I whispered, worry threading through my chest. “You’re sick.”He cracked one gray eye open, trying to give me that signature smirk, but it came out weak. “Just a cold. The rain… nothing the Reaper can’t handle.”My heart squeezed. Seeing him — this powerful, unbreakable man — looking vulnerable and flushed made me ache. I hated it. After everything he’d done for us, I wanted to take care of him the way he always took care of me.“You stay right here,” I said firmly, kissing his temple. “No arguments. I’m making you soup.”He tried to protest, reaching for me, but another cough stopped him.
Liora's POVI was done begging.Done crying in corners.Done waiting for Nikolai to choose me like I was some prize in his twisted game.The next morning, I woke up with fire in my veins instead of tears in my eyes. I dressed carefully — a deep emerald green dress that hugged my body, hair pinned u
Liora's POVThe Volkovs arrived like a storm wrapped in silk and diamonds.I watched from the second-floor balcony as three sleek black cars pulled into the courtyard. Guards in sharp suits stepped out first, followed by an older man with silver hair and a cold smile. And then her.Irina Volkov.Sh
Liora's POVThe nights were the hardest.I lay awake long after Alora had fallen asleep, staring at the ceiling, counting the cracks in the plaster like they could give me answers. The silence in this wing of the mansion was suffocating. It pressed down on my chest until I could barely breathe.Fi
Liora's POVThe new room felt like a tomb.I had moved with Alora to the east wing suite — far away from Nikolai’s bedroom, far away from the memories that haunted every corner of our old space. The walls were beautiful, the sheets soft, the view stunning. But it was empty.Cold.Just like my hear







