جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 180

Nikolai's PovThe evening had gone smoothly—almost too smoothly.Nikolai adjusted the cuff of his tailored navy jacket as he stepped away from the entrance of the venue. He had just finished greeting the final wave of guests and was beginning to feel the warm lull of success set in. The venue sparkled under soft golden lights, the tables were arranged in elegant circles, and the smell of fresh flowers blended with the subtle aroma of the plated appetizers now being served.Alexei had outdone herself. He could see her across the room, a soft smile playing on her lips as she spoke to one of the donors. Their son, Ivan, was laughing quietly beside her, fidgeting with a little toy he had snuck from home.Nikolai smiled faintly. For once, the chaos of their lives had paused to let a moment of peace slip in. He took a glass of sparkling water from a passing server and sipped it slowly.A man approached him from the left, dressed in all black, with a square jaw and the kind of neutral expres

Alexei's PovI slowly opened my eyes to a steady beep.The lights were dim, soft, not too harsh. The scent of disinfectant crept into my nose. I blinked again, trying to adjust to the light above me.I was in a hospital room.My head felt heavy, like someone had smashed an anvil against my skull. But I could move, barely."Alexei?" a voice whispered. It was deep, familiar, grounding.I turned my head slowly and saw Nikolai, seated beside me, worry carved into every line on his face. He looked tired, distraught and relieved at the same time."You're awake," he said, reaching for my hand. His warmth steadied me. "You’re safe."My mouth was dry. I licked my lips before whispering, "What happened?"He glanced over at the bed next to mine. Lyra was lying still, pale but breathing. She had a bandage around her head and a small scratch across her cheek."There was an attack at the fundraiser," Nikolai said gently. "Things escalated faster than we could contain. You passed out. Someone drugge

NIKOLAI'S POVI sat at the head of the long oak table in the council chamber. I tapped my fingers on the table, scanning through the faces of all my advisors. The atmosphere was thick with tension.The incident at the fundraising event the previous night, had caused an unrest, rippling through out the empire.If someone could be bold enough to almost successfully launch an attack on the Lycan King and his family. Then, it meant the empire wasn't safe anymore.I had called for a council meeting, because it was my duty to quell it before fear spread any further.I finally straightened up in my chair. “Let’s begin,” I said firmly, my voice cutting through the silent murmurings. “We’ve all heard the rumors. It’s time to set things straight.”The council members, representatives from different parts of the empire, nodded solemnly. Kyle was sitted to my right, eyes alert.“The attack at the fundraiser was no random event,” Nikolai continued. “Three separate incidents. All aimed at disruptin

Alexei’s PovMy body trembled as I held Ivan in my arms, trying to calm him down. What the hell was going on?I smoothed his hair and rubbed his back. “Was it a nightmare honey?” I whispered to him. He didn't say anything, just kept clinging on to me.Suddenly, I felt his breath on my ears, almost like he was trying to say something. I pulled away and looked at his him.“Something you want to tell mama?” I asked smoothing his face and hair. I forced a small smile at him, just to get him to relax a little.He looked horrified. “The woman with the red eyes took my blood.” He whispered quietly.I froze.Someone had taken his blood? What was I thinking? There's no way that could have been possible. It was probably the nightmare.“What did he say?” Nikolai asked, crouching down next to me.“He said, a woman with red eyes took his blood.” I said, repeating Ivan's words. I saw as Nikolai went still, as his eyes cold and piercing as they held mine.Did he know something? Was there some kind o

Nikolai's PovLater that night, Alexei had retired to bed with Ivan. She's been sleeping in his room ever since the nightmare incident.We attempted to have a normal day today and I'm relieved to know that we're doing better. I would make sure they never had any reason to worry about their safety ever again.I was on the balcony, unwinding my thoughts. The air was cool and chilly. There were few stars in the sky, which made it look empty.I took a sip from the glass of wine that was on the table next to me.I heard a knock on my door.Who could that be? Obviously couldn't be Alexei, she wouldn't need to knock.I sniffed the air to get their scent. Kyle.“Come in.” I called out towards the door. The door unlocked and closed softly. I heard his footsteps as they approached me.“Having a quiet evening, are we?” Kyle sat in an empty chair next to mine.“A Lycan king still needs alone time to unwind, don't you think?” I said, taking a sip of my wine.“Most certainly. Sorry for interrupting