Shattered Innocence

Unstoppable Spirits

Nikolay's pov:

She stands by my side, her laughter filling the air and putting us all at ease. I thought we had broken her. I thought we had finally achieved what her own father couldn't. She was trapped there, oblivious to my presence—seeing only him. I know that feeling. My own PTSD and nightmares mirror hers, and I've learned the hard way how to bring myself back from the brink. I couldn't subject her to that. Kissing her was the only idea I had, though I must admit, a part of me has desired it since the day I met her. I should feel guilty for taking advantage of the situation, but I don't. How could I, with the taste of her sweetness still lingering on my lips?

I gaze down at her, captivated by the sparkle in her eyes and the way her body shakes with amusement. She's just as beautiful as when I first laid eyes on her. Even then, I knew she was like us. Some of the others questioned whether Dr. Davis treated her differently because she was his own blood, but he didn't. If anything, he was harsher on her. The woman by my side is a warrior. She has survived the unimaginable, yet she can still find laughter. It amazes me.

As if she feels my gaze, she looks up, her laughter fading into a knowing smile that stirs something within me. "Thank you for coming after me," she murmurs softly, for my ears only.

"Okay, let's take a break," Ivan suggests. "We can try another day if you want."

Her head whips around, and even before she speaks, I know what she's going to say. It's what I would do. Nora doesn't give up, especially when others are depending on her.

"No, we go back and try again. I think I can do it. It was just a shock, that's all," she declares, determination lacing her words.

Zack groans. "Nora..."

"Nora," Mikhail calls out. "We almost lost you. We can find another way—"

"No, this is the way. Everything I've been through..." Her voice breaks, and she swallows, regaining composure. "It has to mean something. I have to do this. You understand, right?"

We do. After all, isn't that why we're all here?

"It's her choice," I state, interrupting their argument. They all turn to me, shocked by my agreement, considering I'm the one constantly battling my own demons. Yet here I stand, beside her as she confronts her own. They all know fragments of my torment, especially Zack, who was the one who found me. He looks at me now, understanding in his eyes. Swallowing, I allow vulnerability to seep into my words. "If I could save people, even if it meant reliving everything, I would. I survived it once. I can survive it again."

I lock eyes with her and nod, adding, "They are just memories. They can't hurt you anymore."

"Thank you." She reaches out and squeezes my arm before straightening her posture and stepping closer to them. "Then let's get back to it," she says, walking past them. They all turn, observing her with a mix of pride and wonder. And I feel it too. Her strength leaves me in awe. Her father may have been our tormentor, our enemy, but his daughter is our salvation. She embodies the indomitable spirit that reminds us what it means to be unstoppable.