DEMONS | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 14

---Mara's POV---

The first rays of dawn filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow upon the chamber. Mara stirred from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open to find Nikolai still asleep beside her. His features, though still marked with exhaustion, held a peacefulness that she was relieved to see on him. She rested her hand on his arm, the soft cotton of his shirt, warm from his radiating skin underneath.

With a soft smile, Mara reached out to brush a strand of soft yellow hair from Nikolai's forehead. She marveled at the resilience and determination he had shown, even in the face of such darkness. It was a testament to his strength. He was going to be a great king.

As the room gradually filled with the warmth of the morning sun, Mara resolved to continue their fight against the darkness that plagued Nikolai. She knew that their next steps were crucial, and she needed to gather information, seek guidance, and explore every possible avenue to find a solution.

Carefully slipping out of bed, Mara dressed in a simple yet elegant yellow gown and made her way to the war room. There, she poured over maps, studied ancient tomes, and delved into the lore of Grisha power, seeking any knowledge that could aid them in their quest. Tirelessly researching, leaving no stone unturned in her pursuit of a solution. Her mind becoming a whirlwind of possibilities, trying to connect the fragments of information she gathered.

---Nikolai's POV---

Nikolai awoke with a start, his head pounding. His closed his eyes again, rubbing his face, the sudden brightness of the room causing his migraine to intensify. He groaned and reached to the other side of the bed, but peaked an eye open when he only felt the empty sheets. Concern gripped his heart, and he immediately sat up, throwing the blankets off of himself. Practically running to the door, the cold marble waking him up even more with every step.

He made his way through the corridors of the palace, relying on the guidance of loyal guards to locate her. The cool air of the morning refreshing his senses.

Soon, Nikolai found himself outside the war room, the door slightly ajar. He pushed it open, and his eyes widened as he beheld Mara, surrounded by a sea of documents and books. Her face lit up with a mix of relief and determination as she saw him.

"You're awake," she exclaimed, rising from her seat and rushing to his side. She was incredibly beautiful this morning, her hair a whirlwind of golden curls. Her cheeks slightly pink, a sparkle in her eyes. "I've been researching so much, trying to find a way to help you."

Nikolai's heart swelled with gratitude and admiration for the woman before him. He ran a hand through his messy hair, attempting to push it into place before giving her a soft smile. "Mara, you're truly extraordinary. I don't know what I did to deserve you."

Mara's eyes softened; her gaze filled with unwavering love. "You didn't have to do anything, Nikolai. I love you, and I'll do everything I can to rid you of this. I can't stand to see you the way I saw you last night." She looked down, the memory seeming to change her happy demeanor into a cautious one. "I was so afraid of losing you." She whispered, gazing at his chest. 

With their hands entwined. "Did I hear you say that you love me?" Nikolai slowly smiled.

"That's what you took from that?" Mara laughed, her face brightening slightly. Nikolai didn't reply, he only gazed down at her. His eyes reflecting the glowing of his heart. "What are we going to do?" She questioned.

Nikolai dipped his face down, catching her line of sight. Slowly inching forward as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "We will figure it out. But right now, I'm going to kiss you. Because it has been far too long." He replied, before pressing his lips to hers firmly. His heart racing as he pulled her closer. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck and allowing her hands push his head forwards even more. Keeping his mouth on hers, their lips fitting together perfectly. 

Nikolai lifted her off the ground effortlessly and walked towards the large table, swiping his arm over the top of it, causing all of the papers and books the clatter to the floor before slowly laying her onto it. Their kiss never breaking as he leaned over her, his fingers threading into her golden locks. Her legs wrapping around him, holding him close to her. 

Nikolai felt her run her hands down the space of his back, as if drinking him in. It almost gave him the chills. He could feel his fingertips begin to tingle, and he recognized the same spark as the one he felt that night on the beach. The same feeling that always pulled him towards her. He pressed her into the wood of the table, his hands traveling to her face, holding her jaw as he kissed down her neck. Her wild breath in his ear, as they lay tangled together.

Nikolai trailed his lips to hers again, kissing her harder than before. Silently bargaining in his mind to the saints. He needed to get back to being normal again, because he wanted Mara by his side. She tasted of peach tea, and her plump pink lips were driving him insane. 

He wanted to rule Ravka with her. He wanted to hear her voice in his office, her body in his bed, her kisses in the gardens late at night. She was a part of him, and probably the only part that was anchoring him from the madness. But for that moment, he just kissed her. He kissed her more than he thought he would. 

---Mara's POV---

Mara faced the painful task of chaining Nikolai to the bed. It was a necessary precaution to prevent the darkness within him from wreaking havoc. She hated seeing him restrained, but she knew it was for their safety and the safety of those around them.

As she fastened the chains, Nikolai's eyes searched hers, a mix of gratitude and sadness evident in his gaze. "I'm sorry you have to go through this, Mara. I never wanted to burden you with such a heavy responsibility."

Mara kissed his forehead gently. "I don't mind, I told you that I would be by your side, so this is me keeping that promise."

But as the night wore on, the dark presence within Nikolai grew restless. The chains strained against its power, rattling with an ominous sound. Mara, sitting vigil by his side, sensed the mounting turmoil within him.

"You can do this." she urged; her voice laced with support. "You are stronger than this, you will prevail, you will stand victorious in the morning!"

Nikolai's features contorted; his struggle evident as he grappled with the darkness that threatened to consume him. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead as he fought to maintain control.

"I... I'm trying, Mara," he gasped, his voice strained. "But it's getting stronger. It won't be long before it breaks free."

Mara's heart ached as she witnessed Nikolai's torment, her own desperation fueling her determination. She pressed her hands against his cheeks, her eyes locking with his.

"Listen to me, Nikolai," she pleaded, her voice unwavering. "I believe in you. You have the strength to overcome this. Remember who you are, the king Ravka needs."

A flicker of resolve sparked in Nikolai's eyes, his gaze piercing through the darkness. With a surge of willpower, he summoned the remnants of his humanity.

"I won't let it win," he declared, his voice filled with defiance. "I will fight. For you, for our future."

Mara's heart swelled with hope, her eyes shining with unwavering belief. "I know you can." She whispered, pressing a kiss to his lips. His mouth accepted the kiss, but she could feel the groans and gasps that tried to escape his lips. 

His body beginning to shake, as the dark veins spread over his body again. Mara pulled away, and Nikolai opened his eyes to reveal dark orbs looking back at her. His veins about to pop from his forehead and neck. He gritted his teeth and yelled out in frustration.