DEMONS | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 21

—-Nikolai's POV—-

Nikolai entered the bed chamber, the bags under his eyes so large that he felt that he could practically roll up in them. He carried a glass of cool water in his hand and a book under his arm. He hadn't been sleeping well, especially with Mara still not showing any signs of awakening. His formal jacket had long been tossed onto a chair somewhere in the palace, leaving him in a black button up shirt and brown pair of pants. His suspenders hanging at the sides of his legs.

The duties he had taken upon himself in preparation to be king weren't easy either. Constantly calling him away to complete signatures or meet with advisors. He denied every trip out of the palace, insisting on staying within reach while Mara's health hung in the unknown.

He set the glass down on the bedside table. Taking his usual seat in the chair that was pulled up to the left side of the bed. He ran a hand over his face, and through his hair.

Sighing as he leaned back into the chair, his gazing falling onto Mara's pale figure in his bed. Genya had been bringing life into her features and keeping her body nourished, but even Genya couldn't erase the lifeless look on Mara's skin.

He reached forward and took her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles, leaning over further to press a kiss to her hand. Her skin was still warm, but not warm enough. He pressed more kisses to her skin, holding onto her as if she was his lifeline. He put two fingers to her wrist, letting out a breath of relief and frustration when he found the faint beating of her pulse. Rested his face in her hand, as he looked over her face again.

"I've found just to story to cheer you up, my darling."

He leaned back and opened the book. "It's the story about you. Do you remember on the island, you told me that you had no idea what being The Sun Summoner meant. Well, I want to finally tell you."

When shadows blanket the land, and despair clings to every heart,A child of radiance shall emerge, bearing the sun's eternal spark.Born under the crest of a golden dawn, her touch shall heal and ignite,A beacon of hope, a celestial guide, banishing the dark with her light.

—-Mara's POV—-

Mara's bones ached. Her stuff muscles screaming for movement. But yet she still was consumed in darkness. She could hear whispers and grumbling noises all around her. But another voice surrounded her, his low voice wrapping her in the warmth of the words that rolled off of his tongue.

The Sun Summoner, marked by celestial hues, shall possess a power untold,Her essence entwined with solar flames, a force both fierce and bold.With each step she takes, the earth shall quake, and darkness shall retreat, her path, illuminated by the sun, victory her destiny shall meet.

As if trapped in the middle of a large cavern without any light. Monsters without form seemed to circle around her, but never touching her skin.

She could hear Nikolai. Every word he spoke, every sweet act of devotion she felt.