𝐁𝛐𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 | Nikolai Lantsov

9 | 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝚴𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝛐𝐧𝐬

𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚

The sun had just dipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery orange and soft lavender. Amora stood up from the weathered wooden bench she had shared with Tamar, her heart racing as she approached his door. She knocked lightly, feeling a rush of anticipation mixed with frustration. After a moment, he opened the door, his robe partially open, revealing a sculpted chest that seemed to glow with the lingering warmth of the day. Amora quickly averted her gaze, focusing instead on the matter at hand.

"I need to speak to you," she said, trying to steady her voice as he stepped aside to let her in. The room was expansive, a far cry from the cramped hammock she called home. Rich fabrics draped over the bed, and intricate tapestries adorned the walls, each telling a story of a proud lineage.

Taking a deep breath, she settled onto the edge of his bed, the plush comfort contrasting sharply with her growing anxiety. "I want to talk about your secret," she said, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why? Why don't you help Ravka? Why do you not take responsibility instead of Facily?"

Nikolai's brows furrowed slightly, his expression shifting from surprise to something deeper-an amalgamation of shame and defiance. He stepped closer, the door clicking softly behind him as he leaned against it, arms crossed. "You don't understand, Amora. It's not as simple as just jumping in to save the day. There are layers to this, consequences-"

"Consequences?" She interrupted, rising from the bed, her emotions swirling. "The consequences are already here! Ravka is suffering. People are dying, and you have the power to help them! But instead, you hide behind this... façade! It's selfish!"

He closed the distance between them, his intense gaze locking onto hers. "Selfish? You think I'm doing this for me? You have no idea what I've sacrificed. What I've seen. Facily is powerful, but it's also dangerous. I can't risk my life-and possibly yours-for a cause that isn't clear."

Amora's heart clenched, a mixture of fear and empathy washing over her. "And what about your heart, Nikolai? What about the people who look up to you? You're more than just power; you're a leader, a protector. They need you."

"Leaders make difficult choices." His tone was demanding now, almost strict. "Sometimes, staying away is the best way to protect those we care about."

"But at what cost?" My voice cracked slightly, revealing the frustration and vulnerability I had been trying to suppress. "What about your decisions weighing on your heart? Can you really live with this?"

The space between them tightened, an invisible thread of tension sparking in the air. Nikolai's gaze shifted to the ground, a silent battle raging within him. "You make it sound so easy," he murmured. "But you don't know what they will do to anyone I associate with..."

"Then let me help you." The words spilled out before she could reconsider, her breath catching as she met his eyes once more.

"Help me?" Nikolai's voice was barely a whisper, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "How could you possibly be involved in this world?"

"I may not have your powers," Amora replied, her conviction solidifying. "But I know the people. I know their pain. Maybe I can be your eyes and ears. We can figure this out together."

Nikolai's expression softened, and a flicker of hope sparked within the depths of his gaze. "You're not afraid?"

She shook her head, courage welling within her. "I'm afraid. But I'm more afraid of doing nothing."

The silence that hung in the air stretched, each moment drawing them closer until Tamar, with a slow breath, reached forward, gently taking her hand. "Then together, we'll make a change. But you must promise me-"

"Anything," she replied earnestly.

"Promise me you'll be careful. This world isn't just a shadow; it's filled with darkness we can't always control."

As they stood there, hand in hand, Amora felt a newfound determination blossom within her. The shadows they were about to navigate were daunting, but together, they might just find a way to bring light to Ravka once more. And in the depths of the darkness, she found a flicker of hope-a bond forged not just through power, but through a shared purpose.

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