𝑭𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹𝑺 - 𝑹.𝑵𝑰𝑲𝑶𝑳𝑨𝑰

chapter 34

                                                             CHAPTER THIRTY  FOUR.

A lot had changed over the years, yet some things remained oddly the same. You had grown closer to the Decay of Angels, solidifying your place not just as a member but as their deadliest weapon. 

 Your wings, once a source of self-consciousness, had become your pride—an extension of your identity and a symbol of your unmatched strength. But even with all your growth, one thing stayed constant: Nikolai's chaotic and unpredictable charm.

You stretched lazily, your body still humming from the lingering traces of your recent intimacy with him. The sheets tangled around you like the aftermath of a storm.   

You couldn't help but smirk as you heard him singing some nonsensical tune from the bathroom.

"Kolya, how long does it take to wash your hands?" you teased, glancing toward the door.

"Patience, my dove! Great masterpieces take time!" he chimed back, his voice echoing through the space.

You rolled your eyes, though a small smile tugged at your lips. 

 Despite his theatrics and eccentricities, you couldn't imagine your life without him. He had become your constant in a world of chaos, and as frustrating as he could be, there was no denying the deep bond you shared.

When the door finally creaked open, Nikolai stepped out, dramatically flicking water off his fingers like some over-the-top performer. 

 His coat hung loosely on his shoulders, and his hair was slightly tousled, giving him a disheveled, roguish look.

"Miss me, Dovie?" he asked with a mischievous grin, his mismatched eyes sparkling in the dim light.

"You were gone for five minutes," you retorted, sitting up and crossing your arms.

"Ah, but five minutes without me feels like an eternity, doesn't it?" he teased, climbing back into bed and pulling you close.

You let out a soft laugh, the sound muffled as he pressed his lips to your temple. Despite your banter, moments like this reminded you how much you cherished him. He was your chaos, your storm, but he was also your sanctuary.

As the two of you lay there, wrapped in each other's presence, you couldn't help but wonder what the future held. 

 You had grown so much together, but in a world as volatile as yours, nothing was ever certain. Still, for now, you allowed yourself to bask in the warmth of his embrace. 

yet..

The sharp pain had become a cruel companion, lingering in the shadows of your days and nights.

 You tried to ignore it, convincing yourself it was nothing serious. 

But tonight, as you rested your head against Nikolai's arm, it felt unbearable—a constant throb that refused to let you drift into the peace of sleep.

You bit your cheek to keep from groaning, your hand instinctively pressing against your stomach. Nikolai's snores were a soft backdrop, but they offered little comfort against the storm of unease brewing inside you. Minutes felt like hours as the pain grew sharper, your thoughts spiraling into a mess of worry and denial.

And then it hit—a sudden, nauseating wave that sent you scrambling to your feet. The room spun as you dashed to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before you began retching. Your body heaved violently, the sound echoing in the small space.