Living temptation

As Nikolai gave a brief account of his past, Ophelia regarded him in silence. Tiana's usage of the blood pearl to compel him to commit murder and exert mental control over him. She swallowed, feeling chills all over and slowly put her palm on his, which he grabbed hold of right away. 

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Nikolai."

Anyone who has experienced even a fraction of what he had would surely go nuts. His plight tore at her soul. The person who was going to ruin his family took care of him.. his parents had neglected him so terribly. Even starvation was used as punishment for him. He was so young, he didn't deserve any of that.

"It's all over." Exhaling, Nikolai rubbed his thumb around her knuckles. "I was alone, but not truly alone."

"You had acquaintances?" Ophelia asked with a hint of astonishment in her voice.