Heaving a sigh, Nikolai felt the energy that had been rushing into his body dissipate. His eyes then flickered to the mist that was engulfing him and Ophelia. It was likewise vanishing. Odd. He forced himself into a sitting posture, carefully cradling Ophelia, and then lifted her into his arms and stood up.
His gaze drifted from Ophelia's placid, unperturbed face to the bleeding side of her neck. "Why do I think I'm supposed to mark you tonight."
"Nikolai!" From a distance, Rhaziel's voice resounded.
Rhaziel was standing there with a startled expression as Nikolai turned his attention to the dungeon's bars. He appeared to have seen a ghost as his eyes lingered over Nikolai's bloodied lips and Ophelia, who was unconscious in his arms.
"Why the hell?" He gasped as he opened the door and proceeded to the dungeon. "How did she enter this place? What happened?"
"Stop provoking me with pointless inquiries." Nikolai scowled.