The culprit (2)

Silence.

While Nikolai maintained his eerie, unsteady smile, Sasha was attempting to digest what he had said and Maria and Danil appeared astonished.

"What the hell are you talking about! Playing detective right now, are you? It doesn't suit you!" Danil shouted, breaking the unnerving silence. He let go of his mother when he felt her wiggle free of his hold, enabling her to take a strong stance.

A single action. He only needed to make one action to thrust his blade deep into Nikolai's heart and into his chest.

He cast a quick glance at his mother, whose tense expression showed that Nikolai's words had seriously affected her. He couldn't, of course, blame her. Even though she was the Beta's wife, Maria usually chose to stay out of the political disputes in their family as well as those involving Celestia. She concentrated on her responsibilities of setting up the castle, enjoying tea with her friends, and attending parties and balls.