"N..Nik?" She stuttered and took a deep breath to calm herself. "Can you explain what you mean?"
"Yes, I have been away for a week. However, why am I unable to find my wife?" Nikolai asked again, this time raising his brows.
Sasha fussed through her hair. "Wait... Wait... Wait... You pushed her away."
Nikolai nodded. "Yes, I did."
"Then you departed."
Nikolai nodded yet again. "In your care. As usual. That being said, Artem informed me that Albert passed away during the previous week. I should have been there; I apologize for your loss. My mother..."
"Where have you been, Nikolai?" Sasha approached him, asking sharply this time.
"Hell." Nikolai responded, his eyes dimming, his voice deep.
Sasha took a deep breath. "What is happening?"
"Where is Ophelia?" Getting to his feet, Nikolai snarled.
Sasha stepped back, exhaling deeply. "She went to see Alina and the red moon witches..."