Innocent in a struggle

Stretching out her arms, she couldn't control the yawn that followed. She felt full, hungry, and revived.

When she opened her eyes, she saw Nikolai sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at a golden dagger he was holding. He was dressed in a loose, black linen shirt that partially exposed his chest and gasped aloud as all the memories that had brought her to this moment flashed through her mind.

The longer he stared at it, the more his fingers oozed out thick dark wisps that made her jump into a sitting position. However, the pain that surged up to her back caused her to whimper and stiffen.

"Gods!"

Nikolai turned to her, the snake tattoo on the side of his neck moving in tandem with his neck muscles. "Wonderful morning darling,"

Ophelia's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "Morning?!"

"My heart nearly stopped because of you." Hurling the dagger towards her, Nikolai hissed.