Earlier...

*Earlier, the previous evening.*

The others were waiting for Nikolai in the main sitting room, while a lovely ball was taking place in the ballroom with the elder Novikovs socializing there. After all, he had planned this ball in the family's honor. Did he not?

"We ought to give thanks to the goddess for the success of this ball. It is a wonderful night, there is no blood stench, we are all together, and we have smiles on our faces. However! There is no sign of the ball's host! How is this even logical?" Boris yelled, pacing violently around the room.

Grinning broadly, Sasha fixed her gaze on her claws. "Perhaps Ophelia changed his mind?"

"Arrgh! The strength of love! I am so lonely!" Vladimir let out a moan and dramatically put his hand on his chest.

Standing at the doorway with his back to the wall, Viktor twisted his mouth in displeasure. "I doubt he will make it."