Chapter 134: Soothing Her Terrors

Ophelia shot up from the bed, her forehead colliding with Nikolai's in a sudden, jarring impact. The collision should have caused her pain, but it was overshadowed by the torment of the fire that still seemed to engulf her body, even in her waking state. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, and her breath came in sharp, ragged gasps. The repeated interruptions in her heart’s rhythm made it pound violently, sending blood coursing through her veins with alarming force. She could feel her entire body trembling as though she were exposed to a frigid winter’s chill. The proximity of death loomed so close that it was almost tangible. How had Nikolai managed to awaken her from such a harrowing punishment by a god? "I..." She tried to speak, but her attempt was interrupted by a harsh, painful cough. Just as she was about to strike her chest in a futile effort to calm her racing heart, Nikolai's hand caught hers gently. "Darling," he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm against her dist