Chapter 83: A Promise?

Nikolai had not expected to entertain two cousins in one night. His fatigue was palpable; all he yearned for was rest. Yet here he was, extending a handkerchief to Yulia, whose mother he had killed. The room was cloaked in shadows, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shapes on the walls. Yulia sat in the chair Viktor had occupied earlier, her face streaked with tears. She took a deep breath, attempting to steady her voice. "I don't know if you noticed," she began, her voice wavering, "but I've been absent for the past two days. To avoid any trouble with you, Father sent me away." Nikolai’s response was a nonchalant nod. "A wise decision on his part," he said, stifling a yawn. "But I came back earlier today," Yulia continued, her gaze dropping to the handkerchief in her hands. "I had no intention of attending Luna Alina's birthday ball last night. However, when I learned of what happened to Ophelia, I decided to finish what I had started." She wiped her nose, her expression har