Chapter 102: Protecting Them

Ophelia’s reaction to Viktor’s revelation was subdued, though her shock was palpable. She was not entirely surprised, but the idea that Nikolai wanted the blood pearl—an object designed to control and manipulate the mind—stolen was unsettling. Why would he want something so crucial to his control to be taken away? She knew she had to find Nikolai immediately. “There’s more to the blood pearl, isn’t there?” Viktor asked, his face impassive but his voice brimming with anticipation. Ophelia nodded but remained silent. Viktor was clearly unaware of the full history behind the pearl, and she wasn’t ready to divulge it just yet. As Viktor realized that Ophelia was withholding information, he groaned and shoved his hands into his pants pockets. “Nikolai used to play pranks on us when he was younger. He did it at least three times a month when he was in a good state of mind. He’d pull pranks on each of us, and we’d all end up playing together. After those days, he’d wake up crying, claimin