Chapter 38: Obsession

Ophelia’s body was drenched in sweat, her breaths coming in rapid, shallow gasps. Nikolai, noticing the distress etched on her face, released his grip on her shoulders. Her sharp, golden eyes were wide with fear, a sight that made his chest tighten with concern. What could have possibly happened to her to induce such anxiety? His mind raced with questions as he gently placed his hand on her forehead, feeling the intense heat radiating from her skin. Her temperature was alarmingly high. Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms, cradling her as he headed toward the bathing room. But before he could take more than a few steps, Ophelia's strained voice reached his ears. "No... I'm going to be fine." She sounded weak, but her words carried a resolve that made him pause. He stopped and looked down at her. Ophelia's eyes were closed, her face pressed against his chest as she clung to his shirt. Gradually, her tense expression softened into one of tranquility. Her breathing slowed, an