Chapter 6: FORBIDDEN FRUIT

The tension in the chamber was overwhelmingly threatening for Alina as her heart pounded violently against her ribcage. She continued to stand motionless next to the open door, staring at her son as he gave her a horrifyingly creepy smile that made her spine shiver in agony. Although her lips trembled at that point, she was still unable to respond to Nikolai's question. He had asked a very dangerous question, even though it didn't seem like it. Her son had changed dramatically and had become more dangerous than he had been when he was a child, and the darkness that revolved around him had done nothing but increase clearly due to the strong hatred he held for her and all the Novikovs. "It's been a long time, mother, and you still haven't answered my question." Nikolai chuckled deeply and finally broke eye contact with her, laying back on the bed. "Your feet must not be hurting." He added, clicking his tongue. "Y..you should rest." Alina stumbled breathlessly and moved to leave the room, but as soon as she moved a muscle, Nikolai sat himself up, his eyes blazed menacingly and as if blown by a strong wind, the door closed, sending Alina tumbling back against the wall, looking as though she had given up on life. "I didn't tell you to leave." Nikolai groaned sluggishly and reclined on the bed. "Answer my question." "There is nothing..." "I spent three hundred years in Nexus without sleeping for even a second, but all of a sudden, I dozed off and met a dragon who seemed to harbor a lot of grudges against me despite the fact that I had never met her before, and worst of all, she even knew my name." Nikolai interrupted her, speaking in a low dangerous voice, then rose from the bed, stood up, and narrowed a dangerous gaze at Alina, who sighed deeply. What's the worst that could happen? After all, lycans and dragons had been at odds for a long time before Nikolai was imprisoned in the Nexus. "Mother, time is ticking, and I am a ticking bomb. Cyrus said wistfully, running his fingers through his ruffled hair impatiently. Alina swallowed hard. "You won't dare to hurt me," she said confidently, earning a quiet scoff from Nikolai. "I am your Luna, and I am your mother." She softly uttered and moved away from the wall. "Then tell me, Luna, did you know I'd be dreaming about that dragon?" The tone he used when saying "Luna." Was lethal, and Alina could only sigh in defeat. Her own son, her only child, had grown to despise her to the point where she could almost see the resentment emanating from him. "Yes, but I didn't expect it to happen now." She breathed out while averting her gaze. "That was a hazy response." Nikolai clicked his tongue in displeasure. "I need answers.” "I can't say much because I'm not allowed to, even if I try." Nikolai narrowed his eyes as Alina responded almost immediately. Once named the Alpha's rightful mate, every Luna of Celestia became an oracle. Nikolai was well aware that his mother had the ability to see the future, and while it mostly manifested as vague dreams and glimpses, she could only say as little as possible in order to avoid the destruction of the world's order. "So this is related to Selene's path." Nikolai laughed and sat back on the bed, one leg on top of the other. "Please elaborate." Alina let out a long sigh. "You are not permitted to approach her or even come into contact with her. It is against the goddess's will, and it will bring you and Celestia destruction." She revealed, her gaze still averted from him. "Oh?" Nikolai arched his brows. He didn't seem bothered by the information, and when Alina noticed, she frowned slightly.. "You must not approach her!" She raised her voice, and Nikolai stood up, brightly smiling as if he had just heard a joke. "If I can't meet her, why did I see her in a dream?" He inquired, his gaze fixed on her. Everything sounded ridiculously epic to Nikolai, but he knew his mother was telling the truth based on how serious she appeared and sounded. She even raised her voice at him. Lycans and dragons were at war, but who knew he would be connected to a dragon and forbidden from meeting her when he had already met her mysteriously in a dream? He laughed at the thought of the moon goddess forbidding him from meeting someone. It only made him curious about who that dragon was. Alina's lips parted, but not even a single word came out, eliciting a sly grin from Nikolai. "Who is she?" He asked with keen interest, and Alina's eyes widened in surprise. "I just told you that you two are not allowed to meet!" Alina snapped, and Nikolai's smile began to brighten, though it didn't reach his eyes. Alina looked at him with disbelief, regretting her responses to him. But, if she didn't tell him, he'd find out for himself, which would undoubtedly cause chaos. "Who is she?" He asked again, taking slow, long strides towards her. Alina remained motionless, frozen with fear, her heart racing as she watched her son approach her like a predator stalking his prey. Isn't it unusual for a mother to be terrified of her son, who despised her to the point of death? "W.. what are you going to do?" Alina stumbled, her eyes averted from his. "Are you going to threaten me?" With a deep chuckle, halted his steps, clicking his tongue as he ran his fingers into his hair. "It all sounds like bullshit fairytale." He deadpanned. Alina caught her breath. "Getting close to the golden dragon will only bring death and chaos to Celestia. You, Nikolai Novikov and Ophelia Viadislav are forbidden to ever meet each other." She revealed in a stern tone, her olive green eyes flashing dimly. Nikolai froze. "You understand now don't you?" The temperature dipped as his great mood soured. Noticing this, Alina was relieved that she had gotten through to him. She almost thought that he was going to say and something gravely stupid. "So, she's like a... forbidden fruit?" He asked, his crimson eyes twinkling darkly with mischief. Alina's appearing smile became a grimace. "Nikolai, for your sake, you should let her be." She murmured. "Why?" Nikolai smiled mischievously creepily, sending chills down her spine. "I've heard forbidden fruits are the sweetest, and I know that just a bite won't be enough for me.”