Chapter 112: A Dark Connection (2)

Ophelia tightened her grip on Nikolai’s wrist, her eyes wide with both fear and confusion. The intensity of his gaze was unnerving; his eyes seemed to bore into her very soul, leaving her paralyzed. Despite the sharp sting of his claws piercing her skin, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the unsettling expression on his face. Nikolai’s grin widened as he observed her reaction. “C... connection? Forbidden mate?” she stammered, her voice trembling. “Darling, I dislike that bewildered look on your face,” Nikolai hissed, his lips curling into a smirk. He released her chin slowly, only to gently lift her head with his finger, his touch both tender and commanding. Ophelia gasped, her breath catching in her throat as Nikolai’s smirk grew. “Your eyes... You saw me, didn’t you?” he asked, his voice a soft, dangerous whisper. Swallowing hard, Ophelia clung to his wrist. “What’s happening?” she managed to ask, her voice barely audible. Nikolai leaned closer, his breath warm against her ea