Chapter 32: Rainbows and Candy

Esmeralda’s furious outburst seemed to please Nikolai, his grin widening as he observed her anger. Although the dragoness struggling in his arms was invigorating, it didn’t quite compare to the raw fury burning in Esmeralda’s eyes. “I did nothing to you, Esmeralda,” Nikolai remarked casually, his voice carrying a nonchalant tone. “Oh, Nikolai Novikov,” Esmeralda seethed through gritted teeth, “You have done so much to harm me and my people. Your ignorance is astounding.” Rhaziel’s brows furrowed in mild surprise as he observed the exchange, his attention fixated on the unfolding drama. “Let me go, Nikolai!” Ophelia screamed in frustration. Her voice was laced with exhaustion and hunger. “I’m starving, and this is not a game!” Nikolai remained unmoved, his grip firm as Ophelia’s anger boiled over. With a sudden burst of defiance, she drew her dagger from her pocket and drove it into Nikolai’s stomach. Nikolai winced in pain, immediately releasing her as she yanked the dagger free.