Chapter 157: Dawn of Gods (6)

Nikolai was taken aback by Ophelia's sudden and unexpected confession. His ruby eyes widened in surprise as he watched the sun goddess, her gaze locked on him with an intensity that was both mesmerizing and disconcerting. The sunlight that bathed her made her appear even more radiant, and Nikolai couldn’t ignore the loving gleam that shimmered in her golden eyes. As she sighed and averted her gaze, he felt an urge to reach out and touch her, though he resisted, his fingers trembling with the impulse. “It is,” Nikolai said firmly, rising from his seat. “I don’t understand why you want me to stay, but you should know that there are no bonds between us. To me, you are nothing more than a stranger, and I am merely an observer.” Ophelia pressed her lips together, clearly taken aback by his bluntness. His response seemed more elaborate than necessary, and she would have preferred a simple dismissal of her feelings. “Oh. A stranger?” she echoed, her voice laced with disbelief. “I thought w