NIKOLAI
Her scent wrapped around me like silk, sliding under my skin and settling deep in my bones. Every breath I took pulled it deeper, made my beast purr with satisfaction, made the constant gnawing hunger that had been clawing at my insides for days finally, finally quiet.
It was her.
Anokai.
Our little orchid.
My shadows stilled around me, no longer writhing with agitation. The darkness that usually pressed against my control, demanding release, demanding blood and violence and chaos, settled. Like a wild animal suddenly tamed, suddenly content.
I breathed in again, deeper this time, wanting more of that scent. I need more.
And then it faded.
Not disappeared, that would have been too merciful. Just faded. The lingering traces growing weaker with each passing second until all t
