A couple of days ago, when Nicole saw with her own eyes that another woman had taken over her friend’s body, she could not come to her senses to react adequately. Her first thought was that this must be some kind of joke or prank that Dexter decided to pull on her and Urum.

After they fell into the trap of vampires, they passed quite a few tests of endurance, physical and psychological, to prove that they are not enemies. It was quite difficult, considering the moment of their meeting and the injury of Raphael’s sister.

No matter how hard Nicole tried to convince her that it was all a mistake, Dexter was beside himself with rage, his eyes seemed to be obscured by a veil and he refused to listen to her, giving all his thoughts to Amanda and her condition.

It was one of the hardest days of her entire life. She recalled those days with fear and trembling.

Urum, on the other hand, endured all adversities with fortitude, like a seasoned fighter. He tried not to show his feelings to the girl so that she would not be afraid. But every time Nicole was hurt, he lost his temper, for which he subsequently received even harsher punishment. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

It was probably at this moment that Nicole became imbued with feelings for a man. She was able to realize that he had become closer to her than anyone before. He took care of her when she was sick, he protected her and did her dirty work for her, as long as she didn’t get her hands dirty with blood. He was angry, trying to break down the cage when the vampires interrogated her.

All this warmed her soul, creating a pleasant image in her eyes. A trusting and reliable image of the person in whom she was mistaken initially.

Amanda, despite her injury, was eventually able to overcome her own pride and creeping anger at the witches, and listened to both of them before they could be released.

Although the vampire observer assigned to them was overly assertive and it was difficult to call it freedom in full. But it wasn’t bad either.

It was certainly better than being locked up and subjected to endless torture, which seemed to end only in their death.

Nicole swore that she would never jump to conclusions about anyone again, and that’s why she listened to Artemis with steadfast coolness of mind and trusted her.

However, she did not deny that she was extremely happy to see that all her friends were alive, although not completely healthy.

If only she had known about their capture right away, she would have been able to explain to the vampires that they were not enemies. She would have protected each of them. But sometimes fate doesn’t work out the way we all want it to.

As a result, after a thorough conversation, everyone let go of their resentments and anger dulled, although it did not disappear forever.

Nicole came to visit the sick Adeline for several days. She helped the healer with potions and healing spells. And although the doctor was too biased towards her, he could not help but appreciate her persistent efforts in helping the sick.

She was on duty day and night at the hospital beds with Artemis to restore the condition of Thea’s brother, who was still immersed in a deep sleep and did not seem to want to wake up to this world, despite the fact that his bodily wounds had already healed.

It was only on the third day that Artemis was able to breathe a sigh of relief when his nervous and fickle pulse was finally able to stabilize, and his breathing became clear, even and deep, which indicated his recovery. She couldn’t forgive herself if he turned into a vampire without his own desire.

And the desire was not enough, just by looking at Raphael, who considered vampirism to be the curse of his whole life. Although most likely he was lying, because immortality was a great curse, otherwise nothing would have prevented him from interrupting this mortal life long ago, which, according to the laws of God, should not have lasted more than is allotted to every mortal person.

- His condition has improved, as has his complexion. - Nicole noted.

- He still needs to be monitored. I wonder how Lillian would have reacted to his death. Would she be upset? Was she feeling rage or grief? Or would she have ignored it?

- Why are you asking that?

- I’ve always been curious, what’s in this woman’s head? Is there really nothing in this world that could stop her ambitious plans to live forever? How many people has she killed for this purpose... has she ever experienced true love? What was the turning point in her life that she chose this wrong path?

- I don’t really care about that. No matter what happened, it would not be able to justify her actions. Never.

- There is no turning back. Not for her. I have to do my best so that she can no longer do evil and torment people.

- It seems we have guests. - Nicole tilted her head slightly and looked behind Artemis, where a disheveled vampire stood holding onto the door handle like a lifeline.

- His Lordship said to report that he is urgently waiting for you in the Council Chamber. Urgently.

His darting gaze and nervousness did not escape the attention of Those, and she quickly nodded to the vampire. It bothered her.

- Something must have happened. - Nicole pointed out. – Can I come with you?

- I haven’t been sleeping well these days. - Artemis said in a monotone, as if uttering a monologue. – It seems to me that it will be very soon... I have a bad feeling.

Her unfocused, bleary gaze wandered over the marble floor, sliding between the tiles. Her mind drifted back to those vivid, disturbing dreams over and over again, bringing back memories in her eyes.

Just the other day, hundreds of groups of witches began to surround the castle from all sides. It was still the safest place in the kingdom. It was here that they sheltered the people who had been evacuated.

But now, as if she were in a cauldron, she doubted that being here was a good idea. These thoughts tormented her, making her doubt her every step and decision.

- Come on.

The door to the Council Chamber was tightly closed, but as if by magic, the door opened with a soft creak. The vampire walking in front stopped, bowed, and then stepped aside a little, letting two girls inside.

- Dexter. - she called out to him, drawing his attention when vampire was still holding on to the door handle, and his gaze was far away, flying into the glass surface of the corridor window.

The girls went inside, where a huge crowd of people had already gathered. Among them were Amanda, all the top leadership of the country, military generals and... werewolves.