I spend the day with Lily before returning to the castle late at night. As I step into our shared bedroom, I freeze, my breath catching in my throat at the sight before me. Nickolas stands with his back to me, his sculpted body bare as he strips off his clothes, the fabric dark and heavy with what can only be blood. He turns slowly as if sensing my presence, and I feel my knees weaken at the sight of his chest and abdomen that's painted red, the blood still wet and glistening in the dim light.
"Like what you see?" he asks, his voice a low, cocky drawl that sends shivers down my spine.
"No," I lie, tearing my gaze away, my cheeks flushing hot.
"Hmm," he smirks, clearly seeing through my feeble attempt at nonchalance. To my surprise, he doesn't stop undressing, his movements deliberate an
