Chapter Six: Warmth in The Storm

  Goosebumps pricked along the back of Nikolai’s neck, and his throat went as dry as sandpaper.

  “I’m as good as dead,” he muttered hoarsely.

  Another knock.

  Stalling would only exacerbate the situation, Nikolai realized. Reluctantly, he rose and stepped toward the door, slipping his hands into his pockets. Was Elias the one waiting on the other end? And if so, was he here to deliver a punishment?

  He lifted his right wrist—the one equipped with the Omni-link—and swiped it across the panel. The door clicked. Then, with trembling fingers, he turned the knob.

  The door swung open. Standing outside were none other then Julian and Odette. Nikolai’s eyes widened; he hadn’t expected them.

  Odette stood there in a white dress with a red belt cinched at her waist, a tray of food balanced carefully in her hands. The savory aroma of roasted duck and vegetables drifted into the room. Her hazel eyes were soft as always. Beside her, Julian stood with his arms crossed, pointedly avoiding Nikolai’s gaze. His powder-blue shirt was half-buttoned, hair loosely tied back, a faint frown pulled at his lips.

  “W—what are you doing here?” Nikolai asked, his jaw slack.

  “What do you think, dumbass?” Julian scoffed, still refusing to look at him.

  Odette glanced at Julian and smiled gently. “There’s no need to be rude,” she said softly, then returned her attention to Nikolai. “You’ve been a little down lately. And since you didn’t eat, we brought you dinner. Can we come in?”

  Nikolai stared at them for a moment before clearing his throat. “Yes, of course.”

  As they stepped inside, Nikolai glanced at Julian. “What’s up with Mr. Moody?” he asked, jerking a thumb toward him.

  Julian shifted his weight, the hardwood flooring creaking beneath him. “Hmph.” he kept his eyes fixed on the floor.

  “He’s been like that since you yelled at him,” Odette explained softly. “He’s been moping all afternoon…and apparently, he still is.”

  The memory at the dining hall flashed through Nikolai’s mind, and guilt clouded his eyes. He bowed his head and lifted a hand to scratch the back of his neck. “Oh, right. I…I’m sorry about that, Julian.”

  Julian finally turned toward Nikolai, his lips still set in a pout. “Yeah, you should be,” he muttered, keeping his arms tightly crossed. “I was just worried about you, y’know.”

  Nikolai looked up. “I know. I was out of line. I’m really sorry, man.”

  Julian sighed, finally uncrossing his arms. “I forgive you. Just—don’t do it again, okay?”

  “I promise I won’t,” Nikolai replied, a wave of relief washing over him.

  Julian offered a warm, genuine smile this time. “I’ll hold you to that.”

  Odette clapped her hands together brightly. “Yay! You’ve finally reconciled.” She looked at them with affectionate hazel eyes. “I’m glad.”

  Heat flooded Julian’s cheeks. “It’s not that big a deal,” he muttered, his voice becoming gruff.

  Nikolai bit the inside of his cheek, suppressing a laugh. Julian glared at him, the heat spreading to his ears. “What’s so funny?”

  “You,” Nikolai replied, his voice thick with restrained laughter.

  Julian snarled, rolling his eyes. “Ha-ha, very funny.”

  Odette’s expression softened. “Well, I guess I spoke too soon,” she chuckled. “Anyway—aren’t you gonna eat, Nikolai? You must be famished,” she added, gesturing to the tray she’d set down on the desk.

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  A loud growl escaped Nikolai’s stomach, making his ears flush crimson. Stupid stomach! Betraying me like that, he thought, staring at the floor.

  Julian let out a muffled laugh, pressing a hand against his mouth. Odette chuckled and handed Nikolai the tray. “Well, you should eat then.”

  He took it from her. “Thanks,” he murmured under his breath.

  God, this is embarrassing, Nikolai thought as he perched on the ground, his legs crossed, and settled the tray over his lap.

  The others settled beside him on the ivory flokati rug. Silence descended upon the room, broken only by the soft whistle of breeze and the

  faint clatter of silverware.

  The aroma of the meal lingered as Nikolai ate.

  “Y’know, if something was bothering you, you could’ve just told us,” Julian said, breaking the silence.

  Nikolai swallowed. “Nothing’s really bothering me. I’m just…frustrated.”

  Liar, Julian thought, lips forming a slight pout.

  Odette glanced at Julian. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

  Julian let out a choked sound. I’m caught—curse my expressive face, he thought. “Th—there’s nothing wrong.”

  Odette arched a brow and crossed her arms. “Then why are you pouting, Julian?”

  “I—I’m not pouting! You’re just seeing things, Oddie,” Julian stammered, his cheeks warming.

  Nikolai let out a muffled laugh. “You sure about that?”

  “Yes, I’m sure!” Julian’s voice wavered.

  Both Nikolai and Odette broke into chuckles at his denial.

  Julian winced. “Even you are laughing at me, Oddie? The betrayal!” He grimaced, clutching his chest dramatically.

  Nikolai rolled his eyes. “Drama queen,” he whispered.

  “I heard that!” Julian shot back. “You don’t understand the agony I’m in!” He let out a fake sob. “Ow…my heart!”

  Odette pressed a hand to her lips to suppress another chuckle. “Julian, you’re so dramatic.”

  “I’m not dramatic, I’m in pain!”

  “Yes, clearly,” Nikolai said, eyes rolling in mock exasperation.

  “Ugh, you guys are no fun,” Julian pouted, crossing his arms over his chest again.

  Odette grinned. “Oh, c’mon, Julian, don’t be like that.”

  Julian averted his gaze. “How could you, Oddie? You betrayed me! I trusted you.” He dabbed at his eye with the heel of his hand, feigning tears.

  “Can you believe it, Odette? You broke his poor, fragile little heart!” Nikolai exclaimed, feigning a dramatic gasp.

  “Really? Did I?” Odette replied, her eyes wide with mock shock.

  Julian clutched his chest. “My heart! How could you? I may never recover.”

  Nikolai nodded solemnly. “Sure you won’t, Julian.”

  “Hmph. you’re so mean to me.”

  “Okay, okay. We had our fun,” Odette said. “Let’s leave him and his broken heart alone now.”

  Nikolai crossed his arms, eyeing his friend. “Yeah. We wouldn’t want to cause further damage.”

  A hush fell over the room. Only the soft chirps of crickets wafted through the air, alongside the faint clatter of dishes as Nikolai set the empty tray aside.

  “Thanks again for the food, Odette,” Nikolai murmured.

  “It was no problem at all, really,” she replied.

  Oddie is so kind to everyone, Julian thought, glancing her way. How can someone be so sweet? His eyes softened as a small smile curved his lips.

  A profound stillness settled over them like a heavy cloak. They all yawned in unison, the silence giving way to a drowsy comfort. Huddled on the ivory rug, sleep finally consumed them.

  See you again next Friday!