Chapter 76

Nickolas

Eric is silent for a long moment, his gaze searching mine as if trying to peer into the very depths of my soul.

“I know you’re trying to protect her,” he says at last, his tone gentle but firm. “But Nickolas, you have to realize… the lords’ fears aren’t entirely unfounded.”

I frown, my brow furrowing in confusion. “What do you mean?” I ask warily.

“I mean that as much as you might want to deny it, as much as you might try to convince yourself otherwise… the lords are right,” Eric says softly, his gaze holding mine unflinchingly.

I open my mouth to protest, to deny the truth of his words with every fiber of my being. But something in his expression stops me, a knowing glint in his eye that sends a shiver of unease down my spine.

“No, they’re not,” I try to argue, but even I can hear the lack of conviction in my voice. “I don’t… I can’t…”

“It’s okay, Nickolas,” Eric soothes, reaching across the desk to lay a comforting hand on