Alexei's POV

I could hardly sleep last night. The thought of Novel leaving me haunted my every waking moment. I had to tell her what I was before it was too late; I wanted her by my side forever.

I was lost in thought when Viktor entered, a small velvet box in his hands.

“The necklace from the auction,” he said, handing it to me.

I opened the box, and there it rested. The deep red stone seemed to glow with a life of its own. I smiled, imagining it against the pale skin of her neck.

“Thank you,” I told Viktor. He nodded and turned to leave. I wanted...