Guilt.

Shame.

Disgrace.

There were no words I could use to figure out how I felt as Nikolai’s gaze bored into me. My hands trembled, and I clung to the towel as if it were a life line. My weak legs struggled to keep me upright. A huge part of my heart felt as if the Corpse Lily had seeped into and caused it to decay.

I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. I knew that if I dared to do so, all I’d see was disappointment. Slowly, I turned my back on him and walk to the bed. Salty tears stung my eyes and cooled my burning cheeks....