Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Three

Irina

The medic at the safehouse confirmed that Nikolai was fully recovered. The antidote had worked perfectly. He would be fine with no lasting effects. I watched as Alexei held his son, cradling him close to his chest. Tears ran down his face and he did not wipe them away. He just held that little boy like he was the most precious thing in the world.

"I will never let anyone hurt you again," Alexei promised the sleeping child. His voice was broken but determined. It cracked on the last word.

I stood in the doorway of the room, watching them. Dimitri was beside me,...