Knock! Knock! Knock!
Nikolai was violently startled by the loud and incessant knocking rattling against his bedroom door. He blinked his eyes several times in the dim light, only realizing in the ensuing silence that his face was damp—he was actually crying.
[Ceres, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for being entirely selfish, but even now, I still couldn't bring myself to let you go. I'll find you. No matter what happens, wherever you are in this vast world, I swear I will find you.]
"Nikolai!" called Mrs. Sloan, her voice laced with mild concern when no one immediately answered her knock. "Nikolai, it's time for dinner! Come downstairs and join us."
"I'll be right there!" he yelled back toward the heavy wood without opening the door.
