Our Flame

xxxi

NADIA

I roll around in my bed, not bringing myself to get up yet. Yesterday was my birthday, the best birthday ever.

Despite the fact that cake was thrown on me multiple times. I truly couldn't have asked for a better day.

Today I get married, and maybe that's why I don't want to get up. I'm not ready for this, but it's time.

Pounding on my door brings me out of my thoughts, "It's open." I yell out. The door opens revealing my twin."We're all going to breakfast." Niko plops on my bed.

"Why?" I question, with a groan. "Because we enjoy eating?" Niko skeptically responds. "You're not funny."

"I know you don't want to get married." My twin reads my thoughts. "I'd do anything to protect our family." I state.

It's true, marrying Ezra is nothing compared to the lengths I would go to in hopes of protecting my family. And if this is what it takes, then so be it.

"But this is all his fault, you wouldn't have to do this if it weren't for him murdering a kid." Niko reminds. That's also true.

"Well it happened Niko, and now I'll deal with the consequences of his actions. I've accepted it but I don't like it." I tell my twin.

Niko sighs, "I just want you to be okay."

I smile, "I'm an adult Nik, I'll be fine." Niko rolls his eyes. "Get ready, we leave in an hour." Niko exits my room.

Slowly but surely, I bring myself out of bed moving into my bathroom. "First day of adulthood." I mumble.

After my routine; I leave my hair in it's natural state, deciding to put thought into my outfit. I throw on a cropped black shirt with leather pants.

At this point all I wear is black.

"It'll be fine, Nadia." I mumble to myself in the mirror. I sigh throwing on a pair of black boots. The only thought keeping me together is that I'll get to see his eyes.

I like his eyes but I'd like them better if I remembered where I've seen them.

"Now or never." I speak as I grab my phone heading downstairs. My thoughts start to overwhelm me as I come down the stairs, causing me to trip.

"Careful Nadia." Viktor catches me. "Sorry." I clear my throat. Viktor stares blankly at me for a moment until speaking.

"What's wrong?" He quickly asks. "Nervous." I shorty answer.

"I wish I could tell you that you don't have to do this- Viktor, I'll do this a thousand times if it meant you guys would be safe." I interrupt. "I'll be fine."

Viktor doesn't seem to believe me and I can practically see the guilt in his eyes. "Let's just get to breakfast." I change the subject. "Everyones in the car." Viktor leads me out.

"Is Misha in the car?" I question. "Did you lose your dog?" Viktor chuckles. "No, someone stole her." I respond. I smile as I see Misha in the car.

"Shouldn't you be wearing white?" Luka yells out the window. "So fucking funny." I yell back.

**