Chapter 68 Peek-a-Boo

*Ana*

“Ah!”I let out a sharp cry, short of panic rather than fear. I don’t feel them move, but I blink, and my arms are out. My hand is pushing back whatever is on me. My vampiric strength knocks and smacks into a wall of meat.

“Umphf!” whoever exclaims before I hear them tither and fall back as if I knock the air out. But even there, I am still reeling.

“Who do you think you are to touch me!” I turn, ready to face this interloper. Whoever it is, they will not go unscathed. I will give them the most severe reprimand they will endure for such foolishness.

“I am the Empress of Nochten, you can not-”

At least, I think I will until I turn to look down. All at once, my anger dies like a candle blown out as I see someone I least expect. My breath stops as I take what must be the same kind of shock on his face.

“Nicoli?” My voice finally finds a path out of my stutter. It’s Nicoli? Is he the one? “Why are you-” the words drop as Nicoli groans.

“Ow,” Nicoli sits up. A quick shot of pain