IRIS' P.O.V
I turned to Nikolai, my hand going to my mouth, my eyes wide. I expected a bit of reaction from him, something that showed his shock regarding Matthew's condition, but when I turned to him, he was already looking at me.
He was completely expressionless, and he was watching me keenly, like he was more interested in what my reaction to that news would be than whatever details the caller was still reciting.
"Nikolai," I managed to say, my mind trying hard to grasp what was happening.
I felt a sudden wave of guilt, pain, and a realisation. Despite everything, Matthew was still...
"No, he isn't."
I looked up to Nikolai, who was still watching me, his eyes slightly wider now.
"Wh... what?"
"I know what you are thinking. Despite everything, he is still your childhood friend.
