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A sob burst from me at the sight of Andrei, Rafael, and Alexei standing right in front of me, their faces smudged with dirt and grime. My eyes immediately searched for any injuries, but I couldn’t see much under the oversized jackets they were wearing.

“Here,mamma,” Rafael said, holding out a small bouquet of mismatched flowers.

“No, mom ! Take mine!” Andrei exclaimed, thrusting his own bundle of flowers toward me.

Alexei, silent as always, also extended his bouquet.

I lifted my gaze, searching for Mikhail, and another sob of relief escaped when I saw him a few steps behind them, standing with his father and uncles—just as soaked and filthy as the boys. His wide eyes locked onto mine.

I tried to stand, but my legs wouldn’t cooperate, leaving me on my knees, shaking with sobs. The boys hesitated before I pulled all three of them into my arms, clutching them and kissing their faces over and over.

“Thank God !” Elif’s voice rang out behind me, joined by Sienna’s.

“Mamma, why are you crying ?” Rafael asked, pressing his little hand to my wet cheek. I thanked the heavens that it was dark enough to hide my bruises from him.

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t stop sobbing.

“Selina,” Nikolai’s voice came softly as he approached, Mikhail right beside him, frowning in concern.

“Come,Solnychko,” Nikolai said gently. “Boys, go take a shower and change. We’ll join you soon.”

The boys hesitated for a moment, looking back at me, but they eventually obeyed. Mikhail lingered. I couldn’t help but pullhim into my arms, hugging him tightly. After a few seconds of stillness, he hugged me back.

“Go on, Mikhail. Catch up with your brothers,” his father said.

Mikhail followed them inside, with Elif at their side. I sniffled, watching them disappear.

“I should go help them,” I murmured, attempting to follow, but before I could take a step, I found myself lifted into Nikolai’s arms.

I gasped, clutching onto his neck, staring at him with wide eyes as my already damp clothes absorbed more of the moisture from his. Under the watchful gazes of his brothers and my sister, Nikolai carried me inside.

“What are you doing, Nikolai ?” I asked softly as he tightened his hold while climbing the stairs.

He didn’t answer, continuing up until we reached his floor. But instead of turning towards the children’s rooms, he went the opposite way—towards his own bedroom.

I craned my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the boys, but I couldn’t. Still, I felt reassured hearing Elif’s voice with them.

Nikolai entered his room and closed the door behind us with his foot before placing me on his bed.

“Did you eat ?” he asked, kneeling in front of me, tucking my damp hair behind my ears before gently brushing his fingers over my bruised cheek.

I flinched slightly despite myself.

“Elif put some cream on it,” I said, grasping his wrist as he shut his eyes, his jaw clenched.

“And Velma made me a sandwich.”

“But you didn’t eat it?” He reopened his eyes, locking his gaze onto mine.

I pressed my lips together, saying nothing—because he was right.

He sighed, shaking his head before kissing my forehead and stepping away. As he moved toward the bathroom, he plucked a small leaf from my hair and held it up with a smirk, making me blush.

I heard the sound of running water. He was probably taking a shower. I decided to wait before going to check on the boys—I felt like I might start sobbing like a child again.

Lying back on the bed, I closed my eyes just for a moment.

I sighed softly as I felt a gentle touch on my neck, then on my cheek.