I've never lost anyone close to me before. I've seen it happen to people, yet obviously couldn't fathom just how much it actually hurt someone emotionally. I got it wrong.
Last night I held Nikola in the burnt remains of a church he'd some time prior, as he died. At first, when I'd joined him after returning from our slightly disastrous day out with Levi, I had been annoyed and angry with him. I had wanted him to behave, and everything to go smoothly. I understand he wasn't himself, but did he really have to go so far?
After we got talking about an occurring subject as of late between us, saving him, I calmed, even though I could see in Nikola's eyes that he would not be returning back the manor with me tonight. Alive, at least. I didn't attempt to take him back to Sebastian before his life slipped away, knowing he'd protest. I didn't really wish to upset him on his death bed. I knew he wasn't going to make it, so I swallowed my urges to take him back and stayed with him. He wanted to die there, in that church. I let him. I tried to make our topic of conversation a little more cheerful, in hopes of him not being upset as he passed. We talked about his birthday, and what he would like. Cake, and sweets. I sang him a song, about a brave little soldier, who died in battle trying to protect the crown. I made note to smile to him more, in his last moments. I know he would have wanted me to be happy, if the last thing he saw was the smile on my face, I know his mind should be at rest.
Finally, he died and I took his soul. I had it bound to one of my rings for safe keeping. I planned to save it for when a reversal for the hex was found, it would be easier to bring him back. However, as I approached the manor, with this lifeless body in my arms, I had stolen from me the one thing I wanted and needed most at the time, which was Nikola's soul. Xaphan took it and consumed it infront of me, and then proceeded to go through Nikola's things, taking anything of interest. Apparently the hex notes had been hidden in his hat all along, and in truth, Nikola had wanted me to find them and then save his life, but now it was too late. Xaphan burnt them to ashes. Nikola had wanted me to save him, and I was too stupid and distracted to see that. I'm so sorry...
Nikola's soul will not be returned to me, as Sebastian claims Xaphan is to keep it. Why? I do not know. Apparently it was his to take before Nikola was born, which I do not understand. I am waiting for Sebastian's explination to these matters. Why do I have to wait for things to come clear? I am distraught and I wish to know now! Damn Xaphan. I can tell Sebastian must have a great deal of respect or some sort for him otherwise he wouldn't have allowed him to do what he did. For that reason, I have not killed Xaphan ten times over as I would like to.
I asked Sebastian if I could stop worrying about Nikola, and if he is going to come back. The reply I got was that there is a loophole to everything. I do wish he's right. As slim as the chance of it happening, I am grasping onto that hope with both hands. Sebastian said it himself, and I trust him very much... I can't afford to not believe him right now. It's all I have.
I promised Levi I would spend the night with him. I also promised Nikola I would take care of his soul. I already broke one promise that night, so what does it matter if I broke another? Sorry, Levi. I just did not want you to wake up and question me. I do not want comforting right now. I wish to be alone, in my sorrows and mourning. I imagine Nikola would have done the same thing.