86 - Answers. Part 1

**Lyra POV**

"Once upon a time" Nikolai begins, an evil smirk on his face. I am seriously panting heavily right now; my leg is throbbing, and I continue to feel a steady warm stream of blood cascading down my leg and a nice pool of red paint on the floor. It runs a small river to the metal grate on the floor and disappears. There is a strong coppery smell that hits my nose. I scrunch my face in pa