Incomplete Surrender

The room didn't move for several seconds.

Ronan was the first to speak.

"Nikolai tried to cross that door," said Ronan. His voice controlled, but Lenora could hear something beneath it that took effort to hold in place.

"Yes," said Stefan.

"When," said Ronan.

"Six months before he died," said Stefan.

Ronan gripped the edge of the table.

"Tell us," said Lenora.

Stefan sat in the remaining chair. Th