Nikolai spun and swayed with his bony dance partner, lost in a trance. When Sigma entered, Nikolai stopped abruptly, sending the skeleton toppling to the floor.

"Sigma!" Nikolai cried. "It's not what it looks like, I swear!"

Sigma raised an eyebrow. "Then explain, my friend. I thought we were past such dark rituals after Fyodor's passing. It's kind of... Odd, seeing you dancing with a skeleton in the middle of your room."

Nikolai ran a hand through his hair, seeming to shrink under Sigma's stern gaze. But then an idea sparked in his eyes. "No, wait - this is different! I haven't been summoning spirits, I've been... practicing!"

At Sigma's puzzled look, Nikolai continued, his voice sounding sadder the longer he spoke. "For... I..."