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“Hurry up, or he’s going to kill us both,” she urged, glancing at her small golden watch – a gift from her mama.
“Where’s my mom?” I felt my chest tighten as I waited for her response.
She turned away, sitting on my unmade bed, her hands trembling.
My heart sank with each passing second of her silence.
“Did they do something to her?” My voice wavered as I steadied myself against the desk, trying to fight the dizziness.
“That’s two questions, my love.”
“And not a single answer!” I shouted, frustration boiling over. “If you don’t want me wandering the streets of Moscow butt naked, you better pick up the pace, Dasha.”
“You wouldn’t,” she said, narrowing her eyes.
“I swear I would.”
I wouldn’t, but desperate times called for desperate measures. If my freedom or my mama’s depended on it, I’d summon the courage for a walk of shame down Arbat Street.
“Alright, alright.” She scanned the room anxiously, then motioned for me to come closer. She whispered in my ear, “I don’t know exactly where your mama is, but I know she’s alive.”
Her words hung in the air, mingling with the thunderous beat of my heart.
“Why are you whispering?”
“He hears everything.”
Memories of Volk’s sinister smile, shadowed eyes, and tempting lips filled my thoughts, accompanied by a surge of self-loathing. Of course, he had ears like a wolf.
Judging by Dasha’s nervous trembles, devices hidden somewhere in the room to spy on us didn’t seem far-fetched.
“Is she in here?” I whispered, fearing my voice might conjure him out of thin air.
“Is that your third question?”
Rage simmered within as I willed myself to remain composed. I needed to think clearly. Morning wasn’t my strong suit; all this nonsense should be banned until at least 10 a.m.
“No.”
Locking eyes with her, I took slow, calming breaths.
Okay. I can do this.
“Is my papa truly alive?”
She tilted her head, her gaze heavy with regret. “Yes, he is.”
Her answer took me by surprise, and I couldn’t hold back a sob as I covered my face, trying to conceal the tears streaming down my cheeks.
My father was truly alive?
Hope began to flutter in my heart, but I quickly composed myself.
Could I trust her? What if she was lying to make me comply?
Gosh, in less than a week, they’ve already managed to push all the right buttons and send me spiraling into madness.
“How can I be sure you’re telling the truth?”
