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“Come on, Mikhail,” I plead, attempting a sweet smile despite the frustration simmering beneath the surface. “It’s just a quick run. I won’t be long.”
“Sorry, Miss Tryst,” he replies, unmoved by my charm. “Damian’s orders.”
“Damian isn’t in charge of me, Mikhail. I am a Volkov princess, after all.” My words come out more assertive than intended, but I don’t back down.
“Be that as it may, I cannot allow you to go alone. It’s for your safety.”
My patience wears thin as I stare up at the towering guard. I clench my fists and narrow my eyes, unwilling to be deterred. “Listen to me, Mikhail. You know what happens to those who cross the Volkovs. I have every right to leave this house when I choose. Do you really want to risk Damian’s wrath?”
Mikhail hesitates, clearly weighing his options. I can see the fear lurking behind his stoic expression, and I know that invoking the consequences of crossing the powerful Volkov family has struck a nerve.
With a final, reluctant nod, Mikhail steps aside, his gaze apologetic as he allows me to pass. “Go ahead, Miss Tryst, but please be careful.”
“Thank you, Mikhail,” I reply, my voice softening. I appreciate his concern. I can’t help but feel a surge of power at the realization that even the guards of the Volkov family yield to me. My heart races with anticipation as I step through the gates and into the darkness beyond.
The cool night air wraps around me like a shroud as I break into a steady jog. The world around me is cast in shadows, adding to the dark allure that has become my life since becoming entwined with the Volkovs. The rhythmic sound of my sneakers hitting the pavement echoes through the empty streets, punctuated by the distant murmur of the city’s nightlife.
As I run, my thoughts drift toward Nikhil’s proposal, a constant presence lingering in the back of my mind. The idea of becoming a true Volkov princess both excites and terrifies me. With that title comes power and protection—two things I desperately need for myself and my daughters. But it also brings danger, an ever-present shadow lurking behind every corner, waiting to strike.
“Is it worth it?” I whisper to myself, seeking answers in the silence of the night. The wind seems to carry my question away, leaving me to contemplate the implications of aligning myself with the infamous Volkov family.
Despite the fear, I can’t deny the allure of joining their ranks. A part of me craves the excitement and adventure that comes with being a part of such a powerful force. And there’s no denying that Nikhil himself holds a certain appeal—his brooding intensity, his undeniable charm. Perhaps together, we could create a better future for my children.
The cold night air brushes against my flushed cheeks as I run, my breath coming out in ragged gasps. The upcoming wedding rehearsal weighs heavily on my mind, a daunting reminder of the looming future. My thoughts are torn between the whirlwind of emotions stirred up by Damian, and the practicality of accepting Nikhil’s proposal.
Damian. The mere thought of his name sends shivers down my spine. His piercing blue eyes that seem to see right through me, his confident stride, and the way he commands every room he enters—it all leaves me weak-kneed and breathless. Yet, there’s a vulnerability hidden beneath his tough exterior, a softness that I’ve been privileged enough to witness.
“Damn you, Damian,” I murmur under my breath, my heart racing for reasons beyond the physical exertion. “Why must you make this decision so difficult?”
As I continue to pound the pavement, I can’t help but ponder the conflicting emotions that Damian elicits within me. On one hand, I’m drawn to his strength and undeniable charisma; on the other, I fear the potential darkness that lurks beneath the surface. The memory of the fight between him and Cassius still haunts me, a chilling reminder of the violence that seems to be an inherent part of the bratva world.
“Four miles,” I pant, feeling both exhaustion and relief wash over me as I reach my destination. The wrought-iron gates of the cemetery loom before me, their intricate design casting eerie shadows against the moonlit path.
Pushing open the creaky gate, I enter the solemn grounds, seeking solace amidst the tombstones. As I weave my way through the rows of graves, my thoughts finally begin to quiet, replaced by the peaceful silence that surrounds me. The cemetery serves as a sanctuary from the chaos of my life, a place where I can find some much-needed clarity.
I finally reach my sister’s grave, the inscription on her tombstone a faded reminder of the love we once shared. Sinking to my knees, I allow myself a few moments of rest, my chest heaving as I catch my breath. The serene atmosphere envelops me like a comforting embrace, offering a sense of peace that has been absent from my life for far too long.
“Help me,” I whisper to my sister’s memory as I trace my fingers over her engraved name. “Tell me what to do.”
As I sit there, lost in thought and seeking guidance, I can’t help but feel an odd sense of closure. Perhaps, in this quiet moment, I can find the answers I’ve been searching for—the strength to make the right decision for myself and my daughters.
The world outside the cemetery walls may be filled with darkness and uncertainty, but here, in this sacred space, I am reminded of the power of love and the importance of family. It is those values that will guide me in the days ahead, as I navigate the treacherous waters of the bratva world and determine my own fate.
The cool marble of my sister’s tombstone chills my palms as I lean against it, my heart still pounding from the exertion of my run. The peaceful silence that surrounds me feels like a balm, a stark contrast to the storm raging within my soul.
“Damian, Cassius, Nikhil…they all want something from me,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. “But what do I want? How am I supposed to choose between them when I can hardly understand my own feelings?”
A gust of wind rustles through the trees, the leaves dancing around me like shadows of my own restless thoughts. I close my eyes and let out a shaky breath, trying to focus on the connection I feel to my sister in this hallowed place.
“Please, help me find my way,” I plead, tears welling up in my eyes. “I don’t know how to navigate this life with the Volkovs. My daughters’ futures depend on the choices I make, and I can’t afford to make the wrong ones.”
“Annalise.”
At the sound of the masculine voice, my eyes snap open. I whirl around, searching for the source, but the cemetery is empty save for the rows of graves standing sentinel in the fading sunlight.
“Who’s there?” I demand, wiping away the tears that threaten to blur my vision. My heart races at the thought of being caught in such a vulnerable state, but if someone has been following me, I need to know.
“Someone who knows your pain and understands the weight of the decisions you face,” the voice replies, its deep timbre resonating through the air even as its owner remains hidden. “I can show you the way, Annalise. I can help you find the answers you seek.”
