Page 109 of Gilded in Blood

Artyom speaks first, voice serious. “We are glad you both made it back in one piece. The bombing of the plane is a declaration of open war. We’ve been trying to curtail the matter and launch a coordinated attack on Michael that doesn’t involve innocent lives.

“But right now, as it is, Michael has declared war on us, and we can no longer wait for him to strike first. We have to strike and eliminate him.”

This is the first time my brothers have ever discussed matters like this in front of me and Calina. The fact that they’re including us now shows how serious the situation has become.

Probably because I almost got bombed. Probably because they’ve realized there’s no point hiding what’s actually going on from us anymore.

I glance at Kirill. He’s watching everything quietly, but I can see the tension in his jaw. He’s the next to speak.

“Michael has more than money behind him.”

Everyone’s attention shifts to him.

“He still has access to people who were loyal to his father. Ivan Volkov spent years building connections in places most people can’t reach. Politicians. Businessmen. Law enforcement. People willing to look the other way if the price is right.”

Maxim nods slowly. “That’s true.”

He leans back in his chair. “Adrian was one of the most influential men in Pantheon before he died.”

Silence settles over the room. Then Maxim looks at my brothers. “I can reach out to Ivan.”

Artyom frowns. “The president?”

Maxim nods. “You remember after Adrian tried to have me killed, Ivan offered me Adrian’s seat in Pantheon.”

“Yes, of course,” my brothers concur.

I'm aware of it too. Calina had told me about it, and how Maxim had turned down the offer because he wasn't interested.

“You think he’ll help us?” Artyom asks.

Maxim nods. “He owes me one. He told me if I ever needed a favor, all I had to do was ask. Ivan has never liked Michael, so I'm sure he'd be willing to help. And he has access to more men than Michael does. We're going to need as many men as possible.”

The room falls quiet as everyone considers it.

Finally, Artyom nods. “It’s worth trying.”

“I’ll contact him tonight,” Maxim says.

“Regardless of what he says, we're going against Michael with the men we currently have.”

The conversation moves on. Maps are pulled up on the television.

The men begin discussing routes, trusted allies, safe houses, businesses tied to Michael, and coordinated strikes.

I recognize very little of what they’re talking about. Only that every decision they make could mean the difference between life and death.

Beside me, Calina gently nudges my arm. I look over, and she gives me a small, sympathetic smile. “You look exhausted.”

I let out a tired laugh. “I feel exhausted.”

She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Come on.”

I glance toward the men. None of them even notice us anymore. They’re too deep into planning whatever comes next.

“You should change,” Calina says softly. “Take a hot shower. Get some rest.”

“I’d love that.”