Chapter 21

Chapter

Twenty-One

"I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil."

― J.R.R. Tolkien

Sofiya

No. It couldn't be.

Was I dreaming? Was it really her?

Too terrified to turn around, fearing an empty space and shattered hopes, I remained frozen, my legs trembling, arms wrapped around my waist, and my hair hiding my tear-streaked cheeks.

That had been his plan all along—to make me suffer, sow doubt, and crush my hopes.

"S-Sofiya? Is that you?"

The voice sliced through the room.

My head snapped up, heart pounding painfully against my chest.

I spun around quickly, nearly losing my balance, scanning the room.

It was a voice I'd recognize anywhere.

"M-mama?"

Suddenly, a blinding light filled the room from above. I shielded my eyes instinctively, the intense glare burning like fire.

When I dared to peek through my fingers, the sight before me left me speechless.

There, in the center of the room, was my mama, tied to a wooden chair with ropes. Tears streamed down her face, her expression a mix of fear and relief.

I checked her for any signs of harm, but thankfully, she seemed physically unharmed.

Wait! My mama's here? In Russia?

Without a second thought, I rushed to her side, unable to hold back the sobs that escaped my lips. I wrapped my arms around her tightly, scared she might disappear.

After a moment, I gently pulled away and sank to the floor, frantically trying to untie her. Panic surged through me as I tugged and gnawed at the ropes, desperate to free her, but they wouldn't budge.

"Sofiya, wait!" My mom's voice barely reached me over my frantic efforts.

Seeing her like this tore at me, and I realized I wasn't thinking clearly. I couldn't stop until she was okay. Not until I could hug her and feel her arms around me. It felt like I was the one being tied up again, and the memories of that day hit me full force, tightening my chest.

"Well, you've never been this happy to see me. I'm almost jealous. "

My hands shook as I released the ropes, standing frozen as his voice echoed in the room.

It had all seemed too simple, and I should have known better.

Why else would I be here?

My mother was just another pawn in his game.

Lifting my gaze, I saw my mama glaring at him. I longed to hug her again; to promise I'd protect her from now on.

Straightening up, I coughed and wiped my eyes with my dirty sleeves.

"That's because I hate you," I spat, keeping my back turned and holding my mama's hands tightly.

"Hmm, I know," his steps drew nearer until he was just a few meters away. "It turns me on."

His words ignited a fierce anger in me. I hated him. Every part of me seethed with disgust, but I gritted my teeth, refusing to show any weakness.

Slowly, I turned around.

Gosh.

Why did he have to be so good-looking? It infuriated me.

I wished he were repulsive so my hatred could burn even brighter.

He looked like he'd just stepped off a runway, his black suit shining under the lights. The top buttons of his black shirt were open, revealing a silver necklace against his chest. Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his dark hair slicked back. I couldn't help but wonder how it would feel between my fingers.

As my gaze traced down his body, I snapped back to reality at the sound of his soft chuckle.

Sofiya, you idiot!

He caught you checking him out .

My whole body tensed, as if a bucket of icy water had been dumped on me.

His lips formed a wicked smile.

"You sick, twisted monster," I screamed. "You're nothing but a psychopath!"

Volk chuckled darkly, amusement dancing in his eyes.

My mama, sensing the tension, pleaded with me through her teary eyes.

"S-Sofiya?—"

"Release her," I demanded, closing the distance between us until we were face-to-face. I was so close that I could make out the few freckles on his cheekbones and count his long, dark eyelashes.

"S-Sofiya, stop!"

"I said, now," I snapped, shoving at his chest, but he stood firm, unmoved. He was like a wall, his dark eyes fixed on mine, a small smirk on his lips, though something flickered in his expression—annoyance or perhaps… hurt?

"Let her go!"

A tense silence fell over us as we stood inches apart, his warm breath brushing my face.

Volk turned his attention to my mama, giving her a playful wink. "Mind giving us a moment?"

What the–

Before I knew it, I was pounding his chest with my fists as hard as I could. He barely moved, and the realization that my attempts to hurt him were futile made me desperate. So, I brought my knee up, aiming for a painful spot.

Probably sensing my next move, he quickly grabbed my arms, turned me around, and pressed me against him. Facing the wall, his body shielding my mama's view, he pressed me tightly against him, with his chest pressed against my back. I could feel the contours of his strong abs pressing into me, his arousal evident just above my ass.

Surprisingly, the realization that I wasn't the only one affected brought a strange sense of relief.

"Beg me," he whispered, his lips brushing my ear.

"W-what?" I whispered back, not wanting my mama to hear.

I was completely stunned. I couldn't believe what he was asking.

Trapped in his arms, my heart pounded, and my breathing quickened. His face was pressed against my neck, his hot breath making my skin tingle as his teeth grazed it. He trailed his nose up my throat, inhaling deeply. I shivered under his touch.

"You heard me."

He slowly released me, then grabbed my shoulders and turned me around to face him again. Eye to eye, chest to chest, he took my chin between his fingers, his thumb lightly brushing my lower lip.

His eyes had a daring glint.

I knew that if I wanted my mama to be safe, I had to comply.

"Please," I muttered, inhaling deeply as I dropped my gaze. "Please, Volk. Let my mama go."

"Look at me."

Fighting the urge to lash out, I lifted my head and met his dark eyes. There was an intensity there that left me momentarily stunned. He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb, his touch surprisingly gentle.

The unexpected tenderness threw me off, leaving me feeling confused and vulnerable.

Not sure how to react, I stood there with my fists clenched. He slowly wrapped his fingers around my throat, pulling me closer. His warm breath grazed my lips, and I couldn't help but lick them, almost tasting him. His touch stirred butterflies in my stomach as he lightly played with a few strands of my hair, humming softly.

"You will behave from now on."

Feeling defeated, I nodded, my hand covering his, silently asking him to release his grip. He released his hold, and casually turned away.

He approached my mama and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Don't touch me!" she howled, struggling against his hold.

Unfazed, he tightened his grip, rolling his eyes.

"You might be wondering why your mama's here, dorogaya ."

"Don't call her that!" My mama's cries grew louder as she pulled against the ropes.

She was wearing a simple black shirt and jeans, and I struggled to recall the last time I saw her without her signature suit or pencil skirt.

"You see," he said, casually rolling up his sleeve to reveal the intricate tattoos on his left arm, his fingers toying with the silver necklace around his neck. "I found your mama hiding in Moscow."

What? How long had she been hiding in Moscow?

Questions flooded my mind, but I resisted the urge to jump to conclusions.

That's exactly what Volk wanted—to drive me insane by keeping us apart.

"You can only imagine how surprised I was to find her in the city," he said, absently rubbing his beard. But then, slowly, he started walking towards me, like a predator closing in on its prey. "Sofiya, how does it feel to know that your mama was here all along and didn't even bother to save you?"

Tears streamed down my face as I shook my head.

Don't listen to him. He's a liar.

I couldn't stand the humiliation any longer; if I had the chance, I'd have stabbed him multiple times.

"What do you want, Volk?"

He closed the gap between us with a confident stride. I glanced up, expecting a response or some kind of reaction, but all I got was silence.

But his hands suddenly grabbed my hips, and his lips dangerously close to my neck. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to get a handle on the storm of feelings he stirred up, not wanting my mama to see how much he was messing with me.

"I love it when you say my name," he chuckled before planting a soft kiss on my ear before releasing me.

Asshole.

"Helena Melov," he blurted suddenly. "Does Sofiya know the truth about you?"

Jolted from my trance, I snapped my eyes open, finding my mom's face twisted with worry and horror.

Panic surged through me as I scanned the room frantically for anything to defend us. But the basement held nothing but emptiness, except for the chair my mom was tied to.

Wait. What?

"What do you mean?" My voice trembled, my hands shaking uncontrollably.

"S-Sofiya, don't listen to him," she stammered as I approached, but Volk stepped between us, blocking my view. "Don't trust him!"

"Do you… Do you know him, mama?" I choked out, my fi st thudding against his back. I clung to his black suit with a fierce grip. "Do you… Do you know her?"

" Nyet, " he spun around abruptly, seizing my wrists in an iron grip. "But she knows about the Silas. Your mama isn't who you believe her to be."

"What?" I shoved him aside, dropping to my knees in front of my mama. "Mama, is this true?" My quivering lips betrayed my turmoil as I swallowed hard. "Why did they take me, mama? Why is Dasha working for them?"

Sobs broke free as I buried my head in her lap.

"He said Papa is still alive," I mumbled, gripping her legs tighter. "Is it really true?"

Lifting my head, I locked eyes with her, desperate for answers.

But she remained silent.

"Mama!" I sobbed. "Why won't you answer?"

"Because she knows he is alive."

My heart skipped a beat at Volk's words.

The room felt like it was closing in, the tension growing thick in the air. I looked at my mama, desperately searching her face for any hint that what he said wasn't true. Her frown deepened, and for a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of pain in her expression.

No.

No, it couldn't be.

My entire life felt like a lie.

With fresh determination, I brushed away my tears, refusing to let despair take over.

I stood tall, locking eyes with Volk.

"You may think you hold all the cards, that you can manipulate and control me," I sneered, my voice brimming with newfound strength. "But I won't let you tear me apart. I won't let you keep me in the dark any longer. "

Surprise flickered across Volk's face, and a hint of pride flashed in his eyes. But

Moving closer, I confronted him head-on. "Tell me everything, now."

Before I could say anything else, the door burst open, heavy footsteps echoed down the stairs as Dve and Dimitri emerged, their clothes stained with blood.

Volk probably signaled them to join us, taking advantage of my momentary breakdown.

Freaking bastard.

I stood there, eyes wide with shock, as they untied my mama and helped her up.

She seemed resigned, offering no resistance, avoiding my gaze as they led her away.

"You're not ready for the truth yet," Volk's voice cut through the chaos.

The world spun around me.

I hugged myself tightly, trying to find balance as everything felt like it was shifting beneath me.

Volk's words echoed ominously.

Overwhelmed, I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to wake up from this nightmare once more.

"All you need to know is that since the day you were born, it's been nothing but fucking lies."

Darkness threatened to engulf me as I collapsed, lost in a world of deceit and false promises.

All I remembered was the sensation of strong arms lifting me and the sound of a rough voice calling my name.