Chapter 28

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

"I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens."

― Woody Allen

Sofiya

"I can't remember the last time I drove," Marina chuckled. "I'm not the best driver, as you can probably tell."

I adjusted in my seat and pulled my coat tighter as we sped through the countryside, passing rolling hills and vast fields.

As we approached small towns, I glanced out at the fleeting sights: colorful houses, faded white ones, and a dilapidated barn with a caved-in roof and overgrown walls. The air was chilly, the trees bare, creating a serene yet eerie atmosphere. The gray, gloomy sky mirrored the streets' mood. I couldn't shake the melancholy settling over me as I gazed at the desolate landscape.

Back home, I often wondered about the lives inside those houses—whether they housed young couples, families, or others with hidden stories. The mystery of it all unsettled me. Maybe someone needed help, love, or just attention.

With a sigh, I stretched my legs and broke the silence. "Ever wonder what goes on behind these closed doors?" I asked.

Marina turned thoughtfully. "Yes, but sometimes it's better not to know. The mystery can be more enticing than the truth."

I nodded, considering her words. "I see what you mean."

We fell silent again, and I watched children playing in a park as we passed through a small town. Their laughter and joy briefly lifted my spirits.

"I don't like driving either, I'm usually a passenger princess," I laughed. "My mom thinks I'm a danger on the road."

Marina chuckled, her grip on the wheel firm. "Well, I'm glad I'm driving then! Let's hope we make it in one piece."

Her long, straight blonde hair framed her face elegantly, complementing her striking red midi dress, knee-high white boots, and flowing white Chanel coat. Topped with a white ushanka, her outfit resembled something from a movie, enhanced by deep red lipstick and winged eyeliner that added to her compelling presence—both mesmerizing and slightly intimidating.

This morning, I awoke in Volk's bed to the sound of the shower. My heart raced; time was running out—maybe 48 hours left to live. Memories of the previous night threatened to surface, but I pushed them away. I couldn't afford false hope. Resolved to seize the remaining hours, I jumped out of bed as soon as the shower stopped.

Briefly, I pondered joining Volk, my hands eager to explore his body as he had mine. I wanted it all; to taste, bite, and lose myself in him.

But I resisted; I needed to protect myself.

Quietly slipping away, I returned to my room where the ache of loneliness lingered. After a calming shower downstairs, I found the house empty. My call for Dasha echoed unanswered, with the only signs of life being the guards smoking outside.

In the kitchen, I discovered a cup of vanilla tea waiting for me on the wooden island, its warmth comforting as I wrapped my hands around it. Sipping it, the familiar taste soothed my lips.

Looking out the window, I spotted a small musk deer. It moved delicately and gracefully as it sniffed around for food. When it noticed me, our eyes locked. A shiver ran down my spine—I couldn't look away from the beautiful creature. It stared back at me with curiosity and a hint of fear before bounding gracefully into the forest.

Then, Marina's voice broke the spell. "There you are."

Startled, I spun around to see Marina standing there with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"What are you doing here, Marina?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

She chuckled, placing her white Chanel bag on the kitchen island before walking over to me, her heels clicking on the wooden floor.

"I came to check up on you, silly," she replied, resting a hand on my shoulder .

"Oh. Thanks," I replied with a small smile. "I've been feeling a bit … lonely."

Marina grinned playfully. "No worries, I'm here to keep you entertained," she winked, her hand still on my shoulder.

I couldn't shake the strange sensation in my throat. Marina had a knack for making me feel both secure and exposed simultaneously. I trusted her yet couldn't help but wonder about the secrets she's keeping from me.

"Guess what? Volk said I could take you out for the day, to help clear your mind," she announced cheerfully.

"Really?" I stuttered, my suspicions rising.

"Yeah, he texted me this morning," she continued, her tone light. "So, are you ready for a girl's day?"

It was difficult to believe Volk wanted me out of the house to "clear my mind." It wasn't like him to be so … considerate.

Despite my reservations, Marina's excitement was infectious, and I reluctantly agreed. Digging out some warm clothes that Dasha had brought me days ago, I grabbed a long black coat to ward off the cold. Marina led me outside to a large black 4x4 parked next to a red Porsche—neither vehicle I recognized.

The guards were engrossed in their phones and barely noticed us as we climbed into the vehicle.

And so, it began.

Marina had been driving for over an hour, and I felt myself growing sleepy. She refused to reveal our destination, insisting it was a surprise.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

"A bit," I replied. My stomach growled embarrassingly, prompting her question.

"We're almost there, don't worry."

I rested against the window, closing my eyes and feeling the car's warmth on my cheeks. In the silence of the car, thoughts of Volk, Dasha, and my mama swirled in my mind, growing more vivid with each passing second. After what felt like an eternity, the car slowed. Opening my eyes, I saw a beautiful lake ahead. Marina parked, turning to me with excitement in her eyes.

"Welcome to our little winter wonderland," she said, clearly delighted.

Looking around, I saw a grand white house with large light green windows nestled among tall pine trees. Their green needles contrasted sharply with the white snow-covered ground. A small pier extended into the lake, adding to the breathtaking view.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

Stepping into the cold air, I shivered and wrapped my coat tighter.

I followed Marina towards the house, taking in the serene surroundings. The tall pine trees stood proudly, adorned with heavy snow on their branches. The frozen lake glistened in the sunlight, faintly echoing with the sound of cracking ice. We climbed the steps to the front door, where Marina knocked twice.

A woman greeted us with a warm smile as she opened the door.

" Marina, tak rada tebya videt'! Marina, I'm so glad to see you! " she exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.

"This is my friend, Sofiya," Marina said in English. "We're here to relax for the day."

The woman greeted us with a warm smile and introduced herself as Anya. Her Russian accent was even thicker than Volk's, Marina's, or Dve's, which only added to her charm and made her seem even more welcoming.

"Come in, come in," she said. "It's freezing out there. "

We stepped inside, welcomed by the comforting warmth of the house. A fire crackled in the fireplace, filling the air with the scent of pine and cinnamon.

"Make yourself at home," Anya said, gesturing towards the living room. "I'll make you guys some tea."

As Anya disappeared into the kitchen, Marina motioned for me to sit down. I sank into the plush couch, enjoying the cozy vibe of the room with its soft cream walls and pops of green and red.

Marina sat beside me, beaming. "Isn't this place amazing?" she asked, taking my hand in hers and locking eyes warmly with me.

"It is," I replied with a smile.

She rubbed my back absentmindedly. Then, she gently pushed my hair away from my face, her nails brushing lightly against my skin. A chill crept down my spine as her thumb grazed my lower lip, her gaze lingering there, making me feel a bit awkward.

What was happening?

Anya returned with a tray bearing two warm cups of chamomile tea, plates of roasted chicken with green beans, and a slice of Russian honey cake. The aroma filled the room, making my stomach growl loudly.

" Spasibo , Anya," I thanked her, grabbing a plate and digging in, savoring each bite.

The food was divine.

As we ate, Marina and Anya chatted mostly in Russian. Though I didn't understand much, their soft voices relaxed me, melting away the tension in my body. For the first time in days, I felt almost at peace.

After finishing our meal, Anya excused herself, mentioning she had been waiting for us to arrive so she could leave to spend the afternoon with her two children.

Marina and I walked her to the door and said our goodbyes.

As soon as Anya left, Marina stood up and stretched her arms.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eye. She wore a silky red dress with a deep neckline that accentuated her décolletage, hands on her hips, waiting eagerly for my answer.

"Think about what?"

"About this house, silly," she replied, rolling her eyes. "Do you like it?"

I glanced around the living room, taking in the cozy furnishings and the stunning lake view. "Yeah, it's amazing. Looks like a scene from a Hallmark movie."

Marina's eyes lit up. She leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad you like it. Volk bought this place a few years ago but hardly ever uses it. He said we could have it today."

I raised an eyebrow. "And when did he say that?"

Marina shrugged. "This morning. He's worried about you and wanted to make sure you had a nice, quiet place to relax."

Doubt tightened my lungs, but I pushed it aside.

I rubbed my face and managed a small smile.

"How about you take a nap, and I'll bake us a cake? We can enjoy it later before the jacuzzi."

"A nap? I don't want to waste any time."

She chuckled. "Relax, silly. You won't be wasting time. You'll feel refreshed!"

I considered her words, then nodded. "Alright."

"Good! It'll be worth it, I promise. Come on, I'll show you the way. "

She led me to a door near the living room and opened it to reveal a small yellow bedroom with a white bed.

"This is where you'll be sleeping. Cute, isn't it?"

I looked around. "It's perfect. Thank you."

"Of course. Just rest up, and I'll wake you when the cake is ready," she whispered with a wink and closed the door behind her.

Without hesitation, I crawled into the soft bed and let its comfort envelop me.

?

The silence was eerie, and my footsteps echoed as I walked through the darkness.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me, getting closer and closer.

I turned around, but no one was there. The door clacked again, and this time the whispers were louder. I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized I was not alone.

I tried to run, but my dress was too heavy, and I stumbled and fell to the ground.

I heard footsteps approaching, and then a figure appeared out of the darkness. It was a man, his face obscured by shadows, but I could sense his evilness. He had a raven tattooed on his hand.

He advanced towards me, his steps slow and deliberate.

I tried to run, but my feet felt heavy and unresponsive.

The man kept moving towards me, and I could feel my heart racing in my chest.

His black eyes were fixed on me, and I could see a twisted crooked smile on his lips as he came closer. Suddenly, he grabbed me by the arm, his grip tight and painful.

I screamed for help, but no one came .

Darkness swallowed us both as he dragged me along the floor, my dress tearing on the sharp rocks and debris.

"Sofiya?"

The gentle sensation of a warm hand caressing my cheek and soft lips murmuring my name in my ear made the darkness slowly go away.

Slowly, I opened my eyes to see Marina's face only inches away from mine.

"Hey," she whispered. "I hope you slept well."

Feeling disoriented, I scanned the room, rubbing the sleepiness from my eyes.

No light was coming from the window blinds.

"What time is it?" I blurted, trying to focus as sweat trickled down my back.

"5 p.m. You slept for two hours," she giggled, brushing her knuckles on my forehead.

"Sorry, I must have been more tired than I thought," I mumbled, embarrassed.

"It's okay. We all need a good nap now and then." She stood up and walked to the door, turning back with a playful smile. "But enough of that, let's get back to having fun! Want to try the lemon cake? We can eat it in the jacuzzi."

"I don't have a swimsuit," I muttered.

"Don't worry," Marina reassured me with a grin. "We're just girls; your underwear will do. And if you're really shy, you can use towels."

I hesitated, but the thought of relaxing in the jacuzzi with lemon cake was too tempting to resist.

"Alright, let's do it," I said, smiling.

Marina clapped excitedly. "Great! I'll get the towels."

As she left, I slowly got up and rearranged the covers.

My mind was still reeling from the vivid nightmare that had flashed before my eyes. As I began to take off my jumper, the image of the man with the raven tattoo came back in full force.

My heart raced, and a lump formed in my throat.

Who was he?

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the fear wouldn't go away. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, that danger was lurking nearby. My hands trembled as I removed my jumper, wondering if I was losing my mind.

Two soft knocks on the door startled me.

I quickly grabbed my jumper to cover myself as Marina walked in. Without a word, she handed me a towel. I wrapped it around my chest, feeling embarrassed about being half-naked in front of her.

She smiled. "Are you ready?"

I nodded.

Marina was still wearing her dress and boots which puzzled me, so I asked her about it.

"My towel is already outside," she said, pointing towards the kitchen. "The door is back there."

She then gestured for me to walk in front of her, and we made our way towards the kitchen. The house was silent except for the sound of our footsteps on the wooden floor. The moon cast long shadows across the lawn as its light shone through the garden.

Opening the door to the backyard, an icy wind hit me, making me shiver. The jacuzzi to my left bubbled invitingly in the moonlight, and the wooden deck creaked beneath our feet as we approached the hot tub. Excited, I started jumping to warm myself up.

"A bit chilly, huh?"

"Yeah, it's pretty cold out here," I laughed, rubbing my arms and tightening the towel around me .

As I turned to face Marina, a sharp sensation at the back of my neck made me freeze.

My heart pounded as I realized she had pressed a cold metal object against my skin.

"What about an icy cold jacuzzi?" she whispered, her voice chillingly low.

My mind raced.

Was Marina pointing a gun at me?

Why would she do that? What did she want?

"Answer me."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry, and stammered, "I-I don't understand."

I stayed perfectly still, afraid to move, as Marina pressed the gun harder against my neck. Her silence was broken only by the sound of her breathing.

Finally, with a click of her tongue, she let out an evil laugh. "Sofiya, you are so naive, my dear."

A rush of confusion washed over me. "What do you want from me?" I asked, trembling.

"You'll see. Now drop the towel."

I hesitated, but Marina yanked my hair back, pressing the gun harder.

"I told you to drop it, now!"

Tears burned down my cheeks as I winced in pain. With no other option, I let the towel slip from my grasp. The cold air on my bare skin made me feel vulnerable and helpless.

"You're such a pathetic little thing," she sneered. "I could kill you right now, and no one would even know you were here."

Desperate, I whispered, "Volk knows I'm here with you."

"Oh, silly," she laughed. "Volk doesn't know anything. And even if he did, do you really think he cares about you?"

Volk's warning echoed in my mind, the weight of my mistake crushing me. I had failed to heed his advice to never trust anyone, and now I was paying the price. I dropped my shoulder in defeat, regret surging through me. Marina's harsh words churned my stomach.

Deep down, I knew she was right—Volk didn't care about me. He never would.

I bit my lip to stifle a sob, trying to hold myself together.

"He may not care about me, b-but," I whispered, my voice trembling, "Igor will kill him if he doesn't keep me safe."

"Igor," she repeated, considering the name. "Igor is dangerous. But you think I'm afraid of him?"

Gosh, Volk where are you?

"Start walking," she snapped, pushing me forward. "To the pond deck."

"N-no, please, Marina," I sobbed.

The cold wind raised goosebumps on my arms, and I shivered uncontrollably. My pleas fell on deaf ears as she forced me to walk. I winced as my bare feet pressed against the cold wood, my legs trembling.

"Don't take this personally, my dear," she said as we came to a stop. "I've just been paid to do this. Vlad is a very persuasive man."

The mention of my father deepened my confusion further. "V-Vlad?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"He can't stand the idea of a world where his daughter isn't under his control, where you might belong to someone else. Unfortunately for you, he's chosen himself over you," she said, her words full of malice. "I guess I'll be the one to comfort Volk now," she chuckled. "Oh, wait! I've already been doing that for a while."

Marina's words made my stomach drop as I struggled to grasp their meaning. My own father wants me dead. I felt numb, as if I were detached from my own reality.

Struggling to respond, my voice failed me again. Another sob escaped my lips, and I heard the click of a car door nearby, but I couldn't process it.

" Do svidaniya, Goodbye Sofiya, " Marina scoffed, kicking me sharply in the back with her heel.

I let out a piercing scream as my body crashed through the fragile ice, plunging me into the cold embrace of the lake. The pain was immediate and overwhelming.

I didn't know how to swim; panic seized me as I thrashed my arms and legs, desperate to stay afloat. Mama had never cared for beaches or pools, so swimming was a skill I never acquired.

I screamed for Marina's help, but she turned away, her red dress swirling around her, heels clicking on the deck. She didn't spare me a glance.

Memories flooded my mind: Mama's gentle smile, Dasha's comforting touch, Volk's strong arms and soft kisses. But now, sinking deeper, lungs burning for air, those memories felt distant and insignificant.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears as I sank further. Panic and fear gripped me, but resignation began to settle in.

This was it. This was how everything would end.

Thoughts of Mama and Dasha brought waves of regret—words left unsaid, connections missed. I wished I'd been a better daughter, friend, taken more risks, lived more fully. I wished I'd poured out my heart to Volk.

As I sank deeper, those regrets faded. The icy water enveloped me, darkness closing in, the moon a distant observer. Frantic movements exhausted me, blurring my vision .

Defeated, I surrendered. My breathing slowed, my body stilled.

The water rushed into my lungs, searing with pain.

Then, a strange numbness spread—a surreal peace enveloped me, like drifting in a dream.

My hopes, despair and dreams, all gone.

The pain, the fear, all gone.

Everything faded to black.

Silence.

The abyss welcomed me, and I just slipped away .