Chapter 49

Laura

I STARE in horror at little Eli’s body lying on the floor, her eyes closed and her small frame unnaturally still. My jaw tightens as I fight back the urge to scream.

How could he? She’s just a little girl!

The man in front of me, Ivan Vasiliev, looks at me coldly.

He leans against the table, his fingers idly playing with a gleaming knife. His sharp features and stern jaw give him a hardened appearance, while his steely dark eyes assess everything clinically.

“Little girl was too noisy, like her mother,” he says, his voice devoid of emotion.

“You fucking monster!” I shout at him, surprising myself with my newfound bravery. “Let us go now!”

Although I heard what Ivan told Victor on the phone earlier—that he’s going to kill me, my baby, and Victor—I cling to the hope that Victor will find a way to come for us. I need to be brave, braver than I’ve ever been.

I struggle against the grip of the man holding me, a hulking figure who looks more like a bear than a human.

“Let me go!” I yell, thrashing in his grasp.

Ivan gives the man a nod, and he releases me. I rush over to Eli, cradling her head in my lap.

“Eli,” I whisper, my voice breaking. I look up at Ivan, anger burning in my eyes. “You’re a coward, taking the weaker ones. What kind of man are you?”

Ivan chuckles darkly, pushing off the table and stalking closer, the knife still in his hand. “A man who knows how to get what he wants,” he says, his eyes glinting with malice. “Your dear brother-in-law, Dimitry, learned that the hard way.”

I frown, confusion mixing with the fear and rage swirling inside me. “What are you talking about?”

“Poor, stupid Dimitry…” Ivan sighs, shaking his head in mock pity. “Got caught red-handed fucking some underage girls in my BDSM dungeon. Andrey’s golden boy, not so golden after all.”

Nausea rises in my throat, and I fight the urge to vomit.

Dimitry, you sick bastard.

“Andrey would kill him if he found out,” I manage, my voice hoarse.

“Oh, he would,” Ivan agrees, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “But I took care of that little problem. Dimitry’s been quite useful, you know. Planting bugs, getting rid of guards and maids. All to get to you, my dear.”

I shudder, the pieces falling into place. Dimitry’s betrayal, the strange emptiness of the mansion that night. It was all orchestrated by this madman.

“Why?” I whisper, holding Eli closer. “Why are you doing this?”

Ivan’s face darkens, a storm brewing in his eyes. “Because your fucking father-in-law took everything from me,” he snarls, his composure slipping. “He forced Ksenia to marry that worm Dimitry instead of me. Me, who loved her, who would have given her the world.”

He starts pacing the room, the knife glinting menacingly in his hand. “But I was nothing to Andrey then. A nobody, a distant connection. Not good enough for his precious daughter.”

A bitter laugh escapes him, harsh and grating. “Well, look at me now, old man. I’m about to take everything you value. Your son, your grandchild, your legacy. I’m going to burn it all down.”

I stare at him, horrified by the depth of his obsession, his hatred. “You’re insane,” I breathe, my heart pounding. “Victor will stop you. He’ll come for us, and he’ll make you pay.”

Ivan’s head snaps toward me, his eyes blazing. “Victor will die,” he says softly, each word dripping with venom. “He’ll die, and you’ll watch. And then, when he’s gone, when all hope is lost… then I’ll kill you too.”

He smiles, his lips twisting into an ugly grimace. “But not before I rip that baby from your womb and crush its skull beneath my heel.”

A scream lodges in my throat, raw and visceral.

No, God, please, no.

Ivan nods to the bear-like man, his eyes never leaving mine. “Lock them up,” he orders, his voice cold and flat. “And if they try anything, break the girl’s legs.”

The man grunts in acknowledgment, grabbing me roughly by the arm and hauling me to my feet. I clutch Eli to my chest, my mind reeling, my heart shattering.

As we’re dragged away, Ivan’s laughter echoes behind us, a sound that will haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life.

Victor, what should I do now?

I see Victor standing in the distance, a small bundle cradled in his arms. As I move closer, I realize it’s our son—a beautiful, perfect little boy with his father’s piercing gray eyes and my thick hair.

“Victor,” I call out, my voice filled with love and wonder. “You were right. It’s a boy, our little boy.”

Victor looks up at me, a smile spreading across his face. He beckons me closer, holding our son out for me to see.

I take a step forward, my heart swelling with joy. But as I do, I feel something pulling at my legs, holding me back. I look down and see dark, sticky mud clinging to my feet, dragging me down.

“Victor!” I cry out, panic rising in my throat. “Victor, help me!”

But he doesn’t seem to hear me. He just keeps smiling, walking further and further away with our son in his arms.

“No… no… don’t leave me here…” I whimper, my voice hoarse and raw. I struggle against the mud, but it only pulls me down deeper, the darkness swallowing me whole.

“Tetya Laura! Tetya Laura!” A small, familiar voice cuts through the haze of my nightmare, and I blink, trying to orient myself. Slowly, the memories come rushing back—the kidnapping, Dimitry’s betrayal, Ivan Vasiliev’s cruel laughter.

Oh God, it wasn’t a dream. It’s real, it’s all real.

I sit up, my eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room. It’s small and dingy, with a single bed that smells of stale sweat and something darker, more ominous. The walls are stained and peeling, and there’s a tiny, grimy ventilation fan set high in the wall.

“Eli, are you okay?” I ask frantically, reaching for the little girl. I run my hands over her head, her arms, her back, checking for any signs of injury.

“Don’t worry, I am okay,” she says bravely, rubbing a small bump on her forehead.

I pull her into a tight hug, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. She’s so young, so innocent. She doesn’t deserve any of this.

Eli gently pushes me away, her small face set with a determined expression that looks out of place on her childish features.

“Tetya Laura, that bad guy is really stupid,” she says matter-of-factly. “He thinks he can scare us, but he can’t. We’re not afraid of him, right?”

I stare at her, marveling at her courage, her resilience. “Right,” I agree, forcing a smile. “We’re not afraid. And your mama and Dyadya are going to come for us; I know they will.”

Eli nods, her eyes shining with faith. “I know. Mama and Dyadya are going to come and kill that bad man. They’ll save us, Tetya Laura. They always do.”

My heart clenches at her words, at the unwavering trust in her voice.

Oh, Eli. I hope you’re right. I hope they find us in time.

“Tetya Laura,” Eli says softly, her small hand reaching for mine. “I need to tell you something.”

I squeeze her hand, bracing myself. “What is it, sweetheart?”

Eli takes a deep breath, her lower lip trembling. “When the bad men came… they hurt Nana. She was trying to protect me, hitting them and screaming. But they… they punched her really hard. And then she fell down and didn’t get up again.”

Tears well in her eyes, and she buries her face in my chest. “I think they killed her, Tetya Laura. I think Nana’s dead.”

I hold her close, my own tears falling silently into her hair.

Oh, you poor baby. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry you had to see that.

“Shh,” I soothe, rocking her gently. “It’s okay, Eli. It’s going to be okay. Nana loved you very much, and she would be so proud of how brave you’re being.”

Eli sniffles, her small body shaking with sobs. “I want to go home,” she whispers, her voice muffled against my shirt. “Papa was there. Papa, he… let them take me.” She sounds so small and broken.

My heart shatters into a thousand pieces. “I… I’m so sorry, love,” I manage, struggling to find the words to console her. My own memories rise up like bitter bile.

I know how it feels. To be abandoned, betrayed by the person who’s supposed to protect and love you unconditionally.

My own father did the same, although under different circumstances. But the pain, the sense of loss and confusion… it’s all too familiar.

I hold Eli closer, trying to pour all my love and comfort into the embrace.

I’m here. I won’t let you face this alone. We’re in this together, little one.

As we cling to each other, finding solace in the shared warmth, Eli suddenly pulls back. Her eyes are red-rimmed but bright with a new idea.

“Tetya Laura,” she says, a small, tentative smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s pretend this is Wonderland, like in Alice’s story. And we’re the heroes who have to beat the evil Queen of Hearts.”

I blink, surprised by the sudden shift. But then I see the glimmer of hope, of resilience, in Eli’s gaze, and I feel a rush of pride and love.

That’s my brave girl. Finding light in the darkness, just like her mother.

“Okay,” I agree, forcing a smile. “So, if this is Wonderland, then who am I? The White Rabbit?”

Eli giggles, shaking her head. “No, silly. You’re Alice! The clever, curious girl who isn’t afraid of anything.”

I raise an eyebrow, playing along. “And who are you, then? The Cheshire Cat?”

Eli puffs out her small chest, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “I’m the Mad Hatter, of course! The one who comes up with all the crazy, brilliant plans.”

I can’t help but laugh, marveling at her imagination, her spirit. “Alright then, Mad Hatter. What’s our first move against the evil Queen?”

Eli taps her chin, pretending to think hard. “Well, first, we need to find the magic mushrooms that will make us grow big and strong. Then we can storm the castle and rescue the good people of Wonderland!”

I nod seriously, playing along. “Good plan. And where do we find these magic mushrooms?”

Eli looks around the dingy room, her nose wrinkling. “Not here, that’s for sure. This place is all yucky and smelly. The mushrooms would never grow here.”

“Hmm, you’re right.” I pretend to ponder, tapping my foot. “Maybe we need to hide first, then we’ll find our way to a magic garden or something.”

Eli’s eyes light up, catching on to the hidden meaning. “Yes! We’ll hide, then escape and find our friends, the ones who can help us beat the Queen. Like the White Knight and the March Hare.” Her little face is so bright and brave that it makes my heart ache.

Oh God, please let me be brave.

As I scan the room, looking for any means of escape or hiding, my gaze falls on the small ventilation fan set into the wall. It’s old and rusted, the blades caked with grime, but it sparks an idea in my mind.

“Eli,” I say slowly, keeping my voice low. “I think I know where we can hide you to keep you safe from the Queen’s guards.”

Eli leans in, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Where, Tetya Laura?”

I point to the vent, a small smile tugging at my lips. “In the secret tunnel, of course. The one that leads to a hidden room in the castle.”

Eli’s gaze follows my finger, and I see the moment she understands. Her face lights up with excitement but then quickly falls into a frown.

“But Tetya Laura,” she whispers, her voice small. “What about you? I don’t want to hide without you.”

My heart swells with love and pride at her concern.

So young, but already so loyal, so brave.

“Don’t worry about me, sweetheart,” I assure her, giving her hand a squeeze. “I’ll be right here, guarding the entrance to the tunnel. I need you to be safe, Eli. That’s the most important thing.”

Eli hesitates, fear and worry warring in her eyes. But then she nods, a determined set to her small chin. “Okay,” she whispers. “I’ll hide, Tetya Laura. But you have to promise to stay safe, too, okay?”

I swallow hard, forcing a smile. “I promise, my brave little Hatter. I won’t let anything happen to either of us.”

With a deep breath, I start to pry at the rusted screws holding the grate in place. It’s slow, painful work, my fingers slipping and tearing on the jagged metal.

But I don’t stop. I can’t. Every second counts, every moment bringing us closer to discovery, to danger.

Finally, with a creak and a groan, the grate comes loose. I catch it before it can clatter to the floor, setting it aside as quietly as I can.

“Okay, Eli,” I whisper, beckoning her over. “It’s time to play hide and seek. I need you to crawl into the tunnel and stay very, very quiet. Can you do that for me, love?”

Eli nods, a flicker of fear in her eyes. But she doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t falter. With a boost from me, she clambers up into the vent, her small body fitting easily into the narrow space.

“I love you, Tetya Laura,” she whispers, her voice echoing softly in the metal tunnel.

I reach out, brushing my fingers against her cheek. “I love you too, Eli. More than anything. Now, be still and quiet, okay? No matter what you hear, don’t make a sound. Don’t come out until I tell you it’s safe.”

Eli nods solemnly, her eyes big and bright in the darkness. “I’ll be as quiet as a mouse,” she promises. “The Queen will never find me.”

I smile, even as my heart clenches with fear. “That’s my girl. Now, I’m going to close the grate, okay? But I’ll be right here, just on the other side. I won’t leave you, Eli. I swear it.”

With a final, reassuring squeeze of her hand, I ease the grate back into place. It settles with a soft click, hiding Eli from view.

But not from my heart. Never from my heart.

I slump against the wall beside the vent, my legs shaky with relief and terror. Eli is as safe as I can make her, for now. But I know it’s only a matter of time before our captors return, before they realize what I’ve done.