Epilogue
The pictures of her was a distraction to get me out of the country, I see that now. No one feels more torn than I do because I was forced to pick between supporting my Pakhan and keeping my heart intact.
After Anastasia’s numerous calls about what went down, and that my father escaped and can’t be found, I finally return to Moscow to start tracking him. He’s here somewhere and I’ll tear this entire country apart to find him.
When my phone chimes, I assume it’s Vanessa responding to my message that I’ve landed and will be home soon, after a quick visit elsewhere. But it’s not. It’s a text, another picture, this one taken closer than the others, of the woman who’s the physical embodiment of my heart. This one isn’t sent from an unlisted number, but one with a label that makes me murderous.
Ivan
You really thought I didn’t know where she disappeared to? You destroyed our lineage the moment you chose Vanessa. So now, I’ll destroy you, and I’ll be starting with her. Want this to end? Come and find me.
He wants me to find him. Too fucking easy. I’ll hunt him until there’s nothing left.
My reply isn’t to him, but to my Pakhan.
Me
I’m heading back to Toronto. He’s there. I’m only returning when she’s safe.
Vanessa:
Let me know when he’s dead.
From my pocket, I pull out a crumpled sheet of paper, stained with age, wrinkled from the endless times I’ve folded and unfolded it.
Five names.
Four crossed off.
One remaining.
Ivan Volkov.
The five people who took everything from me. Who took her . When Papa hired these men in his fucked-up scheme to create a compliant soldier and son, he actually got a soulless killer. When they hurt her, when my heart was ripped violently from my chest; it was over for them.
Four murders down, and one remaining.
I look up from my phone to the small house. Whenever I’m not in Toronto or working, I’m here. Surrounding myself with memories of what was and what will never be again. It’s a symbol of goodbye, of the final time my soul shattered.
Before turning away, I reach into the inner pocket of my coat and finger the old ribbon that I’ve never let go of since the day she pressed it into my palm. I like to think it still smells like her, even though all evidence of her ownership has long faded away. It grounds me, having a piece of her always.
I head back to my vehicle parked across the street, my thoughts grim and promising. Painful and bloody.
My father has threatened my girl for the last time.
Thank you for reading!
Dimitri and Katya’s romance is coming early 2025. Preorder Deadly Knight here .
Now curious about Vanessa Volkov’s beginning? Read all about her in The Sound in Silence . Book 5 in the Fractured Ever Afters series but it can be read as a standalone. Though, if you’re intrigued by fairytale inspired mafia, then the whole series might interest you.