Page 50 of Veil of Shadows

But Viktor is faster. He anticipates the move and rolls, dodging the incoming attack while still keeping Lev pinned down. The second man crashes into the ground, the impact sending a shockwave through the room.

“You’re outnumbered, Viktor!” Lev hisses, his voice strained as he tries to break free. “This is the end for you.”

“No,” Viktor growls, his focus unwavering. “This is just the beginning.”

In one swift motion, Viktor shifts his weight and finally disarms Lev, sending his weapon skidding across the floor. Lev’s eyes widen in shock as Viktor gains the upper hand, pinning him down with an iron grip.

“Enough!” I shout, stepping forward, my weapon still trained on Lev. “You’re done, Lev. You’re not taking him back.”

Lev’s expression twists with anger and desperation. “You think you can just walk away from this? You’re making a huge mistake!”

Viktor’s grip tightens, and I see the conflict flickering in his eyes. “I’m done with the Bratva. I’m choosing her,” he declares, his voice steady and fierce.

Lev’s laughter echoes in the space, dark and bitter. “You’ll regret this, Viktor. You have no idea what you’re throwing away.”

Viktor’s response is a cold stare, unyielding and resolute. “Let him go,” I say, finally feeling the weight of the moment settle in. “He’s not worth it.”

With a final shove, Viktor releases Lev, who scrambles to his feet, glaring at us with venomous rage. “You’ll pay for this,” he spits before backing away, knowing he’s lost this fight.

As Lev retreats, the tension begins to dissipate, and I feel a mix of relief and adrenaline coursing through my veins. “Is it over?” I ask, my voice shaking slightly.

“For now,” Viktor replies, still watching Lev’s retreating form. “But we need to move. This won’t end well for us if we don’t act fast.”

I nod, feeling the gravity of our situation settle in. We’ve crossed a line, and there’s no turning back now.

As we prepare to leave the warehouse, I take a moment to collect myself. I can’t shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingers, but I also know I’m ready to face whatever comes next.

Viktor turns to me, his expression softening as he brushes a stray hair behind my ear. “You were incredible back there,” he says, his voice low.

I can feel a warmth spreading through me at his words. “I was just trying to help,” I reply, my heart racing at the closeness between us.

“And you did,” he replies, his gaze locked onto mine, filled with a mixture of gratitude and something deeper.

As we step outside into the stormy night, the rain begins to fall, washing away the remnants of the fight. I feel a renewed sense of determination, knowing that whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together.

“Let’s go,” Viktor says, taking my hand in his. “We have a long road ahead.”

As we make our way into the darkness, I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. We’ve fought for this moment, and I’m ready to stand by Viktor’s side, no matter the cost.

Chapter Twenty-Four – Viktor

The cabin sits quietly in the middle of a dense forest, the evening sun casting long shadows across the clearing. The air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, a stark contrast to the chaotic world we’ve just escaped. As I step onto the porch, I take a moment to breathe in the solitude, feeling a mixture of liberation and lingering dread. This place feels like a refuge, but the shadows of the Bratva loom ever-present in my mind.

I lean against the railing, staring into the thick woods, trying to process the final severance from the life I’ve known. It feels surreal to be here, away from the constant pressure of the organization that has defined me for so long. I can still hear Lev’s voice ringing in my ears, filled with accusations and threats. The confrontation left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I know it was necessary. I’ve chosen to protect Alyssa, and that choice has changed everything.

Alyssa steps outside, her presence warm against the cool evening air. I can see the concern etched on her face, and it strikes me how much we’ve both been through to get to this point. She walks up to me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder, grounding me. “Hey,” she says softly, her voice like a balm against the turmoil inside me.

“Hey,” I reply, turning to face her fully. Her touch ignites a flicker of hope within me, a reminder that despite the chaos, we’re still together. “I’m glad we made it here.”

“Me too.” She takes a deep breath, looking out at the trees swaying gently in the breeze. “But what now? We can’t stay here forever.”

I know she’s right. The safety of this cabin is temporary at best. “We need to plan our next move. I won’t let the Bratva find us.”

“Viktor,” she says, her tone shifting to something more serious. “What about Lev? He won’t just let this go. He’ll come after us.”

I can feel the tension in the air thickening. “I know Lev. He’s relentless. But I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

Alyssa nods, but I can see the worry in her eyes. “What if they find us before we have a chance to leave?”

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