Page 54 of Veil of Shadows

“Have I?” Viktor responds, his voice low and unwavering. “This is my choice, Lev. I’m done with the Bratva.”

Lev’s lips curl into a disdainful smile. “You think you can just walk away? You’ve abandoned everything we’ve built.”

“I haven’t abandoned anything. I’m choosing a different path—one that doesn’t involve bloodshed and loyalty to a dying cause.”

Lev’s anger flares, and he steps forward. “You think this is about loyalty? This is about survival! You’re putting yourself and her in danger.”

I step forward, ready to confront Lev. “You don’t get to threaten us. Viktor is choosing a life away from you and the Bratva. You can’t control him anymore.”

Lev’s gaze shifts to me, calculating. “And you think he’ll protect you? You’re just a distraction. A liability.”

My pulse quickens at his words, but I refuse to back down. “I’m not going anywhere. We’re in this together, and we’ll fight.”

“Fight?” Lev scoffs, drawing his weapon. “You think you can fight the Bratva? You’re both fools.”

In an instant, the tension erupts. Viktor reacts, lunging at Lev, and I follow suit, adrenaline surging through me. The cabin erupts into chaos as the fight spills over.

Viktor and Lev engage in a brutal struggle, fists flying and bodies colliding. I stand back, gripping my weapon, heart racing as I prepare to jump in if needed. The weight of the situation bears down on me, but I know I have to remain steady.

Viktor is relentless, fueled by a fierce protectiveness. Each punch he throws is filled with years of loyalty and betrayal, a culmination of everything he’s fought against. He lands a blow to Lev’s midsection, sending him staggering back.

“Get out of our lives, Lev!” Viktor growls, a primal fury in his eyes.

Lev, regaining his footing, retaliates, swinging his weapon dangerously close to Viktor. I can see the determination in Viktor’s stance; he won’t let Lev take us down.

In that moment, I know I have to act. I rush forward, weapon raised, ready to assist Viktor. “Viktor, look out!” I shout, trying to draw Lev’s attention.

Lev pivots, aiming at me, but Viktor is quicker. He dives toward me, pushing me out of the way just as Lev fires. The shot goes wide, reverberating through the cabin, a deafening sound that echoes in my ears.

“Stay behind me!” Viktor barks, his voice filled with urgency.

With renewed strength, Viktor tackles Lev, and they crash to the ground. The two men grapple, fists striking hard againstflesh, the sound of grunts and curses filling the air. I can hardly breathe as I watch the chaos unfold, fear clawing at my insides.

Lev gains the upper hand, pinning Viktor down momentarily. “You think she’s worth this? You’re throwing your life away for her!”

“No!” Viktor roars, using every ounce of strength to break free. He shifts his weight, flipping Lev over and gaining the advantage. The cabin shakes with the force of their struggle.

I can’t just stand by; I have to help. I raise my weapon, taking aim at Lev, but the sight of them fighting is a whirlwind of motion, making it hard to get a clear shot.

“Viktor!” I shout, desperation creeping into my voice.

“Do it, Alyssa! Take the shot!” Viktor commands, his tone fierce.

I know I have to trust him. I squeeze the trigger, the shot ringing out as it hits the ground near Lev, sending dirt flying into the air. Lev stumbles back, momentarily distracted.

Viktor uses the opportunity to deliver a powerful punch, landing it squarely on Lev’s jaw. The force sends Lev crashing to the floor, dazed and struggling to recover.

“Get out!” Viktor shouts, his voice booming with authority as he stands tall, breathing heavily.

Lev looks up, a mixture of anger and disbelief on his face. “This isn’t over, Viktor. You can’t escape the Bratva. We’ll find you.”

With those final words, he scrambles to his feet and rushes out of the cabin, leaving behind a heavy silence that hangs in the air.

I exhale slowly, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, a mix of relief and lingering fear. I drop my weapon, my hands shaking slightly as I turn to Viktor.

“Are you okay?” I ask, concern etched across my features.

He nods, though I can see the tension still coursing through him. “I’m fine. You did great. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

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