Page 28 of Vendetta Crown

"Agreed," I say, as I push open the heavy doors.

As soon as we enter, I'm immediately struck by the evidence of the brutal attack.

Marble columns chipped by bullets, windows shattered by gunfire, and dark soot marked where explosions had gone off inside my home.

If I tried hard enough, I can still smell the acrid scent of gunpowder and blood.

This was my sanctuary. The place I'd brought Aurora to keep her safe. And it became a war zone.

"It looks worse in daylight," I mutter, surveying the damage. The cleaning crew has made progress, but there's only so much they can do in such a short period of time.

Daria appears from the east wing, her normally composed face breaking into relief when she spots Aurora. She hurries toward us, arms outstretched.

"Aurora!" she exclaims, pulling my wife into a fierce embrace. "Thank God you're safe."

Aurora melts into the hug, her shoulders dropping as though releasing a weight. "I'm okay, Daria. I promise."

Watching them, I realize how much this mansion has become Aurora's home too in the short time since she arrived. How quickly she's established connections here.

Even Daria, who remained stoic through decades of Vitaly's reign, has grown attached to Aurora in just weeks.

"Daria Zakharovna," I say, then point towards Vera. "This is Vera Tikhonovna Potyomkin. She'll be staying with us for a while."

"Zdravstvuyte, Vera Tikhonovna." Daria nods respectfully to our guest. "I can show you to your room now if you'd like. And if there's anything you might need, please don't hesitate to let me know."

"Thank you," Vera says softly. "I hope I'm not imposing."

"Not at all," I assure her. "This is the least I can do for you as thanks for your husband's support."

We lead Vera up the stairs, carefully stepping around workers repairing bullet holes in the walls. When we reach our destination, Aurora and Daria guide Vera inside.

"You're sure that your husband will be all right?" Aurora asks.

"He still has his men around him. The ones loyal to him, and not the Mikonov ones spying on him in the open." Vera sighs, her delicate fingers twisting the wedding ring that looks too heavy for her hand. "There is only so much I can worry about now."

"You're remarkably strong," Aurora says. "I underestimated you."

"As are you, Aurora Markovna." Vera gives a small, sad smile. "You're stronger than you might believe. Not many could do what you did to win my husband's respect."

I lean against the doorframe, struck by Vera's assessment. She sees in Aurora what I've recognized from the beginning: a resilience that has carried her through horrors that would break most people. Aurora doesn't see her own strength, but it's unmistakable to those of us who know what to look for.

Just then, I hear a delighted squeal that can only come from my youngest nieces. I turn to see Stella and Sofia racing down the hallway toward us, their faces lit with joy.

"Uncle Ruslan!" Stella cries, her little legs pumping furiously.

Sofia follows close behind, gap-toothed smile blazing. "Aurora!"

I crouch down despite the pain shooting through my shoulder, opening my arms to catch them both. Their bodies crash into mine with the beautiful recklessness of children who haven't yet learned to fear the world.

"Careful with your uncle," Aurora says gently. "He's a bit sore."

I notice Mikayla hanging back, her serious eyes taking in the scene. Guilt is still etched across her face.

Vera steps back into her doorway. "I'll give you some time with your family," she says softly before closing her door.

"Who's that?" Sofia asks, pointing at the closed door.

"Vera Tikhonovna," I explain. "She's going to be staying with us for a while as our guest."

---