75. The Aftermath

Roman

Sitting in the hospital room, I still feel the residual ache from the fight, both physical and emotional. My mind plays back the confrontation with Vasily, a twisted dance that was always leading to this dark aftermath.

What he said in Russian through clenched teeth left me shaken. Now that Aella is gone, I feel it’s time to share it with Kaden.

“I never thought it would come to this, Kade,” I say, the words coming out heavier than I intend.

Kaden leans back in the visitor chair, his eyes locked onto mine, searching for something—perhaps reassurance that what’s been done was necessary. “You did what you had to, Ro. If you hadn’t, more lives would have been at stake.”

“Yeah, but Vasily said something,” I start, hesitating a little. “He said things about father that I think you should know.”

Kaden raises an eyebrow, intrigued but also wary. “What did he say?”

I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the weight of the words I’m about to unleash. “Do you remember the night Father