After my long conversation with Viktor, the first step of my plan was beginning. Viktor was right. I couldn’t take on everyone at one time, I needed to go one by one.The night provided little in terns of rest. My mind was busy concocting plans for each potential snake in my life. August was a main priority at the moment. The way Elena spoke of her son gave me a sickening feeling. While I didn’t get gut feelings often, my gut was telling me to protect August at all costs.When I wasn’t thinking of plans or August’s safety, my mind was wandering back to the Aslanov family.Their two sons in all of their beauty, playing the game with an anticipating and skillful mindset. The one family that truly seemed to enjoy the game and potential pain they could inflict on others. The eldest son Nikolai Aslanov, held such beauty it was incredible. The false emotion’s he played on his face were incredibly calculated and well formed. In the short c

That hour was one of the longest I've experienced in my short life. My brain came up with every possible scenario that left Viktor permanently wiped from my life. It was selfish to ask this of him, but he was my only hope. I couldn't trust anyone else with the task, and I knew Viktor could come and go easily without being spotted. There was no way I'd be able to complete the task myself without getting noticed. Viktor came silently through my bedroom door and I released a sharp breath. Viktor had come back after all. My eyes raked over his towering form, looking for any injuries. Viktor looked as good as ever, with his tousled chocolate hair and piercing eyes. It seemed as though there wasn't a single scratch on his body."You underestimate me?" Viktor was the first to break the comfortable silence. His tone wasn't mocking or condescending, simply curious.I shook my head, "After watching you kill four guys by yourself, I think I'm past underestimating y

(Flashback)"I need a favor." I looked at Viktor with pleading eyes, "I can't trust just anyone with this."Viktor paused, his dark eyes searching my own. "What is your favor?" I tried not to smile as his thick accent filled the room."I need a replica of this necklace." I pointed to the one on my neck, "As soon as possible."Viktor paused, curiosity filling his dark eyes. "Why would you need something like that?", he asked."My Uncle wants me to give him this necklace. He says I'm not ready for it." I shrugged, "Nothing is certain, but I'd like to make sure his intentions are..pure."Viktor came forward, lifting his gloved hand to my necklace. I inwardly cringed, hoping it wouldn't hurt him the way it hurt the men who had crept into my room. The necklace was cold against my skin, not a si

As impossible as I knew it was, I wanted an instant solution. I needed Viktor back, needed his name clear. My Dad was right, any solution wouldn't be instant. There were too many people working against us, too many people eager to see us removed from the throne.The name Nikolai Aslanov didn't seem to surprise my Dad. His face fell into a dark grimace, his eyes flaring with anger.

Caroline took my confession as expected, the girl did love gossip after all."What?" Caroline's jaw dropped. I'm guessing she didn't expect my answer. "What makes you say that?""I have my ways." I shrugged, "People talk, and that's the name they've been saying.""That's crazy." Caroline shook her head, "Now that's some gossip people will love--""You can't tell anyone." I shook my head, "I don't need this flying around.""It could endanger Bella's life." Shannon frowned, catching onto what I was doing with ease. "Her Dad's trying to find some evidence against Elena Halifax."Caroline's mouth popped open in a little 'o', but she promised not to tell anyone. She continued pressing me for more gossip while we finished lunch, none of which I gave. Sometimes it was refreshing talking to Caroline. She never really took anything seriously. Sometimes it was annoying, others it was helpful. She could put things into perspective at times, making you