Chapter 58: Chapter Fifty Eight.
Xena sat alone, the quiet hum of the garden surrounding her, but her mind was far from peaceful. Alina and Zoya’s words still echoed in her head, leaving her unsettled. She couldn't shake the shock—the disbelief—that Viktor, *of all people*, had helped them.
Had saved them.
It didn’t make sense.
Everything she knew about him, everything she had seen and experienced, painted him as a ruthless, controlling man. He was dangerous, terrifyingly powerful, and worst of all—obsessive. He had taken her, trapped her in this gilded cage, dictating her every move.
So then… *who* was he, really?
Was there more to him than just the cold, domineering force she had come to know?
Xena let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her temple. She hated that she was even thinking about this. Hated that doubt had wormed its way into her mind.
Just then, a voice broke through her thoughts.
“Well, what is a diva like you doing all alone here?”
Xena gasped, her head snapping up.
Standing a few feet away, a familiar smirk played on Anya’s lips, her arms crossed as she studied her.
"You again?" Xena muttered, narrowing her eyes.
Anya chuckled. “Yeah, I know. You’re probably not thrilled to see me. But I’m here to save you from dying of boredom.”
Xena frowned. “What?”
Anya tilted her head slightly, studying her reaction. Then, with an almost knowing look, she leaned in. “Let me guess… he didn’t tell you he was traveling, did he?”
Xena stiffened. She quickly forced a smile. “It’s not like I care or anything.”
Anya’s smirk faltered for a split second, her sharp gaze softening just a little. She shifted her attention to Xena’s lap, where a book rested, the pages slightly curled from where she had been holding it.
With a small sigh, Anya hesitated before speaking. “Look… I’m sorry I couldn’t help you that day. It’s just… Viktor—”
“It’s fine, Anya,” Xena cut her off quickly, her voice flat. “Can we not talk about him? Please.”
Anya pressed her lips together, then nodded. “Alright.”
She stood up suddenly, brushing imaginary dust off her dress before turning back to Xena with an expectant look.
“Well, I can’t just leave you sitting here alone. Come on.”
Xena blinked. “What?”
Anya stretched her hand out, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Just because *he* locked you in here doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a little fun while he’s away.” She smirked.
"W-what do you mean?" Xena stammered, cautiously taking Anya’s hand as she stood up.
Anya’s smirk deepened, her eyes glinting with mischief. "We are going clubbing tonight."
Xena’s breath hitched, her eyes widening. "What?!" She whispered harshly, glancing around as if Viktor’s men could hear them through the garden walls. "Are you insane? Viktor will—"
"Viktor isn’t here," Anya interrupted smoothly, her tone laced with amusement.
"And unless you plan on spending the rest of your life rotting in this mansion, you better learn to live a little."
Xena bit her lip, her mind a storm of hesitation and temptation. Was she really about to sneak out? Viktor had locked her in here, surrounded her with guards, stripped her of every ounce of freedom she once had. Now, Anya was offering her a taste of it.
Her pulse quickened. "How? The guards—"
"Leave that to me," Anya winked, tugging her along. "Get dressed, wear something hot. We leave tonight."
●●●
Meanwhile…
The scent of freshly brewed tea and the faint sound of the television in the background filled the small but cozy house as Nana busied herself with the evening chores.
Diego, her young grandson, was sitting near the window, his little hands fidgeting impatiently. His eyes flickered toward the front door every few minutes, his anticipation evident.
He had been waiting for his sister, Xena. And every time the doorbell rang, his heart would leap with hope.
So, when the sharp chime echoed through the house, Diego wasted no time. He bolted toward the door, his small feet barely touching the floor as he rushed to open it.
But the moment the door swung open, Diego froze.
Two tall men stood on the doorstep, their presence imposing. Behind them, a few more men in dark suits loomed like shadows, their eyes cold and unreadable.
Diego’s face twitched in confusion. These weren’t visitors. They weren’t neighbors.
Something felt wrong.
Nana, sensing the eerie stillness, wiped her hands on her apron and walked toward the door. But the moment she laid eyes on the man standing in front, her body went rigid.
Viktor.
The air in the room shifted.
"Diego, come here." Nana commanded, her voice firm but not panicked.
Diego hesitated, glancing between the men and his grandmother, but he obeyed. He backed away, pressing himself behind Nana as she stepped forward protectively.
Viktor stood still, his expression unreadable as his sharp eyes raked over the room before landing on her.
"Who are you?" Nana asked, her voice steady despite the dread curling in her stomach.
She knew exactly who he was. But she needed to stall, to at least try.
Mikhail, standing beside Viktor, offered a polite but empty smile.
"Good day, ma’am." His tone was smooth, but there was no warmth behind it.
Nana didn’t return the greeting. Her gaze remained locked on Viktor, her body tense, shielding Diego behind her.
Viktor’s expression didn’t waver. He took a slow step forward, his presence consuming the small space instantly. Mikhail followed, shutting the door behind them without a word.
Nana’s back stiffened as she instinctively stepped back, still keeping Diego behind her.
"What do you want?" Her voice was sharper now, demanding.
Viktor exhaled slowly, his lips curling into something that resembled amusement—but there was no real humor in it.
"You’re terrible at pretending to be scared." he mused, his tone almost playful, though the glint in his eyes was anything but.
Nana swallowed hard.
Viktor tilted his head, his gaze darkening as he took another step closer. "I’m here for Xena."
The air in the room turned ice cold.
Nana felt her breath hitch, her heart slamming against her ribcage. Diego, sensing the tension, clutched onto her dress tightly.
Viktor’s smirk faded, replaced by something far more dangerous.
"And on Marco."