An eerie silence had returned to the palace after five days. Viktor's father had come home for a five-day stay, making the atmosphere of tonight's dinner feel somewhat different. At the massive dining table, under the soft glow of candlelight, Viktor, Alia, and Viktor's father sat together. Viktor wore his expensive black shirt, the top two buttons undone—looking every bit the 'Mafia Lord.'
Alia, tracing the food on her plate with a spoon, suddenly looked directly at Viktor. Viktor's father was quietly sipping his soup. In a deeply serious voice, Alia asked:
"Viktor, will you never become a good person? Will you remain this 'Moral Gray Alpha' for the rest of your life? Will this darkness inside you never end?"
Upon hearing the question, the aristocratic silence at the table seemed to thicken. Viktor took a sip of red wine from his glass and gave a cold, cunning smile. He looked into Alia's eyes as if measuring the very depths of her soul.
In a calm yet dominant tone, Viktor replied:
"Yes, Alia. I will remain exactly like this. As a Mafia Lord, my hands are stained with blood, and as an FSB officer, I must be a protector of the law. That gray world between the two is my true identity. I cannot pretend to be 'good,' because it is this very hardness that protects you and this empire."
Viktor's father looked up for a moment, glancing at Viktor, and then offered a subtle smile toward Alia. It was as if he had known his son's answer all along.
Viktor placed his hand over Alia's and gave it a firm squeeze, whispering:
"Do you truly want to see me as just an ordinary, kind man, Alia? Or do you prefer remaining the Queen of this ruthless power? Remember, it is not the light... but the darkness that is our greatest friend." Alia's lips curled into a mocking smirk. She set her glass down on the table, looking directly into Viktor's eyes as she taunted him:
"Umm... Ahh! You're so 'good,' aren't you? You're the man who is crazy for women, staying out all day and night. It hits 2:00 AM and there's still no sign of you. What kind of angel from heaven are you that you're lecturing me on morality?"
Viktor didn't flinch at Alia's direct attack. Instead, his smile deepened, as if he had been waiting for those very words. He leaned back in his chair and replied with absolute confidence:
"And you? You're the same, Alia. Do you think I don't know what you do in the library in the middle of the night? The way you tried to take control of this palace in my absence—is that the behavior of a 'good' girl? We are two sides of the same mirror."
Viktor's father burst into laughter hearing their witty banter and counter-arguments. He raised his glass and said:
"This is the perfect combination! One is a King of the underworld and the law, and the other is a Queen with the power to challenge that King. This fight of yours is what will keep this empire standing."
Alia realized it was impossible to win an argument with Viktor. He was molding her into a powerful personality just like himself. Beneath the table, Viktor gently brushed his foot against Alia's and whispered:
"Staying out until 2:00 AM is my job, Alia. But remember whenever I return, I return only to you. My madness is reserved solely for you." Alia exploded with rage at Viktor's "You are the same" remark. Sparks of fury seemed to fly from her eyes. She slammed her fork onto the plate and declared:
"I am like you? Never! I live with my self-respect, while you? You are blinded by the intoxication of power. If you think I am part of your dark world, then prove it. Wherever you go tonight at 2:00 AM, you must take me with you. I want to see with my own eyes exactly how filthy your 'mysterious' world really is!"
Viktor's father narrowed his eyes at his son. The atmosphere in the dining room turned heavy in an instant. Viktor stood up from his chair with slow, deliberate movements. He walked around the table, stood behind Alia, and leaned down close to her ear.
Viktor whispered:
"Are you truly ready, Alia? There are no royal rules there—only primal urges and dangerous dealings. If you come with me, the path back will never lead to you being a 'good girl' again. Are you ready to wear that stain?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Alia replied:
"I am ready. Show me your kingdom."
Viktor gave a mysterious smile. He looked at his watch and said:
"Fine. 2:00 AM. Be ready, because tonight we set foot in Russia's darkest club, 'The Red Dragon.' But remember, once you enter, you will be known strictly as my personal property. No protests allowed."
Alia stared into Viktor's eyes and accepted the challenge. She had no idea that this one night of stubbornness was about to change her life forever.It was a quarter to two in the morning. Viktor stood in the lobby, glancing at his watch and thinking that perhaps Alia had backed down out of fear. But just then, the sharp click-clack of heels echoed from the top of the stairs.
Viktor looked up, and his eyes froze. Alia was descending in a stunning red backless halter dress. The dress clung to her curves like a living flame. On her feet were expensive red Cesare Paciotti heels, radiating royal elegance with every step.
Viktor stared in pure shock. The woman he once considered fragile now looked more captivating and dangerous than any Mafia Queen. Viktor was about to say something, but Alia cut him off, twirling a set of keys around her finger.
"Viktor, I'm not going in your car tonight. Tonight, the city will see who I really am."
Suddenly, Alia's own Blue Pagani roared out of the palace garage. The thunderous growl of the hyper-car shattered the silence of the night. Viktor couldn't believe his eyes. He knew Alia loved luxury cars, but that she possessed such a beastly machine was beyond his wildest imagination.
Alia slid into the driver's seat, pushed her sunglasses up, and gave Viktor a mysterious smile. She challenged him:
"What's the matter, Viktor? Is the big Alpha Male, so successful in his missions, afraid to chase a girl's car today? Let's see who has more speed on the streets of St. Petersburg!"
Alia floored the accelerator. The Blue Pagani shot through the snow like an arrow, heading toward 'The Red Dragon' club. Viktor gave chase in his Lamborghini, a strange, satisfied smile playing on his lips. He thought to himself, "Alia, you truly are my worthy counterpart. This is the fire I've been waiting to see."The moment the tires of the Blue Pagani let out a sharp screech in front of 'The Red Dragon' club, the entire atmosphere at the entrance shifted. The most dangerous Mafia dons and drug dealers of St. Petersburg, who had gathered there, forgot how to speak for a moment.
As the car doors swung upward like wings and Alia stepped out, placing her feet—clad in red Cesare Paciotti heels—onto the pavement, a strange frenzy erupted. Seeing her in that red backless halter dress with a gaze full of confidence, a stir went through the gathered Mafia bosses.
Several powerful Mafia leaders standing at the entrance lost their composure and broke into loud whistles. Their faces were filled with a mix of crude desire and pure astonishment. One Mafia boss, taking a sip from his glass, shouted:
"Wow! Did the Russian snow catch fire today? Whose property is this beauty? I've never seen her before!"
As Alia walked forward with her head held high, Viktor's Lamborghini roared to a halt right behind her. When Viktor stepped out and saw the other Mafia bosses whistling at his future Queen, his blue eyes darkened into a terrifying shade of black with rage.
Viktor walked swiftly, placing his firm hand on Alia's waist, and cast such a demonic glare at the surrounding bosses that every whistle died down instantly. Viktor spoke through gritted teeth in a deep, menacing voice:
"Have those of you with loose tongues forgotten playing with fire doesn't just burn your hands; it turns your entire existence to ash? This is Alia... and she is my world."
Seeing Viktor's ferocious demeanor, the Mafia bosses lowered their heads in submission. Alia gave a subtle smirk, adjusted Viktor's collar slightly, and said:
"Calm down, Viktor. Today is only the beginning. Tell your whistling friends that the speed of my Pagani is faster than their bullets."