Chapter 63
Waking up after facing that fear was something that made Varinka missable and angry; she was in a state where she was unable to move and even react; it was so different from facing a barrel of a loaded gun. The person she faced was no longer human; the fear she felt was still lingering in her skin, and at the very back of her mind , it was making her shiver, and cold sweat was forming on her forehead. Varinka knew that she would never be the same after this encounter, and she was determined to find a way to overcome this paralyzing fear before it consumed her completely.
Her mind was messed up from awakening her innate power; it drove her mad as the sensation of seeing blood in her hands was consuming her , but the person she faced was unlike those she encountered that had a persisting hatred, malice, and reluctance in their eyes. As they were being forced to do it for so many reasons
But this person had a calmness and acceptance of death that sent chills down her spine, making her question everything she thought she knew about the world and her own abilities. She knew she needed to confront this fear head-on or risk losing herself to it forever. Varinka's obsession with blood and death was not natural; she was a normal child, but after her ability to awaken, her mind was diluted with so many overwhelming intrusive thoughts related to her own psychosis.
having hallucinations at a very young age and acting violently outside of their control. Her intrusive and unwanted thoughts are about seeing , smelling, and feeling the warm texture of blood, which urges her to do something vile and extremely unpleasant to calm her; if not, it will provoke anxiety, distress, and pain in her mind and body.
She was being interrogated by the police that saw her inside her car with a high powered CMMG Mk47 Banshee. And a dozen empty magazines with her; the police investigator knew who she was associated with, but he still needs to conduct an investigation and proper handling of this very unusual situation. They had to send out police officers to identify if there were any incidents of mass shootings in their area. But for nearly an hour, no reports came in.
So they couldn't connect the weapon to any deaths; they could only file charges of illegally carrying an unlicensed high powered weapon near and around civilian establishments. Varinka was silent, but her mind was wandering for nearly an hour. She was just too shocked and confused to process the events that had transpired. The uncertainty of the situation left her feeling anxious and unsettled, unsure of what would happen next.
Whispers and murmurs could be heard as her family name was the only thing they could confirm; this was based on those who were able to identify her. Victor received this information and was also in a state of confusion, knowing what kind of person his cousin was like. Even the attorney that was tasked with handling her case was afraid to get close to her . She once bit her last attorn ear because she didn't like the way her former attorney talked to her.
But seeing Varinka in a calm state was new to him. And because she didn't commit any violent acts during her time in custody and there were no cases to connect to her, she just received a heavy fine and was released from jail. The attorney was relieved that Varinka's behavior had changed but still approached her cautiously, unsure of what to expect next. Despite her past actions, he hoped that she had truly turned a new leaf.
Victor was waiting outside the police station and was waiting inside his armored luxury car with an armored convoy watching him. The knife that was seen at the location connecting Ivan's death was no longer a topic as Varinka was the only person who insisted on getting her own answers, but Victor wasn't really interested in it; he liked Ivan, but pursuing revenge at the cost of his real plan was not worth it. He knew that focusing on the bigger picture was more important than dwelling on the past. Plus, he had a feeling that Varinka's pursuit of answers would only lead to more trouble.
He indulged her vile actions because of her tremendous connection toward the Romanov elders, but for Victor, the elders way of managing the clan was too outdated and slow. His family has been around for many generations, and seeing what his clan accomplished within those many decades was mediocre in Victor's eyes, he believed it was time for a change in leadership within the clan, and he was determined to make it happen. He had big plans for the future of his family and was willing to take risks to see them through.
Varinka walked out of the police station; behind her was her attorney. She was somewhat different, like she was splashed with cold water and was still in the process of coming to terms with the reality of her situation. Her aura was different; Victor had hundreds of ability users; he was also an unregistered awakened ability user; his powers are related to gravity; he can increase and decrease gravity. Victor kept his abilities a secret, knowing the annoyance of being discovered by the government agency. He had learned to control his powers through years of practice and was ready to use them for his own personal agenda.
Exposing his power to the public seemed to be a weakness for him, so he preferred to operate in the shadows, using his abilities discreetly to achieve his goals. Despite the temptation to show off his powers, Victor knew that keeping them hidden was the key to staying safe and maintaining control over his own destiny.
While Varinka's ability was highly exposed within the clan, her ability to sense blood was considered to be a cruel fate for her, as it brought her unwanted attention and fear from those around her. Despite the challenges she faced, Varinka had no choice but to embrace her power and use it to save herself from suffering.
Varinka entered the car and sat beside Victor, who was already armed with a gun. as he placed it at his side, away from Varinka's sight. He once faced Varinka and nearly lost his eye sight as he stabbed him with a fork when they were younger; at that time, Victor didn't raise his arm to block his face from the attack. The tension between them was palpable, as they both knew the danger of being in such close proximity. Despite their shared history of violence, they were now forced to work together when she uttered the word
"We need to replace the elders."
"And take that power for our own!"
" I need more power to kill him.!"
Victore was confused, but he knew that Varinka's statement was actually good news. He realized that they could finally put their differences aside and unite for a common goal.
" I could help you with that cousin! Who is this person that you need to kill?"
" I need to eliminate the elder, Grigori. He's become a liability, and his control over the territory is suffocating our ambitions."
Varinka replied, her voice steady yet laced with urgency. Victor nodded, understanding the implication of her words; Grigori had been a thorn in both of their sides for far too long.
"He controls too much about our operations, and his old mindset and influence are poisoning our clan's power."
She continued, her gaze fixed intently on the road ahead, as if envisioning the path that lay before them. It was a task that required precision and ruthlessness, qualities both cousins were all too familiar with.
Victor couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement at the prospect of working together again, but the memory of their violent past loomed large in his mind. It reminded him of the day Varinka had driven a fork into his face during a trivial spat over a game they had played as children. That incident, while seemingly inconsequential at the time, had left a lasting mark, both physically and emotionally. But the stakes were different now; they weren't kids anymore playing silly games—they were combatants in a perilous game of power and survival.
But Varinka was not aiming power based on breed; she knows very well who is her real target. The support of the Romanov family is vital to gain leverage in weapons and manpower to face the man who made her face fear for the first time.
"Tell me your plan," he urged, his hand instinctively hovering near the gun hidden by his side. Trust was a fragile thing between them, but in this moment, they needed to lean on one another. Varinka's fierce ambition ignited a dormant resolve within Victor. They could either let the past dictate their actions or rally together against Grigori, a man whose arrogance had grown unchecked.
Even if that person was his own uncle, her mind was going overdrive, and the only thing that was running in her head as a scenario was the moment she was helpless to even move; it was a reoccurring scene in her mind; she was biting her lip out of annoyance and frustration. Sh needs mo authority and control over the clan; her hunger for blood was seen as a curse and liability by the elders because she could not control her impulses to inflict pain toward those who were weaker than her; she was seen as a weak link by the elders, so the only option was to cover up all of her meaningless hunt and impulsive actions.
Varinka's sudden shift was a stark contrast to the independent, almost aloof nature Victor had always known. Gone was the girl who operated solely on her own whims, replaced by a determined individual driven by a newfound need for the clan's acceptance.
She now craved respect, not just for herself but for a side of her she seemingly never allowed to surface—a ferocious hunger for blood that she now sought to weaponize. This desire for validation, to prove her dangerous instincts could be an asset, was utterly perplexing to Victor.
He observed her, mesmerized and slightly afraid, as she struggled to contain the raw intensity burning within. Her usual agility remained, but now it was coupled with a chilling stillness, a predatory focus that simmered beneath her trembling hands.
Her eyes, usually inanimate and vacant, were now fixated on some unseen target, a silent promise of violence. The transformation wasn't just a physical change; it was a complete shift in her psyche, a dormant predator unleashed by some unknown trigger. Was it the knife, its owner, or something more profound? Victor couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, questioning if the Varinka he knew, the one who had always been a consistent constant in his life, was truly still there, or if this new, dangerous version was the true essence she had always hidden. Her sharp retort to his concerned query served as a chilling reminder of the change, a glimpse into the volatile and potentially more focused and lethal force she had become.
It was a perplexing scene; Varinka faced the unknown entity that was Ethan, a man exuding a palpable aura of overwhelming killing intent and bloodlust. Yet, amid the tumult of emotions swirling within her, she reacted with an unsettling calmness.
No longer the uncertain girl clinging to the edges of her past, she recognized the necessity of having the entire Romanov clan rally behind her—unwavering and unquestioning. In that moment, Varinka understood that her resurgence was not an act of defiance but a reclamation of power that had long lain dormant.
No longer the uncertain girl clinging to the edges of her past, she recognized the necessity of having the entire Romanov clan rally behind her—unwavering and unquestioning. In that moment, Varinka understood that her resurgence was not an act of defiance but a reclamation of power that had long lain dormant. She needed the strength of her lineage, their silent endorsement, to confront the chaos that Ethan represented. Gone was the insane, erratic violent woman seeking to ease her madness.
It was a perplexing scene, as Varinka recalled when she faced the unknown entity that was Ethan, a man exuding a palpable aura of overwhelming killing intent and bloodlust. Yet, amid the tumult of emotions swirling within her, she reacted with an unsettling fear of death itself.
As Victor and Varinka made their way back toward the imposing main stronghold of the Romanov business district, a subtle yet profound transformation was taking place within her. With each passing moment, Varinka felt more in control of her emotions, her once-chaotic thoughts beginning to settle like dust in the wake of a long-imposed storm. The hallucinations that had plagued her since awakening her latent power were slowly fading, but the remnants of their horror lingered in her mind.
No one could possibly comprehend the depth of her torment, the twisted sights that materialized before her whenever Victor had sparked her abilities.
In her unnervingly perceptive new reality, she could perceive the malevolent emotions of others as tumultuous whirlwinds of energy—dark, unsettling specters swirling in vibrant colors that bore an ugly, almost nauseating stench.
Each encounter with a person unfurling their hidden feelings drove her further towards the brink of despair, forcing her to grapple with the unbearable weight of others' darkness at just ten years of age. The world she inhabited was one of nightmares, punctuated by flashes of grim brutality and sorrow.
In her mind, the only reprieve from the relentless onslaught of disturbing visions lay in her desperate attempts to eradicate these insanity-driven images—the fight against the malevolence that sought to engulf her, becoming her sole means of survival in a reality that felt increasingly fractured and overwhelming.
Ethan made his way to the grand residence of the Siegert family, where he was warmly welcomed by Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie M. Siegert. As she accompanied him through the opulent halls adorned with intricate tapestries and glimmering chandeliers, he felt an immediate sense of belonging. The atmosphere was inviting, and the household members greeted him with open arms, treating him like one of their own. With his charming demeanor and easy-going nature, Ethan effortlessly endeared himself to everyone in the mansion, becoming a beloved fixture in the household.
Meanwhile Ethan engaged in a light conversation with Helena over cups of fragrant tea in the cozy receiving area; anticipation filled the air for Katarine's arrival. As if sensing the moment was right, Katarine descended the staircase, her eyes lighting up upon seeing Ethan. In joyful spontaneity, she dashed toward him, enveloping him in a warm hug and planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. This innocent display of affection caused the servants present to exchange knowing smiles, and even the Grand Matriarch couldn't suppress her delight at the sight of such genuine affection.
The heartwarming scene took on another layer of charm when Leonhardt Maier Siegert, Katarine's father, appeared. Observing his daughter's unreserved excitement and Ethan's equally besotted expression, he couldn't help but smile knowingly. It was clear to everyone in the room that the connection between Katarine and Ethan was more than just an accidental meeting or chance ; they were both utterly enchanted by each other. As laughter and conversation filled the air, the mansion radiated warmth—an unmistakable reflection of the budding romance that seemed to have taken root within its walls.
As the golden rays of sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the mansion, they illuminated the exquisite chandelier that dangled gracefully from the high ceiling. Each facet of the crystal prisms captured the light and scattered it like a thousand tiny stars, casting a warm, shimmering glow across the room.
Katarine and Ethan stood at the center of this ethereal display, their faces bathed in the soft radiance that seemed to celebrate the very essence of their love. Laughter and joy echoed around them, binding family and friends together in that shared moment of happiness, as if the universe itself conspired to mark this occasion.
The ambiance was nothing short of enchanting; the sunlight's gentle caress on skin mirrored the warmth blossoming in their hearts. As guests mingled, the dance of light created playful patterns on the walls, swirling whimsically like the emotions filling the air.
It became clear that this gathering was not merely a celebration of a milestone, but a testament to enduring connections and the beauty of shared experiences. In that magical space, love wove itself into the fabric of the day, leaving an indelible mark that would linger long after the party had ended.
In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, and every smile and gaze exchanged added to the layers of joy enveloping them. The reflections of sunlight served as a metaphor for the bonds forged in that grand room; just as the light mingled and danced, so too did the hearts of those present, intertwined in laughter and camaraderie.
The Siegert main mansion stood as a testament to opulence, with its grand architecture and meticulously manicured gardens designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also for a sense of security. Heavy gates and cameras adorned the perimeter, and state-of-the-art security systems were embedded within the walls.
Yet, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard, a creeping realization settled over the gathering throng: even the most luxurious sanctuary could not shield its occupants from the unpredictable chaos looming beyond its walls. The tension in the air shifted palpably; each laugh and conversation tinged with an undercurrent of unease.
In the far corner of the vast garden, just beyond the manicured pathways, a small rift began to form in the earth—a subtle reminder of nature's untamable power. From this fissure emerged a handful of creatures, their mottled fur disheveled and streaked with the remnants of their struggles. Injured yet resilient, the small pack of kitsune sought refuge among the thick hedges, their expressive eyes flickering with a mix of wariness and curiosity as they observed the elegant activities unfolding nearby. As staff members continued to accomplish their task daily as the day started again.
Unbeknownst to the mansion's staff and owner, these creatures bore silent witness to their revelry, embodying the very certainties that lurked just outside their comfortable barrel. The mansion's protective façade—though impressive—could not quell the primal instinct to survive, and the gathering's sense of security began to unravel as they noticed their unexpected observers.
As twilight enveloped the garden, shadows deepened, blending the luxurious with the raw, the civilized with the wild. The injured Kitsune became a symbol of the fragility of their existence, daring to traverse the boundaries between the world they once knew and the one being forged by desperate necessity to survive in the human realm.
At the same time, Katarine gave Ethan a few hours to talk about what just happened last night. Katarine assured Ethan that she will call Mr. Ross and inform him to deal with the damage at the warehouse and create a plan to reduce this type of situation from to happen again.,
Ethan knows that the warehouse was just a small business that they own; it was created by Mr. Ross as a retirement side project that eventually became a logistic service out of necessity. Closing it has no significant implication toward the main company.
Katarine understood that Ethan was now a registered knight, and knowing him, Ethan will still wish to gain a certain amount of responsibility toward his life, and like her, she understands this very well. she suggests that they refurbish the warehouse and make it look like it was sold and has a new, and different owner and just publicly announce it. Katarine told Ethan that a certain amount of manipulation was needed to accomplish this.
And Mr. Ross was still active in coordinating this matter behind the scenes; removing the items from the warehouse was out of the question as Leonhardt Maier Siegert, Katarine Horn Siegert's father , Chairman and Founder of the conglomerate company of Siegert Inc., gave strict instructions as it held a very significant relevance toward their family.
Katarine was wearing an elegant dress and was still as luxurious as ever, being a representative of a company known for its opulence and extravagance. She knew that her family's wishes must be followed, no matter the cost. Like Ethan Katarine was also living a double life, hunting creatures at night with Ethan wasn't actually planned but it was an answer toward a situation that deemed they needed to respond. The two just reacted and made this their secret task as they roamed the streets at night looking for creatures looking looking feed their hunger for human flesh.
Within a year they spent many nights hunting and getting closer and intinate to each other; this activity became their unofficial dates as they bonded over the adrenaline rush and shared experiences. Their secret task not only satisfied their cravings but also deepened their connection, creating a unique and dangerous bond between them. But Ethan suggested that this kind of activity wasn't safe and practical for the safety of the public, so Katarine and Ethan both decide to get registered and get support from the knight association but still retain their independence and privacy .
Despite the relief that washed over Ethan when he saw Katarine's encouraging reaction and received supportive words from those around them, a shadow of dread loomed in her heart. She had managed to keep her secret fears at bay, concealed from prying eyes, believing firmly that the criminal connections linked to her abduction were still lurking in the shadows, potentially far more dangerous than anyone realized. With a sinking feeling, she dwelled on the unsettling reality that Mr. Ross, seemingly a trusted ally, was responsible for every discreet detail leading up to this moment. Had their safety truly been secured, or was it all part of a larger, more sinister game?
As her thoughts spiraled into questions, the memory of the mysterious woman who had tracked Ethan down nagged at her mind. "Was it a coincidence or an accident?" she pondered, unease clinging to her like a second skin. Whoever that woman was, she had found a way to breach their lives, and the implications of such an intrusion chilled her to the bone.
Ethan, sensing her lingering tension, leaned down and kissed her gently, reassuring her with a promise. He explained that he needed to go back home for just a day, ostensibly to pick up something important. When Katarine inquired about his departure, concern flickered in her eyes. "Just for a day, and I will return back here after two days," he assured her with a warm smile. The thought of finally meeting his parents brought a hint of brightness to her otherwise cloudy thoughts. "Okay, Ethan, no worries; just call me. I was hoping to accompany you and finally meet your parents," she responded, her voice laced with anticipation.
He smiled back, his expression tinged with affection. "I already set up a proper date for that," she added, her heart lightening with the prospect of their future together. They shared a tight embrace, and he promised to call her every day while he was gone, but as Ethan left, the unsettling feeling deepened within Katarine. Something felt off; the air was thick with unspoken dangers, and she couldn't shake off the nagging worry that events outside their control were still in play.