"Nikolai, is that you?" Igor interjected, placing the pool cue on the green velvet table.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2cN3YfTZe
"I can't believe it! Is it really you? I thought you were dead!" Alexei continued, hands on his head, eyes wide.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GjPwF8Ioi
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Sofia and Katerina silently wept, clinging to each other, while Yuri emerged from the elevator to gently shake hands with his old friends, the ones who had shaped him from a young age. A flash of relief crossed Nikolai's eyes as he stepped out of the elevator cage and made his way towards the elderly woman seated in a chair at the back of the room. Her hair was tightly pulled back into a bun, and her thin lips, colored red, formed a sharp smile on her face. Eyes as clear as Nikolai's never left him.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElFPWpFTes
Nadia had been the witness of all teh changes in teh Volkov House. She had been the eyes and the memory of teh family for generation, from his father to him. Seeing the crisis they had been suffering from when Nikolai went back to Russia, having Anton as the head of teh House and so much more Nikolai didnt know. 120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CaYBmtKJa
“You’re back my child, how home have been?” she asked in a old grandma voice.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVdLocFrDV
Nikolai slowly advanced towards Nadia, the weight of his presence heavy in the air as he knelt before her. His eyes bore into hers, an intense connection formed between their gazes as he delicately lifted her hand to his lips. But beneath the surface of this seemingly tender moment lay a dark undercurrent of horrors that had nearly consumed him. His journey had teetered on the edge of an abyss, threatening to engulf him in its malevolent grip. The taste of iron from blood and the acrid scent of sweat seemed to linger in the corners of his mind, a haunting reminder of the unspeakable terrors he had faced. The depths of his nightmares still clung to his thoughts, a relentless undertow threatening to pull him back into the abyss.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkuqMdjKMt
“Everything had been perfect” he finally said, kissing the hand of his grandma. She looked at him, her eyes momentarily shedding the weight of fear for a tender smile that graced her lips. Her gaze conveyed a mixture of relief and disbelief, as if she had almost given up hope of this moment ever arriving. With a faint, almost imperceptible nod, she granted his unspoken request, allowing him to rise from his kneeling position.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMzYPPQJjj
As he stood and turned towards his family, his presence filled the room. Nikolai's stature was commanding, his frame exuding an air of authority that had been absent for years. His eyes, icy and intense, held a hidden fire that spoke of his determination. The faint stubble on his jawline and the scar on his cheek were symbols of his struggles, etchings of the challenges he had faced during his absence.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCDQU6AgtF
"I am back," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of his convictions. With those words, an unspoken oath seemed to form in the air, a pact forged between him and his kin. The room seemed to collectively exhale as heads nodded in solemn agreement. This was the moment they had all been waiting for, the turning point they had yearned to see. Power was changing hands, passing from the reckless grip of Anton to the capable and determined grasp of Nikolai.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnHlVAS4sB
The heavy silence was broken by a sudden, sharp sound. The crack of a firecracker echoed through the room, followed by a few more in quick succession. All eyes snapped to Anastasia, who stood with a firearm in her hands, its barrel aimed towards the ceiling. Her innocent smile, a stark contrast to the weapon she held, adorned her doll-like face with an almost eerie beauty. Her Lolita-style dress swayed gently as if dancing to the rhythm of the moment.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8bpqdJ1n2
Beside her, Igor and Alexei mirrored her actions, their expressions a mix of excitement and reverence. Igor's burly frame and rugged features were softened by a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Alexei, usually the picture of seriousness, allowed a rare grin to play on his lips. They fired their weapons into the air in a synchronized salute, a visual and auditory punctuation mark that signaled the start of their celebration.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCkdj0o6pc
With that, the atmosphere shifted from calculated tension to unadulterated joy. The once-icy ambiance of the basement gave way to the warmth of familial connection. Cheers erupted, and shoulders relaxed as years of longing and anticipation were finally being met. In the midst of it all, Nikolai, Katerina, and Yuri stood at the center, the prodigal figures who had returned to reclaim not only their roles but also the unity that defined the Volkov name.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg2KUOql2S
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Igor's gaze locked onto Anastasia, a glint of curiosity dancing in his eyes, “you knew Nikolai was back? And you didn’t tell me anything?” he asked, as he leaned his cue against the emerald felt of the billiard table. Anastasia, her smile a blend of mischief and charm, leaned casually against the table, her crimson dress a striking contrast against the dimly lit surroundings. With a slight tilt of her head, she responded to Igor's query, her laughter a soft melody in the air. "Oh, Igor, my dear brother, if I spilled all my secrets, life would be rather dull, wouldn't it?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT84yKhfV2G
As the scene evolved, Alexei stepped forward, his grin wide and infectious, revealing the flash of a gold teeth. "Nikolai, my man! It's damn good to see you," he declared, his eyes a mix of relief and inquisitiveness. "Where've you been hiding? We didn’t hear from you for years."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHVNtygjz0
Nikolai's presence filled the room, a commanding figure amid the shadows, his features partially obscured, adding an air of intrigue. A half-smile graced his lips as he addressed Alexei, a hint of cryptic amusement in his voice. "Ah, Alexei, sometimes shadows hold more answers than the light."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPSaVz6mXt
Alexei's grin remained intact, but his brows furrowed playfully. "You've always had a way with words," he quipped, a chuckle dancing in his voice. His attention turned to Katerina, silently seeking more insight. "Katerina, any chance you know something?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSUvIZ0reU
Katerina stood nearby, a relaxed poise mingled with alertness, a glint of amusement lighting her eyes. Arching an eyebrow, she responded, her voice carrying a hint of mystery. "Well, Alexei, some secrets are better left untouched," her tone a playful tease that matched her enigmatic smile. “And it’s not my story to share.”. 120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q2tHEuPPH
Nikolai's smug expression remained enigmatic, his eyes a blend of amusement and wisdom. "You certainly seem inquisitive today," he remarked with a hint of a smirk, deepening the enigma surrounding his return.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6XblujBd9
Alexei's grin widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckled. "After years of waiting, Nikolai. We deserve some answers."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv51Kqwmz0u
The room held its collective breath, an expectant hush descending. Katerina leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, her confidence unshaken. "Patience has never been your strong suit, Alexei," she teased, her voice a velvety purr that mirrored the secrets she hinted at.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoFJn9I1mt
With a dramatic pause, Nikolai's smirk deepened, the play of shadows emphasizing his aura of calculated intrigue. "All in due time, my friend ," he drawled, his words laden with tantalizing promise. "Answers will come, but not all at once."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIXaEXt9Fn
As the dynamics shifted, all eyes and attention centered on Nikolai. He commanded the room's focus, his stature and presence carrying the weight of leadership. "Gather around, everyone," he beckoned.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5ivKRGt6V
And like moths to a flame, they converged into a semi-circle, drawn by his magnetism. Nikolai stood at the center of the gathered group, his presence commanding attention and respect. The room's energy had shifted, settling into a charged anticipation as all eyes turned to him. His voice, steady and authoritative, cut through the air.
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"My friends, the wait has been long, but I am back. Anton's little game is over. Today, I return to reclaim not just a title, but a legacy that runs through our veins, a legacy forged by generations who knew the power of unity, of loyalty."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvLJikfen2
A hushed reverence fell over the room, a palpable sense of kinship uniting the diverse individuals before him.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHdAbd5OUG
"We've faced trials, challenges that have tested our resilience. But let us remember what we are capable of," Nikolai continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled faces, each one marked by their own pain and lost. "But let us not forget who we are," Nikolai's voice grew firmer, each word imbued with conviction. "We are the ones who thrive in the darkness, the ones who dance with danger, who wield the night as our ally."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHdOriWbJI
His gaze locked with each member of the family, acknowledging their unique strengths, their shared purpose. "We are the Volkovs, bound by blood, bound by honor."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwjoINP3nb
The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of tradition and possibility merging in the air.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTARphjzl1
Nikolai's eyes blazed with a fire that spoke of reclamation, of a destiny within grasp. "My friends, let us rise from the shadows, let us cast off the chains that have held us back. The time has come to seize control, to reclaim our place in this world."
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A wave of determination surged through the room, the collective heartbeat of a family reborn.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1UnYIgsEc
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"To new beginnings," Alexei proclaimed, raising a bottle of beer high.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3VrFv6nLd
"To the Volkov legacy," Katerina echoed, her voice brimming with determination.
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Igor putted another bottle of beer in Nikolai’s hands but he refused silently. "To reclaiming what's rightfully ours ," Yuri intoned, his words ringing with hope and joy.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW994ST4oTe
In that moment, within the heart of the underground, past and future converged, bound by unbreakable ties of blood and loyalty. Celebration and purpose united in a symphony, echoing through vaulted halls, heralding a winds of change.
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***
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Amidst the vibrant buzz of the welcome party, Nikolai and Alexei found themselves tucked away in a dimly lit corner of the room. The low hum of conversations and the faint notes of music provided a backdrop to their hushed conversation. The room was adorned with dim lights that cast a warm glow on the brick walls, lending an air of nostalgia to the underground space. The air was thick with the scent of cigarette smoke and anticipation.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm5JHs1iev
Nikolai leaned against the wall, his tall and imposing figure drawing attention even in the midst of the festivities. Ruggedly handsome, his chiseled features held an enigmatic allure that had only deepened over the years of his absence. His intense blue eyes seemed to carry a lifetime's worth of stories, framed by light hair almost white, that fell in unruly waves. The room's ambient lighting played across his face, highlighting a few scars that marred his skin – souvenirs from past encounters that added to his aura of mystery.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Mm5LyDSl2
Beside him stood Alexei, a figure that exuded a certain rugged charm. Tall and muscular, he had an imposing presence that was softened by his casual demeanor. A rugged beard adorned his face, hinting at his rebellious spirit, and his piercing blue eyes held a mischievous glint. His appearance could have been mistaken for that of a rock musician, a vibe that seemed to clash with the underground atmosphere of the room.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoJvyrTzxU
As Alexei handed a beer to Nikolai, a small grin played on his lips, a challenge hidden behind his eyes. Nikolai accepted the bottle with a faint smile, glancing at the label and raising an eyebrow. "Cheers, my friend," Alexei said, his own bottle raised in a toast.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhMZtTBsde
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Nikolai's lips quirked up, his icy blue eyes meeting Alexei's with a hint of amusement. "Beer, really? You know I prefer something stronger."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbFxBM3u24
Alexei's grin widened, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Ah, but we're in the land of the free now, Nikolai. You'll have to make do with the American stuff."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0WSNqdXF5
Nikolai took a sip, his expression betraying a touch of mock disappointment. "Weak."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq2zsuRCyP
The two stood in the corner, the room's ambiance enhancing the air of secrecy around them. The walls seemed to hold decades of history, and the subdued lighting created an intimate atmosphere that encouraged heartfelt conversations.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzAb9LMLzN
Alexei broke the silence, his voice gentle amidst the lively chatter around them. "You know, Anton used to be the one who brought the vodka around here."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFUYYfdYYj
Nikolai's attention shifted to Alexei, intrigued by the unexpected topic. "And then he stopped?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqyzTFfBRt
Alexei nodded, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yeah, a couple of years ago. Just like that. No more vodka."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoDeCNFj3z
Nikolai's curiosity piqued further, and he leaned in slightly. "Strange. Any idea why?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ4oWIs4mR
Alexei shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "He said he was cutting back, but something felt off. He started acting differently."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1AFguBC1Y
A brief lull settled between them, and Alexei's curiosity finally got the better of him. "So, where were you all these years, Nikolai?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK7Zu3dO6z
Nikolai's gaze shifted to his beer, a distant look in his icy blue eyes. The memories were heavy, laden with a burden he had carried for years. He spoke quietly, his voice holding a hint of resignation. "I was in prison."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fPbt0xVVe
Alexei's eyes widened in genuine shock, his blue eyes reflecting his surprise. "Prison? What... what happened?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZL3UrJrlC
Nikolai's grip on the beer bottle tightened, and he looked down briefly before meeting Alexei's gaze again. "At first, I was sent in as a spy, gathering information for the family. But then... things went wrong. A traitor exposed me, someone who knew about my ties to the Volkov family. They wanted me to suffer."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpItRY5Aegx
Alexei's brows furrowed in anger, a fire burning behind his eyes. "Why? Why would someone do that?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5FnOAGRKK
A shadow passed over Nikolai's face, and he spoke softly, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Power struggles, betrayal... I got caught in the crossfire. It's a long story, Alexei."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrHQ7yZ0VV
Their exchange was interrupted by a heavy silence, the weight of Nikolai's words hanging in the air. Alexei's gaze softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Nikolai's shoulder. "You can talk to me, Nikolai. We're family."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb64pp2Ksn
Nikolai's jaw clenched, his eyes betraying the pain that lingered beneath the surface. "I won't burden you with the details."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIdJsZSqVk
Alexei's expression turned empathetic, his concern genuine. "You've been through hell, my friend."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mHwPcHJHp
Nikolai nodded, a mixture of gratitude and weariness in his eyes. "But I'm out now, thanks to Yuri and Katerina."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh6Fe5nWM9
Alexei's grip on Nikolai's shoulder tightened, his resolve unwavering. "We're with you, Nikolai. Whatever it takes."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauwUEkPyNR
Nikolai met Alexei's gaze, a flicker of appreciation in his icy blue eyes. "I need your help Alexei. Actually I need all of you for something. Well personnel.” 120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzzGaEcw3u
Here. Soon. He’ll just have to get to Mia and exchange the informations for some dollars and call it even. From there everything will unfold. And revenge well be his. 120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaASVvpxOep
“Yes sure mate, ask for anything.”
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But before Nikolai could ask for his request, the prepaid phone rang in his pocket. Slowly he took it out and looked at it. A picture of an ID appeared. A young man. Around his twenties. Short hair. A tatto on the neck. A snake. The man he had to found. 120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7suLSP2MT
Tic, tac. Tic, tac.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0haRl0PU4
