Maria
The sudden baying of dogs pierces the air. The sound carries, echoing off every wall, rising and falling in intensity as it approaches us. In a trance, Dad stands, and his eyes widen in uncontrollable fright, staring at the dark window. But my dad is fearless, and it takes a moment to understand what's happening.
His face goes stone white, and the terror that has haunted him becomes real again.
"Zakhar," I say softly, trying to reach him.
But he doesn't respond, and his gaze locks on a distant point I can't see. I feel a surge of sympathy for the man who existed eighteen years ago.
"Zakhar," I repeat desperately. "Daddy?"
Mikhail faces us and confirms what we fear. "Alexander just contacted me. He informed me that he told the Ivanov men that I'm in league with the Lanzzare. My
