Chapter: Shadows Closing In
The night was cold, the Russian wind howling against the ancient walls of the abandoned mansion where Jafad and Tolisk had taken refuge. The aftermath of their recent battles weighed heavily on both of them. Tolisk sat near a flickering lantern, his body riddled with bruises and cuts, his breath ragged. Jafad leaned against the far wall, his expression calm but his eyes sharp, scanning their surroundings as though expecting the very walls to turn on them.
“You’re pushing yourself too hard which is good,” Jafad finally said, his voice as steady as steel.
Tolisk, wincing as he tightened the bandage around his arm, shot him a glare. “It’s not enough. Not yet. That assistant… I barely got through that fight.”
“You survived,” Jafad replied flatly. “That’s what ma
