The air in the opulent Novikov mansion was thick with the scent of old money and unspoken desires. Olivia, Alec's wife, draped herself across Adrik's lap, her touch overtly suggestive. His greenish eyes, usually cold and unreadable, held a flicker of irritation.

"Stay away from me," Adrik's voice, a low rumble, cut through the suggestive purr of her words. He dislodged her with a sharp, almost violent push, sending her sprawling onto the plush sofa. The disgust was palpable.

He strode out of the room, only to be intercepted by Lucas, his ever-present shadow and most trusted confidant.

"Mr. Consigliere, the Godfather's final mission. Collect Jack Smirnov's sign. If he disagrees, eliminate him." Lucas's words were a stark reminder of the life Adrik had inherited, a life he felt increasingly disconnected from, haunted by a burgeoning darkness within. The pain of his adoptive father's death, his only family, still gnawed at him. He felt utterly alone, battling a thirst he couldn't explain, a hunger for blood that threatened to consume him. The memory of the recent fight, the uncontrolled surge of power, the burning need to bite… it was all becoming too much.

"Are you alright, boss?" Lucas's concern was evident.

"Yes. Take the car. Let's finish my father's last task." His voice was colder than usual, a mask he wore to hide the war raging inside.