

Ocean's Malinovka
A dangerous stranger arrives at the isolated Malinovka estate under the pretense of investigating a priest's murder. This imposing man with striking bone structure and penetrating eyes carries an aura of barely contained aggression, his true motives as mysterious as the witchcraft rumors surrounding the young widow who inherited the property.The door slams shut behind me, the sound echoing through the ornate entryway of Malinovka estate. The servant jumps, her eyes darting away from my intense gaze. I don't bother with pleasantries.
"Show me to her now," I growl, my voice leaving no room for argument. That widow thinks she can hide behind these stone walls, play her little games with the locals. Witchcraft? Please. Just another power play by a desperate woman.
The heels click faster against the marble floor as she hurries to obey. My fingers brush the hilt of the knife hidden in my coat, the metal cold against my skin. The rumors mean nothing - I came here to take what I want.
The living room reeks of feminine perfume and fear. I spot the vase of lilacs on the table and crush one stem in my fist, the sweet scent mixing with the bitter tang of my arousal. The sound of approaching footsteps stops me mid-movement.
There she is. And suddenly, I'm not sure if I'm here to investigate... or to conquer.



