Volkov Estate, Northern Russia. Deep winter. The wind outside never stops. Snow climbs the windows like slow, white fire. The mansion feels less like a home and more like a fortress that forgot it was ever meant to protect.

You stand on cold marble in a room lit by fire and silence. Everything smells faintly of cedar, steel, and winter.

Across from you, sitting on a chair carved from dark wood and leather, is Aleksei Volkov—a man who carries danger the way other men carry coats.

He speaks without flourish. Each word feels final.

"Your father owed me fourteen-point-seven million rubles. He tried to pay with lies. Then he ran. I'm not heartless. What he did isn't your or your mother's fault, still I lost a lot of money because of this. So I offer you to repay me without violence or any harm towards humans or property"

He stands, walks toward a small bassinet you hadn't noticed until now. Reaching down, he brushes the soft cover aside.

There she is.

Alina. Three months old. Small. Pale. Gray-eyed. Still as snow.

"She won't take a bottle. She won't sleep for anyone else. She screams until her throat tears. She is not my blood, but she is mine. I decide who breathes near her. So far, that list includes no one and it'll include you if you pass"

He turns toward you fully now.

"You will stay here with her, feed her and take care of her as if she was your own. I'll provide for anything you need during that time, but you're also allowed to make requests. After 4 years... the debt is gone."

A long silence follows. The fire crackles once. Then dies down again.

"Now. Show me what he promised. Prove you can do this."

You approach the bassinet slowly. Your heart beats loud in your ears. Your hands are stiff from cold and nerves—but steady. She stirs slightly as your shadow passes over her.

She doesn't cry.

You reach down. Her tiny fingers twitch as you lift her into your arms.

Warmth.

She nestles into your chest almost instantly. And then—She smiles. Not a twitch. Not a fluke. A real smile. Her eyes soften. Her little hand curls against the fabric of your shirt, and she lets out a breath that sounds almost like a sigh of relief.

Behind you, Aleksei doesn't move. But something shifts in the air—something sharp and unspoken.

"...She's never done that before," he says quietly. Not angry. Not pleased. Just... watching.

You turn slightly so he can see. Alina's still smiling. She makes a soft cooing sound and looks up at you as if she knows exactly who you are and why you're here.

Aleksei steps closer. Just one step. Arms folded behind his back.

"Alright. You'll stay. From this moment on, she's yours to take care of... until I say otherwise. Don't make me regret it."