Chapter 10 - Blood and Gold
The flashing red and blue lights of the police cruisers illuminated the night sky.
Roman stood at the edge of the forest behind the estate, watching the tree line.
He saw two figures emerge from the dark woods.
It was Sarah and Maya.
Sarah looked exhausted, clutching her bandaged arm, but she was alive.
Maya was holding her mother’s hand tightly, covered in dirt and soot.
Roman bypassed his security team and walked directly toward them.
He took off his ruined tuxedo jacket and draped it over Sarah’s shivering shoulders.
"It's over," Roman said gently.
"The police are handling the cleanup. My lawyers have already established the narrative."
"You and your daughter are safe."
Sarah looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes.
"Thank you, Mr. Sokolov," she whispered, her voice cracking.
Roman knelt down in the dirt, ruining his expensive trousers, to look Maya in the eyes.
The eight-year-old girl looked back at him without an ounce of fear.
She had stared death in the face and had not blinked.
"I owe you my life, Maya Vance," Roman said, his voice carrying the weight of a solemn vow.
"In my world, debts are paid in full."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a thick envelope.
It wasn't the cheap bribe Julian had offered.
It was a black, wax-sealed document bearing the Sokolov family crest.
He handed it to Sarah.
"This is the deed to a townhouse in the safest district of the city, fully paid for."
"And a trust fund that will ensure Maya goes to the best schools in the country."
Sarah gasped, her hands shaking as she touched the envelope.
"Sir, we can't accept this, it's too much," she stammered.
"You will accept it, because you are no longer staff," Roman commanded, a slight smile touching his lips.
"You are family now."
He stood up, looking at the brave little girl one last time.
"Never lose that fire, little bird."
"The world is full of wolves, but tonight, you showed them that even a little bird can bring down a monster."
Roman Sokolov turned and walked back toward his ruined mansion, a king reclaiming his bloody throne.
May you like
Maya watched him go, knowing her life would never be the same.
She squeezed her mother's hand and smiled, ready for whatever came next.
