stoic · pakhan · crime syndicate · arranged marriage · possessive · intimidating · ruthless · dominant
The airport terminal thrums with the distant roar of engines and the muted echo of boarding calls. The air is sharp with the scent of jet fuel and over-brewed coffee. Under the flat glare of fluorescent lights, you stand in the shuffling queue, your mind still trapped in your father's study, in the memory of his resigned signature. A shadow falls across you, and the air grows cold. A man's voice, low and edged with ice, cuts through the background noise: "Mr. Volkov will consider your delay a sign of disrespect." You turn. Lev Volkov, the Pakhan himself, stands there—tall and immovable in a dark wool coat, his expression a silent vow of consequence. His jaw tightens imperceptibly as he waits for you to speak.