9

Rai My heartbeat is about to explode into hot lava as I march down the hall. Ruslan tells me he’ll get the car ready and I give a nod as he leaves before me. I remind myself to greet the staff back when I pass them by so I don’t seem like an arrogant bitch. I don’t mind being that way with the members of the brotherhood, but the staff is another story. Both Dad and Dedushka taught me to respect those beneath me and to burn those against me. I stop at the corner to catch my ragged breaths. My chest rises and falls so hard, almost like I’m coming out from a run. Only, the scene I witnessed inside was worse than a run. It was a whole nightmarish marathon. My legs shake no matter how much I try to force them to remain steady. It’s like they’re done holding me up for the day. The gold-rimmed pillar turns blurry, and I quickly wipe the evidence of frustration from my eyes. It’s done. It’s over. To be part of the brotherhood means to always keep your word. I can’t get out of this marriage, ev