Page 34 of Shadows of the Past
Maksim
Today, I leave for a mission in Dublin, and the thought of leaving Julia in this madhouse settles uneasily in my chest.
Akim knows he has to keep an eye on her—I’ve even instructed one of my soldiers to stay alert in case something happens—but still...I don’t like it.
Things have been unusually quiet since Julia arrived. The other children were quickly moved to other locations, likely “distributed” where they’re needed, but that only means Ivan and Aleksandr will grow restless.
Then there’s the boy found suffocated near the woods. They probably don’t want to risk losing another one. "Lost money," Ivan would mutter without a flicker of remorse.
I watch Julia as she tries to hit a target. She’s not perfect yet, but there’s something in her, a natural instinct.
She feels the target, her stance is steadier now, her aim more focused. The bullet doesn’t land precisely where I want it to, but in theory, she’d at least make someone bleed.
"Will you be gone long?" There’s a slight tremor in her voice.
After last night, I’ve been trying to avoid interacting with her. When she cupped my face with her hands, a shiver ran through me, and to my surprise, it wasn’t disgust.
It was desire.
Desire for someone I’m determined to help leave my life at the first opportunity.
I’ve already lost someone I loved. I’ll be damned if I let myself get attached again just to feel this useless organ in my chest bleed all over again.
"I don’t know. But if you need anything, you have Akim’s number. Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t provoke anyone. Leave the room only if he’s with you."
I see the frustration flicker across her face at all the rules, but she nods. At least she understands that this isn’t a hotel—it’s a house full of predators.
One of my soldiers, Vasili, told me about the rumors circulating among the others. They’re all curious about the dark-haired girl who’s caught my attention because, of course, she’s caught theirs too.
"I’m serious, Julia."
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
I spot Akim and Zoya approaching, and even though I still have a few hours before I need to leave, putting some distance between Julia and me doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
"Zoya, this is Julia," I say, watching Zoya’s eyes carefully examine my new roommate.
Julia offers her hand and, with a shy smile, says, "Nice to meet you, Zoya. I really like your dress."
My gaze drifts to the yellow-checkered dress with blue patterns as Zoya’s cheeks flush.
"Thank you," she murmurs softly, retreating toward the kitchen, where she’ll start preparing something to eat.
Watching her disappear, I can’t help but think about how she’s only sixteen, raised in a world surrounded by violence. I want to grab Akim and shake him, demand that he take her far away from this place, but I know staying close is the best way for him to protect her.
Besides, Zoya would never leave without him.
Her greatest insecurity became her shield. When she was diagnosed with lichen planus, despite the heaps of money spent on treatments that have nearly erased the imperfections, no one wanted to touch her.
It’s meant a lot of loneliness for her, though it’s also been the most effective protection she could have—though she doesn’t see it that way.
"Akim, take Julia to my room. Tomorrow, at the same time, I want you to start her self-defense training."
The order is acknowledged by my right-hand man, and I turn to leave. I sense footsteps behind me and don’t need to look to know it’s her.
"What do you want, Julia?"
The sound of her steps halts, and I close my eyes. It’s better for her to think I’m heartless.
