Sirens from emergency service vehicles wailed in the distance as they weaved through the empty streets of Silvercrown. The town was still cloaked in early morning darkness, though the first hints of dawn had begun to soften the sky with a muted purple glow. The outlines of the streetscape slowly became visible as the city stirred.
From a distant lookout, a tall man stood observing a castle like structure in the center of the seaside town. The most prominent building was engulfed in flames, smoke pouring from its walls as it collapsed into itself, a clear sign of defeat. The wind moved gently through his hair as he caught his breath.
Behind him, a woman lay asleep on a nearby park bench. She shifted slightly, and without a word, he turned and brushed a few strands of hair from her face. He watched her quietly, expression unreadable, before turning his attention back to the burning structure. A faint smile formed as the building continued to fall.
Twelve hours earlier, at 18:00.
Ulyana arrived late as she always did, though this time she was noticeably less composed. It was her grandfather's event, and she was in no mood for the attention waiting outside.
Photographers and journalists immediately swarmed her arrival, calling out questions and snapping rapid photos.
"Miss Vasily, who are you wearing tonight?"
"Miss Vasily, no date again?"
"Are the rumours about you and Grayson Pierre true?"
"Ulyana, over here!"
"Ulyana, this way please!"
Camera flashes erupted around her as security escorted her through the entrance. Only once she was inside the hotel did she finally exhale.
"Thanks, Bear," she said to her bodyguard with a small smile. "I'll see you at the mansion. Tell Nadia I send my love."
"Got it, Bunny. See you in the morning," he replied, giving her a wink before speaking into his earpiece and directing the rest of the team.
As the elevator doors opened, a familiar voice cut through the lobby.
"Yanie!" Xenovia Kolbek rushed forward, wrapping Ulyana in an enthusiastic hug. Ulyana stiffened briefly before returning it.
"Xeno, I didn't know you'd already be here," Ulyana said.
"It's been three months, Yanie. Phone calls aren't enough," Xeno replied dramatically.
The two had known each other since childhood, briefly lost contact, and then unexpectedly reunited at boarding school, where they became roommates at En Evant Academy .
Ulyana closed her eyes for a moment, leaning into the familiarity of the embrace. When she opened them, she met the gaze of Amos De Luna, who stood nearby with a quiet expression.
"Hey, Yan," Amos said. "Good to see you."
He joined them, his calm presence grounding the moment. Over time, the three had formed a close bond through shared history and family connections that stretched back generations.
Xeno remained linked to Ulyana as she held Amos's hand. Only then did Ulyana notice the ring on Xeno's finger.
Her eyes widened. "Wait… you two finally made it official?" she exclaimed.
Amos gave a small grin. "I proposed this morning. I couldn't wait."
Ulyana laughed in disbelief. "I knew it. I just didn't think it would be this soon."
"We have a flight to Paris in two hours," Amos added. "Fashion show commitments."
"You want us to walk you in before we leave?" Xeno asked.
They headed toward the banquet room together, catching up along the way. As they approached the doors, Ulyana slowed.
"Is he here? Grayson?" she asked.
The shift in atmosphere was immediate. The couple exchanged a brief look but said nothing.
That was enough.
Ulyana took a steady breath. "Okay. It shouldn't be an issue."
They entered together.
Inside, attention turned quickly toward them. Whispers spread through the room as Ulyana moved forward with composed confidence. Among the crowd, she felt a familiar presence watching her. Her expression tightened slightly.
She continued toward the front table.
"Happy sixtieth, Deda," she said warmly, presenting a small wooden box.
Nikolai Vasily regarded her with his usual stoic expression, though his attention softened as he opened the gift. Inside was a carefully preserved pocket watch, engraved with a phrase he once shared with his late wife.
His expression barely changed, but Ulyana could read him well enough to know he was moved.
"You finally came," he said.
Ulyana smiled lightly. "Of course I did."
She sat beside him, while whispers from distant relatives filled the room. Nikolai's affection for Ulyana was well known, though rarely acknowledged openly.
"You know I'm fond of you," he said quietly, "because you understand me."
"I understand you because I know your heart," she replied. "Someone has to look after it."
A rare softness passed over his face.
Then, a familiar voice interrupted. "Ulyana. You look… ravishing."
Grayson Pierre.
Ulyana's posture changed instantly. She forced a polite expression.
"I need the restroom," she said to her grandfather before leaving.
Nikolai's gaze lingered on her as she walked away. Something was wrong. He could see it in her movements.
-
In the hallway, Ulyana gripped the edge of the sink, trying to steady her breathing. She took her prescribed medication, hoping it would help settle her nerves.
After several minutes, she stepped out, only to be pulled abruptly into a narrow corridor.
"Grayson, get off me," she snapped.
He pinned her against the wall.
"Do you remember the last time you said that?" he asked coldly.
Her breath caught. She turned her face away, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Grayson, you're hurting me," she said sharply.
"This isn't finished between us," he replied.
"It is for me," she said firmly. "You crossed a line I won't accept again."
Anger flared in his movement as he struck the wall beside her. She flinched and slipped free.
Before she could move further, he reached for her again.
But he never made contact.
A man in black had already intervened, slamming Grayson to the ground.
"Hak," Ulyana whispered, her voice breaking.
"I just finished an assignment," he said flatly.
Relief and shock hit her at once. Her vision blurred, her body overwhelmed by adrenaline and emotion. Her knees weakened.
"Ulyana—" Hak started, but she collapsed before he could finish.
He caught her immediately.
"I told you I'd protect you," he said quietly. "I'm sorry I was late."
He lifted her carefully, covering her with his jacket, and carried her toward the service elevator, disappearing into the lower levels of the building.