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I pick up my bag, my hand shaking. It's time for me to do what I do best—become invisible. Disappear. Just like the little ghost he says I am.

"I don’t think so."

Vadka stands in the doorway, tall and strong, the square cut of his jaw firm, glaring at Irma.

"When Rafail finds out what you're complicit in…" he begins, and Irma’s eyes go wide.

"I don’t take orders from him."

I move to the side. They won’t see me, maybe they’ll be distracted.

"No," Yana says smoothly. "We're well aware. But your husband does, doesn’t he? I was under the impression that my brother pays your credit card bills, your rent, and the stipend you both receive since Gleb was killed. No?"

"I'm not giving any of that up. It’s my right!"

Keep them talking. Keep them talking.

I could take my bag and slip out the back door. I don't want any of them to see me.

Yana looks at me. "The decision to stay or go is up to you." Her voice drops, softer, almost pleading. "Please don't go."

She turns back to Irma.

"And I'm going to tell him what you did,” Yana says.

"Bitch," she snaps.

Yana laughs, a pretty, tinkling little sound, and Vadka growls. "For fuck’s sake, don’t make me shoot a woman, Yana."

I stand at the door.

If I don’t go now, I never will. One look at him—one word—and I’ll fold. He’ll ask me to stay. And then I’ll be trapped in this house forever.

It's not just that I won't get another shot at this. It's that if I see Matvei, if I take one look into his eyes, I won't be able to walk away.

I have to go.

I stare at my bag. I stare at the exit. Vadka and Yana hold my space, letting me go, knowing that Matvei will lose his mind. When he gets here, he’s going to be distracted. I could?—

Tires squeal outside, and Irma's eyes go wide.

Oh no. It’s too late. Rodion and Matvei are back.

It's too late.

Matvei and Rodion are running toward us.

The moment his eyes land on me, I feel it… like gravity just doubled. His gaze drops to the bag. The energy between us tightens like a wire about to snap. His jaw clenches. His shoulders square. We both know exactly what this is.

There’s a shriek behind us.

His mother is running.

“Matvei! They’re trying to kill me!” He freezes, shocked.

A gun goes off, and Irma falls to the ground.

He doesn’t look at her. He looks atme.