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I force myself to slow down, to observe rather than simply see. The mirrors aren’t just decorative. They are positioned to eliminate blind spots. The door we entered through is solid and reinforced. What I took for abstract wall decorations are disguised weapons storage panels.

“It's a training room,” I say. “And a safe room.”

Talia nods approvingly. “The entire mansion is designed this way. Every luxury hides a purpose. Every beautiful thing conceals something functional. This is how we survive.”

For the next hour, she teaches me the fundamentals. How to stand to maintain balance, fall without injury, and identify potential weapons in ordinary objects. My body aches from unaccustomed movements, but I refuse to complain. Every strain is worth it if it means protecting my child.

“Enough for today,” Talia breathes, handing me a water bottle. “We don't want to overdo it in your condition.”

I drink gratefully, my throat parched from exertion. “When will we continue?”

“Tomorrow. And every day after that, until you can protect yourself and that baby from anyone who dares to come near you,” she says, smiling with quiet pride. “You’re a natural, you know. You stayed focused.”

“I’ve got all the motivation I need,” I murmur, resting my hand on my stomach.

“You’re going to be an incredible mother,” Talia comments, her voice softening. “You always looked out for me—and hey, I turned out pretty amazing.”

I laugh and tug her into a playful side hug, our arms linking like muscle memory. We slip our shoes back on and make our way through the mansion, the faint scent of rain still clinging to the air.

“Do you think Dimitri will call soon?” I ask as we reach the main staircase.

Talia's expression turns serious again. “When it's safe to do so. These operations require complete focus. Any distraction could be fatal.”

A sharp ache tears through my chest. “I can't lose him, Talia. Not now. Not ever.”

“You won't,” she assures me. “He knows what he has to live for.”

We part ways at the top of the stairs, Talia heading to her wing of the house while I return to the suite Dimitri and I share. The room feels empty without him, haunted by his absence. I shower away the sweat from training, letting the hot water soothe my sore muscles.

As I dress in comfortable clothing, I catch sight of myself in the bathroom mirror. Something has changed. There is a hardness in my eyes and a set to my jaw that wasn’t there this morning. I look like someone who has made up her mind and won’t be swayed.

I move to the bedroom and sit in the window seat, watching as the sun descends behind the trees surrounding the property. Somewhere out there, Dimitri is fighting for us. And here I am, preparing to do the same in my own way.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand. The text is from an unknown number, but the content immediately identifies the sender.

Safe. Making progress. Be home soon. D.

Brief and careful, giving nothing away that can be traced or used against us if intercepted. But enough to ease the tightness in my chest.

I type back. Waiting for you. We both are. S.

The reply comes almost instantly. Everything I do is for both of you.

I momentarily hold the phone against my heart, allowing myself this small comfort. Then, as Dimitri taught me weeks ago, I delete the conversation. There are no digital footprints and no vulnerabilities.

A soft knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I call, expecting Talia.

Instead, Aleksandr enters, his imposing frame filling the doorway. He holds a small box in his hands.

“I thought you might want this,” he says, crossing the room and placing the box beside me on the window seat. “Dimitri asked me to keep it for him some time ago.”

Curious, I open the lid. Inside, nestled on black velvet, is a delicate gold chain with a small oval locket with intricate engravings around the edge.

“It belonged to our grandmother,” Aleksandr explains. “The only woman in the family who successfully raised three sons in this life. Dimitri wanted you to have it when the time was right.”

I lift the necklace carefully. “It's beautiful.”

“It's also practical,” Aleksandr replies. “Open it.”

I find the tiny catch and press. The locket springs open, revealing what appears to be an ordinary compartment for a photograph on one side. But the other side holds a small key.

“What does it open?” I question.

“A safe in your closet. Behind the third panel from the left. Inside, you'll find what you need if trouble ever finds you when we cannot.”

I close the locket and slip the chain around my neck, feeling the cold metal warm against my skin. “Thank you.”

Aleksandr nods once. “Talia tells me you did well today. That you’re a natural.”

“I'm motivated.”

“Indeed. Motherhood is a powerful force.” He moves toward the door but pauses before leaving. “Dimitri will object to your training. He believes he can keep you safe through his actions alone.”

“He can't be everywhere,” I defend. “And I won't be a liability.”

“No,” Aleksandr agrees. “I don't believe you will be.”

After he leaves, I go to the closet and find the panel he described.

It slides away smoothly, revealing a small safe embedded in the wall.

The key from the locket fits perfectly into the lock.

Inside is a handgun, smaller than the ones I saw Dimitri carry but no less lethal, along with two loaded magazines and a folded note in Dimitri's handwriting.

For the darkest hour. Use it well. Love, D.

He prepared this for me, knowing there might come a time when he couldn't protect me himself. The realization chills yet strengthens me. I close the safe, replace the panel, and return to the window seat, the locket resting gently against my chest.