Chapter — The Gathering Storm

Mikhail’s POV

The air in the grand hall was thick with cigar smoke and tension. Shadows clung to the walls like ghosts, flickering under the dim golden glow of the chandelier.

Mikhail sat at the head of the long, polished table, his fingers lazily swirling the rim of his glass, but his cold eyes held nothing but sharp calculation. Around him sat his most powerful allies—men who had ruled the underworld for decades, their hands stained with blood, their loyalty fickle but valuable.

Tonight, they had no choice but to listen.

"Damien’s coming," he said, voice steady, almost amused. "It’s only a matter of time before he finds me. He’s desperate. Unhinged."

There was a low murmur, a few nods, but no one spoke against him. They all knew it was true.

Mikhail smirked, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. "He’s already killed five hundred of our men in the last assault. He’s tearing through my empire like a rabid beast. And yet…" He leaned forward, eyes glinting. "That’s what makes him predictable."

One of the older men scoffed. "Predictable? The man is a monster."

"A monster blinded by obsession," Mikhail corrected smoothly. "And that makes him weak."

Silence stretched over the room.

Finally, another voice, cautious. "You called us here because you have a plan."

Mikhail’s lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

"A trap," he said. "A final one."

He let the words sink in before continuing.

"When he comes for me, I want him to walk straight into his own grave. Every resource, every bullet, every man—you will all be ready. We’re not just going to defend ourselves. We’re going to end him."

One of his captains leaned forward. "And why is he doing that?"

Mikhail’s grip on his glass tightened.

"That angel-faced pet of his?" His voice turned mocking. "He’s the reason Damien is tearing the world apart. Take away his reason, and you take away his strength."

His eyes darkened.

"We'll Kill them ."

The room fell silent.

And then, one by one, his allies nodded.

The war had begun.

**********

— A Dangerous Interest

Mikhail’s POV

The meeting had ended, but Mikhail wasn’t done for the night.

In the shadows of his private lounge, he poured himself another drink, the rich scent of whiskey filling the air. Across from him sat his most valuable ally—one of the few men in the world he actually think is if by his side then he'll win..an equal to Damien.

Sebastian Vasiliev.

The name alone sent shivers through the underworld next to Damien ofcourse. Ruthless, sadistic, and brilliant—Sebastian was a man of legends. Unlike Damien, who was driven by obsession, Sebastian was driven by pure, cold amusement. A predator who played with his prey before he tore them apart. Just as ruthless as Damien.

Sebastian smirked, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “So, you’ve finally decided to stop playing with your food and finish it off?”

Mikhail chuckled darkly. “I don’t play. I strategize.”

Sebastian leaned back, tapping his fingers against the chair’s armrest. “And yet, you let his little pet live. A mistake, if you ask me.”

Mikhail’s jaw twitched, but before he could answer, the door creaked open.

One of his guards stepped in, stiff and uncertain. “Boss… Valarie ivanov is here. She says she wants to speak with you.”

Mikhail raised an amused brow. “Now this is interesting.”

Sebastian’s smirk widened. “Ivanov? The infamous detective? Oh, I’ve always wanted to meet her. I've heard about her so much..”

Mikhail let out a low chuckle. “Let her in.”

The guards hesitated, but when Mikhail gave them a sharp look, they obeyed.

A few seconds later, Valarie stormed in.

Her eyes burned with fury, her presence commanding. She was strong—one of the few people in the world who wasn’t afraid to stand against him.

Mikhail watched her like a cat watching a bird fly straight into its claws.

“You bastard,” she snapped. “What the hell did you say to Elijah?”

Sebastian let out a low whistle, watching her with growing interest. “Feisty. I like her.”

Valarie ignored him, stalking toward Mikhail’s desk.

Mikhail leaned back, his smirk widening. “Now, now, Miss ivanov. Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

She slammed her hands on the table. “Tell me.”

Mikhail studied her. He could see the raw emotion in her eyes—the worry, the anger. She truly loved Elijah. And that was her weakness.

“I simply reminded your little boyfriend that being attached to you is a death sentence,” Mikhail said smoothly.

Valarie’s hands clenched into fists. “You’re manipulating him.”

Mikhail smirked. “And yet, you’re here, begging for answers.”

Sebastian chuckled, his sharp eyes raking over her. “I see why Damien respects you. You have fire.” He tilted his head. “Tell me, Valarie Ivanov… how much are you willing to sacrifice to save your precious ones?”

Valarie shot him a glare, but Sebastian only looked more amused.

Mikhail chuckled. “Careful, Valarie. Sebastian likes… collecting interesting people.”

Sebastian smirked, eyes gleaming. “And you, detective, are very interesting.”

*******