Shattered Innocence

Embracing the Darkness

Yuri's pov:

As we reach the surface, we divide into smaller groups. Our concealed vehicles are tucked away in the abandoned barn nearby. While I'm uncertain of the soldiers' destination, when we emerge onto the deserted country road, they await us in two sleek black SUVs. It raises suspicions that they possess a hidden cache they haven't disclosed. I narrow my eyes, making a mental note to uncover their secret when we return. Perhaps it'll be intriguing to discover what they're hiding, even if just for a moment. Deep down, I knew the general was lying about not having any classified information.

"Why do you have that look on your face like you just came up with a clever plan?" Nora grumbles, scooting away from me. She finds herself sandwiched between Nikolay and me, but I shift again, disregarding the empty space next to the door. I prefer having her close to me. Nikolay sighs and uncomfortably presses himself against the door. His past demons resurface, but when Nora looks at him and smiles, his eyes soften. His entire focus now rests on her, diverting from the cramped space. Frankly, we all find it surprising that he volunteered to sit in the back this time. He never does, usually opting for the front seat, and we never questioned it, knowing his triggers better than anyone. Yet today, he hopped in without explanation. When our eyes met, he silently conveyed that no questions should be asked.

Observing Zack in the driver's seat, throwing concerned glances at Nikolay and me casting worried looks in his direction, I inch back ever so slightly, providing them more room. "Nikolay, if Yuri decides to do something mischievous, do I have permission to give him a stern talking to?" Nora asks.

"Why? You seemed to enjoy the sight last time," I grin, reaching out to playfully tousle her hair. She swats my hand away and rolls her eyes while the others gape at my statement. Let them think what they want; I sit back with a satisfied smile.

"If he does, I'll do it for you," Nikolay grins at her, exchanging a secretive glance that raises my eyebrow. I catch Mikhail's eyes in the front passenger seat before he averts his gaze, but I sense his envy. Intriguing.

Ivan sighs from the back. "Please don't. That would create a mess, and I'm wearing my nice jacket."

"Did the doc just crack a joke? Oh my," I tease, glancing back at him. His attention is fixated on a screen, and he flips me off without even looking, eliciting a chuckle from me as I lean closer to Nora. "Seems like you've got them all on their best behavior, trying to impress you, Nora," I remark.

She shivers, but when she turns to me, her eyes narrow with feigned anger. However, beneath the facade, I detect a flicker of interest. She can't hide it from me for long. Oh no, Nora is intrigued by me just as much as I am by her.

"Or maybe they're just not jerks like you, Yuri," she retorts.

"Oh, Yuri! Are you giving me nicknames now? That's fine by me, dear, although I'd prefer Big...," I start, but Zack interrupts sharply from the driver's seat.

"Enough. Don't make me come back there."

"Nice going, Nora. Way to get me in trouble," I tease, winking at her, anticipating Ivan's retaliation when Zack gives him that look. However, instead of Ivan hitting me, Nora reaches out and smacks the back of my head.

"Behave, and maybe I'll let you show me your collection of gadgets," she says. I almost choke on my own words, and then she closes her eyes slowly. "I meant weapons..."

"Behave, and maybe I'll let you show me your collection of

gadgets," she says. I almost choke on my own words, and then she closes her eyes slowly. "I meant weapons..."

"Can't take it back!" I exclaim, leaning in and wiggling my eyebrows. "I have this really cool, high-tech—"

This time, it's Ivan who hits me, but I catch Nora softly chuckling, making the momentary pain worthwhile.

"We know the location of the estate. We'll be there in just over two hours," Zack informs us, adopting a serious tone that sobers the mood in the car. I sense Nora tensing up, and before I can interject with a joke to ease the tension, Nikolay reaches out, covering her clenched hand on her thigh, offering support. It helps, and she leans into him, resting her head on his

shoulder. I feel the shock reverberate through the car, both from Nikolay's act of reaching out and willingly touching another person. Nora is reshaping dynamics, but is it for the better?

Boredom gets the best of me, and I drift off to sleep. When I wake up, I find myself curled around a grumpy Nora, who swiftly pushes me away, holding a pen to my throat. She and Nikolay engage in some peculiar game in Latin, while Ivan focuses on his work, and Mikhail tinkers with a device, all while Zack drives.

"How much longer?" I whine.

"Ten minutes," Zack snaps, turning up the radio to drown me out.

Glancing out the window, I realize we are traversing winding country lanes, ascending a small hill in the middle of nowhere. When I gaze back at Nora, she falls silent and grows pale as she stares outside.

"Nora?" I murmur.

"It's been ten years since I ran down this road. It took me hours, and my feet were torn to shreds. It was freezing, and when I finally managed to find someone willing to give me a lift..." She shakes her head. "Ten long years, and it still hasn't been enough time. I can already feel the negative energy that he infused into this place seeping into the car."

"But you're not alone, Nora," Mikhail reminds her. "We face this together."

"Mikhail is right," Nikolay adds, placing his hand on her

shoulder. "Ten years is a long time, Nora. It's time to confront your fears. All that exists there now is your fear and memories. He cannot harm you here any longer."

"I'm willing to bet he'll find a way," she mutters. "One final attempt to hurt me... That was his style, and you know it."

She turns away and gazes out the front window. "I swore I'd never come back to this place."

Uncertain of what to say, I reach for her hand, while Nikolay takes the other. Ivan's hand rests on her shoulder, offering support, and even Zack reaches back momentarily, squeezing her knee. In that moment, we resemble children huddled together in the dark, seeking comfort from the looming shadows. However, we're no longer children, and now, at least, we have each other.

Zack stops the car and turns his head to meet Nora's eyes. "Tell me to turn back now, and we will."

"What?" she asks, puzzled.

"Tell me you can't do this, and forget about the orders. We'll leave.

We'll find another way. You're more important than whatever haunts your mind."

Her sudden jolt indicates her internal struggle as her mouth opens and closes before she swallows. "I can do this," she finally responds. "I'm ready to face the darkness head-on."

Zack nods, a determined look in his eyes, and we step out of the car, ready to confront the challenges that await us in the estate ahead. The cool breeze rustles through the trees, carrying echoes of our determination as we brace ourselves to walk into the unknown together, hoping to emerge stronger on the other side.