Beneath the Surface

Chapter 42

Y/N stood by the window, looking out at the city skyline. The lights twinkled like stars, but her mind was far from the beauty of the view. Her phone was heavy in her hand, the weight of the message she had just received sinking deep into her gut.

Russia.

There was always something pulling her back to the place that both haunted and defined her. This time, though, it wasn't a choice. A rival faction had been making moves—more aggressive than ever before. They had crossed a line. One she couldn't ignore.

Y/N felt the familiar tension building in her shoulders. She had tried to avoid involving Lizzie in this part of her life for as long as she could, but now... there was no avoiding it. Lizzie wasn't someone she could just stay behind, not anymore. They were too close, and Y/N knew Lizzie would never forgive her for keeping her in the dark.

Footsteps echoed behind her, soft and tentative. Y/N didn't need to turn around to know it was Lizzie. She always had a way of moving lightly, almost like she was trying not to disturb Y/N's thoughts.

"Hey," Lizzie's voice broke the silence, warm and gentle. "You've been quiet. What's going on?"

Y/N sighed, turning away from the window to face Lizzie. She looked concerned, her brows slightly furrowed, but there was an undeniable strength in her gaze. She wasn't the same girl Y/N had left behind all those years ago. Lizzie had grown—stronger, more resilient. But still, Y/N hated the thought of pulling her into the shadows of her world.

"I have to go back to Russia," Y/N said, her voice steady but quiet.

Lizzie blinked, clearly taken aback. "Russia? Why? What happened?"

Y/N ran a hand through her hair, trying to gather her thoughts. How much could she say? How much should she say? "There's... a problem. A rival group. They've been making moves—stealing shipments, attacking some of our people. It's not something I can ignore anymore."

Lizzie's eyes narrowed. "So you're going to deal with it?"

Y/N nodded. "I have to. If I don't, it's going to get worse. They're testing us, seeing how far they can push. I can't let them think we're weak."

Lizzie took a step closer, her arms crossed over her chest. "Then I'm going with you."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat, her jaw tightening. This was exactly what she had feared. She knew Lizzie would want to come, but Russia... it wasn't like anything Lizzie had experienced before. It wasn't just business—it was dangerous, unpredictable. Y/N couldn't protect Lizzie the way she wanted to if things went sideways.

"Lizzie, it's not safe," Y/N said firmly. "This isn't like here. It's different in Russia. These people—they don't play by the same rules. If something happens..."

Lizzie's eyes softened, but her voice was resolute. "I know it's dangerous. But I'm not going to let you go there alone. Not anymore. We're in this together, right?"

Y/N closed her eyes, feeling the weight of those words. They were in this together. She had promised Lizzie that, but the fear gnawed at her. She couldn't afford to lose her, not to this world.

After a moment, Y/N opened her eyes and nodded slowly. "Alright. But you're staying close. You're not getting involved in any of the meetings or... anything dangerous. You stay where I tell you, okay?"

Lizzie smiled, stepping closer and placing her hands on Y/N's chest. "Okay. I'll stay close. But I'm going."

Y/N leaned down, pressing her forehead against Lizzie's. "I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."

Lizzie smiled, brushing her lips softly against Y/N's. "You won't have to find out."

———

As they sat together later that night, Y/N took a deep breath. If Lizzie was going to be with her, she deserved to know what they were walking into.