Veiled in Rivalry | The Dark Tale of Passion and Power| [18+]

Bonus Chapter: Awakening

Lara Volkov Giovanni
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I stir from the depths of a nightmare, my heart pounding as reality pulls me back into its warm embrace. The soft morning light filters through the curtains, illuminating the room, but the remnants of fear still cling to me like a shadow. As I shift, a gentle hand cradles my shoulder, guiding me upright.

“Lara, it’s okay,” Viktor’s voice is a low, soothing murmur, as comforting as the sun breaking through the clouds. He’s right beside me, his presence a solid anchor in the tempest of my emotions. “What’s wrong?” His hand rubs my back in slow, calming circles, each touch a balm to my racing heart.

I draw in a shaky breath, struggling to shake off the lingering dread. “The dream…” I stammer, glancing towards the crib where my heartbeats echo. My breath catches in my throat as I see Vladimir and Lyla, their tiny forms nestled together in their peaceful slumber, oblivious to the turmoil within me. But the remnants of my dream cling to me like cobwebs, and I feel my chest tighten.

“What did you see?” Viktor asks, his voice dropping an octave, thick with concern. I can see the worry etching itself into his features, his brow furrowed, eyes wide with love.

I bite my lip, the memories flooding back in vivid, terrifying detail. “The shadow… it took Lyla away,” I choke out, tears spilling over as I recall the face of the devil in my dream, the cold grip of helplessness squeezing my heart. “It said I had to pay a price… that saving you wasn’t enough.”

“Lara,” Viktor interrupts softly, leaning closer, his gaze locking onto mine with unwavering intensity. “No one is taking anyone away from us. Not now, not ever.” His words wash over me like a wave of reassurance, but the tremors of fear still quake within my chest.

I nod, but it feels as if a heavy weight is pressing down on me. The shadows of my nightmare linger, weaving through my mind, even as I feel Viktor's warmth enveloping me. “I felt so helpless,” I confess, my voice trembling. “Like I was losing you both… like I could do nothing to stop it.”

“I’m right here,” he whispers, and with that, he pulls me into his arms, enveloping me in his strength. The scent of him—warm, woodsy, and undeniably familiar—grounds me. I can hear the soft coos of our twins, the gentle rustle of their blankets as they stir. It brings a flicker of light to my heart.

“Look,” he says, his voice tender, as he gestures toward the crib. “They’re safe, my love. Look at them. They’re here, and they need us. You’re not losing anything.” He brushes my hair back from my face, his fingers lingering on my skin, and I lean into him, seeking comfort.

My gaze drifts back to Vladimir and Lyla, the softness of their faces a reminder of everything precious we hold. “I know,” I whisper, trying to steady my breath. “It just felt so real. I don’t want anything to happen to them… to you.”

“Nothing will,” Viktor assures me fiercely. “We’re a family now, and families protect each other. No darkness will touch our light.” His words ignite a flicker of hope within me, and I clutch onto it tightly.

I take a moment to breathe him in, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calm my own. “Promise me,” I murmur, my voice small. “Promise me you’ll always be here. That we’ll always be together.”

“I promise,” he replies, his voice strong and unwavering. “Forever, Lara. You, me, and our little ones. Nothing can break this bond.”

As I nestle deeper into his embrace, I feel the warmth of his words seep into my soul, replacing the remnants of fear with a renewed sense of hope. The nightmare fades, replaced by the glow of my family. And in this moment, I know we can face whatever comes together, entwined in love.