Doppelgänger

Six

Daniil's POV :

tomorrow arrived, casting a pale light through the curtains of my office. Today was supposed to be the day that Asher would hand himself over willingly, a choice I had orchestrated through threats and intimidation. If he didn't, I would have no choice but to take the hard route to bring him in. The thought churned in my gut like a bitter poison.

I had been through so much, and this constant cycle of vengeance was starting to wear me down. I needed to settle this score once and for all. If Asher thought he could evade me, he was gravely mistaken. I couldn't go on with my day without the nagging reminder of Oksana and the cowardice that had led to her demise. Why hadn't he confronted me directly? Instead of facing me, he had chosen to take his rage out on her.

Leaning back in my chair, I felt the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. Asher and Azura's parents had made a choice that led to their downfall. They had abandoned the life they chose to be in , and that was something I couldn't overlook. Betrayal had consequences, and I had dealt with it in my way.

Yet, a flicker of doubt crossed my mind. Azura was just a child when it happened, innocent and unaware of the chaos surrounding her. But Asher had been old enough to understand the gravity of their actions. It was his duty to confront me, not hide behind the shadows.

The memories of that day crept into my mind again, replaying like a haunting melody. I had acted decisively, but maybe I should have dealt with Asher directly. A twisted idea struck me—I shouldn't make it too painful for him. I could drop in on Azura while Asher was at work

I knew their routine; I had eyes everywhere. Asher was out right now, leaving Azura alone in their apartment.

Straightening up, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. This was the perfect opportunity to drop in for a friendly visit. I didn't plan to harm her; I merely wanted to let Asher know I was always watching.

As I drove to their apartment, the streets blurred past me, each turn bringing me closer to my goal. I parked a block away and approached their door, knocking lightly. A moment later, the door creaked open, and I was met with a sight that momentarily caught me off guard.

She looked up at me with confused eyes, and for a split second, I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. This was Azura, the sister of my enemy, but I didn't know her well enough to put a name to the face before me. She wore an oversized sweatshirt, her hair tousled, and that innocence in her expression shook me to my core. In that moment, I was speechless. Everything around me felt foreign; I was unaccustomed to this blend of emotions crashing over me—curiosity, guilt, and a strange sense of protectiveness. It was overwhelming, and I couldn't discern if it was negative or positive. For the first time in years, I felt vulnerable, standing before her, the weight of my intentions colliding with the reality of her innocence.

..

The silence stretched on, thick and heavy, until Azura finally broke it. "Um, do I know you?" She tilted her head slightly, studying the man before her with a mix of confusion and caution. "How can I help you?"

Daniil felt his heart race, the weight of her gaze sending an unfamiliar sensation rippling through him. He had always prided himself on being unshakeable, but in this moment, he was lost. "I—" He struggled to find words, the foreign feeling gripping him tightly. Was it guilt? Regret? Something deeper? He couldn't pinpoint it.

"Are you okay?" Azura pressed, her brow furrowing with concern. "Do you need something? Maybe you're at the wrong door?" She gestured toward the hallway behind her, the confusion in her voice growing.

"It's okay," he finally managed, forcing the words out as he regained some composure. "I'm one of your brother's friends. Im trying to reach out for him but he didn't pick up his phone." He tried to sound casual, but his heart thudded in his chest.