Dinastiya Tested // 3rd Book of the Takaryev Trilogy

Chapter 43

As Leopold walked across the hall, he turned to see a man a few years younger than him traversing the hallway as well. He had short brown hair, blue eyes, and a burn scar...

"Hilarion?" Leopold asked, his voice reduced to a whisper as he recognized his younger brother. 

The brown-haired man pivoted suddenly to face him. "Leopold Ivanovich Alexandrov," he said. "I do believe we share a patronymic." 

Leopold scowled. "And what in God's name are you doing here?" 

"Listen, Leopold." Hilarion answered, voice grave. "You will say nothing of this encounter, brother. Let me do my work, and you'll remain unharmed- and Russia will improve because of it." 

"What kind of work is this?" Leopold's eyes narrowed in skepticism. 

"You'll know." Hilarion assured his sibling. "Just keep your mouth shut." 

Leopold nodded and watched as Hilarion made his way down the corridor. He knew he had just made a terrible mistake.

But he couldn't bring himself to care.