Vendetta's Throne

as she learned about the upcoming

nt at the thought of potential adoption, Anastasia'

ch time, she'd watch as their initial interest turned into discomfort, their sm

stays without friends, except for Jack

ind her back, their voices dripp

astasia had once been an only child, che

night when her world was consumed by flames. She w

thrown her to safety just before the firefighters arrived

was taken in by the orphanage. The longing for her parent

tly held up a gown. It was Anastasia's favorite dress, one sh

rmed what Anastasia had already suspected: that day's v

g room, Igor, a notorious mafia lord of t

od-looking, with a smooth bald head that contrasted s

anything but ordinary. She was good looki

d faced many challenges, but none as heartb

h Igor to consider adoption, but

resigned pragmatism. The empire he had built needed an heir,

not getting a child from Yekaterinburg," Polin

for days, but Igor had refused to co

ing in the hearth. Determined to break the silence

ded on the gender. Wh

nd, who had grown increasingly distant since they had

s glass before taking a slow, delibe

o speak again, Cassanova, Igor's trus

ready," Cassa

he adjusted the hem of his luxurious black suit. His shoes, polished to a mirro

ced, his tone leaving

respond, but Igor cut her

iate a quiet fl

er pride, she nodded and trailed behind him, her heels clicking softly

, black cars awaited them in the Altiport. Within minutes, they were en route to the orp

embled. The reverend sister in charge greeted them warmly, her voice

. I am Mother Superior, Reverend

na, her expression softenin

er tone suggesting she already knew whic

ed a brief,

Polina," s

we can complete the necessary paper

eps slowed slightly, his eyes scanning t

ou're comfortable with the child you've chosen," the re

esponded

I'm sure we'll be satisfied

sed, her curiosity gett

e way from Yekaterinburg? There a

y, Igor cut in, his voic

ar that he had no intention of answering ques

em to follow. She led them through the orphanage, stoppin

gentle cacophony that seemed to wrap around Polina's heart. Her

ressed. His eyes scanned the

and violence, remained untouched by the innocence arou

y walked, Polina picked up a crying baby, instinctively cradling the child against her

erend sister asked softly, notic

eking his approval, but he bar

t," she replied, her v

d, sensing the unspoken t

from the emotions swirling inside Polina. For him, this was merely a tr

e strolled through the garden, something caught his eye. Off to the side,

ar that kept her secluded, it was focus. She was hunched o

her quietly. Just then,

colded. "Look at your dress! You'

a barely flinched, her eyes lingering on her

iqued. He walked over to the spot where she had been sitting and picked up