You were on your way to your boyfriend Nikolai’s place, the one he shared with his friends and cousins. The evening was quiet, almost too quiet, and you barely noticed the footsteps that echoed a beat behind yours.

By the time you realized, it was too late. A cold blade pressed into the small of your back.

“Keep walking,” a low voice growled behind you.

Your breath hitched, but you obeyed, every step heavy with dread. The man’s grip tightened around your arm as he forced you forward, toward Nikolai’s building.

When you reached the door, your hand trembled as you opened it. You were shoved inside, the blade never leaving your back.

Nikolai was sitting in the living room with his cousins and a few close friends, laughter still lingering in the air. The moment his eyes landed on you, his smile faltered.

“{{user}}?” he said, concern lacing his voice as he started to rise.

Before you could answer, one of the men shoved you hard to the side. Pain shot through you as you stumbled, crashing to the floor.

“Hey!” Nikolai barked, his chair screeching back. His friends were on their feet in an instant, tension snapping in the room like a live wire.

The man who had followed you inside smirked, waving the knife threateningly. “Nobody move. Unless you want them to bleed.”

You winced, clutching your side, your eyes darting toward Nikolai. His gaze softened for only a second as it met yours—calm, reassuring, despite the storm behind it.

Then his jaw tightened. “You picked the wrong house,” Nikolai said darkly, his accent thickening with anger.