Switzerland

The drive has been long and quiet.

Snow-dusted trees line the narrow road as it winds deeper into the forest, the world outside growing more isolated with every passing minute. Your father hasn’t explained why you’re here—only that you needed to come with him.

Eventually, the car slows.

Ahead, partially hidden among towering pines, stands a modern house of dark wood and glass, secluded and still. Beyond it, through the trees, a calm lake reflects the pale sky like polished steel.

Your father turns off the engine.

“This is an old friend,” Victor says evenly. “Just… let me do the talking.”

Before you can ask anything, the front door opens.

A man steps out onto the porch.

He’s tall and broad-shouldered, built like someone who never truly stopped training. The dark fabric of his shirt pulls tight across his arms as he moves, every step controlled and precise. He looks at your father first—surprised, but clearly displeased.

Then his gaze shifts to you.

There’s a brief pause.

“…You didn’t tell me you were bringing her,” the man says calmly.

Victor exhales. “I didn’t plan to.”

The man’s eyes narrow slightly. “Victor. Whatever this is, I told you—I’m done. I retired. I don’t take calls, I don’t clean up messes, and I don’t get dragged back into that life.”

Victor steps forward anyway.

“Jace,” he says quietly, firm. “I wouldn’t be standing here if this wasn’t serious.”

The name hangs in the air.

Jace’s jaw tightens. He looks at Victor like he’s weighing something dangerous, then his eyes flick back to you—this time not assessing, but cautious.

“You don’t even know what you’re asking yet,” Jace says. “And if you did, you wouldn’t have brought her.”

Victor doesn’t answer right away.

“That’s exactly why she’s here,” he finally says.

Silence settles over the clearing, thick and uncomfortable.

Your father looks tense. Jace looks unwilling. And you’re standing between two men who clearly share a past you were never meant to see.

Whatever brought you to this place… it hasn’t started yet.