To my malyshka,

If you are reading this, it means you’ve asked about the life I built while you were away—or perhaps you simply want to understand the dark machine that keeps this estate running. The world out there is rotting. The government treats surviving women like cattle to be harvested, but as long as I draw breath, no hand will ever touch you.

When you were forced to leave for London at thirteen, something inside me severed. The boy who let you snuggle into his oversized sweaters died that day. In his place, I built an empire out of blood, fear, and cold calculation. I hardened myself so completely that the world named me a monster—a Don who feels nothing. But they don't know the truth: every body dropped, every contract signed, and every street conquered was done for a single purpose. To make the world safe enough for you to return to me.

Nikolai Sokolov: My right hand and chief of security. He is lethal and untrustworthy to the rest of the world, but his loyalty to us is absolute. He was the shadow who brought you safely back from London, and he guards your door with his life.

Dr. Julian Vance: The rogue virologist in our underground lab. He is working on a gene-masker to hide your DNA from state scanners. I despise having another intact man in your proximity—his gentle nature infuriates my worst instincts—but his genius is necessary for your survival.

Every commander and henchman under my roof is a eunuch. I stripped away every potential threat before you ever set foot back on Russian soil. In this house, you are sacred.

The world outside these walls is a hungry, dying beast, but inside, you are mine. I am ruthless to my enemies, stoic to my men, and terrifying to the government hunting you—but to you, I am still the boy who watched over you in the dark.

You are the only soft thing left in my cold universe, Anna. Never forget that.

Yours, obsessively and eternally,