Page 32 of The Pakhan's Dangerous Secret
"What is it?" Andrey asks, noticing my reaction.
I stand abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. "I need to get something from my room."
"Mariya—"
"Please. Just give me five minutes."
He studies me for a long moment, then nods. "Matvey will escort you."
The beast moves from his position by the window, and I practically run from the library. My heart pounds as we climb the stairs. Matvey unlocks my door and follows me inside.
I go straight to the jewelry box, opening it with shaking hands. The icon locket is right where I left it, and I grab it, clutching it to my chest.
"Got it," I say breathlessly.
The beast doesn't ask what "it" is. He just gestures for me to lead the way back.
When we return to the library, Andrey is standing by the table, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes go immediately to my closed fist.
"What did you find?" he asks.
I walk to the table and hold out the locket. "I think this is the missing piece."
He takes it from me, turning it over in his hands. Then he looks at the gap in the puzzle, at the distinctive shape, and his eyes widen.
"Fuck," he breathes.
He positions the locket over the gap, and it fits perfectly. The edges of the puzzle pieces lock into the sides of the locket like they were made for it. Which, I realize, they were.
Andrey presses down gently, and something clicks. The locket opens.
Inside is another piece of paper, folded into a small scrap. Andrey unfolds it carefully, and we both lean in to look.
It's a drawing. Simple, done in pencil, but detailed enough that I recognize it immediately.
My heart stops.
"What is it?" Andrey asks, his voice tight with anticipation.
I stare at the drawing, at the small cabin surrounded by trees and the distinctive rock formation in the background. I've seen that view a thousand times, played in those woods as a child, sat on the porch of that cabin and watched the sun set over the mountains.
"It's our family cabin," I whisper. "In the mountains, about three hours north of here."
Andrey's hand grips the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white. "You're sure?"
"Positive. My father took me there every summer when I was growing up. It's remote and private. The perfect place to hide something."
He looks at me, and the intensity in his blue eyes makes my stomach flip. "We leave tomorrow morning. First thing."
I nod, unable to speak. Part of me wants to refuse, wants to keep this last piece of my father's secret to myself. But curiosity is eating me alive. What did he hide at the cabin? What's so important that he created this elaborate puzzle to protect it?
"Get some rest," Andrey says, his voice softer now. "It'll be a long drive."
I turn to leave, but his hand catches my wrist, stopping me. His touch is warm, his fingers gentle despite the strength I know they possess.
"Thank you," he says quietly. "For telling me about the cabin. You didn't have to."
"I know." I pull my hand free, needing distance. "But I need answers too."
