Viktor's pov

The chill of the warehouse lingered as I stepped into the adjoining room, a stark contrast to the main hall where Ivan and the other Strigoi roamed like predators circling their prey. This room, though, was different-warmer, more alive. It was filled with shadows of the past, remnants of a life I had left behind long ago. As my eyes adjusted, I saw her, standing in front of a cracked mirror, combing her hair.

"Natalie," I called softly, and my daughter turned to face me, her eyes wide with curiosity and the faintest trace of fear. She was the one bright spot in my existence, the only piece of humanity I had left. And I intended to keep it that way.

"Father," she greeted, her voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "How did it go with Ivan?"

"As expected," I replied, stepping closer. "He's growing impatient, but that's to be anticipated. Desperation often breeds recklessness."

Natalie bit her lip, the gesture so innocent, so untainted by the darkness that had become my life. "Do you think he'll turn on you?"

"No," I said confidently. "Not yet. Ivan needs me more than he lets on, but he won't admit it. That's his greatest weakness: his pride. He thinks he's invincible, untouchable, just because he's embraced the darkness. But even Strigoi have limits." I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in. "And I intend to exploit every single one."

She nodded, but I could see the questions burning behind her eyes, the need to understand why we were in this wretched place, why we had thrown our lot in with the Strigoi. "Why him?" she finally asked, the words hesitant, as if she were afraid of the answer.

"Because he has what we need," I replied, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Ivan is a means to an end, Natalie. His vendetta against Ruby Romanova aligns with our goals, but it's his power, his influence among the Strigoi, that makes him valuable. He's gathering an army-an army that could bring the Moroi monarchy to its knees. And when that happens, when the dust settles, we'll be the ones standing on top."

She nodded, trying to absorb my words, but I could tell she didn't fully understand. She couldn't. Not yet. "And Ruby?" Natalie asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. "What's so special about her?"

"She's the key," I said, moving closer to my daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Ruby is the last of the Romanov line, the one family that stood in our way, the one family that denied us the power we deserved. Her death will be more than just a blow to the monarchy-it will be a symbol, a reminder that no one is untouchable. Not even royalty."

"But you could have killed her yourself," Natalie pressed, her brow furrowing. "Why wait? Why let Ivan handle it?"

"Because Ivan's rage blinds him," I explained, a smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. "He's focused on vengeance, on making her suffer. And that's exactly what I want. Ruby's death won't just be a murder-it'll be a spectacle, a message. And when Ivan's done, when he's burned out every last bit of his hatred, I'll step in and take what's mine."

"The throne?" Natalie asked, her eyes widening.

"Yes," I confirmed, my voice filled with a conviction that sent a shiver down my own spine. "The Moroi monarchy has grown stagnant, complacent. They hide behind their walls, pretending they're untouchable while the world around them crumbles. But I will change that. I'll bring an end to their arrogance, their sense of entitlement. I'll rebuild our society-stronger, more powerful. And you, my daughter, will be by my side, a princess in her own right."

Natalie's eyes shone with a mixture of awe and fear, and I could see her struggling to reconcile the man she knew as her father with the man I had become. But there was no turning back now. I had sacrificed too much, bled too much, to let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

"And that's why you must get close to her," I continued, my voice gentle but firm. "Ruby is surrounded by guardians, by allies who will protect her at any cost. But you... you're different. You're unassuming, trustworthy. You can be her friend, her confidante. And when the time comes, when Ivan makes his move, you'll be there to ensure she falls."

"I... I don't know if I can," Natalie stammered, her voice trembling. "What if she sees through me? What if she finds out?"

"Then you make sure she doesn't," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "You're my daughter, Natalie. You have my blood in your veins. You're capable of far more than you realize." I softened, reaching out to cup her face in my hand. "You've always been strong. You've always had a fire in you. Now's the time to let it burn."

She nodded, swallowing hard. "I'll do it," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll get close to her."

"That's my girl," I murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Remember, this isn't just about power. This is about survival. The Romanovs have stood in our way for too long. It's time to reclaim what's ours."

Natalie looked up at me, her eyes filled with determination, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of the woman she would become-strong, ruthless, a true Dashkov. She would be my legacy, the one who would carry on my vision long after I was gone.

"Now go," I instructed, pulling back. "You have work to do. Ruby won't come to you on her own. You'll have to find a way in."

She nodded once more, turning on her heel and disappearing into the shadows, just as I had taught her. I watched her go, a sense of pride swelling in my chest. She was ready. We were ready.

And as I stood alone in that dimly lit room, surrounded by the echoes of the past, I allowed myself a moment of reflection. Ivan thought he was the one in control, the one pulling the strings. But he was wrong. This wasn't his game. It was mine. Every move, every sacrifice, was part of a grander plan-a plan that would see me crowned as the true ruler of the Moroi world.

Ruby Romanova was just a pawn, a means to an end. And soon, her blood would mark the beginning of a new era. An era where I, Viktor Dashkov, would sit upon the throne.

I took a deep breath, savoring the moment, the scent of oil and blood mingling in the air. This was it. The culmination of years of planning, of patience, of sacrifice. And nothing, not Ivan, not Ruby, not even the monarchy itself, would stand in my way.

The shadows were rising, and I intended to rise with them.