The echo of Viktoria Vasiliev's footsteps echoed through the marble corridors like the gallop of a queen in ruins. No one dared to look her in the eyes. No one dared to whisper her name, because she no longer inspired respect. She inspired fear... and the presentiment of the end.
For years, Viktoria had woven a web of power with threads as thin as gold and as strong as steel. She had manipulated ministers, blackmailed governors, disappeared enemies and bribed whoever was needed. All with a calculated smile and a haughty gait.
But nothing lasts forever. And the thread finally broke.
It all started with a leaked report. A document with forged signatures, erased seals and figures that didn't add up. It was just a spark. But in a world where appearances were everything, a spark was enough to start a fire.
Ana knew it before anyone else. She had heard the whispers among the servants. She had noticed the trembling in the hands of attendants who had previously ignored her. Viktoria was losing power. And she knew it.
-Do you think you can hide behind your silence? -Do you think that now that the rats are biting at my heels, you will be safe?
Ana faced her without looking away.
-No. But I'm not afraid of you anymore.
For the first time, Viktoria looked puzzled. As if she did not recognize the girl she had brought from the mud to use as another piece in her chess.
-Your father promised me loyalty," she said, with venom in her voice. Do you know what it cost me to buy you? Do you know how many girls wanted your place? You were just a dirty peasant girl. I gave you everything, and this is how you repay me.
-You gave me nothing," Ana answered firmly, "You stole my life and turned it into a showcase of lies.
The words were a stronger blow than any slap.
But Viktoria was not one to fall easily.
-Do you think everything will fall apart just because someone discovered a poorly sealed piece of paper? I've buried bigger scandals. I've crushed men more powerful than you," she growled, stepping closer. I am Viktoria Vasiliev. I do not fall... I transform.
But the transformation did not come. The next day, State agents came through the front door, wearing gray suits and sealed folders. Amid whispers and hidden cameras, the image of the perfect politician crumbled.
They did not arrest her immediately. No. Viktoria still had cards to play. Hidden blackmail. Sleeping allies.
But the blood of the empire she built was beginning to flow. Calls stopped being answered. Accounts were frozen. Newspapers began to talk. His glass castle had cracks everywhere.
Lucian said nothing. He only watched from the second floor as valuable paintings, documents, memories of a power that was now extinguished, were taken away.
That night, Anna found Viktoria sitting in front of the mirror in her room, surrounded by empty glasses and torn papers.
-Did you come to gloat? -she asked, feebly.
Ana denied.
-I just came to see if there is still something human left in you.
Viktoria laughed. A bitter, broken laugh.
-There's hatred left. That's human too, isn't it?
Anna didn't answer.
And before she left, Viktoria murmured, barely a whisper:
-You won, peasant girl. But when you burn... when he drags you down like he dragged me down... then you will remember me.
Ana left without saying a word.
Because it wasn't victory she felt. It was pity. Sadness.
And a distant fear.
Because she knew that, deep down, Viktoria had not completely fallen. She still had one last card left. And when she played it, no one would be prepared for what was to come.