Nikolai's Point Of View
The night was still. Too still.
I sat on the edge of the balcony, one leg lazily draped over my knee, the cold breeze ruffling my dark hair. The city lights in the distance barely reached this part of town, this abandoned industrial complex surrounded by nothing but silence and shadows.
My eyes remained glued to the surveillance monitor before me.
Three SUVs.
Blacked-out, speeding down the empty road like hounds let loose.
I swirled the glass of whiskey in my hand, letting the amber liquid catch the dim light. My lips curled slightly.
They were coming.
With weapons. With numbers. With blind, foolish confidence.
I tapped my fingers against my thigh, my mind already calculating every move before they even took a single step inside.
And then… I started counting.
Five.
The tires screeched as they came to a sudden halt in front of the building. The night air grew thick with tension. Doors flung open, and heavy boots hit the pavement.
Four.
