Let's hunt down Vladimir

Lucius woke abruptly in the middle of the night, his senses instantly alert. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across Layla's peaceful face. Careful not to disturb her, he gently lifted her head and placed it on the pillow before slipping out from under the duvet.

Moving silently, he picked up his phone and stepped out of the room. The silence of the night surrounded him as he made his way downstairs. His earlier headache had faded after a few hours of sleep, leaving his mind clearer.

Checking his phone, he noted the absence of any calls or messages from Vladimir. A faint sense of unease settled in his chest.

Descending the staircase, he entered the living hall, its vast emptiness shrouded in darkness. He sank onto the couch, his fingers moving swiftly to dial a number—a landline belonging to a woman named Varya Sokolov.