Chapter 4

Chapter Four: The Queen of Darkness

Her father's words were as full of love as they were heavy. She knew that with her marriage, he would be left entirely alone in Russia, since the Sierras lived in Spain, far away from their domain. Yet he was determined, firmly decided that he agreed to this union. She didn't know if these were truly all his reasons, but although it seemed close to what her father might think, she realized there was one undeniable truth in everything he said.

The name 'Sierra'—Wolf's nickname—was not an ordinary title. If it were associated with her name, it would not only grant her absolute immunity but also protect her father from the looming shadows. No matter how deeply her true identity was hidden from the world, she could not risk exposing it just for her father's sake. She needed another impenetrable shield... and that shield was Sierra. The nickname itself was pure power, a fortress built of fear and respect.

After a quick thought, which did not last long as she stared at her father who patiently awaited her answer, she found herself holding his hand calmly. This represented roughly forty percent of the reason for her approval; the rest was governed entirely by her traitorous, longing heart.

"Well, I agree to marry, Father," she said, her voice steady and composed. "His terms suit me, as I do not want to attract unwanted attention—and you know that all too well. Ask them about the time of travel to sign the contract. In the meantime, I will arrange my affairs to move my business operations to Spain. Hiding my true identity does not mean I should ever stop my other work."

Her father's eyes sparkled with a complex mix of deep comfort and lingering anxiety. Despite his happiness at her acceptance and his certainty that this alliance would protect her, it was not easy for him to let her go. He knew that after her approval, she would have to travel in less than a month, which meant he had very little time left to say goodbye to his only child.

Yet, he did not want to make her worry or burden her further. He realized she was a discreet, guarded woman whose external calmness always concealed much greater depths. She needed time to let the heavy information settle in her mind. He smiled at her, trying his best to convey reassurance. It was undeniably the hardest feeling for any father to endure.

"I'm glad you agreed, baby. I know it's hard for you, and my request must feel terribly heavy. But give it a little more time and think about it thoroughly. I won't give them the final answer just yet; I'll wait for you for two more days. Think about the matter more regarding what suits yourself and your work. Be sure... even if you decide to retreat, it is not a big thing, and I will get over it for your peace of mind."

Although she had already made up her mind, and although his words seemed entirely sincere, she sensed his lingering hesitation for her sake. She smiled at him warmly and spoke in a calm, confident tone:

"Although I have already decided... I will take your advice and use the time. So don't worry about it, Dad."

Michael nodded in understanding as she straightened up, adding, "I'll be in my office now. I have some unfinished work to attend to before I leave. In case you need me, just send Melania."

Another gentle smile was Michael's answer, and she exchanged it for a similar one before turning to leave with the exact same calm grace she had entered with, all under his watchful, loving eyes.

Minutes later, she reached her private office, greeted by the familiar, comforting darkness of the space. She slowly poured a glass of alcohol and sat on the black leather sofa of her office, crossing one leg over the other like an absolute queen upon her throne. She loved the darkness; it was not just a preference, but a fundamental part of her soul. And because her secret lover was made of shadows and darkness, she found herself inclined toward the dark even more.

She drank a little, staring intently into the empty shadows, until the sudden ringing of her cell phone interrupted her thoughts. She pressed the answer button without even looking at the caller ID, switched on the loudspeaker, and rested her head back against the sofa cushions.

"Who is with me?" she spoke fluently in Russian, her voice cutting through the quiet room.

The man answered respectfully and in a calm, measured voice: "It's me, the leader of Roy."

"What's up, Nikolai?"

"Boss... there is a major problem with the Czechoslovak drug deal!"

"Explain the details to me."

"The customer is complaining bitterly about your refusal to allow his shipment to pass through Russian and Bulgarian territories, while you accepted the transit of Wolf Sierra's shipments without a single inspection..."

She smiled softly, her eyes closed in the darkness, and said calmly: "Then tell him that I only allow the absolute best to work in my territory... and right now, Wolf Sierra is the best. So, if he doesn't like it, let him take his goods and go back where he came from. And if he dares to cause any more problems, bring me his head separated from his body."

"Understood, Chief... it will be executed immediately."

With that, the call ended with her trusted right-hand man, the one who called from time to time to confirm final operational orders. She drank more from her glass, sitting quietly in the middle of the dark room, holding her drink tightly. Her mind and heart were entirely focused in one direction.

"Wolf Sierra..."

ٕShe muttered his name lightly, her voice almost a breathless whisper. This alone was enough to bring a genuine, radiant smile to her lips. She whispered again into the empty, waiting space:

"Our meeting with Wolf is rapidly approaching... our lives are about to change forever. Spain will soon receive Marina Barbosa and Al-Roy in the flesh."