“Where we going, Mama?” she asked curiously.
“Special mission,” I whispered.
I carried her across the room to the hidden alcove behind the grand piano.
Ruslan had designed it after the first credible threat against our family.
He had laughed while explaining it to me.
“In case someone thinks they can take what’s mine.”
The bookshelf panel disguised a reinforced chamber — soundproof, ventilated, stocked with emergency supplies.
Inside were bottled water, snacks, a tablet loaded with cartoons, and a secure communication device that linked directly to Petros.
It was our safe room.
Our last line of defense.
I knelt in front of Daphne, cupping her small face in my hands.
“Listen carefully.”
Her blue eyes — identical to Ruslan’s — locked onto mine.
“I need you to stay inside this secret room. Be very quiet. No talking. No opening the door. Not unless Mama comes for you.”
She nodded seriously.
“Like mouse.”
“Yes. Like a tiny brave mouse.”
“Papa hide me here too?”
My throat tightened.
“Yes.”
She seemed reassured by that.
I kissed her forehead, then gently placed her inside.
She hugged her little lamb plush tightly.
“Protect Mama,” she whispered.
My heart cracked.
“I will.”
I slid the panel shut.
It clicked seamlessly into place.
The moment the door sealed, loud pounding erupted through the house.
Boom.
