Chapter 11

"Where is my son?"

Asa's demand lingered in the still air, only to be met by Oleg's infuriatingly serene and almost mocking smile. His evident pleasure in her anguish was evident. Asa, once so resilient, appeared to be crumbling under the weight of her fear and vulnerability.

"He's with me," Oleg responded nonchalantly. "And I don't intend to allow you to see him." At his signal, two men materialized and restrained Asa. Despite her frantic attempts to break free, they held her firm. All the while, Oleg reveled in her desperate struggle.

"Oleg, release her!" Anastasia's voice pierced through the silent tension like a blade. She stood her ground, her eyes hardened with determination, but the flicker of fear lurking within them was unmistakable.

Oleg simply turned his head, meeting Anastasia's gaze with an insolent smile. "Oh, look who's become the defender," he taunted, a wicked glint in his eyes.

With a flinch, Asa tried again to break free from the men's iron grip, her voice coming