As the early morning light touched the marble statues in the garden, Viktor opened his specially encrypted gallery and began showing Alia some old photos. Resting her head on his chest, Alia looked intently at the images.
Placing a finger on a photo, Viktor spoke in a low, solemn voice. "Alia, look these are my parents. The true founders of The Petrov Legacy. These blue eyes and this stubbornness, I inherited everything from them."
The photos revealed a regal couple:
Viktor's Father (The Black Gryphon Senior): In the photo, he looked exactly like Viktor the same sharp gaze, silver hair, and dressed in a high-end black coat. The blue of his eyes was even deeper and colder. He looked like the emperor of an invisible empire whose single gesture could stop the world.
Viktor's Mother (The Emerald Queen): Viktor's mother was exquisitely beautiful. In the photo, she wore a royal red gown and a grand, intricately designed headdress. A snow-white owl sat on her lap. Behind her enchanting gaze and calm smile lay a hidden elegance, much like what is seen in Alia now.
Alia remained silent for a while after seeing the pictures. She understood why Viktor was so influential and why his personality carried such royal sternness.
Viktor: (With a sigh) "They taught me that emotion is a weakness, but power is a person's true identity. However, after coming to you, I've realized that the tenderness hidden behind these blue eyes is also a great strength."
Alia squeezed Viktor's hand firmly. She felt that Viktor's 'Petrov Legacy' wasn't just a bloodline, but a massive inheritance now shaping the future through their five children. In the dawn light, those old photos seemed to come alive once more. Alia remained mesmerized by the photos, leaning closer to Viktor's broad shoulder. It felt as if she were looking at a living reflection of history right before her eyes.
Alia: (In awe) "Viktor, I've seen your parents before, but I've never seen them so young. This is incredible!"
She gently traced her finger over the image of Viktor's father.
Alia: "Your father... he looks exactly the same as you! That same sharp gaze, those broad shoulders, and that regal posture. Even the way he carries himself is identical. If it weren't for the slightly different hair, I'd think I was looking at an old photo of you. The Petrov blood is truly powerful, Viktor."
Viktor offered a faint smile, a sense of melancholy pride shimmering in his blue eyes.
Viktor: "Everyone says that. My father was even more ruthless than I am. He used to say, 'A Petrov never bows; he either rules or he destroys.' Sometimes when I stand before a mirror, I feel like I'm looking at him."
Alia then shifted her focus to the photo of his mother.
Alia: "And your mother... she was breathtaking! The white owl on her lap—was it real? Her elegance makes her look like a Queen straight out of a fairy tale."
Viktor: "Yes, that owl was her favorite. My mother was the balance of this family. If my father was the god of destruction, my mother was the queen of creation. I see that same strength in you, Alia. Perhaps that's why the moment I saw you, I knew you were the only one worthy of being the Empress of this empire." Three days have passed. Alia is still not fully recovered, but she feels slightly better. Today is a significant occasion, and the entire Petrov family has gathered. Viktor took one last look at that old, slightly crumpled photo kept in the dressing table drawer. Today is the day to showcase their lineage.
Viktor put on his royal black suit and overcoat. As he adjusted his tie in front of the mirror, a different kind of intensity flickered in his blue eyes. He had fully prepared himself as the heir to the Petrov empire.
As he stepped out of the room, the whole family was there:
Anna: Viktor's sister, Anna. In her elegant attire, she looked like the exact reflection of her mother, with that familiar Petrov stubbornness in her eyes.
Viktor's Parents: They stood ready in their signature grave and royal appearance. His father's sharp gaze had not faded in the least.
Alia: Despite her illness, Alia wore a stunning maroon gown. Though her face looked a bit pale, her presence was as commanding as ever.
Seeing Alia standing there, Viktor quickly moved to her side, supporting her by the waist.
Viktor: (In a low voice) "Alia, can you do this? If you feel too unwell, we can cancel everything right now."
Alia: (With a faint smile) "No Viktor, today is a big day for our family. I'm fine. Besides, can a 'Mafia God' really give in to a little physical pain?"
Viktor kissed her forehead and helped her down the stairs. Today, they were all heading out together as one formidable force. A fleet of expensive black cars awaited them outside.As Alia stood on the stairs looking around, a frown appeared on her forehead. Not seeing the rest of the family, she turned to Viktor.
Alia: "Everyone is here, but where are the other three? Katrina, Nicola, and Dimitri—I don't see them."
Viktor was adjusting his overcoat in front of the mirror. At Alia's question, he replied in a calm tone.
Viktor: "They are busy with their own tasks, Alia. This empire can't be run just by sitting in the palace. Katrina and Nicola are overseeing the border shipments, and Dimitri is at a security briefing. They don't compromise when it comes to work."
As soon as he finished speaking, Viktor turned around, and Alia's eyes widened. Today, Viktor looked incredible. He was wearing his high-ranking officer's uniform.
The Attire: Over his jet-black uniform, Viktor wore a heavy, luxurious fur-lined coat that draped regally from his shoulders.
Medals: On the left side of his chest, more than six golden medals shimmered, proofs of his bravery and successful operations.
The Ring and Star: Near the collar of the uniform was a small ring and a star-shaped insignia, something only given to the highest-level 'High Ranking Officers' in the government.
In this outfit, Viktor didn't just look like a Mafia Don; he looked like an invincible General, with thousands of soldiers ready to die for him. The intensity of his silver hair and blue eyes multiplied manifold in this uniform.
Viktor: (Dusting off his coat) "Today's meeting isn't just about the underworld, Alia. Today, I speak as Russia's highest-ranking officer. The government fears me because they know that when I put this dress on, I stand above the law."
Alia looked at Viktor in awe. The pain of her illness seemed to vanish instantly at the sight of Viktor's aura. She realized that today, Moscow was going to tremble.As the Petrov family's fleet of cars came to a halt at the massive Moscow grounds, the atmosphere grew instantly tense. Viktor stepped out of the car, adjusting the heavy fur coat on his shoulders. The medals on his high-ranking officer's uniform shimmered in the sun.
The Parade (Drill) was about to begin. Thousands of soldiers stood in perfect formation, saluting the moment they saw Viktor. The rhythmic thud of boots and the clanking of weapons signaled a massive display of power.
As Alia stepped out, she felt a wave of weakness hit her. Her pale face faltered for a second, but Viktor's sister, Anna, immediately caught and held her firmly.
Anna: (In a sweet yet firm voice) "Careful, Alia Bhabhi. I've got you. You look like a Queen today; you can't let weakness win."
Leaning on Anna, Alia walked slowly toward the VIP stand. Royal sofas had been arranged there for them.
Alia & Anna: They sat side by side watching the parade. Anna didn't let go of Alia's hand for a moment, guarding her sister-in-law from any discomfort.
Viktor's Presence: Viktor stood at the front of the stage. He surveyed the entire parade ground with the sharp intensity of his blue eyes. The whole field was silent under his commanding presence.
The parade began. The beat of the drums and the disciplined march-past sent a shiver through Alia. She finally understood why Viktor called himself the 'Shadow King' this vast army, this power, and this elegance truly belonged to the Petrov lineage.
Viktor occasionally glanced back at Alia, ensuring his Queen was alright. Anna whispered in Alia's ear
Anna: "Look, Bhabhi, how much Brother loves you. Even in the middle of a parade, his mind is on you."
Alia gave a faint smile. Seeing the man who shields her with love behind that terrifying uniform made all her exhaustion vanish. As a pin-drop silence fell over the parade ground, Viktor stepped to the very front of the stage. His blue eyes burned like fire. Slowly, he drew the special silver dagger from his waist. It wasn't just a weapon; it was a symbol of justice and power for the Petrov lineage.
Viktor began addressing the soldiers in a deep, booming Russian voice. Every word echoed across the field. He spoke of Russia's 'unwritten laws' and the strict mandates of the Petrov Legacy.
Viktor: (Roaring in Russian) "В этом мире закон - это я! Тень Петрова падает на каждого, кто посмеет пойти против нас."
Alia whispered to Anna: "What is he saying, Anna? His voice sounds so different."
Anna squeezed Alia's hand and translated:
Anna: "Brother is saying in this world, he is the law. The shadow of the Petrovs falls upon anyone who dares to go against us. He is talking about the magnitude of their laws, which are far greater than any ordinary constitution."
Viktor raised the sharp dagger toward the air and continued in Russian:
Viktor: "Закон крови выше закона бумаги. Мы тени, которые правят светом. Кто предаст тот познает вкус этой стали!"
Alia: "And what does that mean, Anna?"
Anna: "He says the law of blood is higher than the law of paper. We are the shadows that rule the light. And whoever betrays us shall taste this steel. Essentially, there is no mercy in our empire's punishment."
Hearing Viktor's speech, thousands of soldiers raised their weapons simultaneously and let out a deafening roar. Alia felt a chill run down her spine. She realized that when Viktor wears this high-ranking uniform and speaks in Russian, he is no longer just her husband he is the living embodiment of Russia's impenetrable law, which even the government fears to challenge.
Viktor sheathed the dagger in one swift motion and looked back at Alia. In the depths of those blue eyes was a strange, cruel authority and a primal promise of protection for his Queen.