"I called you because I need your help. As my friend, and as my brother."
Nikolai was silent for several seconds.
Then he looked Adrian straight in the eye.
"You want me to help you go against the chairman or against the king of the underground."
Adrian's grip tightened around his glass.
"Both."
"Both," Nikolai repeated, his voice dangerously low. He let out a short, cold laugh that held absolutely no humor. "You have lost your mind, Adrian."
"If I sit back and do nothing, I am a dead man anyway. We fight, or we die."
Nikolai walked over to the decanter and slowly poured himself another drink.
"Going against the Chairman is one thing," Nikolai said, turning back to face him. "But challenging the King? That is not a war, brother. That is a suicide pact."
"Not if we strike first," Adrian whispered, stepping closer. "Not if we have the right leverage."
Nikolai looked at him for a moment.
"Sorry brother, but it's too late."
