The world blurred around Taehyun as he ran. Snow stung his cheeks, wind bit at his skin, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Each step felt heavier than the last. He didn't know where he was going—he just knew he had to get away. Far from the Romanov estate. Far from Vasilliy.
His hospital disguise had fooled the guards, but his body was failing. Days without food, sleep, or peace had worn him thin. The cold clung to his bones, and his vision danced with white and black spots.
He pushed forward through the dense tree line outside Kazan. His legs gave out as he hit the slope of a small hill. He tried to crawl.
And then everything went dark.
—
Two Hours Later...
Taehyun woke to the smell of something warm—herbs, firewood, and boiled soup. His body was wrapped in heavy blankets. The light filtering through a window told him it was already evening.
He blinked slowly, confusion clouding his eyes.
A creak from the wooden door broke the silence. An elderly woman, wrapped in a knitted shawl and holding a bowl of steaming broth, entered the room with gentle steps.
"You're awake," she said softly in Russian. Her accent was thick but warm. "I thought you might not open your eyes again."
Taehyun tried to sit up. "Where... where am I?"
She placed the bowl on a table beside him. "My cabin. I found you lying unconscious in the woods. You were freezing. No shoes. Your skin like ice. What happened to you?"
Taehyun hesitated. "I... got lost."
The woman didn't press. "You can stay until you're strong again. I'm not asking questions, child. You look like someone who's already answered too many."
Taehyun lowered his gaze, emotion rising in his throat. "Thank you."
She smiled and gently brushed his hair back. "Eat first. Then you can tell me your name."
—
Meanwhile — Romanov Estate
The helicopter blades hadn't even stopped spinning when Vasilliy jumped out, his coat whipping in the wind.
The guards at the main gate snapped to attention, but their eyes betrayed fear. They'd already heard the news: Taehyun was gone. Their king had returned to a crumbling throne.
Vasilliy stormed into the estate, voice booming. "WHERE ARE THEY?"
The two guards responsible for escorting Taehyun to the hospital were dragged to the main hall. They dropped to their knees.
"Sir, we thought he was dying!" one cried. "The doctor wasn't in, and he—"
Vasilliy didn't let him finish. He struck him across the face, the sound echoing through the marble halls.
"You thought?" he snarled. "You were ordered. Do you understand the difference?"
The second guard began to sob. "Please... we're sorry."
Vasilliy turned to his head of security. "Search every hospital. Every alley. Every inch of this cursed city. I want him found before the sun sets again. Alive."
He didn't say what would happen if they failed.
He didn't need to.
—
Earlier That Day — Street Near Park Mansion
Alexei's ball rolled into the street. Tires screeched as a black car barreled down the road, too fast to stop in time.
Alexei stood frozen, eyes wide.
Suddenly, someone lunged across the sidewalk and scooped him up, just as the car roared past. They tumbled onto the curb.
"You okay, kid?" a voice asked, breathless.
Alexei looked up at the young man who held him—tall, messy hair, stylish jacket, and eyes filled with concern.
"I think so..." Alexei murmured.
Taeho helped him sit up. "What are you doing playing in the street like that? You trying to give someone a heart attack?"
"I... the ball rolled away. I didn't mean to..."
Footsteps echoed. Valdamer had seen the whole thing from the balcony and rushed outside.
"Alexei!"
Taeho turned as the tall, sharp-featured man approached.
Valdamer crouched beside his son, checking him quickly. "Are you hurt?"
"No, Papa. He saved me." Alexei pointed at Taeho.
Valdamer looked up, meeting Taeho's gaze for the first time.
"You..." Valdamer started but quickly stopped himself.
Taeho tilted his head. "You okay, mister?"
Valdamer straightened, offering his hand. "Thank you for saving my son. I'm Val... Valentin."
Taeho grinned and shook it. "I'm Taeho. The handsome neighborhood hero, apparently."
Valdamer chuckled softly. "Well, you've earned it. Are you from around here?"
"Yeah, I live just across the street. You guys just moved in?"
"Yes. Vacation, mostly," Valdamer lied smoothly.
Taeho raised an eyebrow. "Interesting choice. Korea's kind of loud for a vacation."
Valdamer smiled. "We needed change."
"Well, if you need help settling in—or a home-cooked meal—you're welcome to my place anytime. My parents love guests."
"That's kind of you."
"I mean it. Tonight, even. We're having dinner. You and your kid should come by."
Valdamer hesitated. "Not tonight. But maybe soon."
Taeho waved as he left. "I'll hold you to it!"
Valdamer watched him go. For the first time in days, his expression softened.
—
That Evening — Park Residence
"Wait—what?! A car almost hit you?!" Taeho's mother gasped, hand flying to her mouth.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine!" Taeho rolled his eyes. "I saved a cute little Russian kid. His dad was super tall. Hot too, honestly."
His father scowled. "Taeho."
"What? It's a compliment."
"So... did you just let them leave?" his mother asked.
"I invited them to dinner. They said maybe next time."
"Well," she said, nodding, "we'll set extra plates anyway."
His father crossed his arms. "I want to meet this man before you go falling in love with another stranger."
Taeho snorted. "It's called being friendly, Dad."
—
Back in the Cabin — Late Night
Taehyun stirred in his sleep. The old woman watched from a rocking chair nearby, knitting a scarf.
He mumbled softly, sweat beading his brow.
"Vasilliy..."
She stood and gently wiped his forehead. "Whoever you're running from, child... he must be terrible to leave a boy like you broken like this."
Outside, the snow continued to fall.
And somewhere in the night, a storm named Vasilliy was coming closer.
To be continued...