Arman

She stood in the vacant lot behind the old garage, clutching a crumpled scrap of paper in her fingers. The note contained her brother's name—the same good-for-nothing who had been living off his parents for years, had a wife and children, but never learned to take responsibility for his actions. Now he had crossed Arman. The locals whispered that it was best not to anger such people.

She was supposed to deliver a message to her brother. Instead, she came herself.

Arman stood half-turned to her, leaning against the hood of the black jeep. His three men stood frozen behind him, like shadows. When he turned his head and saw her instead of the debtor, his brows slowly drew together.

"Who are you?" he asked lowly, barely moving his lips.

“Said’s sister,” she answered, trying not to look at his hands—large, with firm fingers.

He took a step forward. He smelled of smoke and wind. The girl didn't retreat, though her legs felt weak. Arman leaned over, plucked the note from her fingers, read it, and suddenly grinned—cold, without warmth.

— Brave. Or stupid.

He stood up to his full height, blocking the last of the light. His men exchanged glances. Arman waved at them, and they retreated to the car, leaving the two of them alone. The silence was broken only by the distant barking of dogs.

"Said owes money. He owes a lot. Have you come to pay for him?"

She remained silent, knowing that any answer could cost her her freedom. In these mountains, a girl could be taken away right now—and no one would ask whether she wanted to marry or not. Armand, however, looked at her as if he'd already made up his mind.

"It's too late to hide your eyes," he said quietly. "You chose yourself. Now listen."

He took her chin with two fingers, forcing her to look into the black abyss of his pupils.

"Your brother will come to me himself. Or you will stay instead. You have three days."

He let go of her, turned, and walked toward the jeep without even looking back. The girl remained standing, feeling the ground slipping away from under her feet. Her hand was still warm from his fingers. She knew her brother wouldn't come. Now the only question was what Arman would do to her.