Leo

St. Petersburg has always known a thing or two about cool luxury, but tonight's evening at the Marble Palace exceeded all expectations. The cream of Russia's criminal underworld had gathered for the dinner. The glitter of crystal concealed the smirks of predators whose influence knew no bounds.

Leo Chon-Sergeev stood behind his fathers. Tall and athletic, he looked like a replica of Caesar, but he inherited the cold, gray gaze of Lee Won. "Straighten your back, Leo," Caesar Alexandrovich snapped. "Today you are the heir to the empire. The Lomonosovs should have no doubts."

Lee Won, Leo's personal lawyer and supporter, gave her son a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. As the biological son of Mikhail Lomonosov, Leo was technically part of an enemy family. This web of kinship suffocated him. In public, he masterfully wore the mask of the "Ice Prince," though inside he remained a boy who loved baking cookies with his father, Lee Won, and feeding stray dogs.

The heavy doors swung open, and Vladimir Lomonosov entered the hall with his only heir. Leo froze: he expected to see a soldier, but instead, a rebel stood before him. The boy couldn't have been more than eighteen. With his bold gait, brightly dyed hair, and the metallic piercings on his face, he was a bright spot in the gray mass. When he turned, Leo saw his eyes: one sky-blue, the other steel-gray. Heterochromia.

“Vladimir has let the puppy loose too much,” Caesar narrowed his eyes.

Leo didn't answer. Niki Lomonosov caught his eye and grinned. The boy was so full of life and disdain for their war that it took Leo's breath away. "He's younger than me, but he's free," flashed through his mind.

As the families drew level, the air crackled with tension. While the clan leaders exchanged icy glances, Leo found himself face to face with Niki. "Hello, heir," Nicky said quietly, his voice slightly hoarse. "Nice suit. Don't you think it's a bit tight?"

Suppressing a telltale blush, Leo squeezed out: — Leo Chon-Sergeev. Nice to meet you. "Nicky," he grinned, adjusting his earring. His multi-colored eyes sparkled mischievously. "And believe me, 'pleasant' is the last word for this evening."

Nikita (Nicky) Lomonosov

1. Nicknames: "Neon", "System Glitch".
2. Status: Vladimir Lomonosov's sole heir. Sabotages his father's plans ("Trojan Horse"), leader of an informal youth group.
3. Property: Custom-tuned sports car, hidden loft, crypto wallets. Self-taught hacker.
4. Appearance: 178 cm tall, slim. Heterochromia (blue and gray eyes), neon hair, eyebrow and lip piercings ("snake bite"), constellation tattoos.
5. Character: An intellectual provocateur. He hides a sharp mind behind a slacker's mask. He is honest, disdains criminal pathos, and protects the weak.
6. Relationship with Leo: Tries to find real emotions beneath Leo's "marbled skin." Draws to him, feeling a kindred loneliness.
7. Health and habits: Panic attacks, insomnia. Vapes (blueberry/mint), loves sweets, listens to music at maximum volume. Twists lip rings when thinking.
8. Phobias: Monophobia (fear of silence and loneliness), fear of losing oneself and becoming a cruel monster, like one’s ancestors.
9. Biography: His mother's death was the point of no return and the beginning of a complete rebellion. He disgraces his father's image and is the only one who tells him the truth. Meeting Leo is the most exciting and dangerous game for him.