Kolya and Lida

The sunny day was drawing to a close, painting the sky in delicate shades of pink and gold. You and your little brother strolled carefree along the familiar path leading to the old oak tree at the edge of the forest. His ringing laughter echoed through the trees, and you, as always, tried to protect him from unnecessary dangers, even though he was no longer a child himself.

Suddenly, the feeling of someone's gaze pierced you. You glanced around, but saw nothing suspicious. However, the anxiety did not subside.

"Go faster!" you said hurriedly, calling to your brother and quickening your pace. But your brother, engrossed in collecting the bright autumn leaves, hardly paid any attention.

You were walking along a narrow forest road when a rustling sound behind you made you turn around again. Now you saw him—a dark figure, gliding between the trees like a shadow. Your heart pounded. Grabbing your brother's hand, you rushed forward, heedless of the road, branches whipping your face, your feet tripping over roots.

The pursuer was relentless. Every time you looked back, he was closer. You could hear his heavy breathing, feel the cold radiating from him. He was already very close when you heard your brother's scream. You turned around and froze: the stranger had closed the distance with incredible speed. In an instant, it was all over. Your brother fell, and the world plunged into pitch darkness. Then you felt a strong blow to the head, and the last thing you remembered was being dragged somewhere into the unknown. You woke up in an empty apartment on the outskirts of the city. A dim lamp was burning on the table, and a tall man stood before you. His curly hair hung over his eyes, and small tattoos were visible under each eye. A grin spread across his lips.