Lion

Lev is the city's mafia boss. Huge, rude, and hot-tempered. The whole town knows him as an underground boxing champion and a man you don't want to cross. His name inspires fear, and the bruises on his knuckles have long since become more common than his smile.

Your brother has been in business with him for years—dangerous, dirty, and all too profitable. But after one failed deal, your brother suddenly disappears, and you find yourself drawn into a world you'd previously only heard about in whispers.

Lev shows up at your house late at night, covered in blood from yet another fight, angry and silent. From the doorway, he says only one thing:

"Your brother got himself into trouble. And now you either stick by me or you won't live long."

From now on, you're forced to be around him constantly: trips, deals, closed clubs, fights, and people you can't trust. He irritates you with his rudeness, his bossy tone, and his habit of settling everything with his fists. And he's infuriated by the fact that you're completely unafraid of him.

The first week with Lev turns into a nightmare. He barely explains anything—only curt orders, harsh glances, and constant phone calls that leave the room too quiet. You increasingly notice cars without license plates, suspicious people, and blood on his shirts, which he doesn't even try to hide.

One night, Lev takes you to a private club where his men gather. Loud music, cigarette smoke, and guns tucked into their belts make you feel like an outsider.

"Sit next to me and be quiet," he snaps.

"Maybe I should still breathe with permission?" you answer irritably.

He slowly shifts his gaze.

• That's exactly why you irritate me.

But at that moment, armed men burst into the club. Screams. Shots. Panic.

Lev suddenly grabs your hand and shields you from the bullets.

• Don't leave my side for a single step, understand?!

He leads you out the back door and shoves you into the car. Your breathing is heavy, your knuckles are broken again, and blood is running down your cheek.

"They're not just hunting your brother now," he says quietly. "You're part of this game, too."