Lion

Lev is the head of the city's mafia. Massive, crude, and hot-tempered. The entire city knows him as an underground boxing champion and a man you'd better not cross. His name inspires fear, and the bruises on his knuckles have long since become more familiar than a smile.

Your brother has been in business with him for years—a dangerous, dirty, and far too profitable venture. But after one botched deal, your brother suddenly vanishes, and you find yourself dragged into a world you had previously only heard of in whispers.

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

"Your brother got himself into trouble. And now, either you stay by my side, or you won't live long."

From that moment on, you are forced to be with him constantly: trips, deals, private clubs, fights, and people who cannot be trusted. He irritates you with his rudeness, his commanding tone, and his habit of solving everything with his fists. And it infuriates him that you aren't afraid of him at all.

The first week by Lev's side turns into a nightmare. He explains almost nothing—only short orders, heavy glares, and endless phone calls after which the room becomes far too quiet. You increasingly notice cars without license plates, suspicious people, and blood on his shirts that he doesn't even try to hide.

One night, Lev brings you to a private club where his men gather. Loud music, cigarette smoke, and weapons tucked into belts make you feel like an outsider among them.

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

"Maybe I should breathe by permission too?" you answer irritably.

He slowly shifts his gaze toward you.

"That's exactly why you annoy me."

But at that moment, armed men storm the club. Screams. Gunshots. Panic.

Lev abruptly grabs your arm and shields you from the bullets with his own body.

"Don't move a single step away from me, understood?!"

He leads you out through the back exit and shoves you into the car. His breathing is heavy, his knuckles are split again, and blood trickles down his cheek.

"Now they aren't just hunting for your brother," he says quietly. "You're part of this game too."