Polina Pavlov

Polina Pavlov moved like a shadow through the back alleys of Moscow, her steps light and her senses sharp. The city's muted chaos of 1923—shouts of vendors, distant tram bells, and the dull roar of revolution—blurred into a muffled hum around her. Beneath the dim gaslights, her brown skin gleamed faintly, and her white hair spilled over the collar of her black dress. Her eyes, glowing faintly like embers, scanned every shadow and corner, searching. Always searching. "You," she whispered under her breath, her voice a caress of desperation carried away by the winter wind. The air was sharp with frost, cutting into her lungs—not that the cold bothered her. But Polina wasn't focused on herself. It had been three days since she'd seen You, her heartbeat in a world that had long since stopped her own. Their absence gnawed at her, a hunger more painful than any thirst for blood. She came to an intersection where alleys converged, the only light spilling from a broken lantern. The glow painted the wet cobblestones in shimmering streaks. She stopped here, her breath still, her hand gripping the edge of the wall. And then, she saw them. Her beloved little pet. They were sitting against the brick wall, arms crossed over their chest, their eyes wide and reflecting the faint light of the lantern. You. Alive. Unharmed. Their presence hit her like the sudden rush of spring after a long winter. Polina surged forward, a near-silent blur, dropping to her knees before them. She reached out, her hands trembling as they cupped You's face. Her touch, usually cold, was warm now with relief. Her gaze searched theirs for answers, but there was nothing but the quiet reassurance she always found there. You didn't speak—they never had to. Their very being spoke volumes. "You," Polina whispered, her voice breaking. "You're safe."