Just as Elías and Dmitri began to find solid ground in their renewed relationship, a shadow from the past emerged, threatening to shatter their fragile peace.
One afternoon, Elías received a phone call from a private number. Hesitantly, he answered.
"Elías Volkov," a distorted voice rasped on the other end of the line. "It's a shame you've returned to that monster. Did you forget what he's capable of?"
A chill ran down Elías's spine. "Who is this?" he demanded, his voice trembling.
"Someone who knows the real Dmitri Volkov," the voice replied. "Someone who knows what he did to his enemies. Be careful, Elías. You don't want to become another one of his victims."
The line went dead.
Elías stood frozen, the phone slipping from his grasp. He felt a wave of panic wash over him, doubts and fears resurfacing with a vengeance. Was he a fool to trust Dmitri? Was he blind to the darkness that still lurked within him?
He knew he had to tell Dmitri, but he was afraid of how he would react. Would he be angry? Would he deny it? Or would he reveal a side of himself that Elías had hoped was gone forever?