Natasha had been training in hand-to-hand combat for hours. At her young age, she was already one of the best, if not the best, in her class. At just six years old, her skills surpassed those of many older girls, which is why Drakov decided she should train with the older girls, those who were eight years old and not long into their training. They were often left puzzled by her ability. No one dared challenge her, but no one offered her words of encouragement either. In her world, training was everything.
Just after finishing one of the most exhausting sessions, she was called out of the room. She knew something important was happening, something out of the ordinary. The door opened, and the unmistakable figure appeared in the doorway: Melina Vostokoff, the Iron Maiden. Always cold, always distant, Melina was not known for being affectionate. Natasha’s expression didn’t change when Melina handed her a folder without saying a word.
"You’ve been assigned a mission," Melina said in a tone so sharp it could cut the air. "Drakov says you are the best in your class. I expect you to prove it."
Natasha didn’t respond. There was no need. For her, orders were always carried out without question. She didn’t show emotions, and she didn’t let herself be affected by anything. Quickly, Natasha took the folder and began walking behind her. Her pace was brisk, but inside, a faint echo started to resonate. Something important was about to happen, and though she tried to keep her face neutral, her mind was already beginning to wonder about the true nature of the mission.
As they entered a room Natasha recognized, she saw what awaited her. In the center, Alexei Shostakov, known as the Red Guardian, was holding a small child in his arms. She seemed much younger than Natasha, probably three or four years old. Natasha watched her without emotion, but there was something strange about the child. The vulnerability she exuded was the opposite of the life Natasha knew.
The burly man smiled tenderly as he looked at the child. A genuine smile, something Natasha rarely saw in her environment. Melina had always been a constant authoritative presence in her life, and Drakov... Drakov never smiled. The image of Alexei carrying the child in his arms, with a gentleness that was unexpected of a man so large, was almost incomprehensible to Natasha.
In the background, behind his desk, sat Drakov, watching the unfolding scene with detached attention. When Natasha fully entered, he turned to Melina and Alexei with his usual coldness.
"Very well, Melina, Alexei," Drakov said without any sign of emotion. "You both already know the details of the mission. It all must go perfectly."
There was no room for doubt or second chances. Everything had to be flawless. Natasha knew this. Drakov never accepted failure. In her world, the consequences of mistakes were fatal.
Melina nodded coldly and directed her gaze at Natasha. Despite not showing a single hint of emotion on her face, Natasha noticed a subtle change in Melina’s expression. It wasn’t what she expected. There was something in her posture, in her eyes, that suggested unease, a hint of doubt. But Natasha didn’t focus on those details. She knew that emotions had no place in her life.
After giving the final instructions, Melina, Alexei, and Natasha quickly headed to the car waiting outside. Natasha walked a step behind them, the sound of her footsteps echoing with authority down the hallway. The car was parked outside, ready to take them to their destination.
"Hurry up, Natasha," Melina said, her tone cold and commanding. Natasha quickened her pace to match hers. There was no time for questioning, no room to show weakness.
Alexei carefully placed Yelena, the child who had been in his arms, into her booster seat. As he did, Melina turned to Natasha.
"You can get in by yourself. You’re grown up now, you don’t need help," she said, her gaze still as cold and distant as ever. It wasn’t a suggestion—it was an order.
The coldness in Melina’s voice didn’t escape Natasha’s notice. There was something unsettling in her attitude, something Natasha couldn’t yet understand. But as always, Natasha focused on what she had to do. She climbed into the car without a word and concentrated on the mission at hand.
As the vehicle began to move, a heavy silence enveloped the group. The road stretched out before them, endless and desolate. Natasha, however, didn’t get distracted. She opened the folder Melina had given her and began reading the details of the mission. Though the information was limited, she knew it was a crucial operation that could not afford to fail. Drakov would not tolerate mistakes. None of them would.
Hours passed slowly as the vehicle traversed mile after mile. Natasha began to feel an uncomfortable sensation in her stomach. At first, she ignored it, but soon, it became undeniable: she needed to use the bathroom. She hadn’t had a chance before they left, and now, as the journey continued without stopping, the need became urgent. She shifted in her seat, trying to ignore it, but it was inevitable.
Melina, who had been watching Natasha closely, noticed her restlessness. However, she didn’t say anything until she saw Natasha’s repeated shifting in her seat.
"Stop at the next gas station," Melina ordered Alexei, without even looking at Natasha. Her voice was firm and direct, as always.
The vehicle stopped at the nearest gas station, and Natasha was the first to get out. Though Melina didn’t offer help, she grabbed Natasha’s hand with an unyielding grip. With her other hand, Melina held Yelena’s diaper bag, and as they walked toward the restroom, Natasha felt like she didn’t exist other than as an extension of Melina’s will. There was no hint of kindness in Melina’s actions.
Inside the bathroom, Natasha noticed a girl her age, being held by her mother. The girl seemed much younger than Natasha, her innocent face still reflecting the love of her mother. As Natasha watched them, a strange feeling stirred within her. A desire. To be that child, to receive the affection she had been denied. But as always, that feeling was quickly suppressed. There was no room for such emotions.
"Hurry up, Natasha," Melina snapped, her tone impatient as they entered the family restroom.
The girl finished quickly, and without wasting time, they left the restroom. Alexei, as usual, was in the car, this time with a piece of chocolate in his hands. The moment Natasha caught the scent of the sweet treat, her stomach rumbled. She had gone all day without eating, and the mere smell of food made her mouth water. But Melina said nothing. With a cold glance, she extended a piece of bread and juice toward Natasha.
"Eat this," she said, not looking her in the eye, as though it were something trivial.
Natasha didn’t hesitate. She took the food without protest and began eating, feeling the hunger that had been gnawing at her throughout the day slowly disappear. It wasn’t a gesture of kindness from Melina, nor an attempt at concern. It was just a way to ensure Natasha didn’t falter in the mission.
The journey continued, and as time passed, Natasha began to feel the weight of exhaustion. Sleep began to creep up on her, but she couldn’t afford to fall asleep. She knew she had to remain alert. However, her eyelids grew heavier, and before she realized it, she was completely asleep. The car continued, undeterred, toward the unknown destination of the mission, while the shadows of the night enveloped them.