Liliya's POV
What am I supposed to do? I'm still struggling to process so much news at once. I thought that now, as a traveler, nothing could surprise me anymore. But I realized just how wrong I was. And unfortunately, not all of the news is good...
First, there's Katerina. She remembers her previous life—a neshtasten (miserable) one with her family, which ended when she took her own life, consumed by remorse. When she woke up, she became Katerina. From what I understand, in her world, there was a tele-truc (tele-something) that allowed her to know her future… or something like that.
Then, I learn that Aleko is going to pravya lyubov (make love) with my best friend, and on top of that, they're going to have a dete (child)… I still can't believe it. I might become a lelya (aunt). Well, I have my doubts, considering the 'passionate love' those two have for each other... But as Mama says, there's only a thin line between hate and love.
For now, they're just 15 (Aleko) and 14 (Katerina), so only time will tell.
But knowing that Aleko will die at 18, before the birth of his potential momiche (daughter), hurts so much. My big brother will die in three years... I can't accept this. He has his whole life ahead of him. He has so many dreams, and he doesn't have the right to die before achieving them. Most of all, he doesn't have the right to leave me alone...
I can't accept it… Not Aleko, not my golyam brat! (big brother) I need him in my life. I'd undoubtedly give up my powers if it meant he could live. My golyam brat deserves happiness more than I ever will…
Why am I saying this? It's because of me that Aleko only has Tristan as a priyatel (friend). No one else wants to hang out with someone who could set anything on fire… except for Katerina, Aleko, and Tristan, even though we barely talk. I've always been a burden to Aleko, yet he's never blamed me, never called me names. He's my pazitel (guardian angel), my big brother, my savior. I'd rather it be me who dies instead of him.
When I arrive home, I head straight to the stable. Since we were kids, this has been Aleko's go-to spot. It's what he calls his 'sanctuary.'
Over the years, it's been expanded so Aleko can train and so our roditelite (parents) can buy more horses. We now have three: A dark-coated stallion with a star on his forehead named 'Spirit,' who is 1 year old. A Bulgarian Oriental with a dark bay coat named 'Caporal,' who is 10 years old. A Friesian mare named 'Eclipse,' who is 2 years old.
Each of us has our own horse: Eclipse is mine, Spirit is Aleko's, and Tatko (Father) has Caporal. Mama doesn't have a horse; she's too scared to ride alone. When we go on family rides, Mama rides with me while Tatko and Aleko race each other, or she rides with Tatko while I ride with Aleko.
Not to brag, but my family is incredible, and I can't accept the idea of losing them. Not like this!
"Aleko? Are you here?" I called out as I finally arrived at the stable.
"Yes! Is something wrong, malka sestra?" (little sister)
When I saw him, I couldn't stop the tears streaming down my cheeks. I can't lose him. Without him, I'm nothing. I need my golyam brat! (big brother)
Seeing me cry so hard, Aleko immediately dropped his sword and pulled me into his arms. What would I do without him? I ask myself that question every day… but watching those flashbacks I summoned myself brought me crashing down from my little oblak (cloud).
Would this have happened if I hadn't cast that spell? In a way, Katerina telling me the truth about herself indirectly allowed me to see Aleko's future—or rather, his tragedy. I'm so lucky to have him…
"Aleko… promise me… sniff… promise me you'll always take care of yourself! Please… be careful… I don't want to lose you, golyam brat! (big brother) Zhalko (please), don't leave me..."
"Malka sestra... (little sister) Liliya... What's going on? Did something happen? Is this about Maxi-Petrova (Oleg Petrova) or maybe Petrova idiot (Katerina Petrova)?"
Ugh, he'll never stop with those nicknames. When I was three, just before I became friends with Katerina, Aleko decided to make me laugh by giving nicknames to everyone we met. Oleg Petrova became "Maxi-Petrova," Sia Petrova was dubbed "Zhena-Petrova" because Oleg always calls her Zhena (wife), Katerina became "Petrova idiot," and Natalia got "Mini-Petrova."
"Aleko, for the stoten pŭt (hundredth time), stop using those nicknames..." I said, unable to hold back a smile. "Nothing's wrong, Aleko. None of the Petrovas have hurt me, and neither has anyone else. It's just… I found a dead bird near the lake, and it reminded me how short life is… how fragile it can be..."
"It's nothing, malka sestra... (little sister). These things happen. I'm not planning to leave you alone yet. If I take my eyes off you for even two seconds, all those kopele (jerks) will come and bother you!"
His response made me laugh—what nonsense! No one's stupid enough to mess with a traveler, and even less with a Dragonov.
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