The wind at Dravensk Airport in Droskav , Vostmark , was razor - sharp , slicing straight through layers of clothing . As I stepped off the airstair , I spotted a tall figure waiting on the tarmac . It was Mikhail , and he was far more imposing in person than in his profile picture . His dark brown hair was slicked back with meticulous precision , and his gray - blue eyes were as cold and unreadable as a Nordveil ice lake . He approached with long , purposeful strides , his gaze intense and unreadable . " Emma , " he greeted me in Velric , his Vostmarkan accent unmistakable . " Welcome to Vostmark . " By standard business protocol , he should have addressed me as Ms. McKenzie . The use of my first name caught me slightly off guard . He must've noticed the flicker of surprise in my expression , because a faint , knowing smile curved the corner of his lips . " Forgive me . 1 got ahead of myself . I've waited a long time for this day . " " Do we know each other ? " Mikhail didn't answer directly . Instead , he opened the door of a bulletproof Mercedes " Get in . Droskav winters are brutal . " The warmth inside the car enveloped me instantly . The black leather interiors exuded understated luxury , but one detail stood out - a bouquet of fresh white roses lay in the cabin , the exact variety I loved That couldn't be a coincidence " Mr. Romanov- " " Call me Mikhail , " he cut in , meeting my gaze through the rearview mirror . " Or have you forgotten ? Back then , I went by Misha " The name hit me like a jolt , and my heart skipped a beat . " Kingsmoor Institute of Commerce . Fall of 2019. His voice was low and rich , like a cello . " The library was open 24/7 during exam week , and you used to bring coffee and donuts for everyone pulling all - nighters