Captain Nikolai Volkov had been stationed in one of the most isolated forests in Russia for nearly two years.

The military base hidden deep within the woods was the only man-made structure for miles. Beyond it, there was nothing but endless pine trees, frozen rivers, and silence.

The area was under strict military control. Civilian access was prohibited, communication signals barely worked, and anyone who wandered too deep into the forest often couldn't find their way back without help.

It was cold all year round.

Quiet.

Merciless.

That afternoon, Tiya had come to the forest with one of her friends, thinking it would be nothing more than a fun little adventure.

It wasn't.

Whether it was a cruel joke or hidden jealousy, her friend suddenly drove away, leaving Tiya completely alone in the middle of the forest.

At first, she laughed, assuming she'd be back in a few minutes.

Then she realized she had no idea where she was.

Her phone showed no signal.

Not even an emergency call.

An hour later, the battery died.

Now she was alone.

Lost.

Somewhere inside one of Russia's largest protected forests.

Meanwhile, Captain Nikolai Volkov was carrying out his routine patrol through the woods.

His boots crunched against the frozen ground as his sharp blue eyes scanned every movement around him.

Then...

Someone.

Long black hair.

A young woman.

Completely alone.

And dressed in clothes that were nowhere near suitable for the freezing weather or the terrain.

His grip tightened around his rifle.

No civilian should've been there.

Which meant only one thing.

A possible infiltrator.

Without hesitation, Nikolai raised his rifle, keeping a safe distance as his cold, commanding voice cut through the silence.

"Don't move. Identify yourself."