The Serpent’s Game is the first book in the Veil of Serpents series, but it can also be read as a standalone. It is a dark mafia romance that blends intrigue, passion, and power.

INTRODUCTION

In a world ruled by power, betrayal, and deadly alliances, love becomes the most dangerous game.

Vivian Harper never expected her path to cross with Moscow’s most feared Bratva Pakhan. Drawn into the orbit of Zakhar Ivonovich Kalashnikov, a ruthless leader whose empire is built on blood.

She finds herself caught between obsession and survival.

As desire collides with danger, enemies circle closer. Can Vivian survive the shadows of Zakhar’s world, or will love become the price that destroys them both?

TROPES

➥Student × Mobster
➥Mafia romance
➥Forbidden Love
➥Forced proximity
➥Power imbalance

TRIGGER WARNINGS

❖Physical violence
❖Manipulation
❖Controlling relationship
❖Psychological abuse
❖Past trauma
❖Emotional distress
❖Suicidal thoughts
❖Non-Consent sexual activities
❖Assault
❖Child abuse
❖Pedophile activities

AESTHETICS

✔ Name: Zakhar Kalashnikov
✔ Age: 28
✔ Height: 6'3
✔ Hair Color: Blonde
✔ Eye Color: Ocean blue
✔ Birthday: Octobar 12
✔ Nationality: Russian
✔ Studies: MBA, PhD
✔ Business: Pakhan of Black Serpent Bratva, Chairman of Z Prime

✔ Name: Vivian Harper
✔ Age: 22
✔ Height: 5'3
✔ Hair Color: Black
✔ Eye Color: Emerald green
✔ Birthday: March 21
✔ Nationality: American
✔ Studies: Post grad-Computer major at Vostok University (Senior year)

HIS FAMILY

❥ Zinoviy Kalashnikov - Younger brother(24)
❥ Zoran Kalashnikov - Younger Brother(24)
❥ Elena Ivanovna Kalashnikova- Younger sister(19)
❥ Anastasia Kalashnikova- Mother
❥ Ivan Kalashnikov- Father
❥ Dmitri Kalashnikov- Uncle.
❥ Mikhail Kalashnikov- Cousin(26)
❥ Vladimir Kalashnikov- Cousin(24)

HER FAMILY

❥ Blake Harper- Younger brother(19)
❥ Edward Harper- Father (passed away)
❥ Evelyn Harper- Mother (Passed away)
❥ Matthew Harper- Uncle
❥ Irina Harper- Aunt(Russian)

Other important characters

❥ Nikolai
❥ Maksim
❥ Sasha
❥ Alexie

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental.

Image Credits:

All images used for inspiration or promotional purposes are sourced from Pinterest and belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended. If any image is yours and you wish for it to be credited or removed, please contact me directly.

Copyright Notice:

The Serpent's Game © 2025 by Nyx. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in reviews or critical articles.

A Note of Thanks

To everyone who picked up this book, thank you. Out of countless stories you could have chosen, you chose mine, and that means the world to me. Every page you read, every moment you spend in this world I created, is a gift I don’t take for granted.

This story exists because of readers like you, who believe in love, danger, and the beauty of imperfect characters finding their way. I hope this journey keeps you hooked, makes your heart race, and stays with you long after the last page.

With gratitude,
Nyx<3