Katya
She stood silently around the corner, listening to her mother and older sister speak in hushed tones. It had been a week since Irina's return and there was rumor that she had turned. Katya's eyes narrowed at the thought of a traitor in her midst, let alone, one that was her sister.
"Yekaterina, you still eavesdrop like a child I see. I suppose some things never change," Irina spoke harshly.
"I hate when you use my full name," Katya chided as she emerged from the shadows. She held herself tall and gently smoothed the wrinkles from her KGB uniform. "It's good to have you back, Comrade. I overheard you talking about that fool husband of yours."
Irina nodded vaguely and threw back another shot of vodka. "I've heard you've moved quickly through the ranks. Congratulations." She filled two glasses and held one out to her.
Katya eyed her suspiciously before taking the glass and raising it. "To your safe return and a life free from those American pigs." She quickly swallowed the burning liquid but noticed when Irina did not. "Have you become so accustomed to the American lifestyle that you've forgotten how to drink when somebody toasts you?"
"Do not push me, Katya, or speak of my family again." Irina's voice was low and lethal.
The smile that formed was cruel and knowing. "So the rumors are true, I see. You fell in love with the American. Tell me, did it hurt to leave your daughter? How do you think she feels right now, thinking her mother is dead?" Katya tilted her head in curiosity as she watched Irina's hands begin to shake. "Perhaps, your American husband cries for you as we speak." When Irina lunged, Katya was ready and took hold of her, ending the struggle quickly by holding a blade to her throat.
"Katya!" Iskra exclaimed. "Let her go."
"I will momentarily but first I have something to say." Katya held the knife tighter when her sister struggled. "You had the greatest opportunity and squandered it, Irina. You fell for your mark like a fool. I have lived in your shadow my entire life but not anymore. You will be known as a failure. Nothing more."
Irina felt the blade draw a thin line of blood from her throat but refused to shy away from it. "I see you've been taught well."
Katya pushed her away with disgust. "And I see you've become nothing more than a simple whore. I spent my entire life looking up to you but I see now I couldn't have been more wrong. You will never be better than me." She spit on the floor. "Traitor."