Night fell before Ivan came to collect them. Viktor’s back was fully healed, though he still walked slowly as Nadia stayed by his side. He wasn’t in the mood for polite conversation, and Ivan pointedly steered them away from the Life Clerics as they left the house.
No one said anything until they reached the cottage. Ivan sank into a chair with a groan while Nadia and Sister Katya fled to the kitchen. Viktor took a deep breath and tried to make his voice light. “I’m surprised Father Gregor let us walk away like that. He came all the way out here. I was expecting a lecture.”
Ivan snorted. “You’re not his to lecture. And I told him that if he said anything. I’d be dragging all of the Life Clerics assigned to this graveyard into the Fire Temple to be held until further notice… He didn’t like that.”
“I’ll bet… What happens now?”
Ivan rubbed his temples as he used his mana to light the fire. “Now, I’m going to send some Fire Clerics to the royal graveyard, and have them do an inspection. I know I don’t need to check yours, but don’t be surprised if people start poking around.”
Viktor nodded, waiting as his friend warmed himself. Ivan turned to him with a strained smile and continued. “You’re officially under house arrest. Nadia is free to travel to get whatever you two need. But Father Gregor is siding with Brother Mikail… They’re not going to let this slide.”
“Neither am I.”
Ivan stared at him in shock. “What?”
“I said I’m not going to let them get away with it either. I know I broke the law, but they’re acting like their actions are justified and…” Viktor looked away, wanting to feel shame. Wanting to feel anything beyond his exhaustion, but he couldn’t. He looked at Ivan and smiled softly. “Forgive me, my friend. I don’t know what’s happening, but… I need help.”
“Viktor…” The older man gently pushed Viktor into a chair and squeezed his shoulders. “Of course. Of course. You’ve been through a lot… We all have… I’m… well, not happy that you admit that something is wrong. But it’s a step in the right direction! I’ll get my best people on this, but you need to trust me. If only for Nadia’s sake, if not your own.”
“I do trust you, Ivan.” He was relieved to find that was true. Whatever is happening to me. It hasn’t made me lose sight of the people I care about. I just need to gather my thoughts and figure this out.
Ivan smiled and softly asked. “Tell me everything. Start with the moment you decided to take action and end with what happened with the body.”
Viktor frowned. “What do you mean? I left it in the alley. It was still there when you asked me to check for a ghost or spirit orb. I did nothing to the body.”
“So, if I find anything odd. I should assume it’s from Brother Mikail and not you?” Viktor nodded.
“I wasn’t there for the funeral. I refused to bury the body. And no one asked me to, either.”
“I see. Do you know where he was buried?” Viktor shook his head, not missing the spark of hope filling Ivan’s eyes.
“I assume he’s buried here or in a family plot. I don’t to find out, Ivan. They can’t frame me for necromancy.”
“They don’t need to. You killed Vlad and exorcised his ghost… Which isn’t considered murder, of course. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the family will claim it’s harassment.”
Viktor shrugged. “Let them. I don’t regret what I did, and we have more important things to worry about.”
Ivan frowned, clearly wanting to argue. But he sat down when Viktor pointed at his chair. “Please, tell me you didn’t find evidence of a vampire lurking around. I miss sleeping at night.”
“It’s not a vampire.” Viktor waited until Ivan sighed in relief before continuing. “It's a god called Zug. He wants to invade our city and take over the world.”
Ivan raised an eyebrow. “And you know this, how?”
“I can’t tell you that”-
“You most certainly can. If this matter goes to court. You’ll need all the evidence you can get. The truth, Viktor. Tell me the truth!” Viktor stared at the fire. The shame he wanted to feel earlier had finally coaxed itself to life. But it was more for Nadia’s sake than his actions.
Ivan looked toward the kitchen and asked. “It’s her, isn’t it? You’re worried about leaving Nadia unprotected.”
Viktor nodded but didn’t look away from the flames. She doesn’t need me to protect her. But I can’t tell him that. Or could he? Viktor leaned forward as if he wanted to feel more of the fire’s heat as his mind started racing. Ivan knows I wouldn’t make something like this up. But he needs more than my word to take action. What can I do to help him?
“Nadia is… important to me. I would not see her harmed over my actions. She’s come a long way but without mana. She won’t last long. I don’t want her to be harmed, Ivan. Please, believe that at the very least.”
“I do. Nadia is a kind girl, who I’m still investigating, by the way.” Viktor nodded, and Ivan watched him carefully. “Does she have a connection to this Zug?”
“She claims to, but I need to investigate more first. I’ve been visiting the libraries, but I’m not finding anything about him yet.”
“Is there a chance she’s lying or misinformed? Perhaps, someone is manipulating her. I’d rather believe that than a god trying to kill us.”
So would I. But Viktor couldn’t ignore Nadia’s powers. And he let the silence stretch as he finally returned Ivan’s gaze. The older man shook his head. “I think I miss the vampire. It was a pain to deal with, but at least we knew how to fight it.”
“I didn’t. I was supposed to stay out of the way…” Viktor chuckled bitterly. I’m always supposed to stay out of the way. But, if I want to change things… Viktor eye’s widened as he focused on that thought. I want to change things. Not just for me but for everyone. It doesn’t have to be by much… But maybe I can turn this around!
“Ivan”-
“You’re about to say something foolish, aren’t you?” Viktor nodded.
“It might be the only way to fix everything. We know that other cultures have their gods. And this city has had its share of magical threats…”
“Vampires, ghouls, and ghosts are one thing. Gods are something else. And I repeat, you need proof, Viktor.”
“I’ll get it.”
“How?” Good question. I can’t leave the cottage, and Nadia won’t want to leave me behind… Viktor sighed and held up his hands, exposing his palms to Ivan as he shrugged.
“I don’t know yet. But given that Father Gregor is bending the rules. I don’t see why we can’t do the same.”
Ivan chuckled and shook his head. “We? You wish to drag me into this crazy plan?”
“You’re already involved, Ivan. You chose to keep quiet about how Nadia arrived here, and you’re just as fed up with the way things are as I am. I remember your rage when you told me about Dmitri’s death. You can’t deny that you felt satisfaction over this… soldier’s death.”
“I don’t deny that I won’t mourn that one. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to break the law for you, Viktor. My choosing to leave Nadia in your care isn’t the same as killing someone.”
That you know of. But no one considers spirit orbs to be alive, either. “I’m not asking you to break the law. I just want you to do what Father Gregor’s doing and escort me to where I need to go.”
“And where would that be?”
“I don’t know yet. As I said, I haven’t found any information. But once I do I want to be able to move… Please, Ivan.”
Ivan remained silent for several moments, gaze never leaving Viktor’s face as he searched for something Viktor didn’t know. Viktor was about to try again when Ivan sighed. “You know they’ll use the murder to argue that you shouldn’t be allowed among the public.”
“We can argue that the ghost would have been more dangerous. And it was getting there, Ivan. That thing wouldn’t have stayed in the house forever, and I didn’t see any wards to keep it inside. It’s a miracle it didn’t kill someone.”
“It is.” Ivan agreed as he rose. “But the stakes are high no matter what we do. I’ll keep investigating Nadia and look into this Zug. But don’t get your hopes up, and don’t do anything to make this worse. If you really want to protect Nadia. Stay inside.”
Viktor nodded. “Ivan?”
“Yes?”
“I-I know… I didn’t say much that made sense, and it sounds crazy. I make no excuses. But I’m… I don’t know. Not right.” There’s something wrong with my head. Everyone grieves differently, and I won’t be the last person to take a life to avenge someone they care about. But this feels different.
Ivan squeezed Viktor’s shoulder and nodded. “I will get you help, my friend. The recent events have taken a toll, but you’re not broken. You know what the right thing to do is. I will help you through this so you and Nadia can live in peace.”
“Thank you…” He didn’t watch Ivan head into the kitchen, nor did he react when Ivan and Sister Katya walked out the door. Viktor closed his eyes, hoping to block the world… until Nadia knelt beside him.
“Viktor?”
“I’m fine.” She held his hand and leaned against his legs.
“Are you really?”
“I don’t know.” Will she see this as a betrayal? Will she help me learn more about Zug?
“Are you hungry?”
“No, but I should eat… What were you doing with Sister Katya?”
“Talking. I made some soup for you, Viktor. Will you eat it?”
“I… will try.” Nadia hummed, squeezing his hand as she hurried away. Viktor wanted to drift off, but he heard Nadia return, and he smiled as she placed a bowl on his lap. “This looks wonderful. Thank you, Nadia.”
“Of course. Eat up now. You’ve had a long day and need to rest. Does your back still hurt?”
“No, it’s fine. I’m not allowed to leave the cottage, Nadia.”
“I know. Sister Katya told me, but don’t worry! I’ll take care of everything! I’ll study hard and get whatever we need. Do you think we’ll have to stay here even after our home is finished?”
“I don’t know, Nadia.” It would be strange if they did allow me to go back to the poor graveyard. But I’ll worry about that later. Viktor dug into the food, needing something to distract himself from the mess his life had turned into. Nadia stayed close but allowed him to eat in peace.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
He smiled as he took the last bite and went into the kitchen. “It was delicious, Nadia. Why don’t you get to bed? I’m going to collapse at any moment, so I don’t need to be guarded.”
Nadia giggled and shook her head. “I’m not guarding you, Viktor. I know you don’t want to get Ivan in trouble… Will you tell me what the two of you were talking about?”
“Ivan wanted to know the truth about the man who killed Dimitri.” He put the dishes in the sink and looked at Nadia. “I killed him.”
“Did that make you feel better?” Viktor frowned, not expecting such a response, but he did think about it. She isn’t human and doesn’t share a human’s concerns… I need to stop assuming she understands things the same way I do.
“I don’t know. I’m glad he’s dead. Human life shouldn’t be treated so flippantly. But I’m sure others would find that ironic since I killed him… My head is a mess, Nadia. I don’t know what to feel anymore.”
“Do you know what will make you feel better?” He shook his head.
“Nothing should make me feel better. That’s the problem. I don’t use his name or recall what he looked like. I couldn’t see the resemblance to Brother Mikail, despite staring at him through the window. There’s something wrong with my brain, and…”
Nadia hugged him from behind, resting her cheek against his shoulder. “And?”
“And I think something is messing with me. I don’t know how to explain it!” Why did I tell her that? If she decides to betray me, then I’m giving her everything she needs! But Nadia only hummed as he shakily put the dishes away. “Nothing I say makes sense. I’m losing everything I’ve worked so hard to cling to since Dmitri's death. You might need to find another Death Cleric to train under. If I don’t spend the rest of my life in prison, I’m certain I’ll wake to find a dagger in my chest.”
“I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you. I did things your way at the house. Why don’t we try my way for a change?”
“Because your way involves stealing souls… Has Zug contacted you recently?” Nadia shook her head.
“You don’t need to worry about him, Viktor. I told you that.”
“You did, but I can’t help wondering why he sent you to me…” Viktor turned so he was facing Nadia. She smiled, keeping her arms wrapped around him as he asked. “Does he… know what I did?”
“I don’t know. Is it really so bad to be chosen by a god you don’t worship?”
“Considering he expects a genocide? Yes. It’s bad. I know I deserve to be punished for what I did. But if he chose me because of that, then he’s going to be disappointed. I have no intention of slaughtering people, Nadia. And I don’t want to help you steal souls. It’s still murder, which accounts for the same thing.”
“It does, but what of it, Viktor? You’re forbidden from leaving the cottage for the time being. But I’m free to go where I please. You can get Ivan to help you, but how much time do you think we have? Remember what I told you? Isn’t it better to save some people instead of slaughtering them all?”
“I’m not comfortable making these kinds of choices. They deserve to live…”
“So do you.”
“I… don’t want to die.” Nadia smiled, but Viktor wasn’t done. “I don’t want to kill anyone. The only reason I did, was to avenge Dmitri’s death…”
“Tell me more about Dmitri. How did you meet?”
“Why do you want to know?” I know Ivan wants me to, but what’s the point in talking about it? Nadia slowly rose to her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
“Because I want to know more about you, Viktor. Do I need a better reason than that?”
“I guess not…”
“Should we go back to the fireplace? You looked like you were about to pass out earlier. I’d like you to be as comfy as possible while we talk.”
“I never said I was going to talk about it, Nadia.” She hummed and stepped back, holding his hands while waiting for him to move.
“You never said you wouldn’t talk about it, and we’ll be able to work together better if I know more about you. Besides, without the spirit orbs and the barriers in place. There’s no reason for you to hurry off to bed. You can focus on training me. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“It depends on what I’m training you on.” He let her lead him back to his chair.
“You can train me on whatever you want. I love learning from you!”
“I bet you do…” He sat down, and Nadia resumed her place, kneeling at his feet. “Why are you sitting on the ground? There’s a perfectly good chair right over there.”
“I want to be close to you. Is that bad?” Viktor sighed, shaking his head as he tried to explain.
“It’s not bad… But it makes me uncomfortable. Plus, if someone saw us like this, they might think I’m abusing my position as your teacher.” Nadia shrugged but didn’t stand up.
“Considering most of those people might side with Father Gregor. I don’t really care what they think. I don’t understand why humans care about how they’re perceived, Viktor. Wouldn’t it be better to focus on what brings you joy instead of worrying if it’s acceptable?”
“You need to work on how you phrase things… But I see your point.” She smiled and he couldn’t resist smiling back. It’s not like I’m doing anything to her, and she’s the one who sat down… Do you really want to know that badly, Nadia?”
“Yes, very much! I want to learn everything about you!” Viktor looked at the fire and nodded.
“Very well…
I was five years old when the dead left their graves. I was still trying to decide if I liked going to school. Our village was small. We only had a Water Cleric to handle everything between healing and education. But I never thought too much of it. The sky was a perfect blue, with no clouds in sight, and the sun was pleasantly warm.
I was sitting behind our barn when the first wave struck. My parents were still in the fields like most of the adults. There was never a reason to post guards or the like. We weren’t special, and the nearest town was a day’s ride. There was no warning. The dead walked into town and quickly began devouring everyone too slow to escape.
I don’t remember why running into the fields was considered a safe thing. The zombies didn’t need to use their eyes to find us. They didn’t even have to run. We were cattle being pushed to our breaking point. And the zombies were the ones invited to the feast. I remember my mother holding me close as my father tried to protect us.
I don’t remember running. I don’t remember getting accustomed to the smell of death… But I remember watching the zombies close in around us. It took five of them to pull my father to the ground, and because she was holding me… They tore my mother apart next.
There was no end to the blood, and just when I knew it was my turn… The ghosts arrived. Hundreds of them.”
Viktor shook his head, smiling sadly as Nadia squeezed his hand. “What happened next, Viktor?”
“I don’t remember it that well. Dmitri told me that the necromancer reanimated the bodies, but he didn’t have their souls… Those were the ghosts I saw. The souls were angry their former vessels were being used to slaughter their families and friends… Dmitri said they arrived because of me. I… called them, somehow.”
“Like with the spirit orbs?”
“I don’t know. I was delirious from the mana drain… I was covered in blood when he found me. It nearly killed me to be connected to so many souls at once. I think they sensed it. My limitations, and chose to destroy their bodies quickly, so the necromancer couldn’t force them to fight anymore.”
“That must have been awful. I can’t imagine what that must have been like.”
Viktor nodded, waiting for sleep to claim him, but he knew Nadia was still waiting. “Dmitri found me a few hours later. He killed the necromancer and went into the village to offer what aid he could… I was still in the fields. One of my neighbors told him about how the ghosts protected me, and… he took me away.”
Nadia nodded, lightly rubbing his arm while he vented. “He took everything away. No one chooses to become a Death Cleric. We’re found and forced into it because no one else wants to tend to the dead. I used to hate him. I hated him so much! I tried running away many times, but it didn’t matter… I was always returned to him.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“No. Not for running away, at least. He understood why I did it… and eventually, it stopped meaning anything.”
“What do you mean, Viktor?”
“I mean… I grew accustomed to it. Digging graves, fighting the undead, and being tolerated by people. I possess a power that rarely appears in others, and I live in a country where the Paths are honored. You teased me about my hatred for necromancers, but if Dmitri hadn’t found me. I might have become one by accident. I don’t want to believe I’d do what that monster did to my village. But it’s a possibility, Nadia.”
“You’re wrong. You could never become a necromancer, Viktor. You hate them too much.” She climbed into his lap, startling Viktor into gripping her upper arms as he now had to look up to see her face.
“Nadia?” What’s she doing? Nadia smiled, keeping her hands around Viktor’s face, it wasn’t the best position. Most of her palms were under his chin, while her fingers nearly touched his eyes.
“You could never be what you hate, but, I do believe you could be… more than what you are. You need to stop holding yourself back, Viktor. It’s not healthy. And we don’t have time to waste… You understand that, don’t you?”
“You said Zug isn’t going to be a threat for a while.”
“Zug doesn’t want to see you rot in a cell, or die a pointless death. You think something is messing with you, yes? Let’s focus on that for now, and wait and see how everything else goes!”
“Nadia…” She placed a finger against his lips, cutting him off with a gentle smile.
“No, Viktor. We’ve been doing things your way since I got here. And look what happened. You’ve been backed into a corner and might be killed at any time. I’ve already told you that I won’t let you die. So, we need to come up with a different plan now.”
“I’m not”- The finger she pressed against his lips slid against his tongue, forcing Viktor to pull his head back to avoid choking. “Nadia!”
“I know you don’t want to do it. But I’m telling you there’s no choice. Zug will just send another doll if I’m destroyed, remember? You need to work with me, Viktor. This won’t work otherwise.”
“What won’t work? And don’t stick your finger in my mouth again!” Nadia laughed, and the sound shouldn’t have comforted him. It sounded like her usual child-like innocence that had never failed to make him smile. But even with the knowledge of what she was asking him to do.
Viktor couldn’t feel repulsed by it. “It’s not funny. I have no idea where your hands have been.”
This only made her laugh harder. Nadia leaned down, resting her head in the crook of his neck as she slowly got herself under control. “Oh, Viktor… I really do love you. You say the silliest things sometimes.”
“I’m not trying to be silly!”
“I know.” She hummed as she turned so they could see each other’s faces. Nadia grinned and lightly poked his cheek. “You’re blushing.”
“Anyone would after what you just did.”
“Is that so?” Viktor nodded, not trusting himself to take his eyes off her… Not anymore. Nadia blinked, but Viktor couldn’t tell if she was doing it out of habit or not. Can I still trust you? He wanted to ask, but her expression was too friendly, too… like he was used to seeing.
We’re talking about murdering who knows how many people. She shouldn’t look so calm! And Viktor should have felt more disgust and fear. He liked Nadia. He knows he does, but he still couldn’t produce the right emotions. Viktor sighed and placed one of his hands on her face.
Nadia rubbed against his palm like a cat. “This is nice. I’ve missed being close to you when you’re sleeping, Viktor.”
“I’ve missed that too.” At least I can admit to that much, but I shouldn’t encourage her.
Nadia’s smile grew. “Is that so? Then, perhaps we can forget about the extra room and go back to sharing the same bed?”
Viktor started to protest, but Nadia lightly tapped his nose. “I want to protect you. Keep you safe. I can’t do that as easily from across the hall. Let me do this for you, Viktor. I’ve never harmed you, have I? Haven’t I earned your trust by now?”
“Not when you talk like that…” But can I afford to keep pushing her? Nadia pouted, but Viktor hugged her and kept talking. “I’m glad… that you listened to me about the ghost. Thank you for that, Nadia.”
“You’re welcome. I wished you would have let me take care of it. Then you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”
“I don’t want Zug to have a soul like that. He deserved to burn, not meet a quick end in a god’s stomach.”
“You’re assuming it would have been quick.” He nodded. I’m assuming a lot of things… Maybe I need to start confirming instead of guessing.
“Nadia?” She hummed. Viktor only hesitated for a second before whispering. “Do you… want to sleep with me?”
Viktor blinked, eyes searching the darkness for… something. But there was no one around. He sat on a chair that barely held his weight, but his body refused to move. Movement meant death, but he couldn’t stop his eyes from searching. “Viktor?”
He didn’t answer her. His mouth felt like it was glued shut, his tongue didn’t even twitch when he swallowed reflexively. But he couldn’t see her. He heard her sigh and her footsteps are accompanied by crunching sounds. He felt her before she touched him, and tried to make the contact last.
But she pulled away and sighed. “Oh, Viktor… what did you do this time?”
He frowned as his chair groaned beneath him, fingers tingling as she entwined hers with his uncooperating ones before kissing his forehead. “You don’t even know, do you? Silly Viktor. You should know how your own powers work, and to think you spent all that time worrying about pointless things…”
Viktor wanted to agree. He wanted to argue. He wanted to escape this place, and return to how things were… And he wanted to see what was hiding in the darkness. She laughed, and he felt his lips twitch in an attempt to smile. She tapped his forehead again.
“You want to see so badly?” It felt like his neck would break, but he forced himself to nod. He didn’t care about dying. Not when she was around. “All right then. Anything for you, Viktor!”
Light filled his eyes… and Viktor woke to find himself gasping for breath. Nadia was cradling his head in her lap, concern in her eyes as she stroked his hair. “Easy there, Viktor. The nightmare is over. Just breathe.”
Another nightmare… Viktor struggled to control his breathing as his eyes scanned the room. They were in his room, just as she wanted, and Nadia hadn’t left his side. The shirt she wore only reached her stomach, letting him feel her bare skin freely. Viktor tried to ignore it as he spotted the chair in front of his desk.
Is that the one I was sitting on in the dream? It does need a new leg… Nadia gently brushed his hair away from his face as she kissed his forehead. “Calm down, Viktor. You need to relax and come back to me!”
“I’m… here.” He coughed, earning a skeptical look, but Nadia smiled.
“Are you really?”
“Don’t know yet… How long have I been asleep?” She shrugged and looked out the window.
“A few hours. You’re really amazing, Viktor. You were exhausted, yet you still woke up around your usual time… Are you going to insist on getting up now?”
“I’ll need to eat eventually.” He was still watching her when she looked at him, and he smiled. “What do you want to focus on today, Nadia?”
She smiled back and kissed him. “Whatever you want. It’s about time you started thinking about yourself, Viktor.”
“But I need a distraction, and you’re the only one I can talk to…” That should be terrifying. You need to keep track of these things, Viktor. You need to show Ivan you’re trying to be better… Do I want to be better? Nadia hummed, gently lifting his head so she could lie down beside him.
“I hope that’s not all I am to you. I don’t want to be a distraction, Viktor. It doesn’t sound romantic.”
“You’re not. I just… need something to focus on!” She looked at him, one arm resting on his stomach while she used the other to support her head.
“You’re still fighting this, aren’t you? You still think there’s another way out.”
“I have to try.” She nodded.
“Do you regret what happened last night?”
“No.” Nadia grinned and Viktor was relieved to find himself believing it. I’m not right in the head, but I won’t let that get between Nadia and myself… There are other things that can do that.
“Viktor, I have a request.”
He raised an eyebrow and nodded. “Go ahead.”
“Don’t put on your robes today.”
“What?!” She giggled, lightly fingering the blanket so it revealed more of his skin.
“You sound like I just asked you to walk to town naked.”
“I do not!”
“You do! Is it really that strange a request, Viktor? What’s the point of having other clothes if you’re constantly wearing a robe? You can’t leave the cottage anyway, so what’s wrong with just wearing a shirt and trousers? I’ll wear my regular clothes too!”
“You can’t.” He couldn’t resist smirking as she pouted.
“Why? Why can’t I? It’s nice to wear different things once in a while!”
“You can’t do that because you might still get asked to help with your duties. And we own other clothes because we need something to wear while washing our robes.” It’d be odd if we didn’t have other things to wear… I don’t want to live like that again.
Nadia sat up and hugged her knees while staring at him. “Does that mean you won’t do it? I’ll do all the cooking today if you do.”
“Why do you want to see me without my robe on?” He blushed as he looked away. “Didn’t you… see everything last night?”
“I did, and I enjoyed the view. I knew my master chose correctly when he sent me to you. I learned so much last night… Viktor?”
He looked at her before looking at the space between them and nodded. “What is it, Nadia?”
“Was I good?” He blushed and nodded, earning a laugh from Nadia as she rose.
“Where are you going?” I want to ask if she enjoyed herself, but she’ll definitely laugh at me again. Nadia picked up her clothes and smiled over her shoulder at him.
“I’m going to get something else to wear, then make breakfast for you. You should stay in bed for a while. There’s no need for you to rush around right now…” She blew him a kiss and winked. “...and I want you properly rested from now on, Viktor. I want to do that again really soon!”
She was out the door before he could think of something, and Viktor groaned as he rolled into his pillow. Is it possible to die from embarrassment? I haven’t been with anyone in months… He closed his eyes, inhaling Nadia’s scent as he allowed himself to smile.
I guess I don’t need to worry about rumors spreading… I should probably write to Father Lena. He’ll want to know my side of the situation, and… Viktor frowned, sitting up as he listened for Nadia’s footsteps. The cottage was quiet, with some birds flying around the yard, letting their songs fill the air as they hunted for food or mates.
Viktor normally loved this time of day, but try as he might, he couldn’t keep the joy he felt in Nadia’s arms. What should I do? Would Dmitri have done about any of this? Dmitri wasn’t the type to turn his back on people, but he hadn’t had to deal with Nadia and her master.
Viktor didn’t want to turn his back on people. He took his duties seriously and enjoyed his life in the city. But if I can’t find a way to stop Zug, then…