Viktor wasn’t surprised to see several bodies lying around when they went inside the main building. He knew he should be shocked and hurt, but he was numb. What is she going to do next? Father Lena shook his head. “She had no reason to do this.”

“You went after me,” Viktor whispered.

“I did. And she could have attacked me directly.”

Viktor had no response. He knew what Father Lena was trying to do, but he couldn’t bring himself to think for too long. Nadia was singing softly in the kitchen. Father Lena guided Viktor to a chair and gagged him. “I’ll make it quick.”

Viktor’s eyes widened. What does he mean by that? Didn’t he say he was going to arrest us? Why arrest me and not Nadia? He’s not going to… Father Lena walked into the kitchen. Nadia stopped singing. Viktor struggled to lean forward, but his body wouldn’t move.

He could still hear them, though. “Thanks for bringing Viktor back, Father. I didn’t like seeing him go off with another woman.”

“He did that under my orders, Nadia.”

“Then, he should have refused. I’m the only one Viktor needs at his side.” Why are they speaking so calmly? One would think they’re talking about the weather from their tone.

“Viktor is old enough to make his own choices.”

“That he is. And he chose me.” I did choose you, Nadia!

Father Lena’s next words shocked Viktor. “But did you choose him?”

Nadia laughed. “What a silly thing to ask. Of course, I did.”

“Did you? I read the reports from Forgemaster Ivan. They paint a different picture. But I’m sure you already know that.” Nadia said nothing. If Father Lena was bothered, his voice showed no sign. “I’ve spoken with Forgemaster Ivan rather extensively, both in person and through other means, over the past few weeks about you and Viktor. I wish the two of you had reached out to me. I believe I made it clear I wanted to help you.”

“Your desire was not the issue, Father.”

“Then what was?”

“Shouldn’t you be trying to bind me? You know no one’s coming to help you.”

“I don’t need help, and I’ve often found people talk better when they’re allowed to move.”

“You think I’m a person?” Viktor frowned through his gag. Why would she ask such a thing?

“You are. You think. You feel. You could have gone on a rampage when you arrived in Vern. Yet you chose to stay with Viktor as a fellow Death Cleric and followed him here. What do you want, Nadia? Did you spare me because you were worried for Viktor?”

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Nadia chuckled softly. “You would never harm him. Viktor’s life is safe.”

“Are you sure? He killed my cousin. No one would blame me for taking his life in retribution.”

“You’re not interested in retribution, Father. You would have killed him by now if that was the case.” Viktor strained against his bindings again, but they didn’t budge. Father Lena’s shadow covered him, yet he couldn’t see Nadia. She’s probably on the other side of the table in the middle of the room. She always likes being on that side… I need to do something.

Father Lena tilted his head and said coldly. “You don’t know much about humans. I doubt you ever will. But you understand this is something you can’t take back, don’t you, Nadia? I can’t let you walk out of here alive. The king won’t allow something like you to exist.”

Viktor tried to scream, but it came out as a muffled groan. Father Lena didn’t move, but Nadia’s voice brightened in joy. “Viktor?! What did you do, Father Lena? Why isn’t my Viktor saying anything?”

“Because I restrained him. There are many things we don’t know about Viktor’s condition, and I owe to Forgemaster Ivan to try to help him. He’ll never be free again, but at least he’ll get the care he needs.”

Nadia remained silent for a few minutes, and Viktor wished Father Lena would move. He wanted to see her, and he needed to see her face again. But Father Lena stayed where he was, as she asked. “He can’t move?”

“That’s right. Viktor is in no position to help you.”

“... Or you.” Viktor thought he was done being surprised. He thought he knew everything about Nadia’s voice. But her usual warmth was gone as if it had never existed. Father Lena raised his hand warningly.

“I may not understand what your powers are, but I assure you, you won’t be able to pull my soul away from me.”

Nadia’s sigh did nothing to reassure Viktor. That’s not my Nadia. My Nadia is a bright cheerful girl who loves food. I… I don’t know who that is. But he wanted to find out. Viktor waited for the air to fill with Nadia’s power as the two began their duel, but it didn’t happen.

Father Lena was just as confused as Viktor. “What are you doing?”

“Viktor said I’d never be able to break your defenses. Did you know that he respected and feared you above all others? Not even Father Gregor compares, and I think I see why.”

“Does that mean you’re surrendering?”

Nadia laughed, sending shivers down Viktor’s spine. “Of course not. Why would I waste my time trying to get a single soul when I can gather numerous souls from the area? You think too highly of yourself, sir. Just because you follow the Path of Death doesn’t mean your soul is more important… Am I being clear?”

The sound of steel scraping against wood came, and to Viktor’s shock, Father Lena was calm. Too calm. “You can’t steal my soul, so you imagine killing me is the best option.”

“I would have preferred you as an ally, for Viktor’s sake. I don’t know what’s going on with him, either. But… we both know that’s not going to happen. I refuse to be destroyed, not by you or anyone.”

Father Lena stepped aside, finally giving Viktor a chance to see the room. Nadia was standing in front of the fireplace, a large stewpot peacefully bubbling away behind her. But Viktor’s eyes locked on the large carving knife she was holding. Nadia’s face remained expressionless as she looked at Viktor.

She’s never looked at me like that. What could have happened to her while I was with…. Who was I with?

Father Lena pointed at Viktor with the hand he’d been holding up to ward off Nadia’s attack and asked. “Does that mean Viktor’s soul has the same value?”

Nadia’s expression didn’t change, but her response was instant. “No. He’s priceless. I could never replace Viktor. Not in a million years!”

“That’s… good to know. I’m glad you have some feelings for him, even though I know they don’t match what he feels for you.”

Nadia frowned and raised the knife. “What do you mean?”

“Only that I know you feel something for him. But you don’t love him. Not truly. Not the way he loves you. Viktor is willing to throw his life away for you, but… you’re not willing to return the favor.”

Nadia opened her mouth, but Father Lena didn’t wait. He flicked his fingers, and Viktor’s world went black.