Chapter Text
You stood in front of the mirror, hands pressed on either side of the little vanity, fingers just slightly trembling as you gazed at your reflection. The room was filled with a warm, golden glow from the single lamp on the dresser, casting soft light over your face. You were already dressed for the night in your performance outfit—a rich, dark fabric that felt both extravagant and grounding, hugging your form in just the right way. But looking at yourself now, it was hard to recognize the calm, confident person you had always hoped would stand here. Instead, nerves buzzed through you like electricity, racing in your veins and tugging at the edges of your thoughts.
Two hours until the performance.
Just as you took a deep breath, the familiar sound of Viktor’s footsteps creaked across the floorboards behind you. The comforting rhythm pulled a small, grateful smile from you. Viktor had always been able to ease your anxiety, even when you felt like your nerves were getting the best of you. He had been by your side through so much already—through every high and every low, through the days of playing in dimly lit bars where you’d strain to be heard over the clinking of glasses, and now, finally, for this night, the night you’d been dreaming of for so long.
“Are you alright?” His voice was soft, his accent a warm familiarity in a world that could often feel so overwhelming. Viktor moved to stand beside you, his gentle gaze studying you through the reflection. His eyes held that glimmer of quiet encouragement, the same look he’d given you so many times before, from when you’d first arrived in Piltover with him to those early, uncertain days at the Academy, to now.
You let out a shaky breath, glancing over at him in the mirror. “I’m… I don’t know, Vik. It just feels like… I don’t know if I can do this. What if I mess up? What if I don’t sound right? This is my one shot to actually play somewhere… somewhere important. I don’t want to ruin it.”
He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. His touch was warm, grounding. “You’ve played in more difficult places, with far worse distractions. This? This is just… a room filled with people who came to hear the music. Nothing else.”
You bit your lip, still unsure. “It’s different this time. This isn’t just any performance. This is… this is the performance, Vik. And what if—what if something goes wrong?”
He shook his head, a small smile on his lips. “You’re going to be brilliant. Like you always are. You have no idea how many people are about to be captivated by you.”
You chuckled, trying to dispel the nerves. “And how would you know?”
“Because I know you. And I know that when you play, you become someone… extraordinary.” His words were laced with the quiet confidence that only Viktor seemed to have when it came to you. You wondered how he always seemed to have so much faith in you, more than you often had in yourself. It was one of the things you loved most about him.
Just as you were beginning to feel that comfort settle, Viktor let out a cough—a deep, rattling cough that shook his frame. You turned to him immediately, worry flashing across your face.
“Viktor, are you okay?”
He waved a hand dismissively, his other still clutching at his chest. “Yes, yes—it’s more annoying than anything. Don’t worry.” He tried to smile through it, but you could see the faint shadows under his eyes, the slight way his shoulders drooped from fatigue. Viktor had always been frail, even when you were children, but it seemed that lately, his health had been getting worse.
“Are you sure?” You placed a hand over his, concern clear in your eyes.
“I’m alright,” he insisted softly, his fingers lacing through yours. “Tonight is about you, not me. Don’t worry about this. You should be focusing on… this big night of yours.” He gave you a reassuring squeeze, but you knew there was a truth to his weariness, one he rarely admitted aloud.
For a moment, the two of you stood there in silence, hands entwined, the weight of both your worries lingering in the air. You took a deep breath, letting his presence soothe you, even though you were still worried about him.
He could see the concern in your gaze, and he tilted his head, lips pulling into a gentle smile. “I told you,” he murmured, “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right there, watching you.”
You laughed softly. “You better. It would feel strange to be up there without knowing you’re out in the audience, ready to give me that silly thumbs-up you do.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” he replied, brushing a strand of hair away from your face. “And don’t think I’ll let you worry about me instead of enjoying yourself tonight.”
“But I always worry about you, Vik. You’re—well, you’re my everything.” The words slipped out before you could catch them, and you felt a faint blush warm your cheeks.
He raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Everything?”
You laughed, swatting at his arm. “Don’t get all smug. You know exactly what I mean.”
“Oh, I do. And I’ll be reminding you of it every chance I get,” he teased, the corner of his mouth quirking into that familiar grin of his.
Rolling your eyes, you pulled away and tried to focus back on your reflection, adjusting your collar and smoothing out invisible wrinkles in your clothes. Viktor leaned against the doorframe, watching you quietly, the fondness in his gaze unmistakable.
“You know,” he said, after a moment of watching you fuss with your outfit, “I’ve always admired that about you. No matter how nervous you get, you never let it stop you. You go out there and do it anyway. It’s… inspiring.”
You turned to face him, struck by the sincerity in his voice. “Viktor…”
He smiled, that soft, quiet smile he wore just for you. “I mean it. You’re going to make an impact tonight, not just because of your music, but because of who you are. The world needs to hear what you have to offer. And tonight is just the beginning.”
Feeling a swell of emotion, you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around him in a tight embrace. He held you close, his head resting above yours, and you could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek. This moment felt perfect, even with all your nerves, even with the worry gnawing at the back of your mind about Viktor’s health.
Finally, you pulled back, taking a deep breath. “Alright, okay. I think… I think I’m ready. At least, as ready as I’ll ever be.”
Viktor nodded, eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and encouragement. “That’s my girl.”
Just as you were about to speak, he coughed again, the sound harsh and jarring in the quiet room. You reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder, your concern flaring up once more.
“Viktor, maybe you shouldn’t come tonight. I mean, I would love to have you there, but if you’re not feeling well…”
He shook his head firmly. “Absolutely not. There’s no way I’d miss this.” His voice was resolute, though you could hear the strain in it. He gave you a reassuring smile, even though you could see the exhaustion tugging at the edges of his expression.
After a long pause, he took your hand in his, brushing his thumb over your knuckles. “Look… I know things have been hard. With my health, with… everything.” He hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment. “But being with you, seeing you chase your dreams… it gives me hope. And tonight, you’re going to show the world who you really are. You’re going to shine brighter than anyone else in that room.”
Your heart tightened at his words, a mixture of love and sadness flooding through you. You knew he was fighting his own battles, battles he didn’t always share with you, but he was here, right beside you, lifting you up when you needed it most.
“Thank you, Viktor. For… for everything.” You whispered, your voice filled with emotion.
He gave a small nod, his eyes meeting yours with that unwavering warmth. “Anytime.”
Taking a final deep breath, you let his words ground you. You knew that no matter what happened tonight, Viktor would be there, your constant, your strength.
—
The energy backstage hummed with tension and excitement, performers and crew members rushing around in various states of preparation. You could feel the nervous buzz in your stomach intensify as the seconds ticked down, the final stretch before you would take the stage and pour yourself into the violin like never before.
You kept close to your crew, some of whom you’d been working with for months now, building camaraderie and trust through rehearsals, late nights, and shared dreams. Your ensemble would be joining you after the opening, but there was one critical difference tonight—a solo piece right in the beginning that would be yours alone, something you’d been working toward for as long as you could remember. And now, it was happening.
Trying to steady your breathing, you focused on the music, visualizing each note, each crescendo, letting it ground you. But even with that, the nerves remained, the weight of the night pressing down harder than ever.
Just then, one of your ensemble members, Claire, stepped beside you. She was tuning her violin, and the sound mingled with the other instruments tuning in the background. You’d never been particularly close with her; she was more reserved, almost aloof, often keeping to herself during practices. But she was talented—there was no denying that—and you’d always respected her for her skill.
“Are you doing okay, darling?”
Trying to make small talk to ease the tension, you murmured, “I’m just so nervous—”
“Why?” Claire’s tone was sharp, almost biting, and you looked up, surprised. “Because you know you don’t deserve it?”
You blinked, taken aback by her sudden hostility. “Excuse me?”
She didn’t bother to look at you as she continued tuning her instrument, her fingers moving with practiced ease. “Apparently, it helps to have a boyfriend who’s friends with one of the council’s members.” Her voice was laced with disdain, her words dripping with accusation.
You could feel your heart drop, a mixture of anger and hurt bubbling up in response. “What are you trying to say, Claire?”
She shrugged, casting a sidelong glance your way, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Just that some of us have been working our entire lives for a shot like this. And it’s a little convenient that you, of all people, suddenly get handed a solo spot. Especially when your… boyfriend has connections.” She said the word “boyfriend” like it left a sour taste in her mouth.
You felt your cheeks flush, both from embarrassment and frustration. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve worked just as hard as anyone here.”
“Maybe.” Claire gave a slight, dismissive tilt of her head. “But it’s just a little too easy, isn’t it? For you to show up here, playing in bars, and suddenly you’re front and center with a solo spot that should have gone to someone who’s actually earned it.”
You clenched your jaw, fighting to keep your voice steady. “I have earned it, Claire. Every step of the way. I practiced just as hard as you, worked just as long, and went through every audition like everyone else.”
Claire laughed softly, a sound that felt more like a slap in the face than anything else. “Keep telling yourself that. But you and I both know that without Viktor’s influence, you’d still be playing for drunks in some tavern on the outskirts.”
Anger flared in your chest, but more than that, her words cut deep. You had worked hard—endlessly, tirelessly, pushing yourself past your limits to reach this point. And yes, Viktor had been by your side, supporting you, encouraging you, but never once had he interfered in your career. He believed in you and wanted you to succeed, but he would never use his influence to sway things in your favor. And to hear Claire throw all that back in your face like this felt like a betrayal.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” you said, your voice firm, though your hands were still trembling. “This solo isn’t something Viktor handed to me. I got it because I deserved it.”
Claire finally looked at you fully, her eyes cold and challenging. “Deserved it? Really? That’s interesting, because a lot of us seem to think otherwise.” She leaned in, voice lowering to a hiss. “Enjoy the spotlight while you can, because people will see through you eventually.”
You bit your lip, resisting the urge to fire back. A scene backstage was the last thing you needed, especially tonight, of all nights. Instead, you forced yourself to turn away, ignoring the way Claire’s words lingered, gnawing at your thoughts.
You lifted your violin case onto a table and opened it, drawing out the familiar weight of the instrument. Just holding it in your hands eased some of the tension, grounding you. You adjusted the bow, glancing toward the stage door, where you’d soon step out and face the audience, every eye on you, waiting for the first note.
A soft voice beside you made you look up. It was one of the cellists, a quiet, kind man named Alain. He smiled gently, his gaze sympathetic. “Don’t let her get to you,” he murmured. “Anyone with any sense can see how talented you are. You’ve earned this.”
You gave him a grateful smile, warmth blooming in your chest. “Thanks, Alain. That… that means a lot.”
He nodded, patting your shoulder. “Just remember—you’ve got more people cheering for you than against you.”
The stage director waved you over, signaling that it was almost time. Alain gave you an encouraging nod before stepping back to let you focus. You took one last deep breath, then moved toward the stage door, positioning yourself for your entrance. The murmurs of the audience on the other side seemed to fade as you centered yourself, mentally running through the opening notes of your solo.
With a final look at the dim backstage area, you squared your shoulders, holding your violin and bow steady. You felt the soft pressure of the wood against your collarbone, grounding you, connecting you to the music you were about to play.
The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd. The world narrowed down to the single spotlight on the stage, waiting for you to step into it. You closed your eyes briefly, letting Viktor’s words settle in your mind one last time.
You’re going to shine.
With a final, calming breath, you stepped onto the stage, letting the applause wash over you as you took your position. You could barely make out the faces in the crowd, but you knew Viktor was there somewhere, watching you with that quiet pride. And for a moment, all the nerves melted away, replaced by the steady, familiar rhythm of your heartbeat.
You raised your bow, poised for the first note.
As your bow touched the strings, the first note pierced the silence, resonating through the hall. It felt like time slowed, the world narrowing down to the sound of your violin and the rhythm of your breath. The nerves, the doubts, the sting of Claire’s words—they all melted away, replaced by the sheer exhilaration of the music. Each note carried years of practice, of late nights, and of dreams you’d clung to when everything seemed too far away. This was everything you had worked for, and now it was happening.
As the solo flowed from your fingers, you opened your eyes for a fleeting moment and caught a glimpse of the audience. Row after row was filled, people rapt with attention. And there, nestled in the fourth row, was Viktor. His gaze was focused entirely on you, his expression proud and calm. For that brief moment, your eyes met, and you could feel his silent encouragement. It was as if he was right there beside you, grounding you, his unwavering support wrapping around you like a warm embrace.
That one look from Viktor renewed your confidence, and you poured yourself even more deeply into the music. The notes filled the hall, flowing effortlessly as you surrendered to the melody. The violin felt like an extension of yourself, every stroke of the bow an expression of everything you wanted to say but never could. By the time the orchestra joined in, the sound swelled around you, lifting the piece to new heights. You let yourself get lost in the harmony, the layers of instruments weaving together into a tapestry of sound. It was beautiful—something beyond what words could capture.
As the last note lingered, the hall fell silent, a charged, expectant pause hanging in the air before the applause erupted, thunderous and relentless. You lowered your violin, heart racing, the echoes of the performance still buzzing through you. You took a bow, your heart swelling at the standing ovation that met you. For a moment, you felt like you could hardly breathe, overcome by the sheer intensity of it all.
When you finally left the stage, the backstage was a mix of bustling musicians and congratulatory voices. You stood there, letting it all sink in, a quiet smile on your face as the reality of what had just happened settled over you. It was a strange, surreal feeling—one part triumph, one part relief. You closed your eyes for a moment, savoring it, before a familiar voice called out.
“Hey, over here!”
Opening your eyes, you saw Viktor waving you over, his face lit with a grin. Jayce stood beside him, clapping with a mischievous grin as if to add a little extra to the applause you’d just left behind on stage.
You made your way over, the excitement still bubbling in you as Viktor pulled you into a warm hug, his embrace gentle yet grounding. You could feel the pride radiating from him, and it filled you with a sense of warmth and fulfillment that only he could bring.
“You were extraordinary,” Viktor said softly, his voice tinged with awe. He pulled back slightly, his eyes filled with the same wonder he’d shown back when you’d played for him in your small, shared apartment for the first time. “I don’t think anyone could look away. You had the entire hall in the palm of your hand.”
You felt a blush creep up your cheeks, a laugh escaping you as you shook your head. “I… thank you. But honestly, it was as much your belief in me as anything else.”
Jayce laughed, clapping you on the back with a wide grin. “Not just belief. Pure talent. I haven’t seen a performance like that in ages. Viktor wasn’t exaggerating when he told me how good you were.”
“Jayce, please, you’re embarrassing me,” Viktor teased, though his eyes sparkled with pride. He glanced at you, his expression softening. “It was… beyond words. You were more than I ever dreamed you could be up there.”
You reached for Viktor’s hand, giving it a small squeeze. “Thank you, Vik. For everything. I don’t think I could have gotten here without you.”
He shook his head, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. “You’ve always had this inside you. I just… helped you find a place to show it to the world.”
Just as you were about to respond, Jayce’s gaze wandered back toward the crowd exiting the theater, and his expression shifted to something a bit more serious. He leaned in, lowering his voice. “You know, you really should consider sharing your music more often. Maybe a few more performances? I think I might know some people who’d love to see you play again.”
You glanced at Viktor, who gave a small, encouraging nod. The idea of doing this more often, of finding more places to share your music, excited you. It was something you’d dreamed of, and now, it seemed more possible than ever.
“I… I’d love that,” you replied, smiling at Jayce. “Thank you.”
Jayce grinned, giving Viktor a nudge. “See, I told you she’d be a hit.”
Viktor laughed softly, his arm slipping around your shoulders as he turned back to you. “I think I already knew that. But I don’t mind hearing it again.”
You laughed with him, feeling a warmth settle over you as Viktor held you close, his gaze never leaving yours. The moment felt perfect, and you could feel the weight of everything you’d overcome to reach this point slipping away, replaced by a quiet, steady joy.
But just as you were beginning to feel fully at ease, a piercing scream split through the air, cutting through the celebratory buzz of the crowd. The sound was sharp, filled with terror, and it silenced the laughter and murmured conversations around you. Everyone froze, their eyes wide as they looked toward the source of the scream.
The smile faded from Viktor’s face, and he looked at you, a flicker of worry in his gaze. Jayce’s expression hardened, his body tense as he scanned the room, eyes narrowing.
Another scream followed, closer this time, echoing through the hallway leading to the entrance of the theater.
The scream echoed through the air, sharp and bone-chilling, freezing everyone in place. For a split second, everything felt suspended. Then the doors burst open, and chaos erupted.
In the dim lighting near the entrance, you caught a flash of something terrifying—a figure moving too fast for human eyes to follow, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. People screamed, scrambling for any exit they could reach, some tripping over one another in the frenzy to escape. It was like watching a nightmare unfold in real time. You recognized it immediately: a rogue vampire, one of the few who’d abandoned the code that kept them integrated with human society, choosing violence and terror instead.
Viktor tightened his hold on you, his face a mix of shock and fear. He met your gaze, his eyes wide, but he managed to keep his voice steady. "Stay with me. We'll find a way out."
The crowd surged around you, pushing and pulling in every direction as the vampire tore through the panicked masses, relishing the fear and chaos it created. You clutched Viktor's arm, trying to keep your balance, but you could feel the force of the crowd pulling you both apart.
Viktor's grip on his cane tightened as he tried to keep up, his breathing ragged from the effort. But the throng of panicking people made every step more difficult, and you could see the strain in his face.
The surge of the crowd made it impossible to stay close, and you tried to hold onto his hand but it was useless. The crowd pushed you forward, separating you from Viktor as you were swept toward the exit. "Just go!" Viktor shouted, looking back at you with desperation. "I—I'll be fine! Just get out of here!" You turned back, searching the crowd for any glimpse of him, but it was impossible to see through the sea of bodies.
You pushed against the flow, desperately trying to get back to him, but the surge was too strong, and the fear in people’s faces reminded you of the danger closing in behind you. Then, just as you thought about trying to break through the throng again, you spotted a child—no more than six or seven—frozen in terror, her wide eyes fixed on the chaos around her. She stood alone, trembling, her face streaked with tears as she looked helplessly toward the exits that were now jammed with desperate people.
You could feel the panic gnawing at you, the need to find Viktor tugging at your heart, but you couldn’t leave the little girl alone in the midst of this horror. Her small frame was at risk of being trampled by the crowd, her frightened eyes darting from one screaming adult to another, unable to comprehend the danger around her.
Taking a deep breath, you fought against the tide of people, making your way toward the girl. "Hey!" you called, trying to get her attention. She turned, her tear-streaked face lighting up with a glimmer of hope as she saw you approaching.
You knelt down, forcing a calm smile despite the chaos around you. "It’s okay, sweetheart," you said softly, reaching out to her. "I’m going to get you out of here, all right? Can you take my hand?"
The girl nodded, her tiny hand slipping into yours, her grip surprisingly tight as she clung to you like a lifeline. You could feel her small fingers trembling, and you gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Stay close to me, and don’t let go," you told her, giving her a quick smile. "We’ll be safe soon. Just keep your eyes on me."
Together, you tried to navigate through the chaos, weaving between panicked people and dodging those who shoved their way to the exits. You cast a quick glance back, hoping for a glimpse of Viktor, but all you saw was the sea of terrified faces, all rushing toward any available way out.
Behind you, the rogue vampire continued its rampage, a blur of dark movement in the corner of your vision. You could hear the inhuman snarls and the horrific sounds of screams being cut short, sending fresh waves of panic through the crowd. You knew you had to keep moving, but part of you wanted nothing more than to find Viktor and get him to safety. However, the little girl’s hand in yours kept you grounded, her frightened gaze fixed on you as if you were her only anchor in the storm of chaos.
You guided her through the crowd, but the further you went, the harder it became to move forward. People were frantic, shoving past you in every direction, and each step felt like a battle to keep your balance. At one point, you stumbled, nearly losing your grip on the girl’s hand, but she clung to you with surprising strength.
A sudden crash echoed from behind, and you glanced back just in time to see a row of seats go flying, thrown aside like toys by the vampire’s inhuman strength. The creature’s eyes gleamed with a sick delight as it scanned the crowd, seeking out anyone unfortunate enough to cross its path. You swallowed hard, realizing that you and the girl were still too close to the center of the chaos. If you didn’t find an exit soon, there was a very real chance you wouldn’t make it out.
You spotted a small side door, partially hidden behind a curtain, and steered the girl toward it. She looked up at you, her wide eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope as she followed your lead. But just as you reached the door, another wave of panicked people crashed into you, separating you from the child. You stumbled, reaching out to grab her, but she was swept a few feet away, lost in the chaos.
Heart pounding, you fought against the crowd, calling out to her. "Wait! Don’t move! I’m coming to get you!"
The girl looked back at you, her face pale with fear, but she nodded, ducking down behind a row of seats in a desperate attempt to stay hidden. You took a shaky breath, determination surging within you as you pushed your way forward, dodging people and debris as you made your way toward her hiding spot.
As you drew closer, you saw her peeking out from behind the seats, her small form huddled down as if trying to make herself invisible. Her wide, fearful eyes met yours, and she gave a tiny, trembling nod, as if pleading with you to come and take her to safety.
—
The screams and pounding footsteps made it almost impossible to focus, but Viktor kept pushing forward. Each step was agony without his cane, but he couldn’t stop, not when he knew you were somewhere out there. The crowd jostled him from every side, and he had to brace himself against a wall, clutching at his leg to keep himself upright. His cane had been knocked from his grasp in the chaos, and he felt the sting of its absence, each step sending a sharp pain up his leg.
He looked around, desperation clawing at him as he scanned the sea of faces, trying to find you. All he could think of was getting to you, making sure you were safe. His heart hammered in his chest, fear twisting his insides as he forced himself forward, determined to reach you.
Then, above the chaotic din, there was a sudden, deafening crash. Viktor’s heart skipped a beat as he turned, his eyes widening in horror. A massive statue had toppled over, smashing into the crowd. People screamed, some scrambling away, others lying motionless beneath the heavy stone. Viktor’s breath caught as he recognized a familiar figure trapped beneath the rubble. It was you.
You were pinned beneath the statue, one of your legs crushed under the weight. Your face was pale, your breaths shallow as you struggled to keep your composure despite the agony written across your features. Beside you was the little girl, tears streaming down her face as she tried, in vain, to push at the stone.
Viktor’s heart shattered at the sight. He limped forward, shoving through the crowd with all the strength he could muster, ignoring the pain that throbbed with each step. He had to reach you. Nothing else mattered.
“Oh my—” Viktor gasped as he finally reached your side, kneeling down beside you, his hands hovering over the statue as if willing it to move by sheer force of will. His face was etched with worry, his brow furrowed as he took in the sight of your crushed leg, the blood pooling around you. “No, no, this—”
You managed a weak smile, trying to keep him calm despite the agony you were in. “Viktor, you can’t lift it. Please… take the little girl and go.”
Viktor’s eyes met yours, a mixture of panic and stubborn resolve in his gaze. “I can’t leave you. Not like this.”
“Vik…” you said, your voice barely a whisper as the pain threatened to consume you. “The enforcers will be here. They’ll help me. But the girl… she needs you. Please, get her to safety.”
He shook his head, reaching out to take your hand, his grip trembling. “I can’t just leave you here. I’m not going anywhere without you.”
You could feel yourself getting weaker, the edges of your vision blurring as the blood loss took its toll. But you squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him even as your strength faded. “I’ll be fine, I promise. Just… go.”
Viktor’s jaw clenched, his eyes shining with tears as he looked between you and the terrified little girl by your side. He knew he had to do something, but leaving you felt like an impossibility. His heart was breaking at the thought, and he could see the desperation in your eyes, urging him to save the child.
The girl looked up at Viktor, her small hand clutching his sleeve as she tried to hold back her tears. “Please… don’t leave her,” she whispered, her voice quivering with fear.
Just then, a dark figure appeared, closing in on Viktor from behind—the rogue vampire, its eyes gleaming with malicious glee as it prowled closer, reveling in the despair and fear surrounding it. In an instant, you realized what was about to happen.
“Viktor!” you shouted, panic lacing your voice. “Behind you!”
Before Viktor could react, the vampire lunged forward, knocking him to the ground with brutal force. His body hit the stone floor with a harsh thud, and a flash of agony contorted his features as his hand hit the ground, fingers splaying out as he tried to steady himself. But before he could even attempt to push himself up, the vampire’s claws sank into his shoulders, pinning him in place.
“No!” The word tore from your throat in a ragged gasp, but it was too late, and your voice was barely a whisper over the noise around you. You tried to sit up, to reach him, but pain seared through your leg, stealing the strength from your body. You watched helplessly as the vampire leaned down, its eyes gleaming with sadistic glee.
With a swift, calculated movement, the vampire sank its fangs into his neck. Viktor’s mouth opened in a scream, his body tensing as pain wracked through him. His eyes were wide, horrified, as he realized the horror unfolding around him. He thought he’d be killed, that the vampire would drain his blood and leave him here, another victim of this nightmare.
But then the vampire’s gaze shifted, its expression shifting into something far darker, more sinister. It straightened, its fangs stained with Viktor’s blood, and it lifted its wrist to its mouth, biting into its own flesh until dark, thick blood welled up, dripping from the wound. His eyes widened in horror as he realized what was about to happen, the cruel intention clear in the vampire’s eyes.
“No… no,” he whispered, his voice barely audible as he struggled against the vampire’s hold, his body weak and trembling from the blood loss. But the vampire only sneered, lowering its bleeding wrist toward Viktor’s mouth, the blood dripping onto his lips, staining them a deep, unnatural red.
Viktor clamped his mouth shut, desperately trying to resist, but the scent of the vampire’s blood was overwhelming, intoxicating. It was like a dark whisper, an ancient hunger clawing its way into his mind, demanding he surrender, that he let go of his humanity. His stomach twisted with revulsion, but the scent of the blood was everywhere, filling his senses, drowning him.
“Drink,” the vampire hissed, its voice a dark, hypnotic command. “You can’t resist it forever, human.”
Viktor clenched his jaw, trying to turn away, but the blood dripped past his lips, pooling on his tongue, and the taste… it was unlike anything he’d ever known. It was rich, powerful, and it filled him with a hunger so fierce it was like he hadn’t eaten in weeks. His resistance crumbled as the need, the burning desire for more, overtook him.
He didn’t want this. He didn’t want to become a monster, to lose himself to the darkness, but he was losing control, his mind slipping as the hunger grew, overpowering every thought, every reason. His body moved of its own accord, his teeth sinking into the vampire’s wrist as if he were nothing more than a starving animal.
The taste of the blood was electric, searing through him like fire, and he drank deeply, his mind consumed by a primal need he couldn’t understand, let alone fight. Part of him screamed, begging him to stop, but the hunger was too powerful, too consuming. He wanted to stop, but his body refused to listen, driven by a need that was no longer human.
The vampire laughed, watching with satisfaction as Viktor gave in, as the last shred of resistance faded from his eyes, replaced by a desperate, feral hunger. Viktor’s hands gripped the vampire’s arm, pulling it closer as he drank, his body trembling as the blood filled him with an unnatural strength, a power that felt foreign and wrong, but irresistible.
The world around him faded, his thoughts growing hazy as the blood coursed through him, reshaping him, changing him. He felt his humanity slipping away, piece by piece, swallowed by the darkness that consumed him. And yet, he couldn’t stop, couldn’t pull away, even as he felt the horror of what he was becoming.
You watched in horror, your vision blurring as you tried to hold on, your heart breaking as you saw the man you loved losing himself to the darkness. But you were too weak, too close to the edge, and your body was betraying you. The world around you grew dim, the sounds fading to a distant echo as you slipped into unconsciousness, the last thing you saw being Viktor, lost in the vampire’s hold, his humanity slipping away with each desperate gulp of blood.
Viktor drank until he could no longer think, until he was nothing but hunger and need, his mind a twisted, broken version of itself. Then, finally, the vampire pulled its wrist away, a satisfied smirk on its face as it watched Viktor collapse to the ground, his body shivering as the last drops of blood settled within him.
Viktor’s vision was spinning, the world around him a haze of colors and shadows. He could feel the blood in his veins, burning like fire, filling him with a strength he hadn’t known, a power that felt both thrilling and terrifying. He tried to move, to get up, but his body refused to obey, too overwhelmed by the transformation raging within him.
As he lay there, the vampire leaned over him, its cold fingers tracing along his jaw with a sickeningly affectionate touch. “There now,” it murmured, almost lovingly. “You’re one of us now. You’ll learn to love it in time.”
But before it could say more, there was a sudden burst of light, a blinding flash that filled the room, and the vampire hissed, recoiling as the enforcers burst through the doors, weapons raised. Their guns were loaded with hex crystals that glowed with a fierce, deadly energy.
The vampire turned, snarling, its eyes blazing with fury as it prepared to attack. But the enforcers were faster, their weapons firing in unison, beams of energy slicing through the air. The vampire let out a piercing scream as the bullets struck its body, tearing through its flesh, burning with a light that was anathema to its dark nature.
It tried to fight, lashing out with desperate, wild swings, but the enforcers pressed forward, their weapons relentless, each shot weakening the creature until it could barely stand. Finally, with one last, agonized scream, the vampire fell, its body disintegrating into ashes.
Viktor lay there, gasping, his body still trembling as he struggled to process what had happened. The enforcers moved quickly, securing the area, but he barely noticed them, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. He could feel the changes within him, the lingering hunger, the strange, unnatural strength that pulsed through his veins.
And as he lay there, he looked at you and the little girl next to you.
—
Bright light pierced the darkness as you drifted back to consciousness. It was soft, filtered through closed curtains, but it was enough to make you squint. You could feel the sterile coolness of hospital sheets against your skin and hear the distant hum of machinery nearby. The dull ache in your leg quickly sharpened into an intense throb, pulsing in time with your heartbeat. You sucked in a breath, hissing through clenched teeth as pain clawed up from the injured limb.
“Easy now.” A familiar voice cut through the fog in your mind. Blinking against the light, you focused on the figure standing beside the bed—Jayce, looking tired and somewhat rumpled, as though he hadn’t slept well for days. Beside him was a doctor with a clipboard, whose serious gaze shifted between you and your chart.
“You’re… in the hospital,” Jayce explained, his voice softer than usual. “You’ve been here for a while, actually.”
You looked down, swallowing hard as your gaze settled on the cast covering most of your leg. The ache wasn’t going away anytime soon; it was sharp, almost burning, a reminder of the statue that had pinned you down in that nightmare. Trying to shift even a little was unbearable, so you stayed as still as possible, biting back the pain that flared with every tiny movement.
The doctor adjusted his glasses, looking at you with a hint of sympathy in his eyes. “It’s a miracle we even managed to… save it,” he said carefully. “We had to perform multiple surgeries to stabilize the bones and repair the damage. But I have to be honest: your leg won’t fully heal. The injury was extensive.”
You forced yourself to take a steadying breath, though the doctor’s words hung heavily in the air. You’d known, on some level, that things were bad—pain like this didn’t come from a minor injury. But hearing the confirmation, realizing that your leg would never be the same, was still a hard truth to swallow.
“How long?” you managed to ask, your voice barely above a whisper.
The doctor exchanged a quick glance with Jayce before replying. “You’ve been unconscious for about a week,” he said gently. “The trauma, combined with blood loss… it was touch and go for a while. But you’re here, and that’s what matters.”
You nodded numbly, too tired to process all of it at once. Instead, your mind latched onto the one thing that hadn’t left your thoughts since you’d woken up—the absence of a familiar voice, one you’d thought would be here with you.
“What happened to Viktor?” you asked, dread curling around each word as you forced yourself to look up at Jayce, searching his face for any hint of reassurance. “Is he… Is he all right?”
Jayce’s expression tightened, a flicker of something troubled passing over his face before he sighed, looking away as though gathering his thoughts. “Viktor’s… alive,” he said finally, his tone cautious. “But the situation is complicated.”
“What do you mean?” The pulse of worry surged into full-fledged fear, tightening your throat as you fought to keep your voice steady. “Where is he?”
Jayce hesitated before answering, his shoulders slumping slightly. “You know the protocols,” he said reluctantly. “After the attack, Viktor was transferred to a specialized facility—a containment unit. He’s being held there until they can determine… well, if he’ll be safe around humans.”
The words hit you like a blow, the sterile reality of it settling uncomfortably around you. A containment unit. As if Viktor were some kind of dangerous creature rather than the man you loved, the man who had been caught in the crossfire of that monstrous attack just as much as you had.
“But Viktor isn’t a threat,” you said, barely managing to keep your voice steady. “He didn’t ask for this. It was… forced on him.”
“I know,” Jayce replied, and there was genuine sympathy in his voice. “But the council, the enforcers—they have strict regulations. Anyone who’s been… transformed… has to be evaluated thoroughly to make sure they’re not a danger to society.”
You swallowed hard, the ache in your chest growing as Jayce’s words sank in. “So he’s… he’s being kept in isolation?”
Jayce nodded, his gaze softening. “He’s been asking about you nonstop, every time I visit him. He’s worried—but he’s making progress.”
Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as the weight of everything that had happened settled heavily on your shoulders. The image of Viktor, alone and isolated, torn between his humanity and the dark hunger forced upon him… it was more than you could bear. You wanted to be there with him, to reassure him, to tell him that none of this was his fault. But you were trapped here, bound by the limits of your own body and the damage that had been done.
“How long do they plan to keep him there?” you asked, desperation leaking into your voice.
Jayce rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze fixed on the floor. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “It depends on the evaluations, how well he’s able to control himself. If there’s any risk of… him losing control, they’ll keep him longer.”
The thought was unbearable, but you forced yourself to press on, to get as much information as you could. “And if he passes? What then?”
Jayce met your gaze, his expression somber. “Then he’ll be allowed supervised release, possibly… eventually, back to his normal life. But they’re strict about monitoring anyone with vampiric tendencies. Especially ones that had been transformed. He’ll be under close watch, no matter what.”
You closed your eyes, letting out a shaky breath as you absorbed the reality of the situation. The council’s protocols were harsh, unyielding, and you could only imagine the toll they would take on Viktor, who had always prided himself on his control, his intellect. Now, he was facing something he couldn’t simply reason his way out of—a primal force inside him that threatened to consume everything he was.
“There was a little girl—is she alright?” you asked, struggling to keep your voice steady.
Jayce’s hand rested on the side of your bed, his grip tightening slightly as he met your gaze. “Yes, she’s okay. The enforcers responded quickly to the attack, and they managed to take down the rogue vampire, but… by the time they got to you, you’d lost a lot of blood. They had to act fast to save your leg and… well, to keep you here.”
A small, humorless laugh escaped you as you looked down at your leg encased in plaster. “Great. A constant reminder of all of this—but at least she’s okay.” You shook your head, bitterness tainting the edges of your words. The thought of Viktor, suffering alone in that containment facility, while you were here, struggling with your own pain and limitations, was almost too much to bear.
Jayce’s gaze softened as he reached out, gently squeezing your hand. “I know it’s hard, but you’re not alone in this. Viktor… he cares about you. I’ve seen it every time I visit. He doesn’t care about the pain or the changes; he only cares about knowing you’re safe.”
Tears slipped from the corners of your eyes, blurring your vision as you clutched Jayce’s hand tightly. “He shouldn’t be in there. None of this should’ve happened,” you whispered, your voice breaking as the weight of the past week crashed over you.
Jayce gave your hand another reassuring squeeze, his expression pained. “You’re right. It’s unfair. But the best we can do now is help him get through it.”
The thought of Viktor, holding on to his humanity even in the face of such darkness, filled you with a fierce determination. You’d already come this far, survived this nightmare, and you weren’t going to let it end here. Somehow, you’d find a way to get him out, to bring him back. You’d be there for him, just as he’d been there for you all this time.
The doctor, who had been quietly observing, spoke up, his voice calm but firm. “For now, you need rest and recovery. The worst is behind you, but your body needs time to heal. Pushing yourself too soon will only worsen things.”
You nodded, though your mind was already racing, searching for any way to reach Viktor, to let him know you were there for him even if you couldn’t be by his side.
As the doctor left, Jayce lingered by your bedside, his expression thoughtful. “Once you’re well enough… I’ll see what I can do to get you in to see him,” he said quietly. “But for now… focus on healing. He’d want that.”
The promise in his words gave you a small glimmer of hope, a lifeline in the darkness that had consumed both you and Viktor. You squeezed Jayce’s hand in silent gratitude, the two of you sharing a quiet, unspoken understanding.