—until her own cries tangled with his.
“Viktor—yes—”
Her voice fractured, the sound unraveling into his mouth as ecstasy consumed her. His answer was nothing but surrender, his voice breaking as he spilled into her.
They lay tangled in the hush that followed, breaths heavy, skin damp. His body trembled against hers, but he refused to pull away, refused to let her go.
For a long while, he only pressed his brow to hers, their heartbeats steadying. Then his fingers found hers, guiding her hand down to where bandages bound his broken bones. His voice came low, hoarse, each word scraped raw.
“The only reason I fought to keep this hand… was so I could still hold you.”
Her heart shattered.
Tears burned at the corners of her eyes.
She could only stare at him, her chest aching with love—and with guilt. Because she had let another man touch her hand, her face, her mouth. She had let herself feel the comfort of someone who wasn’t him.
It ripped from her before she could stop it, desperate and trembling.
“Xavien kissed me.”
Viktor stilled.
His breath hitched, fingers tightening instinctively around hers.
For a while he only stared, blue eyes wide and burning, the silence so sharp it pressed like a blade.
Amerei was desperate to speak—but no words came. The weight of it crushed her chest, each breath breaking against the knot in her throat.
He shut his eyes, face taut with warring emotion—rage, grief, something close to despair. When he finally spoke, the words came low.
“It’s not your fault.”
She faltered. “Viktor—”
His brow pressed to hers, his voice rough.
“You thought I was dead. Iwasdead. And he… he’s always wanted you.”
Tears blurred her vision, her voice trembling with truth.
“My heart broke in his hands.”
She shook her head hard, as if the memory were unbearable.
“I’m sorry, Viktor. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry—”
His bound hand brushed clumsily across her cheek, his voice hoarse but steady.
“Then let it beat for me, Amerei. Only me.”
His gaze hardened, just for a breath, before softening again.
“Promise me one thing.”
She swallowed, searching his eyes.
“Anything.”
