Page 160 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

“When you were there, you couldn’t wait to step beyond its walls.”

Alex wrinkled her nose. “The outside world is horrible.”

“Why?”

“Yesterday, I went with Mor to Sliven, and while we were waiting in line at the shop, a woman in front of us couldn’t find her wallet to pay, and a man, instead of offering her money, shouted at her for holding him up. In the end, I gave her the money, and Mor glowered at the man in a way that made him shut up.”

Viktor curled his lips. “An unpleasant but mundane situation. Not a reason to curse the entire outside world.”

The girl averted her gaze, as if hiding words left unsaid.

“Has something happened that you’re not telling me?” Viktor asked.

All this time, he’d been pushing her down the path of knowledge, convinced that if he kept her confined within four walls, he could ensure her safety. He’d never once considered that he was projecting his own weaknesses onto her. The fact that he couldn’t control himself outside the lab didn’t makeherincapable. Just because he’d become a victim in the outside world, it didn’t mean the same would happen to her.

Alex shook her head. “I told you – I miss my brother. I miss working in the lab…”

“I asked a few of Presiyan’s men to find out about Grigor without revealing we’re here. I hope they locate him.”

That seemed to lift her spirits. “I never thought I’d miss my annoying twin this much.”

“Well, I didn’t think I’d miss hearing your bickering, either.”

“Do you think we’ll ever go back to the Hospital and carry on as we did before?” she asked.

The question caused Viktor to tense up. “Of course…”

Of course not.

Alex studied his face with unusual sharpness. “Vik, something’s bothering you.”

He lowered his head, running a hand through his hair. Was there a more fitting moment than now? “Sugarplum… I’m sorry I insisted on you spending all those years in the lab instead of enjoying life like your peers.”

Alex’s smile was hesitant. “Where’s this coming from?”

“I’ve never told you, but many years ago, I had a romantic partner. A woman.”

“I’m not surprised. Actually, I’m surprised that since I was born, I’ve never seen you with a serious partner. Did you know women go crazy for you? One sister in the Hospital—”

“Alex, this woman carried my child.”

Her expression froze. “Oh…”

“And she was killed while she was pregnant. That’s when I fell into Vaka Hara and could never return to normal. I was either a bloodthirsty beast or had to stop myself from transforming. And now…” He lowered his head, exhaling through his nose. Was he ready to admit it?

“Were the Kreiss Hunters involved?” Alex asked.

He nodded.

Of course, his adopted daughter was quick to piece everything together. “That’s why you hated the General so much and barely kept yourself together in his presence. Because he was their copycat…”

Viktor nodded again.

“Vik, I have no words to describe how sorry I am.” Alex stretched out and squeezed his hand. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Because I was meant to be an example for you and your brother.”

“Meant to?!” she exclaimed. “You’re the best example we’veever had. The best man in the world! The most responsible parent and the smartest healer in the Hospital!”