Page 59 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

Mikhail stepped back, his eyes narrowing. “Was it you who rescued me from the reptilians?”

Viktor’s beast raged at the mere memory of recent events. He ran a hand through his hair. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t do much for you, and I’m not entirely sure what happened. When we found you and Amelia, you were both unconscious after what appeared to be a crash while escaping Antambazi. Amelia lost a lot of blood, but don’t worry. She’s recovering. She hasn’t woken up yet, but I see no medical reason why she won’t regain consciousness soon – aside from sheer exhaustion, of course.”

Mikhail rubbed his scalp. “So, I crashed? I must have hit my head. That explains why I can’t remember how I got out. Where did you find me?”

“In the mountains near Antambazi.”

“And what is this place?” Mikhail gestured down the corridor.

Viktor followed the movement of his hand. The two-storey cabin wasn’t ideal, but it had running water and seemed safe. “It’s an abandoned lodge in the Strandzha Mountains. We’re hiding out here temporarily while you and Amelia stabilise.Then, we’ll figure out what to do.”

A puzzled frown marred Mikhail’s brow. “What’s the situation at the Hospital?”

Victor’s chest tightened. “It’s still under siege. Healing continues, and the inhabitants are holding on…” He hesitated. The truth was, he’dbarelyheld himself together to avoid transforming. Despite his anger towards Alex for her behaviour, her actions had, in fact, protected him.

“Where are Constantine, Zacharia, and Nyavolski?” Mikhail asked.

“Nyavolski and Helena are at the Hospital, but I haven’t heard anything from Constantine or Zacharia.”

“Who else is here?” Mikhail asked.

“It’s just me, you, Amelia, and Alex for now…”

“Where’s your boy?” Mikhail meant Grigor, Victor’s adopted son, and Alex’s twin.

“He wasn’t at the Hospital during the siege. I hope he took off long ago and is enjoying himself somewhere.” Viktor forced a smile. In truth, he was worried about the boy, but pushed the thought aside and changed the subject. “I assume you’re eager to see Amelia?”

Viktor hadn’t figured out how to tell Mikhail what had happened. He was already furious with himself, and Mikhail would no doubt itch to tear someone’s head off. If Viktor had a single safe place to hide Alex, he’d have sent her there the second she’d explained everything. He couldn’t deny her role in saving them all, but she could have warned him she was going to drug him and dothatto Amelia…

He hoped Mikhail would be more understanding if he first saw that Amelia’s life wasn’t in danger andthenlearned what had befallen her.

“Let’s go straight to Amelia,” Viktor suggested, starting for her door.

Mikhail didn’t follow him. “Who’s Amelia?”

Viktor spun around. He’d expected the news to twist Mikhail’s face with concern – or, more likely, to provoke uncontrollable rage towards those responsible, along with a desperate need to reach her.

Mikhail’s expression only radiated cool detachment, tinged with confusion. Which meant something was very wrong.

“‘Who’s Amelia’?” Viktor repeated incredulously.

“Don’tyouknow? You’ve mentioned the name several times.”

“No, I mean, are youseriouslyasking me, ‘Who’s Amelia’?”

Mikhail’s face remained impassive. This was not good.

“Amelia. YourpartnerAmelia!”

“Partner?” Mikhail spat the word as though it left a bitter taste.

Viktor spread his hands. “Your beloved! Your companion! Call her what you like!”

Mikhail’s lips pressed into a thin line. “My friend, have you lost your mind? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten my past? I would never bind myself to anyone again. If someone convinced you I have, then they clearly don’t know me at all.”

“I believe her because I’veseenyou together. Anyone who’s witnessed your interactions knows that you’re not just bonded, you’re utterly consumed by her.”

Mikhail’s eyebrows shot up. “Bullshit. That reeks of magic, Viktor.”