Kaida's grip on Viktor's collar loosened instantly, her entire body going rigid.
That presence outside—cold, dangerous, and sharp as a blade pressed against skin. Someone was out there. Someone who reeked of death.
"There's someone dangerous outside," she hissed, her red eyes snapping toward the window.
Viktor's smirk vanished. He pulled back from her grip, turning his head toward the glass pane across the hall. His dark eyes narrowed.
For a moment, the manor was silent except for Helena's soft, unconscious breathing on the ruined bed behind them.
Then Viktor moved.
He walked past Kaida—past Mira, who stood frozen in the doorway—and headed straight for the window overlooking the front grounds. His boots clicked against the marble, calm and measured, but there was tension in his shoulders now.
Kaida followed, her hand instinctively reaching for the sword that wasn't there.
Viktor reached the window and looked out.
His eyes widened.
He blinked once. Twice.
'No.'
