“Keep him alive, Viktor. Please.”
“Always, Your Majesty.”
The corridor outside felt colder. Darker. Like the walls knew what was coming and were holding their breath.
Viktor caught up to me in three strides. Pulled me into an alcove away from watching eyes and listening ears.
“You okay?” he asked.
“No.”
“Fair.” His hand came up. Touched my face. “But you will be. After this is over. After we finish it.”
“Promise?”
“I never make promises I cannot keep.”
“Then don't promise. Just... stay close.”
“Always.”
The word settled over me like armor. Like hope wrapped in certainty.
We stood there for a moment. Both knowing what came next. Both knowing it could destroy us.
Then I kissed him. Hard and desperate and tasting like rain and rage and everything I couldn't say.
When we broke apart, he was smiling. Small. Real.
“Let's burn it down,” I said.
“Da. Let's burn it all down.”
Midnight foundme in the service corridors with Dom at my side and a satchel full of lockpicks across my shoulder.
The palace after dark was a different animal. All the pretty facades dropped away. What remained was stone and shadow and the kind of silence that made you aware of every breath.
Dom moved like he'd been born to sneak. Silent. Fluid. Every step deliberate. He wore black tactical gear that made him look like he belonged in a war zone instead of a palace.
Maybe there wasn't a difference anymore.
“Royal burglary,” he said quietly, picking the lock on the archives door with practiced ease. “Didn't think this would make my résumé.”
I grinned despite everything. “You're enjoying this too much.”
“Maybe. But it's nice working with someone who actually listens.” The lock clicked. He pushed the door open with his shoulder. “Viktor's told me about you. The vigilante archer. Said you move like violence was a second language.”
“What else did he say?”
“That you're reckless. Stubborn. Impossible to protect.” Dom glanced at me. Blue eyes sharp in the dim light. “And that he'd burn the world down to keep you alive.”
The admission hit harder than it should've.
“He said that?”
“Didn't have to. I've known him for five years. Never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.” Dom moved down the corridor, checking corners. “Like you're the only thing keeping him human.”
“He keeps me human too.”
