Page 118 of Hate You Most

Dakota didn’t interrupt.

Viktoriya shook her head faintly. “I know how this sounds. I know it sounds like I’m exaggerating, or making excuses, but I’m not. I’ve seen it happen before. So, when I say that I’m afraid of telling anyone, it’s not just about me and about you. It’s about what happens after. It’s about consequences that don’t stay with me, no matter how much I wish they would.”

“If you don’t do anything,” Dakota interrupted gently. “Then nothing changes and nothing ever gets better.”

Viktoriya hesitated.

Her first instinct was to argue, to fall back into the same logic she had been using for years. The same thoughts that had gotten her here. She needed to change, she knew that.

“I talked to someone yesterday,” she said. “One of the crash survivors. I explained myself to her. I explained everything, really. And you know what she said?”

Dakota shook her head slowly.

“She said she also didn’t see a way out. That she thought erasing her memories was the only option. Stay hidden and stay controlled, or… break your mind in half.”

Viktoriya had her memories back and she now understood the full scope of what she had done, what had been done to her, what had been taken, and what she had given up willingly.

She couldn't let that continue.

“I will try,” she admitted.

Dakota’s expression softened completely as she stepped forward.

“Really?”

“Yes, I will try. But this has to be done right, and I need my sister to be safe too.”

Lev

You are losing control, Viktoriya.

You have been away for too long. Your silence is being questioned.

You know the consequences as well as I do.

Lev

Answer me.

Lev

I’m not asking for details. I’m telling you this needs to be corrected. Immediately.

There are already conversations happening that you are not part of. That should concern you.

Lev

We had an agreement.

A controlled Public image, stability, and control. Right now, you are providing none of those things for us.

Lev

Answer me, please.

Lev

Do you know what everyone is saying?