35. Pyre

Caterina

The last time I came to Volkov Estate with Viktor, I learned so much about him and this family. Actually, if it weren’t for Viktor, I would never have found the journals or known how to defend myself.

Now we would lay him to rest, the person who grew to mean so much to me. As we drive down that hidden winding road, I look over at Kai. His expression was stern, and his mouth was thin; I’m not sure what this could indicate, but I know that he is struggling with everything.

Yes, I lost a good friend, but Kai lost his younger brother, someone he swore to protect. No one can know what he must be going through right now; Konstantin and the rest might, but not the way Kai must be feeling.

The guilt will eat him alive.

I reach over and place my hand over Kai’s, and he turns his head to look at me. Knowing my words wouldn’t reach him right now, I gave him a small smile - one he tried to return.

He faces the road again,