35

VICTORIA 

I knew I should have told Damon and Lucy sooner about Oliver. He just didn't want to add to their pain. Knowing the academy sold him to an assassin's guilt as an infant. Trained to murder and kill for their own selfish gain. Pawns and assets, headshots and blood spatter. We were all damaged and carried our own baggage. I remember my first forced kill. It was what ultimately shattered me—fracturing my relationship with Zarina, my wolf, damning me to a life-alone laser focus on protecting my family. Zarina tried to tell me we didn't have to kill, that we could survive without doing as they were told. I was just a child, eight years old. Everyone thought it was Zarina who was unhinged, but it was me. I used my magic to hurt people. I was no better than dark witches. 

We only had a few hours before the Delta team headed out. I needed to shake off these feelings. I was normally much better at controlling my emotions. Nothing ever distracted me, but the