13. Viktor - In The Other

“Something is happening,” I say and get to my feet. “She’s showing a different side of the dungeon.”

Caterina follows me and we watch as Marle stands in front of Nikolai’s mate and her children. Nikolai is passed out and bloody, while my niece and nephew just look at the witch with no emotion in their eyes.

“If it isn’t Tiarin’s little pet and her…runts,” she says, trying to antagonise them but Nova simply scoffs.

“What do you want, hag? Xamnir isn’t here, if you haven’t noticed,” she says with a roll of her eyes and I decide right then and there that I love Nova.

Marle chuckles. “I just wanted to see you all tied up again like I had you before; it’s always fun to watch you get what you deserve,” she says, then turns around and walks out before Nova can say anything else.

Nova sighs and looks over at her two kids. “I know it hurts, but try not to show the enemy it’s affecting you, okay-”

“It doesn’t hurt, mom,” her son says with a shrug. “We’re really not pretending.”

“Yeah, I don’