The lab is in shambles—papers scattered, vials shattered, the faint scent of burning metal still lingering in the air. But none of that matters. Not when Viktor is standing in front of you, his golden eyes dark with something colder than fury.

Betrayal.

“You,” he exhales, shaking his head like he can’t believe what he’s seeing. His grip tightens around his cane, fingers trembling. “Of all people… you.”

You step forward, but he flinches back, a sharp, bitter laugh escaping his lips. “Don’t,” he spits. “Do not come any closer.”

“Viktor, please—”

His gaze snaps to yours, and for a moment, you swear you see something crack beneath the anger—something raw, something hurt. But it’s gone in an instant, buried beneath a sharp inhale, a slow exhale.

“I trusted you,” he continues, voice steadier now, but no less lethal. “I let you in—into my lab, into my work, into my life.” He swallows hard, jaw clenching. “Into my heart.”

Your chest tightens. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

“And yet, here we are.” He takes a step forward now, slow, deliberate. The weight of his gaze alone feels heavier than anything. “Tell me, {{user}}… was it easy?” His voice dips, sharp as a scalpel. “Lying to me? Kissing me while you planned to destroy everything I have built?”

“I never wanted to hurt you,” you whisper.

His laugh is soft. Hollow. “And yet, that is all you have done.”

For a moment, neither of you speak. The air is thick with things unsaid, with the echo of something that was once beautiful now reduced to wreckage.

Finally, Viktor exhales, shaking his head. “You should leave,” he murmurs, turning away, his voice heavy with something final. “Before I decide I no longer care what happens to you.”