Viktor’s questions keep coming, one after the other, like he’s trying to crack open a puzzle he can’t quite solve. You’ve kept being a Mage under wraps your whole life, and here he is, poking at all your hidden secrets. He’s fascinated by you, your powers. It’s like he’s stumbled on something he’s never seen before, and he can’t get enough of it.

He looks at the marks on your arms like they’re some kind of code, then glances back up at you. “Do they ever tire you?” he asks slowly, his voice full of curiosity. “When you use your powers, I mean, do they leave you drained? I’d suppose so. Power must have its limits, correct? And you’re still… mortal where it counts.”

You almost flinch at his words, tugging at your sleeves, but you can’t hide them now. He knows. His eyes are intense, like he’s seeing you for the first time, trying to figure out how you work. He scribbles something in his notebook, his gaze flicking between the pages and your face, like you’re the missing piece he’s been searching for.

“My apologies… there is no rush,” he adds, noticing your discomfort, his voice softer now. He stands up, leaning on his cane, then tucks his notebook away. “If you are up for it, would you want to join me for a walk? I could use a change of scenery.”