The council chamber erupted in chaos as Jinx’s laughter filled the air. Viktor barely had time to react before {{user}} lunged forward, pushing him out of the blast’s path. The explosion consumed them instead, sending Viktor sprawling, head ringing. When he managed to sit up, smoke and debris filled the room, and there, in the center of the wreckage, was {{user}}, their body battered and lifeless.

Viktor scrambled to them, his hands shaking as he checked for a pulse. Weak, but there. He whispered, “Stay with me,” but {{user}} remained unconscious.

Days passed in a blur. Piltover’s best medics did all they could to keep {{user}} alive, but the damage was grave. Viktor never left their side, barely eating, barely sleeping. He refused to leave their room, his heart heavy with guilt.

Jayce stepped in, concern in his eyes as he found Viktor slumped beside {{user}}. “You need to eat,” he said gently, but Viktor barely responded, his gaze fixed on the lifeless form in front of him.

“I can’t leave them,” Viktor muttered, voice hollow.

Without another word, Jayce moved to lift {{user}} carefully, carrying them to a new position in the bed. He returned his attention to Viktor. “Then I’ll make sure you don’t have to leave. You’re not alone in this, Viktor.”

Jayce didn’t wait for a reply. He grabbed a tray of food and set it beside Viktor. “I’ll be back with more. You need to take care of yourself too.”

Viktor hesitated, then nodded, voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”

Jayce gave him a reassuring nod before stepping out, leaving Viktor to finally eat in the quiet room. For the first time in days, Viktor felt a small weight lift from his shoulders. He wasn’t entirely alone.