(the scene at the balcony in the hexgates!!)

Viktor wished it could be called sudden. He's grown used to it; the constant wheeze, the pain in his leg, the pain in his back, the way his hands trembled, and the fact he'd need mobility aids for the rest of his life. It was frustrating, the constant pain. He couldn't remember life without it, the stabbing feeling like an old friend. Something he thinks he'd feel empty without.

It was only recently, however, the tightness in his chest with the strangled cough was new. It was subtle at first, stealing air from his lungs like a criminal. Then, it blossomed into fits, awful things that left a blue tinge to his lips and blood in his teeth. In worst case scenario, it sent him to the ground. He felt lucky enough that it usually happened in private, since Jayce was so busy. Even though he couldn’t be angry at the man - he was well aware Jayce never wanted the Council position.

It’d almost taken him by surprise when Jayce had asked him to go to the Hexgates with him. At the least, he was including him - even if it was spent mostly talking to the sheriff. Yelling, more like. The words weren’t necessarily processing in Viktor’s head. A dizziness was what bothered him, the faintest of whispers calling him closer to the edge.

He staggered slightly to the balcony, peering over to the spiraling lights. It made him nauseous, almost. His chest constricted as he coughed, fist going to his lips at first - just to have both hands grip the railing tight. Blood splattered against the iron, and he wiped half heartedly at his mouth and nose, blinking a few times.