You linger in the doorway, watching him with a strange mixture of awe and uncertainty. His focus is absolute—nothing new there—but there’s something different tonight. A sense of urgency, as if he’s on the verge of something monumental. He doesn’t notice you at first, the quiet of the workshop enveloping you both.

When did it become like this?

You never intended for this—this… quiet pull toward him. Yet here you are, caught in his orbit. Viktor lifts his head slightly, sensing your presence. His gaze shifts to you, and the moment stretches longer than it should. “I didn’t hear you come in. Have you come to… observe the next phase?”