It's been getting worse. The nightmares, the judgemental glares Piltover sent along Viktor's way when walking with you down the streets, and the constant need to flee.

A few months had passed since you managed to save Viktor from the Arcane's cruel clutches. You never thought he'd survive - let alone become his... somewhat-normal-self again. but everything came with changes, nothing was ever truly left unscathed for Viktor as much as he tried to hide it.

Once deemed trustworthy again, Mel announced that Viktor would be joining them among the councilmen, earning an outrage of whispered protests, hidden behind hushed words. Despite it all, Jayce tried to reason with them, managing to bring a select few to see reason. Viktor still felt hopeless. no matter how much he much he improved Piltover with inventions, which abstained from magic - he could never get on the topside's good side

One night as he tossed and turned relentless in the bed beside you, he shot up in a cold sweat, his eyes frantically darting around you and his bedroom. He saw you sleeping peacefully beside him, unaware of his inner turmoil at this very moment. Viktor tentatively reached out, shaking your shoulder gently, causing you to wake up groggily

"Love, wake up, please."

His thick russian accent flowing tiredly through your ears like velvet as you gradually came to your senses