"Back? I am not back," Viktor whispered, his hands stiff at his sides. "I will not stay in Eryndor. We shall leave as soon as Lilith awakens."
Vanessa's eyes widened in panic. "No, you should stay with me. Don't you want to spend time with your mother? We have so much to catch up on. Lilith can leave, but you should stay with me. I cannot lose you again, Run...Viktor. I need you in my life."
"We have nothing to catch up on," Viktor said flatly. "I don't know what you expected to happen after revealing your big secret, but I have no intention of staying here with you. I don't know you. And I don't think I want to."
"Viktor, please," she pleaded, grabbing his hand before he could pull away. "Tell the prince you want to stay, just for a while, to spend time with your mother. I have so much to tell you. I'll prepare your favorite food. I'll do anything for you. Please, don't leave me again."
Viktor wrenched his hand from her grip, his jaw clenched tightly. "Did you ever love Lilith?"
