Page 20 of Veil of Shadows

“You’re mine,” he murmurs again, his voice soft, but no less certain.

“Yes,” I whisper, my heart racing, my body still trembling from the intensity of our connection. And in that moment, Iknow that there’s no going back, no denying the bond that ties us together, dangerous as it may be.

He holds me there, his gaze locked onto mine, a silent acknowledgment of the depth of what’s passed between us. And as he pulls me into another kiss, fierce and possessive, I know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—caught in his grasp, claimed by his strength, bound by a desire that’s as dangerous as it is undeniable.

When the heat of the moment finally fades, Viktor draws back slightly, his gaze still intense as he studies me, a mixture of satisfaction and something deeper, something almost like fear. “This can’t keep happening,” he whispers, his voice laced with a quiet urgency, as if he’s wrestling with a truth he doesn’t want to face. "There are things in my world that could destroy you, Alyssa."

A part of me knows he’s right, that the dangers lurking behind him are more than just the thrill of the moment. But standing here, so close to him, I can’t bring myself to walk away. “I know it’s dangerous,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper, “but I’m not turning back.”

He lets out a sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I don’t want to hurt you, Alyssa.”

“But you’re already hurting me,” I reply softly, my heart aching with the truth. “By pushing me away, by refusing to acknowledge what’s happening between us.”

The silence stretches between us, thick with unspoken emotions and unresolved tensions. I can feel the weight of his fear, the reluctance to let me in, and it makes my heart ache.“What if I don’t want you to protect me?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “What if I want to stand by your side?”

His expression hardens, and I see the inner turmoil etched on his face. “You don’t understand the world I inhabit, Alyssa. It’s brutal and unforgiving. You’ll be stepping into something that could consume you.”

“Maybe I’m already consumed,” I retort, my voice steady. “Maybe I’m already in too deep to back out. What we had tonight—it was real. I felt it. I know you did too.”

Viktor closes his eyes for a brief moment, as if trying to steel himself against my words. When he opens them again, the intensity is back, but it’s mixed with uncertainty. “You’re right; it was real,” he admits, his voice rough. “But reality isn’t enough to justify the risks.”

“Then help me understand the risks,” I plead, desperation creeping into my tone. “Show me who you really are.”

He shakes his head, a pained expression crossing his face. “I don’t think I can.”

“Why not?” I press, refusing to let this go. “What are you afraid of, Viktor?”

“Fear isn’t the issue,” he replies, his voice hardening again. “It’s the consequences. You have no idea what it would mean for both of us.”

I take a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest. “Then let me decide for myself. If I’m in danger, I want to know. I want to fight this with you, not against you.”

He seems to wrestle with my words, the conflict playing out across his face. “You have no idea what you’re asking,” he says again, though his tone is softer now, less accusatory.

“Then show me,” I urge, my voice filled with determination. “Help me see the truth, Viktor. I need to know what I’m getting into.”

His gaze locks onto mine, and for a moment, it feels like the world outside fades away. The tension in the room shifts, and I can see the desire battling with fear in his eyes. “You really want this?” he asks, almost incredulous.

“I do,” I reply, feeling the weight of my words. “I want to understand you and this connection we have.”

“Then you need to be prepared for what comes next,” he warns, his voice low and serious. “Once you step into my world, there’s no turning back.”

“I know,” I say firmly, my heart racing with anticipation and fear. “I’m ready.”

Viktor studies me, his expression a mix of admiration and concern. “You’re strong, Alyssa. Stronger than most. But strength can be a double-edged sword in my world.”

“Then let me be a part of it,” I insist, willing him to see the resolve in my eyes. “Don’t push me away. I want to help you.”

With a heavy sigh, he runs a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his features. “You’re relentless,” he murmurs, half a smile tugging at his lips despite the gravity of the situation. “You’ll be the death of me.”

“Then let me die fighting,” I say, my voice unwavering.

He steps closer, the air between us charged with tension. “Very well,” he says, his tone shifting from apprehensive to something darker. “But understand this: the moment you step into my world, you’re putting yourself at risk.”

“I accept that,” I reply, feeling a rush of adrenaline. “I want to be with you, Viktor.”

He holds my gaze for a long moment, and I can feel the weight of his decision. “All right,” he finally concedes, a hint of resignation in his voice. “But you must promise to stay close to me. If you’re in danger, I can’t lose you.”

“Then we’ll face it together,” I promise, my heart swelling with a mix of fear and hope.

---