MEETING THE DARKNESS

33

The next few days passed in a blur for Viktor. Though Dia had regained consciousness, she was still weak, her body needing time to heal. Viktor refused to leave her side, sleeping in the uncomfortable hospital chair, his hand never far from hers. He barely spoke to anyone, too focused on watching her slow recovery. Every breath she took, every small improvement, was a lifeline for him.

Dia's friends came often, sitting in the waiting room when they weren't allowed to see her. Karishma and Adam had tried to convince Viktor to get some rest, but he remained stubborn. Sahasra and Vivian brought food and fresh clothes, which often went untouched as Viktor's sole priority was Dia. Elle was always silent and sometimes used to offer quiet support to Viktor as she knew that it was really hard on him too.

On the third day after Dia's initial recovery, Viktor was sitting by her bedside as usual when her eyes fluttered open again. This time, she was more alert, her gaze clearer. She turned her head slowly toward him, and for the first time in days, Viktor saw a spark of her usual fire in those familiar eyes.

"Viktor," she whispered, her voice still hoarse but stronger than before.

He leaned forward instantly, relief flooding his system. "I'm here. How are you feeling?"

Dia blinked, taking in her surroundings before her gaze settled on him. "Like I've been hit by a truck," she muttered, her lips quirking in a faint, tired smile.

Viktor couldn't help but chuckle softly at her response, though his eyes were still heavy with worry. "You scared the hell out of me, you know."

Dia's smile faded slightly as she looked at him. "I didn't mean to. But... I'm here. Thanks to you."

Viktor shook his head, guilt still gnawing at him. "I didn't do enough. I should have protected you better. I should have known—"

Dia lifted her hand weakly, placing it on top of his. "Stop," she said softly, her fingers curling around his. "This isn't your fault. You saved me, Viktor. That's what matters."

His chest tightened at her words, the guilt and fear he had carried for days warring with the relief of seeing her awake and talking. He had blamed himself relentlessly, convinced that he had failed her. But hearing her say those words, feeling her touch, eased some of the burden he had placed on himself.

Dia's eyes softened as she watched him, noticing the exhaustion and pain etched into his features. "You look terrible," she said, her voice gentle but teasing.

Viktor managed a weak smile. "Yeah, I've been hearing that a lot."

She squeezed his hand gently, her strength returning bit by bit. "You need to take care of yourself, too, Viktor. I need you at your best if we're going to fight OCTI together."

Her words hit him harder than she probably intended. "Together?" he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. The thought of losing her had shaken him to his core, but her resolve, her willingness to stand by his side, filled him with a mixture of awe and fear. He didn't want her anywhere near danger again, but at the same time, he knew better than to try to shield her from the reality of their world.

"Yes, together," Dia affirmed, her eyes locking onto his. "We're in this marriage together, aren't we? And I'm not about to let those bastards win."

A surge of emotion welled up inside Viktor, and he found himself leaning forward, pressing his forehead to hers. "I'm never letting them get near you again," he promised, his voice thick with emotion. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

Dia closed her eyes, her breath soft against his skin. "I know you won't."

For a moment, they sat like that, their foreheads resting together, the weight of the world outside fading as they shared this intimate connection. Viktor had never felt more vulnerable, more exposed, but he didn't care. Dia was alive. She was with him. And that was all that mattered.

When Viktor finally pulled back, Dia's eyes were filled with something unspoken—an emotion they had both been denying for far too long. He wanted to say it, to finally tell her what had been clawing at his heart since that fateful day. But before he could speak, there was a soft knock at the door.

Karishma and Sahasra stepped in cautiously, their faces lighting up when they saw Dia awake. "Dia!" Karishma exclaimed, rushing over to her bedside. "You're okay!"

Sahasra followed close behind, tears in her eyes as she took Dia's other hand. "We were so worried about you."

Dia smiled, the warmth of her friends' presence giving her strength. "I'm okay," she assured them. "Thanks to Viktor."

Karishma shot Viktor a grateful look, and Sahasra nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Viktor. For everything."

Viktor gave them a brief nod, but his eyes remained on Dia. He couldn't shake the feeling that, even after all of this, there were still words left unsaid between them.

The door creaked open as Kai and Vivian stepped into the room. The instant they saw Dia awake, relief and emotion washed over their faces, their eyes glistening with unshed tears. Without a word, they rushed to her side and enveloped her in a tight, heartfelt embrace.

"Guys... air..." Dia gasped, her voice muffled.

Realizing they were squeezing her too hard, both quickly pulled back, muttering apologies, their faces flushed with a mix of worry and love.

"Sorry! We're just so happy you're okay!"

As all of them chatted quietly with Dia, Viktor stepped back, watching her from a distance. He knew this moment—this quiet reprieve—wouldn't last forever. Soon, the real battle would begin. But for now, he was content just to watch her smile, to know she was safe. And when the time was right, he would tell her everything.

Because Viktor Martin wasn't afraid of much in this world. But losing Dia? That was something he couldn't bear.

And he would fight with everything he had to keep her by his side.

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I don't know why but I am listening to espresso right now! LOL!!!!!

Anyway Happy reading!

With love, 

CARA