𝐄𝐤𝐤𝐨 | 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬

26. Undeserving

I rolled my eyes and stopped because I heard the uneven rhythm of his steps, that metal sound between each one. I could picture the cane, the limp, the fatigue from chasing after me.
For some reason, pity made me stop.

He caught up, breathing hard, clutching that damned stick.
"Thanks," he said, softly. "For... stopping."
I didn't face him, hands on my hips, obviously contemplating continuing my lone walk.
"I don't know your name," I told him flatly.
He hesitated, then asked, "are you truly with the Firelights now?"

I turned just enough to shoot him a glare.
"I wouldn't have dragged myself up here if I wasn't, would I?"
He winced a little and lowered his gaze.
"Right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to doubt you."
I exhaled sharply and started walking again, slower this time.
He limped beside me in silence for a few steps before adding, "I never introduced myself. I'm Viktor."
He extended a hand, which I didn't take and just looked at.

"Why are you even bothering?" I asked, my voice rough.
"Because I'm from the Undercity too."
I stopped again, turned.
His ember eyes met mine— tired, sincere. Not like the other pricks.
"And I know how complicated all of this really is."
"You do, huh?" I raised a brow, taking him in— the crumpled shirt, the slight lean of his body, the way he tried to keep his posture from folding on itself. "You understand Zaun, just like that?"

He didn't flinch at the bite in my voice.
"No," he shook his head, "but I understand enough to know it's not what they make it out to be."
I scoffed and looked away from him, arms crossed.
Then he asked, "your name... Shark, is it?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"It's... original," he pointed carefully.
I blinked, not quite feeling that tone of his.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
His eyes widened a fraction, clearly not expecting that level of suspicion.
"Nothing bad! I just— didn't mean it like—"

I raised a brow.
"I just meant," he stammered, "I'd heard of it, yes, but wasn't sure. I've heard of you. I tried to gather a little information, that's all."
"Information," I echoed, tasting the word like something bitter. "Why?"
Viktor rubbed the back of his neck, looking slightly ashamed.
"You've been the talk of the council for a very long time."
My jaw tightened, body hardening with the crashing desire to flip out and destroy that ludicrous place.

I was Silco's little beast. His message to Piltover carved into flesh and shadow. His warning to Jinx's creative explosions.
They'd made me that thing, when in reality I was merely a taste of Zaun's real dangers.
"And what did they say?" I asked.
Viktor shifted, hesitating.
"They... haven't said very nice things about you."
I raised my chin, bracing for more.
"But," he went on, almost hurried now, "I can see why. Not because they're right. But because they're afraid."

I glanced at him, uncertain whether to feel offended or intrigued.
"There's something about you," he added. "A kind of force, a determination. I admire it."
"Admire's a strong word," I muttered, glancing away.
"You left the chem baron you worked for," he said. "After everything. That takes a kind of courage people up here,"— he gestured vaguely toward the tower we were leaving behind— "don't even get it."
I shrugged one shoulder, lips tight.
"Consequences are still to come."

"I'm sure," he said, and for once it didn't sound like pity. "But I want to help."
That made me look at him again.
"I don't mean it like some charity case," he clarified, "I mean... your cause. I'll do everything I can. Maybe there's a better way forward than what's on the table right now. I can try to master something— plan it better. For both cities."
I searched his face.
No arrogance.
No smugness.
Only that impossible earnestness that made my chest twist slightly.
"Why?" I asked, quietly. "Why risk what Piltover offers?"