Chapter Nine
Saturday morning feels almost normal. The house is quiet, sunlight spilling through the tall windows and catching on the polished floor. Viktor sits at the table with his usual black coffee, reading through some notes like he’s running the whole damn campus. He doesn’t look at me when I come down the stairs, but I know he’s aware of every step I take.
“Can I go out today?” I ask. The words feel strange in my mouth. I don’t like asking permission, but I also don’t want him storming after me if I leave without saying anything.
His eyes lift to mine, unreadable as always. “Where?”
“Just around campus. I haven’t seen much yet.”
He studies me, long enough that I start to regret opening my mouth. Finally, he nods once. “Stay on the main grounds. Don’t go near the perimeter alon
