The day had passed and Viktor had finally made it back to Hoff, what he somewhat expected to possibly be the signs of a massacre were however nothing but joyous laughter in the streets. He saw Alyssa playing with the town's children as she twirled them around with wind magic their high-pitched laughter echoing through the cobbled streets.
Around them, the townsfolk went about their day-to-day chores, oblivious to the dark tale that hung heavy over Viktor. It occurred to him how drastically different his experience had been. While he'd wrenched away lives and shattered dreams with a wrath born of unimaginable power, Alyssa had been here all along, nurturing life and joy with her gentle magic.
"Viktor," Alyssa called out, catching sight of him standing at the outskirts of town. The children paused in their play, turning curiously towards the newcomer.
He crossed the distance between them with long strides. His eyes hardened as they bore into hers. He could see the question forming on her lips - where had he been? And why was there a storm brewing in his usually calm blue eyes?
But before she could speak, he raised a hand to silence her and whispered gravely, "Alyssa, we need to talk."
The children picked up on the serious tone and quickly scurried away from Alyssa. She nodded warily at Viktor but not before casting a long, lingering glance at the children playing in a distance – her eyes filled with worry and apprehension.
"Leave my village, go back to the castle. Viktor Kirchner is still dead, I am Viktor Fritz." He laid out flatly.
Alyssa's gaze snapped back to Viktor, wide with shock and confusion. "What are you talking about, Viktor?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. She looked at him as if he was a stranger, his soft tone a stark contrast from the harsh nature she remembered.
Viktor sighed heavily and looked away.
"I like it here. Hoff Village I like it, I don't want to go back to being a prince or anything of the sort. So take the guards either make a pact with them or kill them so they won't say anything but just leave." He chuckled as he could see Eric bounding down the road with a small smile on his face.
Alyssa's eyes widened as so did the corners of her lips. "You naughty devil… You destroyed that village didn't you. I can taste the charred mana around you." She lightly punched Viktor on the shoulder as she looked down at her younger brother.
"Destroyed?" His voice was a mere whisper, shrouded in sadness. He looked back at her, the weight of his sin evident in his eyes. "No, Alyssa. I obliterated it."
She dropped her smile for a moment. "You did that all for me?"
The look of sadness on Viktor's face instantly cleared up. "What? No, I did it because I didn't want any information to leak. The people in Hoff will keep my secret, those in whatever Village that was probably wont."
"What do you even see in this place Viktor?" Alyssa asked. "Surrounded by a bunch of country fucks, you're better off slaughtering them too. I doubt their even human like us." She continued.
Viktor's eyes darkened at her words, the grimness resurfacing. "Alyssa," he said, his voice steady and cold, "These people, they welcomed me when they had no reason to. They showed me kindness, respect...something our so-called 'nobility' could never understand."
He turned to look at the village again, taking in the laughter of children, the smiles of the adults. A warm feeling stirred within him - something akin to fondness. "I don't see a bunch of 'country fucks', Alyssa," he continued quietly, "I see a community that isn't obsessed with power and status."
Alyssa raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by Viktor's words. She had never known Viktor to speak of anyone with such reverence. "But you're stronger than them, Viktor. What could they possibly offer you?"
He turned back to her, his gaze softening slightly. "A home," he replied simply.
The word hung heavy in the air between them. Alyssa could only stare at him in stunned silence. The Viktor she knew had always craved power, always longed for dominance over everyone else. But now...he seemed content with this peaceful life.
"Hmm." She quickly pinched Viktor on the ear. "Your like thirteen, stop cursing. And if you want to stay here be my guest. I'll leave you and Hoff off my report, and I'll be sure my men don't say anything."
Viktor winced, rubbing his ear as Alyssa let go. "Thanks," he said, his voice gruff with embarrassment. He looked down at her, a strange mix of relief and gratitude washing over him. "I appreciate it, Alyssa."
"Don't mention it," she said. She cast a sidelong glance at the village once more, the playful laughter of the children wafting towards them. It was an alien concept to her, but if it made Viktor happy... "Just don't forget where you came from, little brother. And look if you want to fit in, maybe don't make it so easy to tell you apart." She said pointing at the boys snow white hair.
Viktor nodded, watching as Alyssa strode off with a nonchalance that belied her words. His gaze lingered on her retreating figure for a moment before turning back to Hoff. The sun was now setting, painting the sky with hues of red and violet, casting long shadows on the cobblestone paths.
As he walked back into town, he could hear the familiar sound of Mrs. Beckman fussing over her pies in her shop and old man Thomas laughing heartily as he retold his tales of youthful follies in the tavern. It was a simple place, far removed from the lavish grandeur and cut-throat politics of the castle.
But Viktor couldn't deny that this simplicity attracted him. He relished in the honesty of these people's lives—their genuine smiles and laughter filled him with warmth he had failed to find in his royal upbringing.
He reached his small cottage nestled at the outskirts of Hoff. It was modest, with its wooden structure and thatched roof—a stark contrast to the luxurious chamber back at the castle he used to call home.
Eric had turned around and went back home to greet the young boy. There sat him and Rose, both large smile on their face as he came home. To Their Home.
Next Chapter: 38-Web Of Deceit