The sun was beginning to set by the time Viktor and Liza emerged from the sanctuary of their bedroom. They had spent hours lost in each other, but now the world was creeping back in, reminding them of the reality they still had to face.Viktor led Liza to the garden, the evening air cool against their skin as they walked hand in hand. The tension that had once defined their relationship had shifted into something softer, something more tangible. They were no longer just two people caught in the web of their pasts—they were partners, lovers, and something more.As they sat beneath the shade of a sprawling tree, Viktor pulled Liza into his lap, his arms wrapping around her as she leaned back against his chest."I've been thinking," Viktor began, his voice thoughtful. "About everything that's happened. About Christoph."Liza stiffened slightly at the mention of her former fiancé, but she didn't pull away. Christoph had been a wound that she thought would never heal, but with Viktor, she had found the strength to move forward."What about him?" she asked softly, her fingers playing with the edge of Viktor's shirt.Viktor's jaw tightened slightly. "He's not done with us yet, Liza. He might be down, but men like him—they don't give up so easily. He'll come back."Liza's breath caught in her throat at the implication. She had hoped—naively, perhaps—that Christoph's defeat had been final. But Viktor was right. Men like Christoph didn't fade into the shadows without a fight."What are we going to do?" Liza asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Viktor's grip on her tightened, his lips brushing against her ear. "We'll be ready. We've already survived so much, Liza. Together, we can handle anything."Liza turned to face him, her heart swelling with a mix of love and fear. She believed in Viktor—trusted him with everything she had. But Christoph's shadow still loomed large over their lives, and she couldn't shake the feeling that their battle was far from over.Viktor's hand cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "No matter what happens, Liza, I won't let him take you from me. You're mine. Always."Liza's breath hitched at the possessiveness in his voice, but it wasn't the kind of possessiveness that frightened her. Viktor's claim on her was born from love, from a desire to protect her at all costs. And in his arms, she felt safe."I'm not going anywhere," Liza whispered, her lips finding his in a kiss that sealed her promise.