CHAPTER 126: SHADOWS DEEPEN

VIKTOR

I hear Calvin before I see him.

His footsteps crunching rapidly against the dry leaves, faster than normal.

Frantic

Panicked.

That can't be good.

I look up just as he breaks into the clearing, and I immediately know something is wrong.

His face is pale, his eyes wide and frantic, darting from side to side as if he is expecting Dominic to jump out from behind a tree at any moment.

Sweat beads along his hairline, and he’s breathing hard like he is been running, though the spot isn’t that far from where he usually comes.

I frown, standing as he approaches.

“Calvin… you’re late.” My voice is sharp, but my concern overshadows the reprimand. He looks worse than last time, more unraveled, like a man haunted by shadows he can’t escape.

He doesn’t respond right away.

Instead, he collapses onto the wooden bench, his hands shaking as he wipes his forehead with a trembling hand. For a long moment, he just sits there, his breathing uneven, and I can't help but get more panicked.

Whate