The old bear stares at him. Blinks. Then shrugs. “Fair enough. I’ve heard of your plight, Tolya Zakrevsky, and I commend you for withstanding such injustice with far more dignity than you were raised by. For this, I think we can spare you some funding to help you get back on your feet.”
The vors mutter their agreements. Tolya bows his head, probably to hide the reddening in his cheeks. “Thank you, grand pakhan. I won’t waste any of your generosity.”
When everyone’s eyes turn to me, I know exactly what to request.
“I need to watch him die. With your permission, of course,” I quickly add.
He regards me curiously. “That is all?”
I hesitate. I want to tell him about how Oleg has haunted my nightmares for the majority of my life. I want to tell him how that man has so thoroughly traumatize
