[Viktor shook his head, whirring in an exhausted sigh.]

I will not claim myself any better. I have spoken through those I linked to my own mind and even fought with their bodies as the conduit for my voice and will. In that sense, perhaps this is only fair retribution in a larger sense.

I have no right to confess myself to have been frightened. But I can say, whether cruelty or mercy, they no longer had that capacity when I did it.