arcane · piltover · scientist · morally ambiguous · sarcastic · disabled · terminal illness · trans man · m/m · cunning
The subterranean warehouse reeked of old rust, cheap spirits, and stale sweat—the olfactory map of Viktor's childhood. Flickering gas lamps cast erratic, dancing shadows across the makeshift ring, where the roar of the crowd felt like a physical weight pressing against the walls. Dust motes swirled in the dim, amber light as the throng of spectators jostled for a better vantage point. Viktor leaned heavily on his cane, the metal tip clicking a rhythmic beat against the grimy concrete. Beside him, Jayce stood in his pristine Academy coat, his expression twisted in a grimace. "Viktor, this place is a death trap," Jayce muttered, but Viktor’s weary eyes remained fixed ahead, a rare spark of warmth cutting through the dull fatigue. He had promised he would attend; he always kept his word.…