I forgive you.

Her heart was still pounding.

As she waited for the shock of adrenaline to pass, Vitus seemed to be building up to something, albeit in a very strange way. He didn't appear nervous, exactly - perhaps pensive, maybe calculating as he hesitated slightly between each word. Truthfully she knew nothing about the boy, only that he belonged to the frosty mountains of Northfall and probably got to see her son Alder from time to time.

Maybe they were friends? Oh! That must be what this was about; surely he had news of Alder.

Valeska smiled reflexively, taking a seat and leaning in closer to better absorb the gossip.

...

She stayed perfectly frozen.

Some moments passed between the pair as they remained silently locked in place, Vitus staring back with wide, owlish eyes, waiting for a reaction - any reaction - while Valeska held her breath.

Hhhhnnyyehhhhhh, she suddenly exhaled, then sucked in a sharp lungful of air.

He continued to watch her, his expression deadly serious.

Это невозможно, (That is impossible) she said mechanically. Dimitri has just had - a litter of pups - his first -

Valeska's eyes narrowed as the cogs in her mind slowly began to turn. He did look... familiar.

... How old are you?

Another pause.

And who is your mother?