Wind's Waters

by Nadazzling

Life isn't a smooth ride after the Six of Crows complete the impossible. It's more of a rocking ship, and the ship has more holes in its hull than solid plank. When a new gang causes trouble, the crows of Kerch must find a way to save those they love and all will reap what they sow. *Most of the characters and the setting belong to Leigh Bardugo* *Please leave reviews* -NH

1. Chapter 1

JESPER

Jesper wanted a drink. Come to think of it, he always wanted a drink nowadays. Then again, ever since his first mere sip of wine at age nine with his father, he had always woken up with a thirst for a glass or ten of lager.

Though a drink wasn't the only thing Jesper wanted… He turned around to the boy playing at the piano with his mother. Wylan Van Eck was seated at the piano bench with Marya Van Eck, guiding her hands to the sheet music.

Although it had only been a couple of months since Marya returned to the Van Eck home, all the neighbors knew to expect her when they saw Wylan. For years, Marya had been confined to an asylum, St. Hilde. Jan Van Eck, Wylan's father, had sent her there, as she had given birth to an illiterate son, apparently unfit to be the Van Eck heir. Wylan was doing everything he could to get his mother fit to the life she deserved, everything from taking her on walks every day to bringing her along on Jesper's gambling habits.

Wylan had also given Inej's parents a place to stay as they visited Ketterdam. The Suli couple was delightful, and it was obvious how much they treasured their daughter. The three of them were out now, roaming Ketterdam.

Jesper still couldn't believe Van Eck. Wylan was genius, and Van Eck was blind if he couldn't see that.

Jesper loved spending time with Wylan and Marya, though his lack of musical talent made him feel restless. Although Jesper probably couldn't sit still to learn a note on any instrument, let alone a chord.

"Jesper."

Whenever Wylan called his name, Jesper felt like he was struck with lightning (not that he knew what that actually felt like). His skin felt like fingers were ghosting over it, his blood thrummed with heat, his lips tickled.

"Yes?" Jesper responded, mentally reprimanding himself to stop thinking of skin-based romantic notions. He licked his suddenly dry lips. Blood started moving to his face. He kept on having to pause to calm himself and cool down a bit. He hated to have anyone see him blush.

Wylan peered up his beautiful face at Jesper, tousled red-gold hair falling over his brow, and Jesper's blood started singing again. "What did you think?"

"Magnificent," Jesper replied, truly meaning it.