Reply to Guest: I'll try my best to explain the situation.
With Annika not backing off for Viktor: How do I put it… she is one of those, who'd stand out even when put in a big crowd. So someone who is used to getting attention from mass majority, Viktor's ignorance is coming as shock. And you are absolutely correct when you said she isn't considering his feelings. She's someone who at this point is more self centred.
People blaming her: When there's so many people wanting her, naturally there would be many who are ready to throw her off of the cliff at the first chance. That's exactly what happened after Viktor was attacked. Majority of the eyes witnesses tried to put the blame on Annika. And since she came out crying after the interrogation with the General, people assumed they could apply the same policy after she destroyed Viktor's project. That's why the adults present in the workshop made no attempt to stop her.
And Zoya: well… all I can say in this situation with Zoya that it shows, in a tough world nobody is your own.
Relationship with the Darkling: um… there's nothing to make up when there is nothing between them. Annika honestly never planned to cross paths with him after how their first interaction unfolded. But it was her utter stupidity and bad-luck that dragged her there. (So how can she ignore him while getting punished?)
Spoiler alert* there will be a small time skip couple chapters later. The current chapters are basically building up the connection which would probably explain the later actions during the canon timeline.
On another note— there wouldn't exactly be romance between Darkling and Annika. If you paid attention to the summary you'd notice its about one sided feelings, from his side.
Chapter 4
They had another long chat just two weeks after their treasonous conversation about the Black Heretic.
It happened when Annika fled Botkin's class and ended up by the lakeside. Only to discover a while later that the General had followed her. At this, Annika was convinced the Shadow Summoner didn't lie. Indeed he has another pair of eyes at the back of his head, hidden beneath the hair that's always watching her. Otherwise how does he end up everywhere she goes. If only he used those eyes on the Fjerdans, then maybe so many Geishas wouldn't be abducted so frequently.
This time the topic was the Zenik family. Annika told him what she remembered of them. In doing so, she seized the opportunity to bash her mother relentlessly while simultaneously remembering her father fondly. And to her utmost surprise the General didn't only listen but also shared his side. He admitted to never meeting his father and often wondering what kind of a man he was. Without having to say much he also briefly went over how his relationship with mother fell apart and turned into a complicated mess over the years.
That afternoon, sitting by the lakeside wasn't the feared Grisha leader or the Second Army General. In that moment he was just a normal person sharing the emptiness of his life with another person of similar experience who was willing to listen.
That night Kirigan returned to his room feeling strangely relaxed. Being able to talk about his father so candidly gave him the closure he always wanted. Leaving him feeling as if a load had been taken off of his chest after all these centuries. Although it was a little strange talking about it with a little girl, nevertheless she at least had the decency to hear him out. Unlike his mother, who couldn't even remember the man's name. Or so she claimed. But that doesn't matter anymore.
Over the time there have been a significant increase in their long duration conversation. The topic had always varied. Sometimes it would be something as mundane as Fjerda's weather. Other times it would be somewhat bearable like life in Ravka or exciting like the Sun Summoner.
At any rate, Heretic's name was not uttered again by either party.
Meanwhile, Annika's personal life kept getting messier.
It started off with Viktor attempting to avoid her. Which soon changed to ignoring her and then he was fully running away from her. Like literally running away!
The first time it happened Annika stood in the hallway stunned with Dimitri by her side who watched the whole thing unfold with an amused face. The Inferni laughed initially but stopped immediately after noticing her tear filled eyes.
From that point it was clear that her friendship with Viktor had taken a nosedive. Why though, Annika had no idea. Confused and clueless, she lost her appetite and sleep. And as the General was away, she didn't even bother to leave her room. Not even to attend her lessons. All day, all night she remained cooped up in there. Wondering what exactly had she done other than ruin his project that he was avoiding her like she was some deadly plague or worst... the Volcra.
•••oOo•••
Her seat was empty.
She remained a no-show during the meal once again. He was worried and had every reason to be. After all, the last time he saw her eat was two days ago; that too only few cubes of pineapples.
"Mr. Kasalov...?" The whisper in his ear snapped Dimitri out of his dazed state. "Your food is getting cold."
Releasing a heavy sigh he glanced at the girl from the corner of his eyes. And that one glance was enough to make the Tidemaker a blushing mess. Anyhow her burning cheeks had no effect on him. He had that reaction on plenty of women in the Little Palace. And not a single one of them matters.
The only one that does...
He shook himself free of the thought and ran a hand through his hair tousling it slightly on the sides.
Then, ignoring the girl's longing gaze Dimitri turned back to his plate. His distant eyes absently eyeing the food— a fillet of fish, with sides of mash potatoes and beans. Nothing special but when someone is starving to the point he was, anything looks appetizing.
His stomach growled. A reminder from his body to forget everything and start devouring the provided food. Frankly that's all he wanted to do now. Just think of nothing and fill up his stomach. He even picked up the spoon, ready to dig in. Still, despite such intense hunger the Inferni couldn't bring the food to his mouth. The mere thought of Annika starving herself took away his appetite. How can he sit here and eat knowing she hasn't eaten anything in the last two days.
His inky eyes moved towards the direction of the table occupied by the order of the Materialki. He detected Viktor in the middle, taking a large bite of his portion while happily chatting with a fellow Durast.
Right away, rage akin to his fire flooded through Dimitri's blood. His jaw clenched as he tried to keep his composure; hands practically itching at the temptation to burn the Alkemi again.
"Are you okay?"
He felt a gentle brush of hand on his arm. It was the same girl, continuing with her effort. Sometimes he wonders how do they not get tired.
"Never been better." The words left his lips heavily coated in sarcasm.
She was about to say more but her words got swallowed to the sound of chair dragging on the floor.
To no surprise of her, the handsome Inferni abruptly stood up and left with his plate. Shooting Viktor a nasty glare on his way out.
•••oOo•••
There was absolute pin drop silence in the dining hall. Needless to say, the crowd was struck speechless. Everyone had their eyes pouring on the Inferni who just made the dramatic exit.
It was obvious where the Inferni was headed. Even a child would know.
"What a show off!" Someone in the room muttered.
Viktor himself had sunken low on his seat, trying and failing to hide his nervous face.
Just like them he was in a difficult place as well. Annika's depressed face was a hard sight for him to digest. He cared for her far too much. But he was helpless. There were limitations and boundaries he couldn't cross like the Inferni that just walked away minutes ago with food for her.
For most living here in a country with on going war means survival of the fittest. Even within the safe walls of the Little Palace Grishas of all orders are working everyday to earn their place in Ravka.
On the other hand, fortunate individuals like Annika are blessed with easy life. With mass majority gravitating towards her, she is oblivious to the concept of hard work and struggle. Everything always falls easily onto her plate. Even the strict General has been going relatively easy on her.
Few days after the mishap, General Kirigan paid a visit to the workshop to check on the damage and when he was presented with the approximate cost of the repair and renovation, his face turned furious. All senior Fabrikators who were present at the time of the incident were gathered, for the General to unleash his wrath on them. The Darkling's shouting from that morning still shook Viktor to the core. He could only imagine how big of a storm was coming Annika's way.
Only to learn few days after, how wrong he presumed. Turned out, what Annika received in the form of punishment was nothing but a big joke.
Then, within a month into working for the Darkling, Annika somehow ended up burning his special occasion Kefta. It was damaged beyond repair and a brand new one had to be made.
And what punishment did the General give her for this?
He gave her the hard stare for two minutes straight. After that, it was business as usual.
Although depending on the severity of her mishaps, occasionally the Darkling did scold her, but never any tough punishment was implemented. However if other parties were involved they received completely different treatment.
•••oOo•••
Regardless of the knock on the door Annika chose to remain unresponsive. Her door was unlocked. If the person wanted to enter, they were welcome.
Soon the sound of door opening and closing was heard. Followed by a deep voice gently calling her.
"I brought us dinner." Said the Inferni coming around the bed and carefully placing the plate on the bedside table.
"Us?" Removing the cover and revealing her face Annika shot him a bewildered look. Her distaste of the Inferni somewhat diminished after her first interaction with the Darkling.
"We're eating together." Dimitri said softly. His face lowering towards her as he held out a hand, offering it to her.
She eyed his hand for a moment before muttering, "I'm not hungry."
"But I am! In fact I'm starving."
"Then eat!"
"Only if you eat with me."
Their eyes locked. His dark eyes locked with her bright ones. Annika rolled her eyes. She had no plan of accepting his hand, but did it anyway. Allowing him to pull her to a sitting position.
.
.
.
From afar, through the small gaping on the door, Viktor watched Dimitri feed Annika.
Notwithstanding the heavy emotions weighing down his heart, the Alkemi smiled.
It was the early hours of the morning. The sky was still dark, almost pitch black. The Little Palace was eerily silent. But inside her room Annika lay wide awake. Face frowning, hair spread over the pillow and bright lavender irises absently staring at the ceiling. Her mind, in its deepest of turmoil.
Turning, she faced her friend Irina, who was now fast asleep. Ironic how the Suli girl came to comfort her, but she herself drifted off to sleep in the midst of telling a story. Leaving Annika to watch her with admiration and envy. Certainly an odd combination of emotions. But not uncommon though.
Irina has what Annika desperately craves. A stable relationship with the boy she loves. Her life is simple just as her appearance. But, she is happy and at peace. The taste of which Annika has almost forgotten.
For sure Annika enjoys the excessive amount of attention she receives. Most times she is swarmed with boys and men of various ages. All competing to see who can get to her first. What's more sickening is that one of her mentor also belongs to that group.
However what's pathetically obvious is that none of these men sees her for who she is. These so called admirers only desires what she can offer on the outside— the extravagant glamour, the excitement and the thrill. Hence why despite being surrounded by big crowd most times, end of the day Annika Zenik finds herself extremely lonely. It is precisely why her eyes always search for Viktor. For he is the only one who sees her for who she is and never looked her way with expectation or temptation.
And now for some unknown reason Viktor is distancing himself from her. While doing so, he is taking away the only source of solace she knows.
She heaved a sigh and left the bed, accepting the truth— sleep will not be her guest tonight. Unlike the last two nights she didn't sit on the window sill. Tonight she decided to venture outside and ultimately found herself on the courtyard, before the fountain.
The cold night air brushed against her exposed skin leaving goosebumps as its trail. Shutting her eyes Annika hugged herself and listened to the sound of water pouring from the fountain.
"It's not safe for a pretty girl to roam around so freely this late at night. For some like you, danger is always lurking around. Even within the safe walls of the palace." Spoke a familiar voice, in a concerning tone while a thick purple woollen shawl was draped over her shoulder.
Her eyes flashed open but she didn't look. A part of her wanted to ask him to leave. But the rest of her wanted to bask in his comforting presence. It was grateful for the fact that he showed up. Instantly, it grew hopeful again.
However her bitterness couldn't go away so easily.
"And you suddenly care!" Annika scoffed. "After weeks of acting like I don't exist."
"I always care." The figure took a step closer and wrapped an arm around her shawl covered shoulder, gripping it protectively.
"And will continue to do so all my life, you are my closest friend Annika. It's just that… since you've grown the situation around us changed. The number of people wanting to be in your company keeps increasing on a daily basis. Whereas I'm still the same simple Alkemi boy from before. Only, I have more enemies now."
He chuckled at the his own words as Annika watched him from the corner of her eyes.
"And after the General's entry, it has become worse. Your own friends have started to fear you as they don't know the kind of relationship you share with him—"
"There is not relationship between him and me. He is punishing me for what I did at the workshop." Annika clarified right away. The last thing she needs now is Viktor misunderstanding her.
"I know and I understand. However there are handful individuals who are spreading words differently. From the Fabrikators side it's Leigh, she going around telling everyone you are the General's future paramour. Polina on the other hand is accusing you of using the General to gain Pavel's attention."
Annika snorted, rolling her eyes. It was hilarious how the Inferni always found a way to connect everything to her brother.
"Again! There was and is nothing between me and Pavel. He and Nina had a fling."
At this Viktor sighed. The expression on his face and the tone of his voice changed. Both were dead serious.
"Annika… Pavel approached me then other day and asked if I could make him a duplicate key to your bedroom."
Annika snapped her head at Viktor. Throwing him the look of disbelief. Her mind still arguing how could that be possible? Pavel was crazy for Nina. If not for Polina's interference, they would have gotten somewhere for sure.
"None of this is your fault. But Annika, these people and the circumstances are forming a wall between us. A wall I desperately wish to break but don't know if I will be able to." Viktor admitted honestly. "Believe me I value our friendship. It crushes my heart to see you suffer. But I'm helpless."
His words brought back her lost hope. Forming a smile on her frowning face.
"Then let me break it." Said Annika. Her face glowing under the soft moonlight, eyes showing complete determination.
Viktor crunched his brows. "And how would you do that?"
She thought for a moment before shamelessly declaring. "…I haven't figured that part out, yet. But don't worry I'll figure something out." She assured looping her arm with his and pulling him further and further away from the Little Palace and into the garden.
The two spent the entire night in the garden; laying side by side watching the moon, counting the stars and talking… just like the old times.
All she had to do was little bit of thinking, and on its own the clear picture presented itself before her.
Viktor presented a point Annika couldn't ignore.
He was absolutely correct when he said that a wall has been built between them by the people in their surrounding. A wall that he is unable to break; only she has the power to tear down.
But the question is how? How can she do that?
The sound of horse's galloping caught her attention. Looking out of the window of the classroom Annika saw a small group of horses, led by the black stallion entering the palace premises. Her vision focused on the one saddled on the black stallion, dressed in the same colour as the horse.
Right away, she knew what she has to do.
The Darkling's punishment was starting to take a toll on her personal life.
Sure Annika made a big mistake but it wasn't as big as murdering someone. Punishment for blowing up the Fabrikators workshop shouldn't drag for so long. When for the record, the workshop has been repaired and renovated within the three weeks of the occurrence. And yet, her punishment is still continuing. It's nearing three months now.
It was clear, if this sham of punishment doesn't end soon, she will possibly end up losing whatever small progress she made with Viktor.
So she approached Fedyor and requested him to help her out with the matter. To which he gladly obliged.
And together they came up with…
•••oOo•••
"…In the past couple months I have been in my best behaviour. I learned to be patient, learned to control my temper and tone down my irrational emotions. I have also learned, that, each action must be taken seriously."
Kirigan quietly listened as Annika spoke and Fedyor remained by her side as her pillar of strength.
"I would also like to add, serving under you has been an honour and a privilege. Under your leadership I have learned the value of being a Grisha, in the order of Corporalki. For which, I thank you."
The Darkling squeezed his brows. Wondering where this was going. He looked at his Heartrender for clue but found the latter looking at Annika, proudly. Like she was doing a fabulous job. Far exceeding his expectations.
"It is why now, I, Annika Zenik, hereby give you my word that actions of my past shall not repeat going forward and request you to set me free from my current responsibilities, so that I am able to concentrate on my education and focus on training in order to become the best and the most useful one in my field. Last but not the least I thank you for everything you do and continue to do for us Grishas and our great nation of Ravka."
Annika ended her long speech with a respectful bow towards the General, who was now sprawled on the chair behind his desk. Looking at the half empty chalice in front of him with an impassive face.
To say he was entertained would be an understatement. In reality he was struggling to hold back on his laughter. Never has he heard something so fake. On the other hand he was impressed. She delivered it flawlessly. He was almost convinced. That said, if only he wasn't a master manipulator, he would have melted under those words long ago.
Since the General said nothing, a tensed silence invited itself in.
The two tensed Grisha standing before the General exchanged a glance. Annika wondering if she delivered the speech correctly and Fedyor assuring her with nod of his head that she did well.
More than minutes passed still no words left the Darkling's mouth. Neither he looked their way to acknowledge them.
Getting impatient, Annika took it upon herself to break the silence.
"Sir…?"
"Hmm…"
"Are you convinced or need I say more?" Her eyes pouring down on him with an expecting look.
"Who wrote this speech?" He finally looked at them.
"Those are my wor—"
"I proofread!" Cutting Annika off mid sentence Fedyor jumped in to take the credit. Earning a hard glare from the younger female.
"I was planning to end your punishment. But because of this tacky speech I changed my mind and extending it for another month."
"What?!" Annika exclaimed sharply. "That's not right!"
"Another month added for your insolence. Congratulations!" He said smirking. Causing the female Grisha's jaw to drop.
"If that's all, then please show yourselves out." The Shadow Summoner stood up pointing at the door and walked inside his bedroom.
Fedyor took Annika by the elbow and led them out of the war-room shutting the door firmly behind their form.
When they walked a short distance down the path Fedyor spoke up in light hearted voice.
"I think you messed up somewhere down the line. Because I'm pretty sure my speech wasn't tacky."
"I didn't even change a word!" She hissed like viper. "Thanks to you, now I have to be his maid for two more months."
"Don't worry I have another idea and I can guarantee you success in this one."
"It better work or else I'm not talking to you anymore." She threatened puffing her cheeks.
"Oh trust me it will work." Assured Fedyor releasing her elbow and pinching her nose.
Before Annika would have believed him in a heartbeat. Now, after how their first attempt unfolded, there were doubts clouding her mind. However, she could only hope he was right. Or else she will be the one in trouble.
"So… what do you girls think?" Fedyor asked, after giving Annika and Genya a detailed explaining of his plan. "Brilliant isn't it. Tell me it's brilliant!"
"Are you sure this will work?"
His smile dropped at Annika's uncertainty.
"It definitely won't!" Genya blurted out. "I cannot believe, you…" she pointed a finger at the Heartrender. "…came up with something so stupid. Saints! Have you lost your mind Fedyor!"
"And you," The redhead turned to the black haired girl "if you carry this out, he will most definitely make you a maid permanently."
"I'm sure if it's carried out properly, it is bound to be successful. In spite of the stone cold exterior, our General has a kind heart." Fedyor stood his ground firm.
"He has seen far worse to be effected by something this silly!" Genya retaliated.
"Maybe I should try… no harm trying. After all I am desperate at this point." Annika dived in to diffuse the situation between the older Grishas.
"What if it fails? Which I'm sure it will. What will you do then?"
"I…"
Genya's question put Annika into deep thought. The former did have a point. However, Fedyor was also correct. What he said was right, in the end it all comes down to her. Her ability to act and make it look authentic. If carried out properly success is almost guaranteed. If not… then it's on her.
"... I will accept my fate."
As per Fedyor's instruction the following week Annika decided to pull the stunt.
She went to the war-room with a defective ladder which the Heartrender had already arranged for her from before.
The plan was simple: The General would go for his morning bath, Annika would climb the ladder with the excuse to clean top level of bookshelf, then deliberately throw herself down with the ladder. And he would come out to find her badly injured, or worse unconscious.
It was all going according to the plan...
However, the situation took a different turn when the flimsy ladder suddenly became sturdy. No matter what she did the ladder wouldn't budge. Annika continued with her effort until…
"You're not deliberately trying to fall, are you?"
Annika froze and swallowed nervously. The world around her stopped spinning. In her mind she started to curse Fedyor for convincing her into his stupid plan.
Turning, she saw the General. His top half bare. Standing with a foot on the bottom step of the ladder.
She was so entranced into her plan that she failed to notice when the General came out and held down the ladder.
Kirigan was in the middle of undressing himself when the noise caught his attention. Understanding it was from the frail ladder, he rushed out, without bothering to put a shirt on.
"You've cleaned enough. Now come down." He ordered in voice as smooth as glass. While extending a hand to help her down, leaving her with no choice but to accept.
In conclusion, this plan also failed! Miserably so!
Now the only option left was the lengthy and the sensible way, the one that Genya has been suggesting from the beginning— it was to be a good obedient girl and follow all orders. So the General doesn't get the opportunity to extend the punishment beyond the two months.
And that's how Annika decided to spend the following two months.
"Annika!" Came the loud call from his bedroom. "My Kefta."
The aforementioned female was about to put a thick leather covered book into the shelf when his call came and interrupted her. Rolling her eyes she heaved a sigh and dropped the book back onto the table over the pile of the other books.
Looking around her eyes detected the Kefta. It was placed on the chair behind his desk. With the displeased look on, she headed over to pickup it up before marching into his bedroom.
Soon the Darkling's expecting reflection wasn't the only thing the large mirror of the dresser captured. Annika stood few feet behind, holding his Kefta.
"Would you mind?" He politely asked her to help slip it on. Even though he made it sound like he was asking, Annika knew in actuality he was telling her. Therefore to deny would be to defy, and most certainly would lead to extension of her service by another month or two.
So she did something she has been doing for the past month. She complied, without any form of protest.
As he slipped his hands into the sleeves, she pushed the garment over the arms, all the way up to his shoulders.
He turned once the Kefta properly hugged his form. No hint of stress or any form of tension on his handsome face. Just a broad smile stretching out the lips. A smile that Annika thought was absolute misfit for his dark persona and sharp features.
Over the time while working for him Annika observed a noticeable change in the General's demeanour. He seemed to smile more often, laugh wholeheartedly and sometimes even tried to joke. Its another thing that his jokes were lame and he's the only one who seemed to understand them.
Other than that, what she also didn't like was the fact that these faces always revealed itself whenever they were alone or away from the prying eyes. In public he was the stern General, who even scolded her few times for various silly mistakes. But behind the closed door of his quarter or whenever they were away from the Palace ground he would act as if he was her friend.
Here's the thing— he may needed friends but she didn't! She has enough friends already and obviously didn't need him of all people as an addition.
The feeling of warm flesh and cold sharp metal against her skin made her snap back. She noticed the back of his hand rubbing against her cheek and quickly took a step back.
"You look lost, what's wrong?" He asked as she moved back to the war-room to pick up the papers from his desk and stash them inside the drawer.
"Is something worrying you?" He followed her trail.
"Not really." She cast him a reassuring glance before moving towards the map-table to remove the extra books that were placed there.
"But you seem lost, like you are thinking about something." He leaned against his desk casually. Eyes refusing to leave her form.
"You." She answered in a matter if fact tone and it caught him slightly off guard.
"I beg your pardon?"
But he recovered quickly. So quickly that the small moment of slip was hardly noticeable.
"I was thinking about you." She said looking over her shoulder before fully turning to pick the book.
Once again, he was baffled by her blunt admission.
"Really now? Well, in that case… I'm flattered."
"Don't be! I said I was thinking about you, not fantasizing. There's a difference— ouch!" Struggling to reach the top shelf she ended up dropping the large book. Quickly picking it up she attempted a retry but still found herself unable to reach the high spot; until a pair of hands grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up.
The moment lasted barely few seconds. But those few seconds were enough for him to take in the perfume emerging out of her. They were two different kinds. While the relaxing scent of lavender emanated off of her body, the alluring essence of jasmine was being emitted from her hair. And the combination of the two evoked strange sensations within him. Sensation, he made others feel with his charms. And now, after a very long time he found himself on the receiving end.
He put her down immediately and quickly pulled himself back, putting a few hand distance between them.
"When you said you were thinking about me, what exactly were you thinking about?" He walked back to his desk and sat on the edge.
"I was wondering when this…" she made a circling motion with her hand "…when this service to you would end. Or if it ever would."
"Is working for me that bad?" There was a subtle hint of hurt laced within his voice but Annika was busy putting the next book back to notice.
"Ivan seems to enjoy my company quite a lot." He added, as an encouragement.
Annika pause momentarily before facing the Darkling with a smile which showed the pity she felt for him and the mentioned Heartrender.
"Hence why nobody else enjoys his company."
The smile from the Shadow Summoner's face dropped. He wanted to counter her insult but instead, found himself at loss of words.
There was a moment of pause before Annika decided to ask him openly.
"Will you truly end my punishment after two months...?"
He gave no response, other than just blank stare.
"Sir…?" She continued to press, without being discouraged. After all for how long can he keep his lips sealed. They must part at some point. And they did! But the words to leave were something she never expected.
"I'm heading to the Fabrikators workshop, would you like to come?"
For a second she just stood there and blinked. Like she was still processing what he had just asked.
"Are you asking me to accompany you to the workshop...?"
An invitation to visit the Workshop. How could she ever let that pass?!
"Precisely."
Her face instantly brightened up. The inquiry from a moment ago was pushed to the back of her mind and almost forgotten.
A satisfied grin made it to his lips. He simply asked to evade her question. Didn't hope for the tactic to be so highly efficient.
The General's presence in the workshop always brings a boost of motivation for the Materialki.
These already hard working Grishas work harder.
The Durasts and the Alkemis, both sets of overly excited Fabrikators bring out their latest invention of weapons, explosives, chemicals and other form of accessories they've made to impress the General.
As always, their leader watches each project with great interest while offering every individual words of encouragement. It was the same even during this visit. Only difference— he brought a companion; who unlike him, came in with another agenda.
The excited pair of lavender eyes were busy seeking out the younger Kostyk. But as her luck would have it, instead of finding the one she was actually looking for, her eyes met with the glaring gaze of the bitter blonde hag; Leigh.
Frustrated, Annika did the most mature thing she could do that moment— she rolled her tongue. Making the woman so furious that she was ready to explode.
Even in the midst of an important conversation with a Durast, Kirigan caught a glimpse of Annika's childish action. A strange kind of warmth washed over his frozen heart. Bringing out a small, almost secretive smile onto his lips.
He refocused on the person showing him the latest collection of knives made with the Grisha steel. But could hardly concentrate. His mind was already racing back to her. Consequently not being able to restrain the urge, his eyes sought after her once again. Only this time, they found her conversing with David's younger brother.
To his surprise, this was the happiest he had seen the girl. Her smile at its widest, displaying the large sets of dimples. Eyes twinkling with never before seen excitement. Nose twitching like a rabbit as she let out a small laughter. And the flushed cheeks that seemed to get more red with every passing second.
The Durast's words faded somewhere in the background. At that moment Kirigan could only focus on one. Sadly, it wasn't the person in purple Kefta or his inventions.
For the longest time it was her reflection shining in his glassy black eyes. But as his gaze moved from her to Viktor his smile changed. It changed from genuine to insincere, from warm to cold. Even before he could think through, his feet were already on the move, marching towards the conversing duo.
"Viktor… do you have nothing to show me?"
The two young ones jumped with fright at the intrusion. Looking ahead they noticed the General coming their way.
The boy opened his mouth to explain but got beaten by the girl beside him; who suddenly decided to take charge of the situation.
"Viktor was working on a chemical that would help make explosives powerful enough to blow up Volcras inside the fold. But thanks to me the whole project needs to be restarted. So unfortunately Viktor has nothing to show you this time around; Moi Soverennnyi."
Annika spoke in one breath.
Two pairs of eyes, one black and the other brown, blinked in surprise. An amused look already taken over their faces.
"Are you Viktor?"
"No sir!"
"Then why are you speaking?"
"Well, I am the one who ruined his project. If not for my foolishness, then today your eyes would have been blessed to see the most mind blowing invention ever."
He was hoping for his intimidating looks and stern words throw her off guard. But no, he was proven wrong. She was ready to face him head on.
So the Darkling changed strategy and changed his opponent.
"Is that so...?" He asked, head tilting towards Viktor.
"I always give my best effort, M-Moi Soverennyi. However, Annika sometimes tends to exaggerate my abilities." The boy's voice came out shaky. There were lots of emotions in his tone. Amongst which the most notable ones were nervousness and embarrassment.
Kirigan smiled, please to have gotten the reaction he was expecting.
"I see... in that case, our tour ends here." He declared looking back to Annika. And with his hand he gestured her to start moving towards the door. "Let's go Miss Zenik. We have disturbed the Fabrikators enough for today."
"Actually… I was hoping to stay back and help Viktor. Of course with your permission Moi Soverennyi."
No.
Kirigan clenched his jaws. The response was sitting at the tip of his tongue and yet he could not get it out. How frustrating!
Without realizing the brat has put him in a difficult situation. Because not giving her the permission would make him shine on the negative light. The audience could easily interpret him to be one of those who does not care and look downs upon the order of Materialki. At the same time, giving into her request so easily would also set wrong impression.
Truth be told, he wanted to avoid situations like this, with grey areas. But at the given moment there's way no way to evade. One way or another he has to give a response. Be it in favour or against. Therefore, regardless of what consequences it may be, he decided to open his mouth.
"Alright then—"
"It's okay Annika!" Viktor cut in before the Darkling could begin his sentence. "You don't have to stay. Your presence would most likely make others uncomfortable."
Annika turned to Viktor, eyes wide with disbelief. She felt like she had been slapped across the face.
"I'm fine with her staying." David spoke up from the back. Only for his brother to look back and glare.
For the next few second there was nothing but pin drop silence in the workshop. A silence so thick that it made the air around unbreathable. Especially between Viktor and Annika.
All eyes were now set on the three (the General in the middle and the two younger ones facing each other). Including the ones that were busy, minding their business. After all who wouldn't want to watch drama of such high caliber. The girl in the group may not have been an Inferni; but the flame burning in her eyes was successfully rising the temperature in the room.
Then came the command from the commander.
"Everyone, return to your work." Although the words left the General's mouth gently but the strict order in them was inevitable.
The group that gathered to watch the drama unfold, quickly scattered away.
As all Fabrikators returned to their respective task. The Grisha in black grabbed the Grisha in white by the arm and walked out of the workshop. The latter didn't even bother find out where the former was taking her. It honestly didn't matter. For all she cared, he could take her to the lake and drown her.
For a second Annika wondered whether she should ask Viktor, demand, why he humiliated her publicly. But then decided that she could let it slide. Viktor already has a lot on his shoulder, she shouldn't add more. Rather, try to be his support system.
Annika turned to have one last look at Viktor before one of the female Durast came in and slowly closed the door behind them. Bitterness filled her chest when she saw the way Viktor refused to meet her gaze. Obviously too embarrassed to face her.
Question is— towards whom was this bitterness directed to...?
Viktor, or...
Unconsciously the girl turned her head to the person walking with her. Eyes moving down to his grip on her arm.
After they covered a long distance down the corridor, the Darkling finally spoke.
"Actually, I was going to let you stay...
As if!
Annika bit her lower lip, the urge to laugh eminent on her.
"...shame, your friend didn't want you."
Her footsteps halted. Bringing them both to an abrupt stop.
The General was absolutely correct. She couldn't agree more. Viktor didn't want her near him at the given moment. Honestly... who would? When the darkness is constantly following her trail.
A.N. Thank you for reading.