Chapter 5

"…shame, your friend didn't want you."

Without a doubt the General's taunt was supposed to be a joke. Annika already knew it. However, unlike his other lame jokes, this one she couldn't just brush off. The words in there bit into her skin and haunted her for days coming. That's because it portrayed the hard truth of her situation.

Sighing, the young girl looked ahead. The door to the Fabricators workshop only couple meters away. Her hold on the document tightened. It was a list of all those inventions that needs to be salvaged. The General sent her to drop it off to David. So the Durast could get started on it soon as possible.

Annika managed to reach her destination, with every step slower than the one prior. She hoped it would take her longer. Perhaps it even did. But when there was no desire to go in there at all, time seemed to move at a particularly slow pace.

Like always she walked in unannounced, ignoring all the stares. Head held high, chin up and eyes scanning for David. It was confidence that was only found within the Corporalki— the order of the living and the dead.

She found David in a corner, with a very enthusiastic red-head in white Kefta like her. To whom the Durast was showing his current project.

"Good morning David… and Genya." Annika greeted them with a wide grin that was almost cheek to cheek.

All her previous animosity towards this place almost forgotten at the sight of the two.

"Good morning beautiful!"

"Annika! I haven't seen you since you dropped by with the General last week…"

And David had to ruin that.

"I was busy."

"Busy enough not to remember a friend!" David pouted childishly.

"You should never be busy for your friends; little girl!" Genya added.

"Well, if you—" Annika begun but got cut off when Viktor joined them.

Miraculously, Annika remained calm. Or somehow she managed to.

He quietly stood beside her. His proximity closer than what it is on a normal basis. Sadly it wasn't the time when his closeness was appreciated. It only brought extra animosity. Annika didn't bother looking at him. Genya watched the two young ones with narrowed eyes, her gaze not once flickering away.

"Here, the General wants you to take a look at this." Annika quickly shoved the papers to David. She wanted to exit the workshop soon as possible. But the Grisha in purple Kefta took his sweet time in taking the paper off of her hand.

"Anyway, I shall take my leave now. Have a lovely day David… Genya…"

With that said the Healer quickly turned around on her heels and strode over towards the exit door. With Genya quickly following after her.

"What was that?" Genya inquired when once they were out and a little bit far away from the workshop.

"What was what?" Annika shot her the 'I don't have time for this' look.

"You didn't even look him!"

"Look at who?"

"Viktor."

"Viktor who?!"

Viktor who? Now that had Genya baffled.

Few days later:

"Are the solutions ready? Leigh is asking for them."

Viktor jumped out of his trance state and looked at the incomplete tasks on the table before him, awaiting to be completed. Only to realize he hasn't even started.

Embarrassed, Viktor couldn't meet the man in the eyes. How could he, after realizing he did nothing all day other than sitting in daze thinking about certain someone.

Now, determined to have finished within the next couple of hours, Viktor assured the Durast who came to collect them.

"It will be ready soon. Just give me couple more hours."

"Very well then, I shall inform Leigh."

With that said the brunette Durast was gone. But soon after another figure walked in. It was the person who sent the former; Leigh.

"So… the solutions aren't ready yet, huh?"

"They will be very soon." Viktor assured her, just like he did to the person she sent before.

"Take your time. No need to rush. We can't afford another mishap especially after the damage your pretty friend cost us."

"That was months ago!" Viktor protested. "I'll work twice as hard to make up for it."

Unimpressed and displeased, the female Durast raised a brow. The fact that Viktor suddenly took that girl's side didn't sit well with Leigh. It angered her. But she decided to keep her unsettling rage within her control. No point getting the boy agitated. It will only bring them loss. Therefore she must keep calm and keep doing what she has been doing all along… widen the bridge between him and that girl.

"I heard she was here the other day and didn't even glance at you. Completely devoid of recognition. In fact she dropped by this morning too. To pick up the gloves, the General ordered from your brother. I was a little taken aback when she wouldn't so much as ask about you."

Viktor clenched his jaws, followed by the fists turning his knuckles almost white. Despite her kind tone and polite words, the taunt in them was clear as the water.

"Viktor… don't give into the weakness of heart and lose yourself. For someone like you, that girl is unattainable, unrealistic. Hoping for anything with her is utter madness."

She moved, walked towards the window. Eyes focused on the courtyard, watching Annika happily chatting away with Fedyor. Absolutely oblivious to the Darkling, who was positioned few feet behind her, speaking to an Oprichnik but at the same time his obsidian eyes remained glued on her form. Once the Oprichnik left, the General approached the duo in red Kefta. Soon the jolly Heartrender was also sent away. Only the Healer remained alone with the Darkling.

The Darkling then looked around to check if the coast was clear, turning his head left right and ahead, eyes searching for presence of others. Once satisfied with the emptiness, he bent down to whisper something into young Grisha's ear. One of his hand reaching out to grab her elbow and giving it a slight squeeze.

The Durast narrowed her eyes, continuing to watch the scene on the courtyard, now with a wary gaze. Even though Leigh couldn't hear him but the change of expression on Annika's face made it clear, whatever their leader said made her uncomfortable.

"Understand one thing clearly child," she spoke up gaining bringing Viktor's attention on her. "...even if you get her, you would not be able to keep her. Powerful men in here have their eyes set on her. Even together, both of you would not be unable to fight them off. For they are far too strong… far too powerful."

Closing his eyes Viktor swallowed. Her words stung. But he found himself in no position to protest, as deep down he knew she was speaking the truth. Unlike his brother who always painted false picture of happiness.

Spending time with her became a routine very quickly. A routine he looked forward to everyday. A routine that gave him reason to smile. A routine that made him feel content. It was a routine without which his day felt incomplete.

As such, he found himself watching her regularly. He would watch her sitting behind his desk while pretending to go over the paper work or other times he would simply stand behind her and watch her. At the beginning he had been hesitant, not knowing whether his presence made her uneasy. But as time passed and Annika said nothing against his actions, he started to relax and enjoy.

There was something incredibly soothing and comforting about her presence. No talk of politics or war, no discussion of unrest. She lived in her own little world which was perfect and peaceful. Uninvited he entered her world, and since then he has been constantly working towards changing it from 'her' to 'their' world. And that's how she became his escape, a place where he could put General Kirigan to rest and become a regular person.

This afternoon he quietly followed her into the garden.

He watched carefully as she cut the thorns from the white rose before putting them aside to a pile of others that were already cleared from their thorns. The corners of her lips were curled up in a warm smile as her striking lavender eyes were focused on their task, a beautiful glint in them. He himself couldn't help but smile at the sight, admiring every detail of her.

His pulses begin to quicken. Tension in the body escalating rather rapidly for his liking.

Truth be told, he couldn't tell which one was his favourite. Was it to watch her from afar, or spending time in her company. It was a hard pick, especially when both came with pros and cons of it's own:

Pros of watching her from afar: He could see her for who she was, unbeknownst to her knowledge. In turn he could analyze her, study her and ultimately understand her to see if she could serve a purpose.

Cons of watching her from afar: The inability to interact with her resulted in an unknown form of itch within him.

Pros of spending time with her: The list here was endless. First, they could talk. Strangely, he found himself smiling more as they conversed; which sometimes led to laughing at her silly activities too. Second, he was able to enjoy the fragrance emanating off of her. Despite how freakishly perverse it sounded, truth cannot be denied— he enjoys her scent. Somedays it's the smell roses, somedays it's daisies, other times it's jasmine and his personal favourite was the one she wore today— lavender, with a subtle mix of vanilla. It's the scent that helped him relax, soothing his body's tensed muscles and nerves. On hindsight, being closer also gave him the opportunity to touch and feel her. Even if they were the faintest of the brush of hand, pat on the head or caressing of her face. His battle worn rough hands quite enjoyed the feel of her buttery skin against it. In short, he liked all the feelings she brought him.

Cons of spending time with her: It was becoming an addiction. An addiction, he was finding extremely difficult to fight off. Everything about her constantly invites him in. And it was reaching a point where he was losing the strength to stay away from her.

Feeling his eyes on her for so long she turned her head to the side just to confirm before refocusing on her task.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She opted to ask rather boldly.

He sensed exasperation in her voice and watched her smile vanish. But did nothing to prevent it. Instead he rested his back against the tree trunk, with arms elegantly crossed across his chest and an amused look on his face. Clearly impressed by the reaction he drew out of her.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you are talking about." He said trying to sound oblivious to what she meant.

She let out a heavy sigh before indirectly hinting. "Your stare can make someone uncomfortable, Moi Soverennyi."

As if he didn't know. It was precisely why he was doing it. The girl in front of him had many ways to draw his attention to her, even with a small glance on his way. The problem was she hardly looked at him, until he did something to draw her attention.

"But I am only watching the flowers." His lips stretched into a smug smile. The Darkling wasn't sure what was happening to him, but he could feel it in his bones whatever it was, it was dangerous.

"Fine…" she sighed again, tiredly this time. "Do whatever you wish."

His brows crunched as he picked up disdain in her voice. But he chose to selfishly ignore and divert the topic to a different direction.

"Tell me, what is your favourite flower?"

"Camellia."

He looked over at the direction of the mentioned flower and found them in three different colours.

"There are three in colour, which one is your favourite?"

"The pink one."

"Ah! The one that represents longing for someone." He remarked. "Interesting."

"Huh?!" She looked at him confused. Wondering what exactly was he talking about.

"Every flower represents something. Some form of emotions." He told her, clarifying her confusion.

"Roses express love. I already know that."

He peeled himself off of the the tree trunk and marched towards where she was seated.

"Child, you know nothing! Roses have the appeal. But there are other flower that expresses desire far better. Come, let me show you…" He grabbed her by the arm to pick her up from the ground she was sitting on and headed towards the row of irises.

"These are irises!" Annika stated flatly.

"Correct, they are." He agreed. "But did you know, the gentle demure iris can have wild side. When clothed in white petals, the iris leans more towards symbolizing purity. In blue petals it represents faith and hope. In purple petals it shows wisdom. But once the color changes to yellow, it hold a whole different meaning – it represents the givers burning passion."

Then he walked her towards the row of camellias.

"While white camellias symbolizes adoration. The pink symbolizes longing for someone and given to someone who is missed. But the red camellias symbolizes not only love and passion but also intense, deep, uncontrollable desire for the person given to."

Annika blinked, batting her long lashes. She was quite surprised. Never had she expected the Darkling of all people to have such deep knowledge on flowers.

They walked again till arriving at the area that contained small white flowers, which Annika assumed were daffodils.

"Now these little ones…" He plucked out one and brought it to his nose.

"Daffodils also represents love?" Annika raised a brow.

"These are jonquils not daffodils." He corrected her. "And no, these don't exactly express love. They represent obsession and madness. It demands love me…"

He was so consumed into the explanation that he failed to realize when his expressionless mask wore off. The tenderness from his face slowly dissolved bringing out something frightening.

"…like the giver of the flower is commanding the receiver to reciprocate his feelings."

Annika tried to break out of his hold. And instinctively his grip tightened, intercepting her plan.

"The giver of this flower is not only in love, but completely consumed by it, to the point of no return."

He turned to show her the flower he plucked before carefully tucking it behind her ear. Her already forced smile faltered at his action.

The silence that came following his action was strangely frightening. It gave Annika the urge to run but that option was out of the question since her hand was still in his grip.

"Sun is about to set. We must retreat." He was the one to break the silence, ushering her to return with him.

.

.

.

Before they could step into the threshold of the Little Palace, an Oprichnik came running, informing the General that the king wanted to see him urgently at the Grand Palace.

"I will see you tomorrow." The General said cupping a portion of Annika's face.

"Yes sir."

He flashed her a tender smile. "Goodnight Annika."

She mimicked his expression. "Goodnight General."

Just as the Darkling left, Annika took out the flower tucked behind her ear and was about to discard it when a voice suddenly spoke up from behind her.

"What is this?"

For a second there Annika froze. But made a quick recovery before turning to face Zoya.

It was the first time the Squaller had spoken to her in months. Annika was determined to not let this opportunity go to waste.

"Here you go, for you." So she quickly offered the flower in hand to Zoya.

"From who?" Zoya quirked a brow. Hesitant to accept the offered flowers.

"General Kirigan, gave the flower…" to me. And I am giving it to you.

Annika smiled subtly, while finishing the rest of the sentence in her mind and watched as Zoya's mood brightened immediately.

"Why would he give me flower?"

Soon as the question left Zoya's lips the smile on Annika's face faltered, like she just realized her mistake. If the Squaller by chance question the Darkling, then whatever progress she just made would not only be in vain but their relationship would end for good.

"I don't know… I suppose he is growing fond of you." Annika said uneasily. Groaning inside for not being able to come up with something cunning. "However it's best if you keep it a secret."

"A secret… why?" There was suspicion in Zoya's voice and Annika knew grew nervous

"He is expecting you tonight. Make sure to be in his quarters after dinner."

Every word that came out of the younger Grisha's mouth was a lie. But Zoya had no way of knowing that, as she was no Heartrender. Even if she was, a lie said so smoothly with utmost confidence and stable heartbeat could sometimes be hard to detect.

When Kirigan returned to his room later that night Zoya was already waiting for him. She stood by his desk, cleaning the mess, dressed in blue silk nightgown. A special one, saved for special nights with him only.

"Zoya..."

She turned hearing her name that softly trailed off from his lips and noticed how close he stood. Hardly a hand distance between them.

The urge to touch him surged within her body. His powerful presence called to her. Zoya Nazyalensky prided herself as his most favoured Grisha. She wanted nothing more than to stand by his side. Perhaps, someday be his second in command.

"What are you doing here?" He asked. Even though the smirk at the corner of his lips confirmed that he already knew why she was here.

"It has been a while since you called me. Thought I should just check if everything is alright with you." She replied caressing his face, feeling his beard scratching her palm. Her eyes assessing him. "And I was right… you look worn out. Allow me to take care of that and help you relax."

He watched her for a moment. The pair of midnight dark eyes almost pouring down on her. Zoya shuddered, her heart picking up speed as the memory of their heated night from two weeks ago flooded her mind. The reaction her body was already experiencing only intensified when the General placed a hand on her hip and pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her body.

Then, leaning down he whispered into her ear. "Thank you, Zoya, for always caring for me so much."

Zoya shivered and nodded, unable to open her mouth to speak.

Kirigan shifted, with a languid movement he led her into the his bedroom and before she knew it, Zoya was already disrobing him…

Soon enough they were on the bed with his larger form pinning down her smaller one. His lips deeply kissing her neck, hands caressing the curves of her body right before sliding down and snaking their way under her nightgown, kneading her thighs momentarily prior to pushing the nightgown over her hips.

A deep groan left the Squaller's lips whilst her legs wrapped around his bare hips, hooking her ankles together to keep them in place. Hands grabbing him tightly by the back, nails almost cutting into his flesh. His hard deep thrusts driving her sanity to edge.

A part of her vaguely wondered whether this maddening passion would make her lose everything even before breaking of dawn.

Meanwhile in the dining hall…

She sat down for dinner wearing the most distressed look on her face anyone had ever seen.

Tomorrow she would have her first sesson with Bhagra. Annika was far from thrilled when the information was broken down by one of her teacher. She knew this day would arrive one day, as every Grisha in the Little Palace must have a few sessions with the aforementioned female. However, what Annika didn't expect was for this day to arrive so soon.

Personally Annika didn't know the woman, but certainly heard a lot about her. Everyday one or two of her classmates would mention the women and vividly describe how ruthless and horrible she is. And that was enough reason for concern.

"What's wrong Annika? You barely touched your food." Asked her friend Irina, who was sitting beside Annika at the dining hall.

"Tomorrow is my first lesson with Bhagra." Soon as Annika revealed that, someone immediately gasped.

"Oh dear!" The person exclaiming was sitting across from them, on the Etherealki side. It was Marie, the Inferni. "My experience with her was terrible. One time Bhagra released hives of bees on me. But ever since, I have had no problems summoning."

Marie really likes to share this particular tale. This was the umpteenth time the Inferi was sharing this experience with someone. As much as Annika appreciated her efforts, her words weren't really helpful at the moment.

"Stop scaring the little girl Marie." Nadia nudged the Inferni's side. "You will be just fine Annika. You know how to use your abilities. No reason for Bhagra to be so harsh on you."

Nadia's comforting words didn't help much as a Tidemaker jumped in to counter against her argument.

"I knew how to use my abilities. But it wasn't up to her satisfaction. So she hit me with a stick so hard that it almost fractured my arm."

"She asked me to heal a snake." One of the student who is training to be a Healer like Annika, complained.

"I did nothing wrong! Yet she despised me. Apparently my resemblance to the General Kirigan irritated her." Dimitri shared his part before picking up his glass to finish the water inside.

"She almost made me drink dirty water." Another person added.

Before long many more spoke up, sharing their horror stories from the time they had to sit down with the woman living in the hut. While Annika herself had sunken low in her seat, trying and failing to hide her frightened face.

She chewed onto her thumb nail hard.

Unsure. Nervous. Hesitating.

Fear creeping up her spine for a while now, making her back feel paralyzed. She hardly got any sleep last night, which left her feeling tired, cranky and groggy.

"Annika?"

She heard a voice call her from behind and turned with an irritated look on her face. But that changed in an instant when she realized just who it was.

"Moi Soverennnyi!" She exclaimed. Her face lit up. All her previous anxieties were starting to leave. She has never been so happy to see the Darkling as she was now. He just showed up at the perfect time.

"What are you doing standing here?" He was quick to notice her fear stricken face. And it prompted him to ask, "Are you okay?"

"I'm scheduled for my first lesson with Bhagra, and…" she trailed off apprehensively.

"You are nervous." He finished the sentence for her. A look of amusement grazing his face.

"I am." She admitted, chewing her bottom lip.

His gaze dropped down to her lips for a brief moment. They were fluffy but not too fluffy with the most beautiful shade of pink he had ever seen. Unknowingly, he chapped his own lips but he made no attempt to move.

"It's just that things I have learned about her last night weren't so pleasant."

Her words snapped him out of daze.

"Don't be nervous. You have nothing to fear. I am always with you." He assured, softly petting her head.

But those words of encouragement did little to nothing to ease down the growing uneasiness inside her. The anticipation of how things would unfold once she enters the hut was killing her.

"Bhagra has her own style of doing things. However, I assure you they are highly efficient. I was also one of her student. In fact, one of the worst ones, but look where I am today. Whatever I have achieved today was possible because of her."

His hand that was resting above her head slid down to cup her face.

"So do not worry, you will do just fine. I have my full faith in you and your capabilities, Annika."

He gave her one last reassuring smile before pulling back and turning around on his heels, with the intent to head to his original destination. But before he could take his third step she called him out bringing his footsteps to a halt.

"Moi Soverennnyi… in that case may I ask you for a favour?"

He looked over the shoulder and found her fidgeting with her fingers. His gut-feeling told him whatever it is, it wouldn't end well for him.

And yet…

"Let's hear what it is."

He paved the way for her to be greedy.

"Will you accompany me… to Bhagra's hut."

The smile and the delightful expression that were adorning his face immediately dropped.

The silence that followed after her request was heavy. She almost thought he would refuse.

Then she saw him hesitate. And that shone as glimmer of hope for her and determined her not to take back her request. Instead she strode over to him, closing the distance between them.

Indeed he hesitated, rightfully so.

It may have sounded like a simple request. At the same time, it came bearing big risk that would undoubtedly put him under scrutiny. He couldn't just accompany a student to Bhagra's hut. It would seem improper.

Of course he had the option to turn her down. As he was under no obligation to accept any form request. In any sense he shouldn't!

Be that as it may, there was one tiny problem…

"Please, Moi Soverennyi." Her hand reached out and gently brushed over his forearm. Those lavender eyes pleading him not to leave her side.

"I don't think it's a good idea."

Indeed it wasn't.

But then, her other hand also reached out to touch him. Then both hands circled around his bicep, caging it.

"Moi Soverennyi… please."

His own heart leapt inside his chest.

"Your carriage is ready. We're ready to depart General." He heard Ivan in the distance running towards him. However, Kirigan found himself unable to pay his second in command any heed. His attention remained full captivated by the girl in front of him.

Her hold on him tightened. Fingers almost digging in through his Kefta.

"I understand you have many other important duties to attend to. Which should not be compromised for my sake, I don't expect any special treatment and nor should I. At the same time I want you to know, Moi Soverenny, as long as you're with me… I'm not afraid."

That's it! Despite the stern exterior outside, his defence crumbled. Like a candle lit up in flame, he too melted away. And ended up giving in.

"Come, let me show you to her hut."

"Let's go..." she said chirping like a bird and let go of his hand.

Inside, Annika sighed with relief. Finally she managed to secure her life. With the General accompanying her there's no way that Old Hag would do any form of damage to her. Or so she thought.

As they were moments away from reaching the hut, Annika scurried closer to the General. Confident about the fact that as long as she could present herself as one of the Darkling's trusted Grisha, Bhagra wouldn't dare mess with her.

Her gaze moved to the black clad man as he gently took hold of her hand before opening the shabby door which Annika presumed led into the hut. And walked in hand in hand, like a couple.

As soon as they stepped inside the heat hit Annika on her face. Momentarily blurring her vision and watering her eyes. While she was rubbing her eyes with her free hand, her companion seemed totally unaffected. It was as if he was used to environments like these.

Both sets of eyes were quick to detect Bhagra.

The woman was sitting in front of the fireplace, with a stick in hand poking around the logs aimlessly.

Even though Annika was yet to see the woman's face but judging by the silhouette and the worn out faded black clothing, it wasn't hard to guess she most definitely looked like how she was described— a scorned hag!

A decently long moment passed since they've entered the hut. The person inside was obviously aware of their presence. And yet, didn't bother acknowledge.

Confused and not understanding what was happening Annika furrowed her brows, then frowned. She expected Bhagra to be frightened upon seeing the General. That was the main purpose of bringing him here.

But instead, what she got was…

"Shut the door you fool! You're letting the heat out!" Snapped the old woman like she was scolding her own child.

Pulling herself out of the Darkling's grip, Annika was about to obey but the owner of the hut spoke up again, interrupting her.

"Not you girl! Tell your guard dog to do it."

"Guard dog?!" With wide eyes and dropped jaw Annika snapped her head at Kirigan, astonished that someone dare insult him so blatantly. Even more surprising was that he wasn't doing anything! Except for glaring at the woman's back. But it hardly counts considering the lady just called him 'fool' and 'guard dog'. There were no proper words in existence that could have accurately depicted the shock on Annika's face in that moment.

"Careful Bhagra…" The General finally opened his mouth and warned. His voice cold as ice, tone calm but furious. "I'd watch my words if I were you."

Smirking, the woman ultimately turned to face them. Interestingly, she looked impressed and unimpressed at the same time.

"Don't make me repeat myself boy!" Her tone was intimidating.

"Don't test me hag!" His tone equally, if not more intimidating. But of course it had no effect on the woman.

Swallowing nervously, Annika continued to bounce her head between the two condescending adults. All the while wondering what type of mess she has gotten herself into. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. The woman is supposed to be fearful of the General. Not bark at him and call him foul names. Besides, why is there such heavy tension and animosity between the two?

Perhaps bringing the Darkling was a mistake; a big mistake!

Now what? Annika thought for a moment looking around the hut before coming to a decision. Maybe it's best if I…

She slowly took a step back, careful not to alert the Darkling. Thankfully he was still focused on Bhagra. Both their dark eyes locked in a heated gaze.

Despite having her gaze fixated on the glaring Darkling, Bhagra was still cautiously observing the girl, who was slowly and tactfully moving towards the exit. And just it appeared as though none of them were watching, she fled through the door. Leaving behind an amused Bhagra and an astonished General Kirigan.

Dimitri was aimlessly walking around the training grounds when he suddenly noticed Annika running like she was being chased by the Drüskelle.

He tried to stop her by jumping in front of her but she didn't stop. She continued running. In fact grabbed him by the hand and dragged him along as well.

"What's wrong?" Dimitri asked after they ran past the training ground. "Weren't you supposed to be with Bhagra…?"

Rather than answering him she glanced back to check if either one of those two were following. To her relief no, none of them were.

"I was… until things went horribly wrong."

"What happened?"

"So I had the General accompany me to her hut, thinking—"

"Why did you need the General to take you to her hut?" The Inferni cut her off not following.

"Well…" Annika trailed of sheepishly. "I thought by showing up with him I could scare that woman. Little did I know they have history."

"General Kirigan and Bhagra have history? Have you lost your mind! Do you have the slightest idea of what you are talking about?"

"Believe me they do!" Annika almost screamed. "I have witnessed tension between them. Tension that only exists between former lovers."

Dimitri stopped, his grip on her forced her to stop as well.

"General Kirigan and Bhagra former lovers! Are you sure you didn't hit your head...?"

Annika gave him a look. Prompting him to think for a moment before reaching the conclusion.

"Now that reminds me, Bhagra once mentioned during one of the sessions that I remind her of someone she knew long ago."

"And who do you think she meant…?" Annika asked arching a brow.

"Oh!"

Back in the hut:

While Kirigan's face still had shock seeping through, Bhagra's returned to being unfazed. Only, the smirk on her face became wider.

"Looks like your bird broke out of the cage, Moi Soverennyi."

He opened his mouth to retort but closed it off not finding anything suitable to counter her taunt. Until the following words slipped out of his tongue.

"I do not care how ruthless you get with her vocally. However, I do not want to see a single mark on her skin. Is that understood…?" A strong possessiveness laced within his voice.

"Why…? Do you wish to be the first one to leave a mark on that porcelain doll?" Her smile couldn't possibly widen anymore.

He said nothing, just shifted uncomfortably. His jaw tightened as he tried to keep his composure. Sadly that mocking smile on her face wasn't helping. The urge to show her who's in charge crept up. But he resisted. After all her usefulness outweighs the annoyance. Therefore he is left with no choice but to tolerate her.

However, his silence gave Bhagra the leeway to continue.

"The big bad General showering favours after favours upon a pretty little Grisha. Tell me what game are you playing, Moi Soverennyi?"

"Bhagra…" He warned, daring her not to utter a single word any further.

As if a warning so futile could scare her. Instead, she turned her back on him and faced the fireplace again, going back to poking it with her stick.

"Aleksander," This time she called him by his name—the name that was given to him not a title he took himself; to serve as a reminder of who he is, incase he has forgotten.

"It's General Kirigan." He immediately corrected her. Resulting in Bhagra to roll her eyes.

"…for your sake lets hope you still remember what happened when a certain Annika entered your life last time."

His eyes closed down and hands fisted tightly, nails digging into the palms, turning the knuckles white. As pure hot rage pulsated through his blood.

Of course he remembers. How could he ever forget her, Annika… the girl whom he thought was a friend, with high potential to become something more. Despite his mother's multiple warning, he didn't keep his distance from her. Annika was someone whom he trusted and confided in with his biggest secret: that he is a living amplifier.

And immediately after obtaining such information, she plotted with her brother and tried to kill him for his blood and bones, by drowning him in the lake.

Not even remotely it occurred to him that she, Annika, the girl with the warmest smile and kindest heart was capable of such cruelty.

It was the first time he learned to master the cut and used it on them, slicing the siblings into dozens of pieces.

"Don't draw a comparison between them. She is Annika Zenik not Annika Mayra. They're not the same!" Filled with so much pain and disappointment. He himself didn't recognize his own voice.

"Only when it comes to the appearance they are different. Otherwise—"

"No!" He snapped his eyes open and growled.

"They are two different people from two different times. Appearance, personality nothing between matches. So keep your ridiculous theories to yourself. Besides, no incidents like that shall ever repeat… because I am different now."

The last line paused Bhagra in her action.

She glanced over her shoulder, a cold smile tugging the corner of her lips. "Are you…?"

His glare hardened.

"…because I can see glimpses of that vulnerable thirteen year old boy fighting to come out."

"You're delusional, mother!" With that said he left the hut. Closing the door behind him with a hard slam. Leaving Bhagra to stare blankly at the empty space which was occupied by him a while ago.

After lingering there for another moment or two Bhagra's gaze returned to the burning fire once more. Only this time a look of relief graced her face. Although she would never say it out loud, but the truth is, she was actually quite impressed with the girl. And it was something that didn't happen often. The fact the she managed to have the Darkling to accompany her here, showed the development of her influence over him.

No doubt the girl is smart. She knows how to use her charm and bend materials her way. Therefore with proper training and guidance she could turn out be a big asset and perhaps a tool that could be used to control the Darkling and his darkness.

A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed.

Reply to darkling simp: hi… unfortunately I don't have an update schedule. It all depends on when I write. However I try for one update a month.

Reply to Julie: Your observation is correct, Annika in her head blames the General for everything. According to her if the General wasn't taking up her free time making her work for him, she could dedicate them to Viktor and close the widening gap between them. She isn't seeing her fault in the situation.

This shows she's not too different from the people around her. Like the fabrikators or the people that complained about her to General.

Another thing to keep in mind, with Viktor her situation is— 'Everybody wants me, how dare you ignore me.'

And yes, she is pretty much the ultra glamorous eye-candy who tends to get a lot of attention (keep in mind it's just the face. Not face body everything). And is very much aware and enjoys this attention. So naturally when people are in that situation, often they tend to be arrogant, selfish and inconsiderate. It's mostly about them first, the others can have their scarps. I didn't want to give her a too kind personality from the beginning. I hope she will eventually learn as the story progresses.

No worries, no offence taken, she is spoiled! I totally agree. Why wouldn't she be when she's somehow someway getting away with almost everything. And the reason she shows her mature and wise side to the General is so that she doesn't get into further trouble. She's freaking scared of him.

Also, she's not yet the army material. She'll definitely be dead if put in the battlefield. And because of her incompetence, others would die too. She all about looks now and judges everyone, including the Darkling (if you remember she was going on about the lines on his forehead).

Long story short— she is a very flawed character. But hopefully with time she will grow up and change.

Hope I was able to clarify and answers your questions. :-)

Reply to guest #2: Let me start of by clarifying the age— only Annika is 14. Viktor and Dimitri are 18-19 respectively.

Moving on, we're not exactly sure where Viktor stands with his feelings for Annika but yes he doesn't show romantic interest in her. One of the reason being, he's realistic and knows Annika is way out of his league. However he lacks the courage to speak to her honestly. He afraid to make her upset. Because who knows, some of her admirers might attack him again.

With Dimitri though, Annika's connection is eventually improving. Who knows maybe in the future they could become friends or something more.

Reply to guest #1: You are right, the men were just being dumb.

Fedyor didn't think about the consequences before advising something so dangerous.

Viktor's problem is that he prefers to be on the safe side. Plus he is scared to get Annika upset. Fearing the boys admiring her might attack him again.

As for the Darkling— he simply decided to rub salt on her fresh wound.