A.N: After updating I got the feeling it's better to post is as one chapter as it makes more sense. So I've decided to merge them and make it into one chapter.
Chapter 1
"General Kirigan is sending me away on a mission."
Nina Zenik broke the news to her younger sister, Annika, who was laying on her side of the bed reading a book; a romance novel with underlying hint of comedy. The younger Zenik's preferred genre.
The Zenik sisters— Nina and Annika are different in every aspect. As Grishas they're both Corporalki; with Nina being the Heartrender and Annika being a Healer, although still a student in training.
In terms of appearance: despite being beautiful in their own ways, the two sisters look very different. The pale skin and the shape of their brow are the common features they share. Other than that, Nina has dark-brown, straight, waist length hair. Annika has straight but black hair that almost reaches the hips. Nina's has hooded, light blue eyes. Annika has the almond shaped eyes that are the rare lavender colour. Nina's face is small heart shaped. Annika's is longer and oval shaped. Nina has the perfect curves sitting at the right places whereas Annika is basically skin covering the bones.
Personality wise: Nina is loud and lewd, which also makes her quite popular with the Grisha's of opposite gender. Annika on the other hand still has a lot to learn from her older sister. But for now, she is someone who prefers turn away from the reality to live in the fantasy.
"What kind of mission?" Asked Annika, turning over to the next page. She wasn't quite bothered, after all Nina was a girl, surely the Darkling wouldn't assign her into something dangerous. So she blissfully assumed it was more like running some errands.
"I have been tasked to find and dig out information on those smuggling Grisha from Ravka."
Now that didn't sound like running some errands. Although Nina tried her best to make it sound like it was no big deal.
Quickly, closing her book Annika sat up and shot her sister a curious stare, demanding she explain more. But Nina was busy undressing. Shrugging the red Kefta off of her shoulder she carelessly tossed it somewhere on the floor. Then proceeded to remove the rest of her garments while making her way towards the bathroom. Successfully ignoring the pair of eyes burning at the back of her head.
Annika left the bed and followed her sister's trial. "Why does it sound like you're going away for a long time?"
"Because I am."
Once stripped off of everything the blue eyed sister climbed into the bathtub, whilst the one with the lavender eyes remained at the entrance.
"How long are we talking about?"
Nina let out a frustrated sigh. She didn't want to think about the reality she must face starting tomorrow. But her naive little sister wouldn't stop with the interrogation either. Then again she also knew it was unfair to put the blame solely on Annika. She was still quite young, with no one to call her own other than Nina… and now once again they'd be separated. Just like how they have been forcefully taken away from their families after Annika's healing abilities were discovered by one of their neighbour's son and the rest is history.
"I don't know. I am to Cross the fold and go to the other side. Travel to many different places, step into the enemy territories in disguise. Chances are I might never come back… this might be the last time we see each other."
The information slowed down the younger Grisha's heart rate.
Sensing what was happening the Heartrender craned her neck to check if her little sister was alright.
"But Nina! How will I live if something happens to you?"
"We are soldiers. We survive no matter what."
A deep frown took over Annika's face. She couldn't even imagine life without having Nina by her side. But there was little to what she could do. After all who'd dare defy the General's order.
"Hey! Can you stop making such a face. Frowning like that will only give you wrinkles." Nina's scolding snapped Annika out of her chain of thoughts. "You should know me better, it's not so easy to take me down. Especially when the opponent is of male gender."
"What if you are caught by the Drüskelle?" Annika asked, having the worst of ideas taking over her mind.
"I maybe a Grisha, but I'm no ugly woman." Nina scoffed. "Besides, why do you think General Kirigan specifically chose me for this mission? He's a man with perfectly working eye-sight; he knows how a beautiful woman with the advantage of being a Heartrender can—"
"When do you depart?" Annika abruptly cut in. Nina has the habit of beating her own drums and sometimes it goes too far. And right now wasn't the time for that.
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?!" Annika exclaimed in disbelief. "And you're telling me this now!"
"The General just told me a while ago. Oh by the way, can you sleep somewhere else tonight. I invited Dimitri on my way back."
"Dimitri?! Are you serious! Nina! He's a creep who lies about being the General's younger brother to lure women into his bed." Annika retorted. It was beyond her brain's capacity to grasp why her sister would lower her standard by getting into bed with him.
Dimitri Kasolov— the second most popular young male Grisha at the Little Palace. His increasing popularity is due to the fact that he shares an uncanny resemblance to the Darkling. Even a person with poor eyesight wouldn't miss the similarities in their features. Only difference, Dimitri looks like the Darkling's younger version with clean shaven face and longer hair. And boy! The young Inferni takes full advantage of his appearance. People often ask him if he is somehow related to the General and he never denies.
Annika is few of those odd ones who thinks Dimitri's resemblance to the General is a mere coincidence and nothing more! Therefore she doesn't entertain his lies. Whereas most of her peers and ladies she knows through her sister, unfortunately fell for the garbage that comes out of his mouth. Which led them to go crazy for him, and now it appears as though her sister has also joined the group.
"Do you really want to spend your last night at the Little Palace, in that creep's arms? Don't tell me you're also starting to believe he is General Kirigan's brother."
Nina rolled her eyes at her sister's attempted reasoning. She didn't even bother to turn instead picked up the wash cloth and started to scrub herself.
"Listen child do you really think I care how he is or who he claims to be? I've heard from reliable sources that he is good in bed. End of the day that's what counts. I could care less whether he is the General's brother or son—"
A knock on the door interrupted them.
"That must be him!" Nina said. Her tone changed from lecturing to chirping like a happy bird.
"Should I tell him to wait? Clearly you're not done bathing."
"It's fine. He can join me in the bath. I heard he gives impressive back rub. This is my chance to test it out."
Rolling her eyes Annika turned with the intent to leave but stopped, realizing they haven't come to a conclusion about her accommodation for tonight.
"Wait, what about me? Where would I sleep tonight?"
"Go sleep Zoya's room. I have already spoken to her."
"And where would she sleep?"
"Zoya isn't sleeping tonight. She will be warming the General's bed."
The younger Grisha's lips formed an understanding 'O'. Even though she never understood the obsession some ladies here had with General Kirigan— a figure of authority, who should be viewed as the father figure. Instead, these ladies preferred to be his bed-warmer. Maybe if she wasn't so young and closer to their age perhaps she too could have seen what Zoya and some of their other ladies saw in the Darkling.
"Now go shoo and bring my guest in!"
Once again rolling her eyes Annika left to answer the door.
She walked across the room in hurried footsteps as the knocking became urgent.
Someone's impatient. The thought crossed the younger Zenik's mind as she answered the door.
"Good evening." Greeted Dimitri, leaning on the doorframe. His blue Kefta with red and yellow embroidery undone, a smug grin tugging the corner of his lips and his vulgar gaze scanning her up and down.
"Nina's in the bath, waiting for you. Please feel free to join her." Annika said through gritted teeth and stepped away, silently inviting him.
He walked in with an attitude as if he owned the Little Palace and closed the distance between them.
"Tell me," he whispered leaning close to her ear, "why do you always look at me with such enraged eyes, Little Annika?" She never understood why he had that particular pet name for her, but never bothered to find out either.
She shrugged her shoulders. "That's cause your presence is quite unlucky for me. Every time you're around, something always goes wrong."
Her bitter tone seemed to have no effect on him. In fact he got bolder, his twisted grin widening as his palms slid up and down her arms.
"Is that so..." he trailed off, trying to feel her skin beneath the sleeves of her nightgown. "Pray tell me, what have I done now?"
"Thanks to you I have no place to sleep tonight." She dusted his hands off of her arms.
He clicked his tongue. "Too bad you're so young!" His hand shamelessly reached out to touch her again, and caressed her face. "Only if you were slightly older I could have invited you to join Nina and I." Fingers brushing few strands of her hair behind her ear. "You see… my brother wouldn't appreciate if I start to take very very young girls to bed."
"Oh please! Save your lies for someone else." She slapped his hand away as it was about to descend to her neck and pushed him out of her way so that she could exit.
Once outside, she turned and watched Dimitri flash her a flirtatious grin alongside a dirty wink before abruptly shutting the door on her face.
Not sure where to go, the young Grisha wondered off through the dimly lit corridor of the Little Palace; pouting childishly.
"Annika?!"
Luckily she didn't have to wonder around for long. Turning, the dark haired female noticed the Grisha in purple Kefta approaching.
"Viktor…? What are you doing up so late?"
"I was at the workshop with David, assisting with him with the rings General Kirigan asked him to design. And you?"
"I got kicked out of my own room. Nina decided to spend the her last night at the palace in Creepy Dimitri's company."
The male Grisha couldn't suppress his laughter and spoke in between it. "It's the saddest thing I have ever heard." He laughed again. "Oh Nina! Her absence will truly be felt. Anyway," clearing his throat he proceeded. "Did they kick you out just like that?"
"Nina told me I could sleep in Zoya's room, as you know…" she trailed off hoping he got the hint, before jumping to the point. "...but I don't feel comfortable. We're not that close."
"Then come with me. You can sleep on my bed." The Fabrikator wrapped an arm around the petite girl's shoulder.
The offer earned him a curious look from her. "Where would you and your brother sleep then?"
"I will take David's bed since he will be spending the night at the workshop." He told her pulling her along, as they headed for his bedchamber.
Annika released a sigh of relief and secretly smiled, glad to have found a far better place than what was expecting.
.
.
.
She observed him fix the pillow under her head and pull the cover over, before walking into the bathroom to change into his night attire.
Another one of those soft dimpled smile slowly graced her lips.
At the tender age of ten, even before she understood the deep and complex matters of the heart such as feelings, desire, emotion, love; her heart was given away. Without even having proper experience Annika Zenik gave her heart to Viktor Kostyk.
It's been three years since the young Alkemi has conquered the little Healer's heart without having the slightest of idea. And she still doesn't know when he will find out. Perhaps soon! Or never, that being if she doesn't find the courage to express it herself. On his own Viktor will never realize. Like his older brother, Viktor too is blind to such aspects. He notices nothing! Not Annika's longing gaze or her affectionate caresses on his arms and shoulders. Or even the way she would seize every chance to comb her fingers through his dark curly hair.
Genya Safin on the other hand notices everything. Making her the only soul aware about the condition of the young Grisha's heart. Then again why wouldn't the Tailor understand? When she herself is on the same boat. David Kostyk is just as oblivious as his younger brother when it comes to women and their heart. For the Kostyk brothers their world only revolves around their work.
Viktor finally came out. Dressed in a pair of dark trousers and white cotton shirt that had the first couple of buttons undone, giving a perfect peek of his smooth tanned chest.
Annika could feel the blush creeping up on her cheeks. But there was nothing she could do to prevent it. Furthermore reason to hate her pale complexion. Quickly, she pulled the covers all the way up to her nose to hide the sight of her heated cheeks.
"Don't hesitate to wake me up if you need anything." Viktor told her while getting under the cover himself.
"Sure…" She ducked down more under the cover. Her blush redder than ever.
Elders often say 'whatever happens, happens for good'. Although Nina highly disagrees with that statement, Annika now has a different point of view. Maybe them being a Grisha and brought to the Little Palace was indeed a blessing. Otherwise she would have never met Viktor.
The group consisting of— Zoya, David, Genya, Marie, Nadia, Fedyor, Viktor, Annika and of course Dimitri, gathered right at the entrance of the Little Palace to bid farewell to Nina.
Saying goodbye to one of their own was hard. But even harder was having to watch the thirteen years old desperately clutch onto her sister and refusing to let her go.
"Please don't go." The little sister cried into the older sister's chest. A lot more came out of the former's mouth but the latter held herself together.
She couldn't breakdown and appear vulnerable.
Pressing a kiss on her little sister's forehead Nina promised that they would meet again someday. Even if it is decades later, they'd meet again. But until then she must stay strong. In return Annika promised she would survive and made Nina promise the same.
With a broken heart Nina mounted on the horse provided. Stealing one last glance at the Little Palace and waving farewell to the group, she galloped away.
Leaving behind Annika to cry on Genya's shoulder.
•••One year later•••
Life in the Little Palace wasn't the same without Nina. But it wasn't as bad as Annika thought it would be. Thanks to the two wonderful ladies— Zoya Nazyalensky and Genya Safin. The Squaller and the Tailor did their best to fill up the void Nina's departure left. Then there are others routinely checking up on her like— Marie, Nadia and occasionally Fedyor.
Aside from these seniors treating her as their own baby sister, Annika's own friends also never left her side.
To sum up, all these people in some form or another taught the young Healer in the past year how to survive while keeping the hopes in the heart alive.
With great enthusiasm she watched her favourite Fabrikator work. Lavender eyes shining with the kind of excitement that only comes out whenever she is around him.
"What are you working on Viktor?" Even her voice had childlike excitement laced within. Like she was eager to learn.
"I'm trying to make a chemical that will make the fabric of the Keftas blade-proof." He replied without paying much attention to the girl hoovering over him.
"But aren't the Keftas already blade-proof?" She asked, almost stupidly.
The Alkemi sighed tiredly. Even though Viktor didn't have the heart to tell her, but in that moment he was indeed feeling disturbed by her presence. Inside he was hoping for her to leave and come back later when he is less busy. However due to his lack of ability to hint, the message never reached her.
"They're bullet proof Annika, not blade-proof." He corrected.
"Oh!" The frown curved her lips downward. Disappointed that even after the third attempt she failed to get him to look at her.
Despite the series of changes in her life over the past year, one thing still remained unchanged—Viktor being oblivious and clueless about her feelings.
Her situation was quite tragic. Even though there were plenty of boys always showering her with their attention, but Annika hardly received any from the person from whom she truly craved it the most. Although Viktor treated her well but the attention and affection she craved for is never there. Making it clear he treated her as if she were his little sister.
While she stood there quietly sulking in her disappointment another figure in purple Kefta approached her.
"Um… Miss Zenik?" The voice called her nervously.
Annika turned and found a rusty blonde haired boy with hazel eyes, couple of feet away from her.
"Yes…?"
"I made this for you." He held out his hand, offering her the small object. "It's a lantern specifically designed with soft light to help you get better sleep at night."
"For me? How lovely!" She accepted, flashing him her signature heart-melting smile. "Thank you so much… um…" she trailed off not knowing his name.
"Aleksander."
"Thank you, Mr. Aleksander."
"Please, don't be so formal. Just call me Aleksander. Also if I may add, your smile is just as beautiful as you are, miss Zenik."
The complement from this man made her glance over at Viktor just to see if he was listening into their conversation or at least heard the last bit. Sadly neither, he was still drowned in his work. Which only prompted Annika to prolong her ongoing conversation with the Durast.
Quickly refocusing on the said male she added "You're actually the sixth Aleksander I know now. There is one Healer in my batch with the same name. Then there's a Squaller, a Tidemaker, a Heartrender and an Inferni as well . It's interesting how every sector has an Aleksander in them—"
She was cut off mid-sentence when a bitter voice exclaimed from behind; grabbing the attention of the two conversing.
"There you are! I see you're bunking class again."
Turning, she saw Dimitri Kasalov standing at the entrance of the workshop with his arms crossed across the chest.
"What are you doing here?!" Annika retorted, glaring daggers at the Inferni whose mere presence always burned her deep into the bones. No! Not in a good way though.
"Roman Fesyk is looking for you." Dimitri informed marching inside in few long strides.
"Come! Let's go!" He grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her out of the Fabrikators workshop completely ignoring her cries of protests.
While being taken away by Dimitri, Annika looked over the shoulder, in hopes that Viktor would come to her rescue and stop Dimitri from taking her away. To her relief soon Viktor raised his head. Their eyes met. But alas! He did none of what she had expected. Instead, with a sigh of relief he simply resumed his work. Her eyes blinked in disbelief, a dull ache pinching her heart. Absently she continued to watch person she adored get smaller and smaller while she was dragged further and further away.
"He's not worth it." The words caught her attention and made her turn so that she could glare at the Inferni's back.
"And you think you are?!" She spat bitterly. "Oh wait, of course you do. After all you're the General's younger brother!"
Since he didn't turn, she couldn't see the look on his face or understand the effect her words had on him.
"Let go of my hand." She demanded once they were away from the workshop but he didn't. Instead he tightened the grip and continued to pull her through the corridors, then courtyard before they reached their destination, the infirmary.
Only then, he set her hands free and quietly watched as she walk past him to ascend the stairs which led to her class.
She'd only gone a few steps before she turned back to him and said softly, "Dimitri… you're a swine."
Although her words were meant to be hurtful but somehow the handsome Inferni found himself smiling. "I'm your swine."
She said nothing, just turned around and continued to ascend the stairs whilst his longing gaze kept lingering on her for as long as her form remained visible within his line of vision.
Annika's brows drew in concentration as she worked on fixing the Squaller's wrist.
Zoya's injuries weren't serious, only a slight fracture on the bone which she obtained during today's session of combat training. For minor injuries like these the Squaller always turned to Annika. Giving her the chance to practice and further sharpen her skills.
Upon observing how long it was taking, Zoya's brows crunched in suspicion. It shouldn't take that long to heal a simple fracture. Only then, she noticed her healer was just sitting there in a daze, playing with her fingers.
"FOCUS!" Zoya snapped.
Her scolding worked. The aforementioned female jolted back and quickly apologizing resumed her task, this time with full concentration.
"You tend to get distracted easily. Don't lose your concentration. You're almost done. Stay calm and focus all your energy on the wound." The Squaller rolled her eyes in disbelief. How ironic that she was having to teach the Healer how to do her job!
Annika wasn't a bad student but she lacked interest which often led to easy distraction.
The young Healer was about to follow the given instruction word by word but got interrupted, when suddenly the door of the infirmary burst open and a Grisha in purple Kefta came running in.
"We need a healer in the workshop." Declared the Alkemi, panic written all over his face.
"What happened?" Marya, a senior Healer currently in charge demanded.
"Chemical spilled. Viktor has suffered severe burn on his palm. We need someone to have a look at him now!"
"I'll go!" Annika rose to her feet abruptly and left with the Fabrikator in a haste. Didn't even wait for the permission of the person in charge nor finished the work on Zoya's wrist.
Her action left everyone in the infirmary dumbfounded and speechless. Especially Zoya, who had her eyes widened and mouth gaped, astonished beyond words.
"Please allow me, Miss Nazyalensky."
The uncomfortable silence that fell in the room was broken by a small voice that grabbed the Squaller's attention. The one offering to finish up Annika's unfinished task was none other than her friend Irina. A beautiful timid natured Suli girl.
"Please excuse Annika's insolence. When it comes to Viktor, she can't think straight. She's hopelessly head over heels for him."
Zoya quietly listened, giving the Grisha the chance to continue.
"It is such a pity that he is so oblivious to it, when most boys are desperately seeking her. And now Annika has learned to utilize every bit of this situation to her advantage. She does it with hope that one day Viktor will open his eyes, but—"
The door of the infirmary burst open once more. This time Dimitri Kasalov strode in, spine erect, hair floating, and looking dashing as usual.
"Where is Annika?" He inquired, looking around in search of her.
"At the Fabrikators workshop, tending to Viktor." One of the female Healer responded, blushing furiously.
His charming facade dropped, a jealous look on his face. He walked back the path he came in and left the infirmary slamming the door so hard that everyone present there thought the door broke.
Zoya watched the entire drama unfold with an amused look on her face. One of her brows remained arched up the entire time.
"Let me guess, whatever stunt our little Annika is trying to pull is working on this bastard, instead of the one they're intended towards." The Squaller shared her analogy.
"Yes, you're absolutely correct Miss Nazyalensky." Irina confirmed, bobbing her head enthusiastically.
A giggle left Annika's lips at the stupid joke the Heartrender by the name of Aleksander just cracked. A silly fellow but entertaining nevertheless; hence why Annika never objected whenever he tried to keep her company. As he always made her tiring days pleasant.
"We're in the library... again…" The Grisha with green eyes and light brown hair trailed off. In hopes the female with lavender irises and raven hair picked up his hint while he slowly worked on closing the gap between them .
"So?" Annika wiggled her eyebrows, assessing his moves.
Sure, she had her first kiss with this particular boy, inside the library and against the very bookshelf they're now standing against. But that doesn't mean she has any desire to revisit that moment. He is a nasty kisser, lacking skills. All he knows is how to shove tongue down the throat. Although it was Annika's first kiss but she'd seen Nina kiss multiple times to at least distinguish between the good from the bad.
"Do you remember the time, few months back…" He took her hands in his and brought it to his lips. She already knew he was trying to initiate a second kiss.
Annika opened her mouth to give a fitting reply; only to be interrupted by her usual stalker. The irritating soul that refused to leave her alone.
"You're here! I've been searching the entire palace for you."
Aleksander took a step back and glared at the approaching figure.
"Oh Alek, Botkin is looking for you." Dimitri told the young Heartrender and sent him away.
Taking this as her queue Annika too was about to exist but a hand caught her wrist and prevented. A moment later she was forcefully turned and backed up against the closest bookshelf. Her smaller frame pinned by his larger one.
"What are you doing?!" She demanded, while trying to push him off. Heart rate speeding in fear.
"What were you doing?" The Inferni growled, then hissed. "With him?!" His blood boiling in rage.
"That's none of your business!"
"Everything about you is my business!" He said tightening his grip on her waist.
Unable to fathom what Annika saw in that boring, lifeless, dead-faced Alkemi, Dimitri grew furious. What made Viktor so special that she'd go around flirting with every young men just so that he would spare her to some attention. Whereas his own efforts weren't even acknowledged.
"Move," she warned, "or I'll scream."
"Go ahead, scream…" he bent down to whisper the rest into her ear. "I will gladly swallow them."
"Creep!" She snarled in disgust.
"Little Whore." He taunted, smirking deviously.
"Saints! What's happening here?"
Genya Safin's unexpected entrance put a distance between the two young Grishas. The Tailor kept her strict gaze fixated on the Inferni until he peeled himself away from the Healer and left the library.
The silence that followed was deafening. But it was soon broken by Genya as she demanded closing the distance between them.
"What was that?!"
"Nothing unusual. The creep was just being himself."
The worry didn't leave Genya's face.
"He's becoming obsessed with you, and that isn't a good sign."
"His obsession is his problem. Not mine." Annika retorted smoothing her Kefta.
The Tailor clicked her tongue in annoyance and let out a tired sigh.
"I don't know what kind of stunts you are pulling but it's grabbing all the wrong kind of attention. Even Zoya was ranting about what you did the other day. Annika, child, you have to be careful."
"I know, I shouldn't—"
"Listen to me very carefully," the Tailor delicately touched the Healer's face, making her feel like she was a beautiful piece of sculpture to be admired. "You're growing up to be so beautiful that it's frightening." Her amber eyes glossed with tears that were threatening to fall. "But remember, everything comes with a price."
"Genya... are you...?" The question came all the way up to her throat, but never went past the lips. The pain reflected on the other female's face automatically answered all those unasked questions.
"That being said…" Genya continued like Annika hasn't even spoken. "This isn't a place where you brag about your glamour. It's a predators lair. If things keep going they way they are, it's only a matter of time before one of those vultures find you."
Colour drained from Annika face when she put the pieces together and understood Genya was warning her.
Sadly, the warning and the realization both came tad bit late.
The Healers in the infirmary heard the commotion but most didn't pay much attention thinking it was coming from the Grand Palace. Others, including Annika, who were interested to have a look at the matter were prevented by the head Healer, Roman Feysik. He strictly instructed them to remain inside and mind their own business.
However, little did anyone know then, it was only a matter of few minutes before everything changed.
Several minutes after the commotion died down the infirmary door burst open by a very stressed out Fedyor who barged in screaming for the head Healer; behind him few Oprichniki carrying a badly burnt Fabrikator.
Roman and few other senior Healers rushed to help out. While the students were asked to remain in a corner.
It was when the Fabrikator was put on a bed Annika recognized who it was— Viktor.
Immediately she froze, unable to feel the ground beneath her feet.
Fedyor worked on keeping the burned Grisha's heart at a steady rate as the Healers worked on healing his organs and skin.
Annika didn't even realize that she was crying until her tears were wiped away by Irina. Like her, everyone had the same question? Who'd do this to Viktor? But none dared ask. They simply continued to watch the scene unfold till the Healers stabilized him.
.
.
.
From the conversation that was taking place between Roman and Fedyor, Annika learned that Dimitri and couple of his friends confronted Viktor. Amid the confrontation a fight broke out which was soon joined by few others. But before the Oprichniki intervened and the fight was diffused, Dimitri set Viktor on fire. Luckily a Tidemaker acted fast and put off the fire which saved his life.
"General Kirigan is dealing with them now. But I don't think the matter will diffuse so easily. The fight took place in front of the Grand Palace." Fedyor told the two Healers he was conversing with.
"General should give them harsh punishment. Especially to Mr. Kasalov, that one is turning rouge. Not a day goes without him harassing that one over there." The person speaking pointed a finger at Annika.
"I don't think anyone will be spared. Viktor is David's brother and David is heavily favoured by General Kirigan."
A comforting hand on her shoulder made Annika pull her focus out of the conversation only to settle on the person grabbing her. Irirna and her other friend Olga tried to comfort her but the younger Zenik could care less. Her mind was numb, unable to process anything at the given moment.
She remained by his side, seated beside his bed for hours now. Still couldn't master the courage to look at him.
Traces of guilt and regret stamped all over her face. If only she would have listened to Genya and maybe Irina too and every other person that warned her, then, this mishap could have been avoided.
It never even remotely occurred to her that Dimitri could sink so low. Not that she had high expectations from him. But still! What did Viktor ever do him? The problem is between him and her. Viktor has no fault here, yet he's the one suffering the consequences.
She sneaked a glance at the unconscious Alkemi. He maybe out of danger but it will take him quite some time to fully recover.
Now the main question: is this the end of their years long friendship?
"General Kirigan wants to see you." Zoya's voice cut through the young Grisha's chain of thought.
Looking up Annika found the Squaller accompanied by a pair of female Oprichniki. Who were obviously there to capture her in case she refused to cooperate.
"Why does he want to see me?" Panic flooded her system, at the realization that she is to meet the Shadows Summoner. "I thought he didn't deal with the Grisha students. So why does he want to see me?" She asked again.
The blue Kefta cladded female responded haughtily. Eyes flickering over to Viktor for a mere second.
"Your boyfriends have caused quite the ruckus and the General has to clean up their trash."
"Is he angry?" Annika asked innocently.
Zoya rubbed her forehead, exasperation reflected on her beautiful face. The younger female's naivety infuriated her. Today was supposed to be the General's day to relax. These were the days he requested for her company in private. But, thanks to these kids everything has gone south.
"You see… when the General wants to see you, it usually means you have exceptional abilities that would benefit him and the Second Army. But your case is the first of its kind. You've caused him massive inconvenience. Therefore 'angry' is an understatement. He is furious!"
Annika looked down on her lap, heart shrinking in fear. "What do I do now?"
"Let's go, you wouldn't want to make him wait any longer." Zoya advised coaxing her to come forth.
Annika obeyed. Standing up, she walked over to the group that came to retrieve her.
.
.
.
They've passed many corners and many corridors.
The walk to the war-room was almost never ending. It was also quite agonizing and equally terrifying. An experience Annika hoped never to re-live.
"Don't worry he will only ask you some questions. Just make sure to answer them truthfully and you'll be fine."
Annika snapped her head towards Zoya. Surprised how her tone softened as they neared the war-room.
"Will he kill me otherwise?"
The Squaller chuckled. "No silly! Just cause he's angry doesn't mean he has lost his mind. Like I said, be cooperative and you'll be just fine."
Was the last thing Zoya said before pulling Annika to their destination.
In spite of being large and spacious the very air of the war-room was unbreathable, it's atmosphere unwelcoming. And probably due to the Darkling's taste, even the decor was so dark that those dimly lit lamps on the corner hardly had an impact. Making the round table at the centre filled with maps, scrolls and figures representing the armies the only furniture properly visible.
Annika held her breath as she followed Zoya's lead. The two Grisha strode in as the pair of Oprichniki remained outside and closed the door behind them.
This was Annika's first time in here and she certainly hoped and prayed for it to be the last.
She did a quick survey around to see who else were in there. Fedyor stood on the left side of the table and Ivan on the right with his signature straight face. The latter was holding Dimitri by the neck, like he was some chicken to be cooked. And behind the round table, where it was the most darkest, stood the man himself; the Darkling.
Even though Annika couldn't quite see his face, but could obviously feel his gaze on her. His almost black eyes working as the dagger to dissect her limbs by limbs.
Tactfully she took shelter behind Zoya. Having the Squaller's body shielding her. Only to have the plan meet failure. The Darkling made a gesture with his hand and Zoya stepped aside, giving him an undisturbed view.
He studied the subject carefully— the catalyst of the morning's mishap.
To his surprise she turned out to be young. Making it hard to conclude whether to consider her a woman or a child. It put her on the grey area, which as a result turned her into a forbidden fruit.
And everyone knows there's an age long charm about the forbidden fruit that makes it unspeakably and undeniably desirable. One would want it, without even realizing. Then try to acquire it without even fearing the consequences. This was precisely where the Darkling had a problem, as he firmly believes wanting makes an individual weak.
There was an agonizing pause before the command came from an ice cold voice,
"Leave us."
Zoya tensed. Uneasiness crawled inside her like a centipede climbing up her spine. With tightly clenched jaw she glared at the younger female when she felt the latter clutch onto her hand. Fedyor was the first to obey. After him it was Ivan, dragging the captive Infenri along. But Zoya remained, as the person holding onto her hand refused to let it go.
"Did you not hear me, Zoya?"
Out of option the Squaller yanked her hand free. Then, giving the General a short bow she turned on her heels and marched away. The sound of her retreating footsteps quickened Annika's heartbeat. Moments later the soft click of door closing was heard. Confirming that she was left alone in the company of the Shadow Summoner.
"Miss Zenik, please come closer."
Encouraged by the current tone of his silky smooth voice she took a step forward.
"Closer,"
She took another step, smaller than the previous one.
"…within my reach." He specified, heavily emphasizing the word 'reach'.
Carefully, she walked over going around the table. He observed her pale long fingers with perfectly manicured nails absently tracing the side of the table.
His stare didn't shift from her form even for a second. Truth be told he found himself unable look away.
Her body wasn't anything exciting. Just some skin covering the bones. But the face was a whole other matter, especially those unique lavender irises proudly sitting between the large almond shaped eyes. Making her… for lack of better terms, inhumanly glamorous.
Regardless, he finally understood how and why those boys grew so bold to cause such a turmoil. Without caring much about the consequences.
She stopped, a hand distance away from him and faced the other way. Thus giving him a view of her side profile, which was even more… captivating.
Just like the Morozova Stag!
He took a closer look and suddenly found himself unable to breathe, causing the heart palpitations to rise. His mind fogged, not being able to comprehend why, of all things she reminded him of the mythical creature, that powerful amplifier? Not only that, following that reminder closely was another problem. A distinct urge creeping up his spine, the urge to touch her. Even if it was something as simple as a brush of hand.
Quickly, he poured himself a glass of water and drank like he has been thirsty for years. Thankfully it worked. The cold water calmed him down, retuning his ability to see and think rationally.
Frankly he didn't care much about looks. However, this one isn't just a pretty faced girl. There are plenty of those in the Little Palace. Annika Zenik on the other hand is something else. She'd outshine even when put within a big crowd. And beauty of such caliber will bring problems. Worst, it will give this young lady power! The power to bring his men at her feet. A power she will probably never learn to master and definitely misuse.
Such power must be snatched before it reaches full potential.
Stashing the ugly thought at the back of his head, he proceeded.
"Miss Zenik, are you aware of the incident that took me palace this morning?"
She nodded her head. Looking every bit like a scared baby rabbit.
"Do you know what caused it?"
She drew a sharp breath and opened her mouth but just as the words were about to slip out she closed it off and nodded her head 'no' this time. Leading to a silence between them, which was soon broken by him.
"How old are you?"
"Fourteen, sir." Her voice was barely audible but he heard her clearly.
"What an achievement! At such a tender age." He scoffed, the corners of his lips rising with the smallest of smirk. "Tell me, how does that make you feel?"
His taunt didn't sit well with her. She was forced to bite into her bottom lip to hold back the response fighting to come out.
"Tell me how does it feel to have so many admirers?" His hand reached out and took a lock of her hair, twirling it between his fingers.
Regret bubbled inside her for not tying up her hair prior to coming here. Surely Zoya would have allowed her that much time.
"Does it make you feel special? Or perhaps, powerful?" He pressed, fingers still playing with her hair like it was his personal property.
"No sir, it doesn't." She frantically nodded her head and quickly defended herself. "In fact I never encouraged such behaviour."
The older man chuckled. "You do know, I saved you for last."
An unsettling feeling washed. Her own breath caught between the throat. Unease and an unfamiliar emotion fluttering deep within.
"What does that mean sir?"
"It means surprising number of your friends have already testified against you, Miss Zenik." Ultimately he let her hair slip from his fingers and leaned further back as if the enjoy the view. Her terrified face only added to his entertainment. "Two, claimed to have witnessed you in action."
She swallowed nervously but seconds later firmly defended herself. "It was probably just a simple conversation. Some people tend to make a big deal out of nothing."
"One person has called you a Volcra that only prefers to feast on men. She further accused you of preying upon her sibling."
The Healer heaved a frustrated sigh, being all too familiar with the rat— Polina, Pavel's twin sister. The Inferni twins are so close to the point it often appears creepy. And what makes it worse is Polina's possessiveness. She cannot digest the idea of her brother mingling with others. Earlier she had nothing against Annika. But after catching her chatting with Pavel couple times her name was also added to the list as well. No wonder the woman didn't waste the golden opportunity to tattle on her.
"It maybe fun and entertainment for you. However," The Darkling spoke bringing her attention on him. "...do you have the slightest idea of the gravity of the situation it landed us in?"
All the niceties and pleasantness dropped from the his face, expression going cold and stiff, jaws clenched, eyes darkening beyond its norm.
"I believe it's your age, preventing you from understanding the seriousness of the situation." He straightened up, towering over her. Looking every bit regal, powerful and intimidating. "But that's alright, I will fill you in."
For the first time Annika took full notice of him. It wasn't hard to detect the fiendish creature that hides beneath those handsome features. All she had to do was look deeply into his eyes.
The man may resemble Dimitri, but the latter's far innocent compared to the former and far less dangerous.
He took a step closer to her. "A fight broke out in the open, in front of the Grand Palace between a group of young male Grishas."
Something wasn't right, she could sense it in her bones. The unsettling feeling inside her started to ascend.
"An innocent Alkemi was set ablaze by a hot headed Inferni. Not only that, the fight was witnessed by several of the king's men, the Apparet being one of them." The rage he has been concealing all along was finally revealing itself.
His words hinted towards one direction, he was holding her accountable. Which really confused her. Why?
"Sir—"
"Soon I'll have to explain to the king. But the problem is I don't know what to tell him, because no matter how it's sugar coated, it still makes me look like an incompetent fool."
The rising temper let lose his power and suddenly the entire room was getting shrouded in darkness by shadows that seemed to emerge from him. His face being the only exception to remain visible.
"Can you even begin to imagine the damage it had done to the Second Army's reputation?"
Instinctively she backed away, till her back was against the table, it's edge cutting into her lower back.
The Darkling followed, his face couple inches away from her, his hot breath sweeping across her face.
"Or the damage it did to MY REPUTATION?!" He growled. "…CENTURIES OF MY HARDWORK!"
Despite her inability to see, Annika still faintly registered the grip of his fingers on her waist tighten. Then in one sharp moment she was lifted up on the table and have her body pinned down.
She struggled but it was fruitless. How can one fight with the darkness without the weapon of light?
"I refuse to have my hard work go to waste for handful of overly emotional children!" The struggle with the unseen didn't seem to stop nor the nearing of his face.
Big waves of fear surged within her when she recognized the attempt to undo her Kefta.
Her heart stopped.
She desperately wanted to believe it to be a mistake in her understanding. However, was brutally proven otherwise, when there was a second attempt.
She wanted to scream but was well aware not a soul would come to her rescue.
Horrified, she looked at him with wide spread eyes. Tears rolling down from the corner of it.
Right away something akin to regret flashed within his face. His brows creased before he abruptly pulled himself away and recalled the shadows.
Once the darkness faded and lights returned Annika saw him facing the other way, breathing deeply. Immediately she shot up to a sitting position and hopped down. Body still quivering at the possibility of what could have happened.
"You're dismissed!" He told her harshly, while his hands busied themselves to arranging the stacks of papers on his desk. Making it look like he was evading her.
Without wasting a moment Annika ran and just as she reached the door he called her again. She halted, but didn't turn, instead tightened her grip on the doors handle.
Simultaneously his grip also tightened on the papers.
"Take this as your final warning. If this incident is to repeat, ever, you will be left with two options to choose from. Either have your face permanently scarred or…"
There was a pause, more agonizing than the one before.
"Or... I will gift you to the King."
Somehow his words did not surprise her. Then again why should it? After...
She shook herself free from the thought. But couldn't prevent her jaws from clenching, hand at the side from fisting. Nor could she stop the feeling of disgust as it streamed through her blood and spread into her body.
"Understood sir." She said through gritted teeth before walking out and slamming the door behind.
All her life Annika harboured utmost respect for General Kirigan. Sadly, it took just one encounter for it to be ruined for good.
A.N. Thank you for reading.