Chapter 11
Six months later…
That morning Annika woke up feeling exceptionally happy. With her birthday approaching, the Healer's excitement was at its peak. She had a strong feeling, this year it will be exceptional.
But that was still a week away. For now, all that excitement needed to shoved back inside, as she has a long day ahead. First in her routine is class, followed by combat training, and tonight she's on infirmary watch duty.
Leaving the bed lazily she strode over to the open window and stuck her head out, hoping to catch a glimpse of Viktor. Her hope rose detecting two figures clad in purple Kefta. But alas! Neither turned out to be the person she was searching for.
A dissatisfied pout formed on her lip before she turned and headed for the bath.
Due to time crunch Annika finished bathing and dressing very swiftly. She already missed breakfast, didn't want to be late for class as well. Thing is, she can't be caught being reckless. One lesson she learned very well from her past experience— being reckless will only lead her to him. And no, she has no desire to go back.
Annika was braiding her already dried and set hair when Irina showed up.
"Why didn't you come for breakfast?" The Suli girl demanded, slinging the door of her chamber open with familiarity.
"I woke up late." Annika smiled at her friend through the mirror. "And had to choose between bathing and eating. I chose the former."
"I bought you something little…" Irina snuck a hand into her Kefta pocket and pulled out the napkin wrapped pastry.
"Here..." And threw it in her friend's direction.
Annika caught it with ease and took a large bite. Immediately her eyes closed down in satisfaction. She may have chosen to skip breakfast, doesn't mean she wasn't hungry.
"You didn't have to take trouble, Rina." She spoke with food in her mouth.
"Well someone has to take upon the task of keeping you fed. You missed breakfast yesterday too and didn't get the chance to eat anything up until dinner." Stated Irina in a lecturing tone of a mother, while marching over and taking over the task of braiding from where her friend had left off.
"You can't survive on so little food. Besides after class we have combat training today. You cannot show up on the field in empty stomach."
Annika nodded, finishing the rest of the pastry as Irina quickly finished the braiding.
"Alright I'm done!" Irina declared placing the thick braid down and brushed the crumbs from the corner of Annika's lips before tugging her along.
"Now come on, let's go! We will be late otherwise."
With that, the Grisha students in red Kefta ran towards the direction of their class.
Life has gone back to normal for the younger Zenik. She no longer needs to wake up at the break of dawn, put on an ivory Kefta and work like a personal maid for the General. The aforementioned male and the time spent with him were mere memories now. A forgotten one, to say the least.
Currently her days revolve around maintaining proper attendance in class, pay full concentration at the infirmary during training and showing up to the training ground for combat training session. But refrained from participating. Rather preferred to stay at the back of the crowd, hidden.
Unfortunately, due to her appearance and partly due to the way she carries herself, it is quite difficult for Annika to remain invisible. And as much as the girl enjoyed the attention she received from left and right all the times, it also came with its fair share of drawbacks.
Such as now.
"Little Zenik!" Like most days, her attempt to remain hidden was fruitless. It wasn't long before Botkin detected her. Despite her attempt to hide behind a big sized male Heartrender from her class.
"I see that you're becoming a regular in my class. Care to show what you remember from your past trainings." The former Shu mercenary offered.
Popping her head out from behind the Heartrender, Annika nodded frantically. Hoping he'll let her off the hook. She couldn't understand why he always made that request. It's not like her answer would change. She's been out of practice for too long.
Botkin stared at her for a moment longer, less than pleased. The girl had great potential. She could have been his star pupil. As a child she had exceptional skills, way more promising than most children he trained. However, as she started growing up, her priorities changed. Maintaining a glamorous appearance and receiving attention from the opposite gender became her top priority; whilst the extraordinary fighting skills and the potential to become one of Ravka's best fighter took a back seat.
But for now Botkin decided to let her be. The fact that she was no longer skipping class or running away from the training ground, was something he considered as massive improvement on her part.
Unlike other days, today their class wasn't so hectic. Botkin was occupied with a group that would depart Tsibeya in three days time. That left Annika and her friends with not much to do. They remained seated on the ground, entertaining themselves to spar between a Healer and a Heartrender. The Heartrender was her classmate— Eryk, whom they were cheering for. And the Healer was couple years their senior.
The match ended with Eryk's defeat and beginning of another, amongst a Squaller and an Inferni. They were members of Second Army that returned from the Southern border recently. When that ended, someone in purple Kefta appeared. Oksana.
The blonde Alkemi had her eyes dead set on black haired Healer. The vacant gaze of the observing Alkemi's eyes turned envious. The immediate displeasure became evident on her pretty features. But the said Healer was too engrossed into her chat with Dimitri to notice.
As opposed to her friends, who noticed the oddity instantly.
"Isn't it that Alkemi, what is she doing here again?" Inquired Annika's best friend Irina, in her quiet observant way, elbowing the girl sitting beside her.
"Looks like she hasn't learnt her lesson." Came the response from a Heartrender, sitting with them.
Botkin soon rushed over and exchanged a few words with the Alkemi. And then, both had their eyes settled on the individual Oksana was watching earlier.
"Why are they looking our way?" Another one from that group pointed out. Causing Irina and the rest to grow concerned.
"I think she's actually looking at…"
They all turned to Annika, who was still busy debating with Dimitri to notice what's been taking place behind her. The Inferni bearing striking resemblance to their General was the one to notice and told Annika to turn.
She did, with confusion laced on her face. Why was everyone looking at her? Was she too loud? Did it cause any disruption?
All those questions were answered at once when their instructor called her.
"Oksana here, has chosen to duel with you."
"Me?" Annika pointed a finger back at herself.
Botkin nodded, confirming.
Her confusion turned to full blown shock as she stared at the man with mouth agape.
"It's alright," Dimitri encouraged, rubbing her back soothingly. "You'll be able to do it."
"No I can't!" She snapped. "I haven't been in touch with combat training for years. I remember nothing! He knows that and still—"
"Relax Annika, we've seen her try. She showed up on the ground bravely couple times and embarrassed herself." Said one of the girls to further encourage the pretty faced Grisha.
"Even a child can take her down easily." Added a redhead Heartrender, who's hair awfully clashed with the red Kefta.
"Don't waste anymore time, we don't have all day Little Zenik." At Botkin's second call, Dimitri pulled the girl up and dragged her over to the centre circle, where her opponent and their instructor was waiting.
"Stop! I can't fight! I don't have practice." Annika continued to protest trying to get him to stop.
But he didn't, until they were at the destination.
Annika locked eyes with the person who wanted to duel with her. Suddenly, bell rang in mind as she recalled who the Alkemi was— Oksana. The person who faced the King instead of her.
The Healer swallowed, feeling dreadful inside.
No wonder this person wanted to duel with her. While she understood the blonde Alkemi's sentiment, Annika had no desire to make a fool out of herself or her rank by getting defeated by Fabrikator. Nor did she want Oksana to lose and be embarrassed by the audience here. The girl had suffered so much, she didn't need additional problem on top.
Annika was faced with a dilemma of protecting the honour of her and her Grisha order or a girl who was a cruel victim to a situation no one deserves.
The tension around grew heavy. Everyone was looking at the Healer with expecting eyes.
Eventually her friends, her admirers, including the people who didn't even associate with her much, also started to encourage Annika. Interestingly, it came from both Grisha order—Corporalki and Etherealki together.
In that moment it felt as if they were trying to teach a wayward Fabrikator a lesson, for forgetting her place.
Having so many people cheer for her, naturally gave Annika the courage she was lacking initially. But what actually fuelled the fire was her opponent's taunt.
"You can back down if you want to," Spoke Oksana, in a voice that was cold as ice. "I was under the impression as Nina Zenik's sister you are bound to be good." She then smiled, which was as cold as the sound of her voice. "I suppose anomaly exists everywhere."
Her words strike a nerve. It stabbed the Healer with hundreds of needles simultaneously.
And Annika made up her mind, it was time she gave it a shot. So many people had faith on her, she couldn't let them down.
"I'll do it!"
A proud smirk appeared on Botkin's lips. The girl was finally coming around.
"Fighters get ready…"
At Botkin's command the girls took their stance.
"And fight!"
Someone in the crowd was savage enough to suggest the Corporalnik to finish the Alkemi off with a hard kick.
Regrettably, Annika took that person's advice. As any inexperienced person would do.
She headed straight towards Oksana and raised her left leg for a high kick; only for Oksana to catch it midair.
The next couple of seconds passed in a blur.
Before they could fully comprehend what was coming, the Alkemi grabbed the Healer by her leg and slammed her back down to the ground.
Pin drop silence engulfed the training arena.
It all came to an abrupt end even before it begun.
Everyone was shocked. With eyes widened and jaw dropped, mind still processing what it had just witnessed. Honestly the outcome wasn't that unexpected. Annika wasn't a fighter, it was already established. What no one had actually expected was for the Fabrikator to pick up such advanced fighting skills in such short time.
Their attention turned to the Healer laying on the ground unconscious, bleeding from the back of her head, with the left foot completely twisted.
A group rushed to her aid. No one paid any attention to the Alkemi who just beat a Corporalnik in no time and made record. No one celebrated her victory. Be it the group in red Kefta or the blue. Not to mention their Shu instructor included.
They were all focused on the loser, who happened to be the heartthrob of the most.
"Annika!"
"She's bleeding!"
"Annika wake up! Open your eyes Annika!"
One of her friend was already wailing.
Quickly she was taken to the infirmary. While the passersby made sure to throw a nasty glare in Oksana's way. In an attempt to make her feel like she had sinned.
Meanwhile in Kribirsk:
"Moi Soverennyi!"
The voice from outside the tent caused Kirigan and the blonde woman he was kissing, to break apart.
The two put some visible distance between them and hurried to fix their appearance. The female proceeded to smooth and button up her red with silver embroidery Kefta, followed by tidying up her hair that had gotten messy sometime during their passionate moment. While the Shadow Summoner hastily closed all the undone clasps of his leather tunic.
Once decent, clearing his throat Kirigan commanded, in a deep voice. "Come in."
The flap of the black tent opened and Ivan entered with Lieutenant Bohdan in tow.
Kirigan dismissed the female immediately.
Giving him a small bow she strode towards the exit. And on her way out she made a brief eye contact with Ivan before shyly looking away.
A Healer, again? Ivan frowned with apprehension.
The Heartrender always had a nick for detecting when the matter was of concern. There was a noticeable change in the General's demeanour. And it was certainly worrying. The female currently exiting the tent happens to be the fourth Healer he has tumbled during this trip.
As someone who has known Kirigan long enough to know how his personal life worked, the woman he tumbled or the reason he picked them in the first place, detected the misfitting scenario instantly. His recent behaviour wasn't making much sense.
First off, the General usually never beds anyone during trips. Such actions were conducted behind the closed doors of his private quarter. Second, he never picked people from left and right. He only tumbled with his favourite, which was usually a particular person, until the flavour changed. Whereas now he was picking randomly, following only one order— they were all Healers!
Ivan was sure the General's sudden fascination towards the Healers has got something to do with that brat . She is the root of all his current problems.
Kirigan went around his desk and settled down on the chair behind. The First Army Lieutenant remained on the spot, while the Heartrender strode over and stood to his General's right.
"What is the matter Lieutenant?" The Darkling asked, granting the Otkazat'sya the floor to speak.
"The ration would not be enough to sustain two weeks. The most it can be stretched up to is for four to five days. We need more body General Kirigan."
"I have already allotted nine members from the Second Army on board." Stated the General sighing frustratedly. "At the given moment, most I can do is increase the number by two more bodies, that's it. If it isn't enough I suggest another skiff be sailed off early next week."
"In that case…" The Lieutenant trailed off, trying to think of something.
Ivan didn't participate into the ongoing discussion of strategy between his leader and the Otkazat'sya; about the next skiff that will sail off in two hours. He only listened, secretly keeping a close eye on the Shadow Summoner, studying his body language.
Following Bohdan's exit, Kirigan leaned back on the chair. Closing his eyes, he exhaled heavily. But didn't last in that position for long. In minutes he sat up straight.
Needless to say the man looked restless. Tapping his fingers on the makeshift wooden desk, running a hand through his hair, rubbing his chin and of course the unsettling heartbeat. Ivan was keeping track of it all.
He has been doing it for days now.
It was precisely he felt the need to point out.
"You seem to appear…" He trailed off searching for an accurate term to describe the General's current condition. "… exhausted. Shall I make arrangements for your return to Os Alta, sir?" He made the offer.
Snorting, the General looked up. Frustration coiling in his gut.
"Why shall I be returning to Os Alta when I have pending work here!"
Ivan said nothing in his defence. But he hoped, he truly hoped that was the reason for the General's prolonged stay at this dirty campsite near the shadow fold and before that, at Tsibeya. Not that brat!
Sadly the Heartrender knew the Shadow Summoner too well. In fact he didn't even have to read the latter's heartbeat to dig out the truth. His behaviour spoke on his behalf.
Of course the matter wasn't obvious to the rest. Yet. But Ivan didn't belong to that group. He had knowledge on the Shadow Summoner and his secrets, that not even his better half knew. And Ivan intended to keep it that way, always.
There was no need for Fedyor to know their respected General Kirigan comes from a time long before the fold was born. Just the way Fedyor didn't know the General had very different plans about the fold which he never expressed out loud. The same way Fedyor had no business knowing the General was recently lusting for a girl, who is barely out of her childhood.
Understanding the General wanted to be left alone, the Heartrender decided to excuse himself from his tent. But before he reached the end of it, Kirigan called him back.
The man in red Kefta returned with rushed footsteps.
"Although I'm not returning to the Little Palace anytime soon. However, I need you to run an errand for me. It is a task that I can only assign you, Ivan."
"What is it?"
Kirigan pulled out a wooden box from underneath the desk, tied with silk black ribbon and fished out a sealed envelope from the pile of maps that lay scattered on the desk, only to place it over the box.
"I need you to deliver this to the Little Palace, personally."
The General met Ivan's gaze, and the Heartrender felt his own heart rate go up.
"Deliver them to whom?" He asked, swallowing hard. Trying his best to act oblivious and watched the ghost of a smile hover on the Darkling's lips.
"You've been reading my heart for some time now, aren't you? So why bother ask... when you already know the answer."
Unease climbed up Ivan's throat, the obvious answer settling like a stone in his gut.
The Heartrender mounted on his horse and took off for the Little Palace.
Standing at the base the Darkling watched, searing inky black eyes fully focused, the usual impassive expression on his face. He continued watching till the horse blended in with the crowd in the far off distance.
Only then Kirigan returned to his tent, walking in strides. His hands formed into fists, his face twisted in anger, heart pounding in his chest and stomach fluttering as sparks of excitement was flaring inside of him. He was feeling excited like a teenager even when he had no inkling of what the outcome of his action might be.
He took a risk, a big one at that.
Was it worth it? To be honest he had no clue .
What he did know was that—in a very short time his whole world seemed to have settled in her.
This whole charade may have begun with him falling victim to simple lust. But beyond doubt, it was ending with his heart becoming someone else's property now... Annika's!
Attraction formed from at first sight, when she was first brought into the war room for interrogation. He still remembers, she looked like a terrified kitten, clinging to Zoya like her life depends on it.
Like every other loose man he also felt urges crawling up his spine when she was left alone in the room with him. Unlike them, he knew how to restrain himself, where to draw the line. He asked her to come closer and she obeyed. As she neared, he was suddenly reminded of the Stag, the Morozova's Stag. Till to this day Kirigan couldn't find out why the thought of the amplifier even crossed his mind in that moment. However, as time passed he stopped seeking those answers, consoling himself time will reveal everything. Instead concentrated on enjoying the time spent with her.
And he truly enjoyed the time spent with her. Possibly because it gave him his lost childhood back.
From early on he knew she was spitting on his tea. Yet, he told her nothing, not even gave her the slightest scolding. Just over looked the offence and the disgust. It's not like the small amount of spit made the tea un-consumable. If anything, it seemed kind of intimate.
The attraction was still present. Chances are it will remain until they… lay.
But the time spent together came with consequences. When had she become someone so important to him or the attraction transitioned to affection, he had no clue.
Reaching for the bottle placed on his desk, he poured himself a glass of Kvas and drank slowly. Hoping it would calm down his raging headache. After all the sleepless nights, it felt like his head would implode at any given moment.
Things haven't been the same for him after he set her free.
Six months have passed since.
Six agonizing months for him, when in fact her life went back to normal. She's been living, thriving, laughing and dreaming. Unlike him, whose every waking moment is spent thinking about her. Everywhere he turned, she was lingering in his vision or nostrils. The scent of her body, her gaze or the trail of her touch. Her presence was everywhere… taunting him.
It's not like he didn't try to put a stop to this madness. Oh he unquestionably did! Sadly the efforts were pointless.
He has tumbled few people here and there, just to keep his head clear. But it was of no use. The more he indulged in those women the more he realized how much he wanted her.
Problem was— now the want was slowly starting to transform to need. And the only resolution he came up with so far was to close his eyes and pretend the person warming his bed was her.
He took another sip, a long one that helped him finish the drink. Then put the empty glass down to the desk and pondered whether it would be wise to drink another glass. After a moment of thinking he concluded to go for it, and filled up the glass again. But this time he only took small sips.
Previously the Darkling often asked his heart why it began to yearn for her, of all people? A child who barely understood the complexity of the time she was born in. Could it be because of her appeal and charisma…?!
To this, his heart politely reminded, he has lived far too long to be so shallow! Yes it's true, the desire remains and it is strong. Strong enough to have him go blind or senseless temporarily. But at the same time his desire also happens to be sacred.
This child has trespassed into a territory others were too frightened to even look at. She looked into his heart and some of her actions touched his soul. With her childishness she brought back joy and laughter into his life. Actually not just his, Baghra's also, but that ungrateful hag would never admit.
One time Annika sneaked the old woman's cane into his quarters through the secret passageway and hid them under his bed. Later, when he found and went to return it, that night for the first time ever he and his mother smiled at each other. And it all happened because of this silly little girl. She may not be gifted with the power to tear down the shadow fold, but she certainly had the power to tears down the shadows circling their life in darkness.
Above all, Annika understood him like no one else did. Her positive outlook on Heretic was its proof. She tried to find good in him, even when the rest of the world have branded him as the villain beyond redemption. His own mother included.
She may have spoke in fluke but her words meant something to him. They showed him dreams, gave him hope of building a new world.
A new world that they would rule together.
A smile spread across his lips at the thought. But it didn't last long. As he remembered there was a problem at hand which needed to be dealt with first.
His finger absently traced the golden rim of the now empty glass.
Recently, things between them have been…for lack of better terms... complicated.
It all began with one mistake.
Looking back on it, there really was no other way for him guess otherwise.
They were already so close with mere inches between. He read the signs and assumed she wanted it. After all, how could someone not want to close such harrowing gap?
That aside, he did not wish for the dark desires of his mind to be thrusted upon her. Hence why Kirigan took multiple steps to make amends and apologize. Every single one of which were met with failure.
His last attempt being three months ago, the night before he departed Os Alta for Tsibeya.
He had summoned her that evening. The Oprichnik that went to fetch her, returned with the message— "Miss Zenik is currently occupied with the infirmary duty. She will arrive soon as she finishes."
But she never came.
And he knew she wouldn't. It was obvious. Ever since that incident she has been avoiding him, like he was some deadly disease.
Yet he stayed up all night, hoping she might have a change of heart.
Sadly no, nothing such happened. And the following morning he left with a heavy heart.
At least on his way out, he was able to get a glimpse of her. She was on route to class with a friend, smiling brightly.
That smile was enough to make the heart pump faster, his palms perspire further, his stomach feeling lighter and tougher at the same time. Altogether, filling his brain with realization—he had never felt such a way before.
It was in that moment he finally understood and accepted the feeling was real.
For sure it was fast and very rushed. But he has lived and played long enough to know how to differentiate real feelings from infatuation.
It has happened again, after a long long long time. Perhaps hundreds of years later.
He was in love!
The thought crept in, unbidden. Making his heart give out an uneasy throb.
He was in love with her, someone who lacked the mental capacity to understand the strength and the depth of his feelings.
There was no going back now. He realized and was not frightened by it, as he should have been.
Annika may have shown signs of maturity before but their conversation at Ryevost made him second guess his former conclusion about her maturity. But that was alright. He would embrace her with all her flaws.
His hand dipped into the left side pocket of his Kefta. Fingers affectionately caressing the small earring that has been sitting in there for months now. A small piece of her that he has taken for himself.
He took out the small object and smiled at it fondly.
This earring was very special to her. It has been put on her by her mother before she and Nina were brought to the Little Palace. And for some unknown reason, despite harbouring ill feelings towards her mother like she claimed, Annika never took them off. Until one day he found one of the pieces laying in a corner of his bedroom.
Against his better judgment he picked up the lost item, with the intent to never return.
Even when she frantically, desperately, relentlessly searched for her lost earring. Asked him and others multiple times if they had seen them anywhere. Like others, his answer also remained unchanged, pretending as if he had no clue as to what she was referring to.
It pained him to watch her shed tears. There have been days when his resolve came close to cracking. But he was stronger than he thought. Instead, he diverted his mind and focused on the bright side, where it showed him, how deep her love for her mother ran. Even if she still doesn't realize it.
Perhaps it is in her nature to not understand right away what her heart desires. But time will change that. He will make sure of it. He has to!
Because…
His feelings came bearing a hefty coat. One thing he was afraid of the most was happening. He started losing his power. They seem to be slipping out of his fingers and landing on her palms.
Power over his mind.
Power over his body.
And that is something he can't just allow. Not even to her! Regardless of the newly discovered feelings of his heart, soul, body etc.
He can't afford to lose his century long hard work for a pretty face that will wither away in a flash.
So before these feelings reach any further and go beyond his control, he must bring her within the palm of his hand. Make her want him, just as much as he wants her... or perhaps more.
On the evening of her fifteenth birthday, Annika was discharged from the infirmary.
Dimitri remained by her side at the time, and forcefully carried her in his arms to her room. Although she wanted to walk, as she has completely recovered and was fully capable of walking on her own. But the Inferni was determined, he wouldn't let her walk at all.
As for her expectation regarding the long awaited birthday... Well it's safe to say, they flew out of the window the moment she faced her embarrassing defeat at the training ground.
Still, some people showed up earlier in the morning.
Obviously Dimitri and Irina being the first ones. He brought her a bunch of freshly picked roses and she got her a bowl fresh cherries, which Annika had for breakfast. Soon after they left, Viktor showed up. He even managed to drag his brother out of the workshop during the busy time of the day. But Annika liked to think David came on his own accord, after all she was someone dear to him. Viktor gifted her a bottle of fragrance, that he especially made for her hair. David on the other hand made her an exact replica of her earring, which she lost about a month before her duty as the General's errand girl ended. Just when the Fabrikator brothers were about to leave Genya showed up. She brought her flowers too, from the Grand Palace garden and stuck around the longest. At one point Pavel showed up too. He simply wished her, inquired about her health and left.
Couple hours after Genya's departure Zoya came around. Her visit was the most unexpected. She only wished her and inquired on her injury. Which was absolutely fine with Annika. The fact that the Squaller decided to put her feelings aside and come, was more than enough. Post their return from the Shu border Zoya had completely shut her out. Even though Annika took several attempts to break the wall between them, only to have Zoya rebuild them. Hence why it came as an even bigger surprise when before leaving the Squaller gifted the birthday girl a small pot of mascara.
In the evening Dimitri returned to take Annika back to her room. And there, a surprise was indeed waiting for her.
Soon as they got close, someone already opened the door from inside and…
"Happy Birthday!"
Sang the crowd, consisting of her friends and classmates. Irina at the forefront holding a cake with fifteen small candles circling it.
"You're supposed to blow the candle out before the wax drip onto the cake." Said Viktor, coming forward to stand beside Irina, when Annika did nothing but stare at the group wide eyed.
"Don't forget to make a wish." Reminded Irina.
"Make sure you wish for me to become your husband." Added Dimitri, slowly helping her down.
Smacking the flirty Inferni on the head, Annika did just what she was instructed. Casting a longing glance at the boy in purple Kefta, secretly wishing for him to become her's forever, the birthday girl blew out all the candles at once.
Their celebration was at its peak when the door opened unannounced, and strode in the Corporalnik, Annika and her friends were was afraid of the most. Ivan.
He came holding a small wooden box with a sealed envelope on top of it. But the occupants in the room were too frightened to take notice.
The Heartrender need not ask, just threw one stern look and everyone was already marching towards the exit. And Annika wasn't upset at their choice, she understood. Frankly speaking, if it wasn't her room, she herself would have been the first one to sprint out.
In the blink of an eye the room became empty. Leaving her alone with the glaring Heartrender.
Ivan stared at her for the longest time, before suddenly making the move.
"Here, happy birthday." He handed her the box and wished her. Face and voice both devoid of any kind of emotion.
Annika awkwardly accepted the box. Not understanding why he was giving her a present. If Zoya's appearance was surprise, this was on a whole other level.
"Um… thank you."
"They're not from me." As she expected.
"In that case, thank Fedyor for me."
"They're not from Fedyor either." What? But it made sense. How would Fedyor send present when he was all the in Kribirsk. He had no authority to move people around as per his wish.
"Then who are they from? Don't tell me I have admirers in Kribirsk too." She joked.
"They're from…" He trailed off uneasily. "General Kirigan."
Needless to say, Annika grew pale at Ivan's ghastly revelation. A lump formed in her throat that she had to swallow with great difficulty. She remained silent for an entire minute before ultimately gathering some courage to speak.
"Please convey the General my sincerest appreciation."
Giving her a nod of understanding the Heartrender left her chamber, closing the door after him.
Leaving the poor girl horror-stricken.
And the joy of her birthday, ruined for good.
'Why would he send me present, that too for my birthday?' Annika wondered as she massaged her temples and stopped another sigh from escaping her lips.
Honestly though, why did the General send her gift? Not just that, the man made his second in command travel all the way from Kribirsk, to deliver them. No matter from which angle one looked into it, it simply wouldn't sum up!
And here Annika couldn't decide if she should open it or just throw them away and pretend she never received them in the first place. Despite the initial appeal, the idea soon left her head, after she realized how pointless it was. In the end it would come down to her words versus Ivan's. And there's no way the Darkling would believe her, over his Heartrender.
After contemplating for another hour or so the Healer finally built up the much needed courage, and opened the box. Just out of sheer curiosity to see what was even in there. What could the Darkling possibly gift her?
Unbeknownst to the surprise waiting for her.
Gently her slim long finger undid the black ribbon, removed the lid carefully and at last, peeked.
Simply to have her eyes go wide and mouth fall apart. While the lid dropped from her hand like hot potato.
How?
How did he know?
How did he manage to get a hold of it?
Like bomb question after question dropped on her unsettled mind.
During their trip to the South, Annika had seen a little girl playing with the doll of a Shu bride.
Strangely enough after a long time something so insignificant had caught the young Grisha's attention. Not sure whether it was nostalgia or just the memory of her own dolls which she left behind back at home that pulled her towards the particular doll like a magnet.
Without even wanting to, Annika approached the child who was playing with it and offered her money to buy it. Obviously the child rejected the Grisha's offer with disdain. Stating it was the last present her father sent from Shu Han before his death. Of course Annika understood the sentimental value and was respectful enough to drop the matter there. Eventually she forgot all about it.
Until now, when reminded in such an unexpected manner.
So how did the General manage to get a hold of this doll? More importantly how did he even know about her fondness for it? She never told anyone...
Her already widened eyes further widened, ready to pop out of the socket as she pondered on the following:
What is happening?
Has he been watching me?!
Inhaling sharply Annika closed her eyes. Her mind was whirling. It was a weird mix of emotions that only worsened when they finally reached their destination.
At this point she wasn't sure if she should even read the letter. Because it felt like the lesser she knew, the better it was.
Another few minutes were wasted on mental debate before she ultimately made up the mind to conquer her growing fear and ripped the envelope on that note. She has already come so far, no point leaving the matter hanging half way. Might as well just read and see what he has to say...
Halfway into reading the letter her face changed. Eyes narrowed in focus, lips frowned and brows creased.
His words were somewhat vague, with only a few lines being clear. A perfect combination of both, giving her the allusion of the actual message. Some of it she understood, the rest she had to interpret. The part she understood clearly was where he offered best wishes for her birthday. Followed by, offering her his sincerest apology for his inappropriate action the night he let her go. He admitted, his body fell victim to simple lust and acted under its command, for which he was deeply ashamed.
After that, everything else he wrote were strange. Annika couldn't pin point what exactly was he trying to say— at the beginning of the letter it sounded like just being around her brought him happiness. But towards the end of the letter it seemed like he was trying invite her to his bed.
There was a paragraph, a small paragraph in particular, the words of which made her skin crawl. It was where he hinted about his urges, describing in vivid words how his fingers burned and itched to touch her. But also reassured her, he would do nothing as such without her proper consent.
Truth be told, if Annika was familiar with his handwriting, she would have believed someone to be playing prank on her. As the person speaking in the letter sounded nothing like General Kirigan.
The young Grisha bit her bottom lip nervously and faced the fireplace. She wanted to burn it, the letter and the present both. The urge to toss them into the burning fireplace was eminent on her face. But she resisted, as a voice reasoned in her mind, warning her of the possible catastrophic outcome.
Once again, Annika found herself unable to decide. And right before she could make up her mind,
"Annika?" A soft but unfamiliar voice called her.
Swiftly shoving the box and letter under the bed, the mentioned female turned and saw Oksana standing at her door.
"You're supposed to knock!" The Healer snarled seething in rage.
The mere sight of the blonde Alkemi felt like a pinch of salt on fresh wound. As this woman alone was single handed responsible for ruining her birthday.
"I did, several times. You just didn't respond. So I got a little worried and took it upon myself to check if you were doing alright."
Annika blinked, simultaneously confused and irritated. Didn't this woman just kick her ass in the training ground? So why act so nice now? What good would it do? Her birthday is almost over.
"I was meaning to pay you a visit when you were at the infirmary but your friends were always there and I didn't feel brave enough."
"Then why have you come now?!" Annika asked, no demanded smugly.
"To apologize."
Oksana looked away, like she was embarrassed.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, believe me. It's just that I heard so much about the special treatment you've been getting… whereas I had to... so a bitter part of me wanted to..."
The Alkemi couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence. Nor was there a need to, because Annika understood. She already listened to the other's unspoken words. The anguish reflected in those beautiful blue eyes and the rapid beating of the heart told the Corporalnik everything she needed to know.
All traces of anger vanished from her face immediately. Only to be replaced with guilt as she intensely watched the Alkemi.
Annika was aware of the fact that in nature she was tad-bit self-centred. But since when has she become so selfish? How could she forget what this person was put through. The torture she had to endure.
"Apologies for disturbing you. I guess I should be going now." With that Oksana turned, ready to leave, but before she could take the second step, the Healer called her back.
"Um... Oksana?"
"Yes..."
"You're welcome to stay. I have plenty of cake that I need help finishing. Perhaps you could lend me a hand."
The Alkemi turned to find the Healer pointing at the half eaten cake.
"Oh I love cake." She said, breathlessly. Hint of excitement present in her voice.
Annika patted the empty spot beside her.
Closing the door behind her, the blonde strode over and settled down on the floor beside the black haired girl, resting her back against the bed.
The two stayed up all night eating cake, talking in depth and getting to know each other. Annika had known about the Alkemi, just as the Alkemi had known about her. Neither had interacted before or felt the need to up until now. But they were glad they did, because the two had a lot in common.
Looking back, her birthday wasn't spent so bad, in spite of giving up all expectations.
Everyone played a role and contributed to make the day special. But the highlight of it and her best present so far— she gained a new friend.
Or that's how Annika would like to think.
A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed.
Just letting everyone know that I will be moving this story to the TV show category. Since this is more incorporated with the series than the book. Thank you all for your love and support. For those of you interested, it will be under the Shadow and Bone fanfiction, not Grisha trilogy. Also, for those of you who're confused, yes I changed the name of the story as this definitely suits the plot of the story better.
Reply to guests #1: thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed. Well... this story is basically set during time when eighteen wasn't the legal age. Ben Berns maybe 40, but the Darkling is even older. That aside, Annika is growing up, she's fifteen now. Most importantly it's not a love story. A wolf can't be on sheep's skin for long, if you know what I mean, so...
Reply to guest #2: Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed and loved the way you shared your thoughts in details. To answer your question, the story just stepped out of it's initial stage. Now we've got few more chapters until the start of canon timeline. But how things would be then, I'm yet to figure out. If you have any thoughts ideas to offer on that, feel free to share.