Hello. First, this fanfiction is entirely based on the Shadow and Bone Netflix series. The words in italics are excerpts from the TV show. Second, I created my story to explore the Darkling's motivations to love Alina not just for being the sun summoner, and Alina's motivations too. Third, I love angst but happy endings. Enjoy!

- Biased Hearts -

PRESENT

Aleksander's POV

Our bodies were tangled on the bed after making love. Alina was falling asleep and, even though I couldn't see her face, I felt her body getting relaxed in my arms.

"Rest, my solnishka." I kissed her head and murmured in her ear with some... insecurity.

The journey to find the sea whip had been tiring. After traveling for many days and trying to go unnoticed, we would take the ship to find the amplifier tomorrow. Alina would claim it and my strategy would almost be complete.

I had many things to attend in addition to my usual duties: the constant menaces from Zlatan, the Shus, and Fjerdans. The king and his family had been ill, as planned, and it was a matter of days before the news of their deaths reached me. But now Alina was a red flag in my... in my mind.

I had her where I wanted her, every piece was fitting as I designed it, but something didn't feel right. Something was off. Something had changed. I can't put my finger on it but she's not the same.

- Biased Hearts -

THE FIRST MEMORY - Intertwined threads

Aleksander's POV

She was different. When I turned myself to her, I expected to find a strong, blonde, and tall woman, but instead, I found mesmerizing brown eyes full of emotions that didn't look away when I challenged them with my gaze.

I scanned her up and down, and what she lacked in refinement and physical constitution, she compensated for it with the posture of a warrior who does not give up. Her eyes showed some uncertainty, not fear, and she held her head high.

"Closer." I commanded, and she gave two steps. "Well?"

"Well, what?"... the rebellious girl said as if she were my equal. But recomposing, she quickly added "Sir".

She could be the sun summoner, I remembered myself, so I tried to be patient with her. "What are you?"

"Alina Starkov, Assistant Cartographer, Royal Corps of Surveyors." there was no hesitation in her answer, no possibility left for doubt.

But her next words were pronounced with trepidation. "They're all gone. It's my fault. That's why I'm here, isn't it?"

"Answer the question. What are you?" I repeated slowly as I sat at the table to make her feel less anxious.

"A mapmaker, Sir," she said and everybody started to laugh.

"Quiet." She was the kind of person who didn´t trust easily. She wouldn't say a word about what had happened in the fog so I asked my people if someone actually saw what happened. I directly asked Zoya and she made a brief description of the events. She saw a searing light after the crew was attacked.

"Is this true? Can you summon light?" I asked the mapmaker. If I would've wanted to, I'd have already practiced the test on her. But I was studying the girl looking at her reactions.

She moved her head saying no and I couldn't keep myself from mirroring her. I was acting as sweet as she was, moving my head slowly. Mastering people's body movements do wonders in manipulation.

I wanted to know more about this spirited girl. "Where did you grow up?"

"Keramzin." was her answer.

"And when were you tested?" I pressed. But she wasn't helping. "You don't remember?" No answer.

I had already given her much of my attention and time. I approached her and put on my ring. With authority, I took her wrist and rolled up her sleeve. We were inches apart, and again, those brown eyes made me feel an unknown emotion. I have no idea why I wanted so badly this orphan girl to be my sun summoner. Not the blonde woman I've always imagined. The name Alina Starkov sounded like my prayers when I was a good young man.

I made the cut in her skin, a beam of light radiated out of it. Our touching skins provoked electricity and I know she felt the same because now she wasn't looking at her beam but to my eyes. It was as if our hearts were connected by intertwined threads pulling each other. I've never felt such an intense and constant warmth emanating from my chest to the rest of my body. From my heart to the rest of my soul.

My Grishas were with us and I couldn't prolong the moment, so I let go of her arm. I didn't want my heartrenders to feel my traitorous heart and dismissed her immediately and my people as well. Her beam light must have been seen by the enemies, so we needed to move quickly to the Little Palace.

The sun summoner's carriage was ready and moving when I heard her shout from inside.

"Mal! No, stop. I didn't know. Mal" she screamed.

That was the first time I heard his name. Mal. She had someone, she wasn't alone. And I didn't like it.