Katia's skin crawled as the Grisha descended upon her and Alina after their 'performance', their hands brushing over her shoulders, strong hugs stealing the breath from her lungs. People were not like that in the First Army, they had a job to do, and they did it. Nothing more. Here...the Grisha felt something more for each other. Like they were kin. It was too much, too quickly for Katia. Apart from Alina and Mal, she couldn't even remember the last person she had touched in a gentle manner.
And the Darkling, she realised.
With his dark eyes invading her mind once again, Katia twisted to find him speaking to the King by the throne, lost in a heated discussion. The Queen sat politely in her chair, running her fingers through her silky hair, which appeared a little too bouncy to be real. Genya's work. Katia wondered what else the Queen had the redhead do for her—
"The Summoner Sisters" A voice murmured, as the smell of death hit Katia like a wave.
She turned to see the man who she assumed was the Apparat slithering toward her, dressed in a long brown robe, his yellow teeth on display as he smiled at her. His eyes didn't match the tight upturn of his lips. If Katia felt uncomfortable before, now it was taking all of her will not to run out of the room. The Grisha who had surrounded her seemed to feel the same, as they slinked away to huddle around Alina instead.
"Excuse me?" Katia frowned.
"That is what the people will call you. The sisters who can summon the light...and the dark" The Apparat stated, in a low tone.
"I don't believe we've been formally introduced" Katia pointed out, feigning ignorance.
"I am the King's spiritual advisor. A most important role in these troubling times" The Apparat exclaimed, as Katia's eyes narrowed.
"I think the battlefield is where help is needed the most" Katia huffed.
"Spoken like a true killer" The Apparat replied, causing Katia to flinch at his harsh words.
"...I've killed to serve the King. To protect the whole of Ravka" Katia muttered.
"How noble of you" The Apparat grinned, mockingly.
"I hear there are plans to build altars for your sister in the border villages. A saint come to life" The Apparat explained, taking a step closer to Katia, as the stench of incense threatened to overpower her.
"I do not think they will worship you the same. We can but hope you will not become the new Black Heretic" The Apparat continued, as she gave him a look of disbelief.
"Well, Priest...if I do, I will make sure you are the first I call upon" Katia hissed, before shoving past the old man, her eyes fixed on her sister.
Her forehead wrinkled as she watched none other than Zoya pull Alina into an embrace, a sly smirk on her lips, as she whispered something in Alina's ear, only audible to Katia and a few of the Grisha who had been lining up to hug the Sun Summoner.
You stink of the orphanage, half-breed.
Katia's blood boiled as she watched Zoya twist around, the satisfied smile still on her lips until her eyes met Katia. From the expression on her face, it must have been clear that she had heard the disgusting words. Zoya tensed, half expecting a slap or a punch to follow. Instead, Katia forced an overly sweet smile onto her own lips and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Zoya's quickly reddening cheek.
"Now, so do you" Katia whispered, as Zoya appeared lost for words.
The woman pursed her lips, the blush on her face now creeping down her neck as she was quick to excuse herself. Alina came to stand beside her sister's side, muffling a laugh behind her hand. Katia's eyes found themselves drifting back to where the Darkling was still speaking to the King, whose own gaze was set firmly on Katia, his shoulders rigid, a storm brewing on his handsome face.
"Must you really follow us everywhere?" Katia complained, glaring at the guards who stood on either side of her and Alina.
"We are to escort you to your training, Shadow Summoner" The guard to her left informed her.
"What sort of training?" Alina frowned, seeing two women dressed in blue kefta rushing toward them.
"There you are!" The shorter of the two women exclaimed, as she grabbed Alina's arm, beginning to drag her further down the corridor.
"We've been looking for you two" The other Etherealki stated, grabbing the sleeve of Katia's kefta.
Katia didn't bother resisting, sensing the two wouldn't be prepared to take no for an answer. Instead, as they whisked them away, she used her free hand to itch the skin of her neck, not used to the heavy feeling of her blue kefta. It had been embroidered with black around the collar, whereas Alina's was stitched with gold. She found herself missing her army uniform, there was something about the kefta that...didn't quite fit right.
"We weren't properly introduced earlier. I'm Marie, this is Nadia" The woman gripping onto her arm exclaimed.
"You're supposed to be in training now. Trust me, you don't want to keep Botkin waiting" Nadia added.
"Is it true you killed a Fjerdan on the battlefield?" Nadia questioned, Katia a moment later.
"Two, actually" Katia replied, with a slight smirk, enjoying the look of awe on Nadia's face.
"How did it feel? To kill someone I mean?" Marie inquired, appearing far too excited about the subject.
"I...I didn't feel anything" Katia admitted, her forehead wrinkling at the realisation.
"And General Kirigan truly saved you both?" Marie asked, as Alina nodded her head.
"Saints, you're lucky. He usually barely looks in the direction of the new recruits" Marie pouted.
"Well, they're not just new recruits, Marie. Alina's a Saint. Come to life. She's going to change the world" Nadia grinned, oblivious to the way Alina's face fell.
"So, what training are we supposed to be in?" Katia interjected quickly.
"Combat training" Nadia and Marie announced at the same time, as they pushed large golden doors open and brought the sisters out into a vast courtyard.
Katia's eyes lit up at the sight before her, finding a group of Etherealki fighting inside a circular area in the middle of the courtyard, exchanging kicks and punches with ease. To the sides were numerous dummies filled with straw, some with their heads already cut off, straw covering the gravel below. It reminded her of the First Army, bringing her a comforting sense of nostalgia.
"Now, this...I can work with" Katia grinned.
"Sun Summoner. Shadow Summoner. All of Ravka's foes want to kill you before you can destroy the Fold. It's a great honour to have so many enemies" A large man, descended from Shu Han called out to them, his eyes narrowed as he studied their form.
"A very warm greeting" Alina muttered, under her breath.
"He's always like this" Nadia whispered.
"I hear one of you is a Sergeant in the First Army" Botkin stated, as Katia took a step forward.
"That would be me" She exclaimed, coming to stand in front of the older man.
"Are all the Sergeant's so scrawny and weak looking?" Botkin scoffed, as Katia crossed her arms.
"I find it helps for the enemy to underestimate me. I'll have struck them before they know what's happened" Katia explained, as Botkin's lips pulled into a pleased smile.
"You have combat experience?" He suggested.
"I certainly wasn't promoted for my Shu looks" Katia huffed, as Botkin placed his hand on her shoulder.
"You will find things quite different amongst the Grisha. Now, show me what you can do. Pick an opponent" Botkin told her, squeezing her shoulder before twisting around to reveal a crowd was growing around them.
Many of the Grisha seemed interested to see what she was capable of. She imagined the rumours of what happened when they were attacked had grown around the Little Palace. Katia's gaze soon fell on a familiar pretty face, as the woman in question quirked an elegant eyebrow.
"Her" Katia said, pointing toward Zoya, as whispers picked up around the courtyard.
"Zoya Nazyalensky. I've been training her since she was ten" Botkin informed her, causing a smug smirk to grace Zoya's lips.
"Care to back down?" Zoya offered.
"Why? Scared I might beat you?" Katia retorted, as the Squaller let out a huff.
"I think I'm going to enjoy this" Zoya murmured, holding her fists up to shield her face.
"Likewise" Katia replied, copying Zoya's stance.
"And...fight!" Botkin exclaimed, as the two women began to circle each other.
Katia's eyes darted over Zoya's form, watching her footwork closely, noting her fluid movements. She kept her strength in her core, arms kept close to her body but ready to strike at the first sign of an attack. She was clearly waiting for Katia to strike first, a clever strategy. Katia would need to outsmart her if she was to win the fight. With narrowed eyes, she raised her fist out, appearing to aim to strike Zoya in the face. At the last moment, she brought the heel of her foot onto Zoya's toes, causing the older girl to stumble, and brought her elbow down on Zoya's face. It would have likely broken the Squaller's nose, but with a sharp jab to Katia's exposed side, her arm lost most of its momentum, barely catching Zoya's face. Shoving the girl back with her other arm, Katia managed to untangle them, her hands now balled into fists.
"Nice save" Katia muttered.
A moment later, Zoya's fist was hurtling toward her, which she only just managed to block. She saw how Zoya then leaned on her side, collecting her strength in her leg, ready to kick out. Katia managed to raise her own leg in the air, striking Zoya in the thigh and throwing her off balance. Before Zoya could react, Katia's head was slamming into her own, leaving the Squaller dazed and open to attack. She managed to land two blows to Zoya's stomach before an elbow was striking her in the face, splitting her lip. Zoya raised her hand up to hit Katia again, who managed to block her, but in one swift movement, the Squaller jumped up onto one foot and used all her strength to kick Katia in the stomach, winding her. Katia only just managed to duck as Zoya sent a flurry of punches her way, pain throbbing all over her body now. Her first and last mistake occurred a moment later, as she sent a sloppy punch toward Zoya who caught her arm. She then twisted around and suddenly sent Katia flying over her back and sending her toward the ground. Katia landed with a loud thump, one of Zoya's hands still clutching onto her wrist and the other wrapping around Katia's neck, as Zoya hovered over her.
"Not bad" Zoya panted, her fingers still pressed up against Katia's neck.
"For a Shu Han?" Katia huffed.
"For a new Grisha" Zoya responded, as they heard Botkin cough loudly behind them, noting how Zoya was still all but straddling the Shadow Summoner.
"Easy, Zoya" Botkin called out to her, but the Squaller still made no sign of moving.
"Anyone would think you like having me pinned down, Zoya" Katia smirked, watching as the girl blinked rapidly.
She finally released her hold on Katia, a blush beginning to spread over her cheeks once again. She pushed herself to her feet, crossing her arms, and turning away from Katia. If the whispers were loud before, they were almost deafening now.
"You did well. But your defence is sloppy. We will need to work on that" Botkin stated, holding out his hand for Katia to take.
"Sounds good to me" Katia exclaimed, taking his hand and allowing Botkin to haul her onto her feet.
"And what of her sister? Saint Alina? Perhaps she would also like to lose against me?" Zoya suggested, turning her gaze to the Sun Summoner.
"Alina's a mapmaker. She's not a soldier. I'll train her myself first—" Katia began, but her sister was quick to cut her off.
"She can speak for herself. And she's never backed down from a fight before. She's not going to start now" Alina announced, pushing past Katia.
"Pick someone else" Katia hissed behind her, causing Alina's jaw to clench.
"No. I'm not a little kid anymore. I can handle myself" Alina muttered, keeping her back to Katia.
"Just...keep on the defensive. Let her strike first" Katia whispered, but she wasn't sure if Alina was even listening anymore.
The fight went about as well as Katia was expecting, as Alina completely disregarded what she had said, attempting to punch Zoya as soon as Botkin announced for them to fight. It left her open to attack, and Zoya tripped her over with ease, sending Alina to the ground. Her sister was back on her feet a moment later, insisting that they go again. She managed to almost strike Zoya, but the older girl was quicker, and just as she had done to Katia, she was throwing Alina over her shoulder, in one fluid motion. She didn't even bother to turn around, simply walking off with a smug smile, sending Katia a wink as she did so.
"Hey!" Alina shouted, as she jumped up onto her feet and stormed after Zoya.
Katia realised a moment too late what her sister was planning to do, her jaw dropping open as Alina struck Zoya in the face. Hard. Zoya's shoulders shook, her teeth grit together, looking all but ready to explode. Katia was rushing to Alina's side, fearing the worst. She shoved her sister out of the way just in time to stop her from being hit by a gust of air sent from Zoya's hands, but she herself wasn't so lucky. The wind struck her in the chest, sending her flying through the air, as everything went black.
When she awoke, dozens of concerned Grisha were looming over her, checking her over for injuries. Luckily for her, she had landed in a large pile of hay, which had broken her fall. Alina reached out to pull her sister into a hug, thanking the Saints that she was alright. Katia's eyes darted up to where Botkin was scolding Zoya, whose brows were pinched together, a strange emotion on her face. If Katia didn't know better, she'd say Zoya looked...guilty.
Katia grimaced as a hand brushed over her shoulder, pulling down the thin white shirt she wore, revealing more of her bronzed skin. Her face fell as she looked at the expression on the Healers face beside her, their mouth hanging agape when they saw the extent of the scars on her back. They blushed lightly when they realised, they had been caught and got to work with healing the large bruise blooming over her shoulder. Her skin burned for a few moments, but soon enough she could feel how the skin healed, and the bruise lessened. She jumped as the doors to the Healers quarters were thrown open and none other than General Kirigan came storming through. Katia instantly brushed the Healers hands away, pulling up her shirt over her exposed shoulder.
"You have been hurt" The Darkling exclaimed, with wide eyes, which darted over her body.
"I was injured during combat training. It's nothing" Katia sighed.
"You allowed the Shadow Summoner to be injured? She could have been killed!" The Darkling yelled at Botkin, who appeared to shrink underneath his gaze.
"I could not have foreseen these events. She was not even fighting at the time" Botkin retorted, as the Darkling shook his head, before turning his attention back to Katia.
"Who attacked you?" He questioned, through gritted teeth.
"It was an accident" Katia mumbled.
"Who?" The Darkling insisted, coming to stand in front of her.
"Zoya. She sent a gust of wind toward Alina. I stepped in the way" Katia explained, watching as the man's eyes darkened.
"Botkin. Have Zoya escorted off the premises. I do not want her in my Palace" The Darkling announced, as Botkin opened his mouth to argue, but clamped his lips together when he saw the look the General gave him.
"As you wish, General" Botkin nodded, quick to scurry out of the room.
"She wasn't trying to hurt me. It doesn't matter—" Katia started, but the Darkling cut her off quickly.
"Doesn't matter? Does your life mean so little to you?" He muttered, causing Katia to pale somewhat.
He was right. Just as he always seemed to be. She had stepped in front of Alina without a second thought. Zoya could have sent a knife, or a bullet flying her way and she would have done the same. She would stare down a Saint if it meant protecting her sister.
"Is she healed?" The Darkling asked, directing the question to the Healer.
"As best as I can manage, General. She should remain away from combat training for a few days to allow her skin to heal properly" The Healer suggested, as the Darkling nodded.
The Grisha appeared to take that as their cue to leave, exiting the room as quickly as their feet could carry them. Katia noticed the Darkling's shoulders grew a little less rigid, his eyes calming from the storm that had been brewing behind them. His black hair appeared messy as if he had been running his hand through it. She had never seen him look so...
Human.
"Why do you seem so worried? You hardly even know me" Katia pointed out, as the Darkling looked away.
"You shouldn't keep Baghra waiting" He announced, completely dismissing her words.
"Baghra?" Katia frowned.
"Every Grisha is trained by Baghra to harness their power. It can be...brutal. Do you feel well enough to meet with her?" The Darkling questioned, as she raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sure I can handle her" Katia grunted, as she pushed herself onto her feet, grabbing her blue kefta that still had some hay attached to her fur.
"If anyone can, I think it will be you" The Darkling murmured, his tone full of amusement.
Katia froze when she felt his fingers brushing through her hair a moment later, her heart stuttering. She looked up at him with wide eyes, her heartbeat returning to its normal pace when she saw he had pulled a few pieces of hay from her black hair. He played with the hay between his fingers for a few seconds, appearing conflicted.
"I'm glad you are alright" He confessed, as their eyes connected.
Even though he was no longer touching her, she could still feel the pleasant buzzing sensation grow within her that always seemed to arise when he was close. Their connection. She wondered if he felt it too, as in a split second, he had turned on his heel and marched out of the room without another word.
The guards led her through the gardens surrounding the Little Palace to a darkened cave, that appeared out of place beside the grand structures. A gust of heat hit her as she wandered through the shadowy entrance, causing her to sweat underneath her blue kefta. It took a while for her eyes to adjust to the dimness of the cave, spotting a bed and a few chairs dotted around the room. Sparse candles were dotted on the cave walls, giving off little light.
"Hello?" Katia called out, spotting something out of her peripheral vision.
An old woman suddenly emerged from the shadows, her appearance a strange contradiction of itself. At first, Katia thought the woman had to be well into her eighties, but on a second glance, she noted her skin was smooth, flawless even. Her grey hair having more colour to it the longer she looked. The black robes she wore, faded with time and had some of the same embroideries her own kefta had. Katia wondered what type of Grisha she was.
"Let's have a look at you" The woman, who she assumed was Baghra mumbled, as she paced around her.
"Not what you were expecting?" Katia guessed, noting the way Baghra's eyes narrowed.
"It has been a long time since a Shadow Summoner has emerged. Where are your parents?" Baghra inquired, ushering Katia to sit on one of the nearby chairs. A Sun Summoner who wastes her time training with Botkin?
"Dead" Katia answered, simply.
"You know what for a fact?" Baghra pushed, coming to sit on a chair directly opposite her.
"Why does it matter who my parents were?" Katia muttered.
"Because it will help me to decipher whether you are a descendant of Morozova" Baghra explained, making Katia scoff.
"I'm not" Katia insisted, surprised when Baghra's bony hand suddenly reached out to grab her wrist.
She felt the same surety course through her that she felt whenever the Darkling touched her. The woman before her was an amplifier. The shadows that engulfed the room grew denser and thicker over the next few seconds, sending the pair into complete darkness. Fear crept into Katia's body at the thought of being so vulnerable around the stranger, and was quick to rip her wrist away from her hold. She breathed out a sigh of relief when the darkness lifted somewhat, and Baghra's face came into view again.
"You were right. You're not one of Morozova's descendants. How curious" Baghra mumbled, causing Katia's frown to deepen.
"You can tell that just by touching me?" She asked.
"I can tell a lot more than that. You've slipped through the cracks and stayed where you didn't belong. Where do you belong?" Baghra pushed.
"With my sister" Katia replied, hearing Baghra tut.
"Scared to let her out of your sight?" Baghra guessed.
"The world is a dangerous place" Katia stated, as Baghra leaned forward on her chair.
"No more dangerous than you are. Your little sister keeps you centred. I imagine you know all too well what would happen if you no longer had her" Baghra went on.
"You make me sound like a monster" Katia huffed.
"Put a knife in a man's hand, and every one of them will turn into a monster. Grisha are born with knives already attached. That is why we are feared" Baghra explained, as Katia's eyes narrowed.
"And what type of Grisha are you?" She couldn't help but ask.
"A Tidemaker" Baghra answered, with pursed lips.
"Why aren't you dressed in blue then?" Katia retorted, as Baghra's lips pulled back into a smirk.
"Clever. I imagine General Kirigan quite enjoys you, doesn't he?" Baghra suggested, as Katia gave no reply.
"Show me what you can do, girl" Baghra announced, clapping her hands together once.
Rising to her feet, Katia stretched her arms out and imagined shadows pouring from her fingertips. Her whole being buzzed as she closed her eyes shut, and felt a strange sense of comfort as her shadows engulfed the room. She was startled when she was suddenly struck in the arm, her eyes shooting open to find Baghra waving a cane around.
"What are you doing?" Baghra exclaimed.
"You said to bring the shadows" Katia pointed out, gesturing to how the room had dimmed.
"You're holding back. Why?" Baghra inquired.
"I'm...I'm still learning...I don't want to push this too far..." Katia stuttered over her words, her gaze dropping to the floor.
"Get out" Baghra hissed, as Katia gave her a look of disbelief.
"What can I do with a Grisha who's too scared to use her own powers? Come back when you let go of your cowardice, child" Baghra stated.
Katia stabbed at the meat on her plate, the force of her knife almost breaking the porcelain plate. She had been in a foul mood ever since her interaction with Baghra, and from the sour expression on Alina's face, her sister hadn't fared much better. Katia glances at Nadia, who was rolling the less-than-appetising vegetables on her plate between her fork. Katia found it odd how the Grisha were kept separate during dinner. The Corporalki sat opposite them, their red kefta's a sharp contrast against the golden chairs they sat on. Katia and Alina sat with the other Etherealki, with an Otkazat'sya taster beside them, who had already tested their food. Katia was thankful to see the boy was still breathing. The last thing she needed was for them to get poisoned. Her gaze moved over to the Darkling's table, staying on his large ebony chair for a moment too long. She found herself strangely disappointed at his absence, though according to Nadia he rarely ever ate with the Grisha.
"Why isn't Genya here?" Katia asked her sister, who simply shrugged.
"The Queen likes to keep her close" Nadia muttered.
"And the King" Marie giggled, as realisation dawned on Katia's face.
"You mean Genya...and the King...?" She trailed off, her skin turning a grey colour.
"What other use does a tailor have?" Marie scoffed, taking a sip of her drink.
"That's horrible. Why hasn't anyone done anything?" Alina asked, outraged.
"It's the price that is paid for the peace between the King and the Grisha" Nadia shrugged.
"And Genya suffers nonetheless" Katia mumbled, pushing her food away, suddenly having lost her appetite.
"News from the Fjerdan front" Ivan announced, standing up, as quiet spread around the room.
"In the First Army, many casualties in the 18th, 27th and 36th battalions" Ivan continued, as Katia felt Alina stiffen.
Mal's Battalion.
"Also among the dead, six Healers, four Inferni and three Heartrenders. The Fjerdans will be no match against a unified Ravka. Why are you here eating figs, hmm? You should be training every waking moment to tear down the Fold" Ivan spat out, glaring at Alina from across the room.
Katia's heart broke as guilt flashed over Alina's face, watching her sister shrink against her chair, clearly wanting the ground to open up and swallow her whole. Suddenly, the room began to dim, as the walls grew with shadows, blowing out the candles from the chandeliers. Katia slammed her fists onto the table in front of her and pushed herself to her feet, a seething look on her face.
"And then what, Ivan? Say my sister enters the Fold, tries to destroy the darkness and the Volcra alike? What happens when she rushes in, inexperienced, tired, and unsupported? What happens when the only known Sun Summoner is slain? Will you march into the Fold yourself, face down the danger? No. You'll find someone else to blame!" Katia shouted, as Alina's mouth dropped open.
"Speak down to my sister again and you'll find it is the last thing you do" Katia warned, causing Ivan's eyes to widen, as Alina grabbed her sleeve and dragged her back down onto her seat.
"Did you seriously just threaten the General's second in command?" Marie gaped.
"No. I scolded a prick" Katia shrugged, as Alina nudged her sister, biting her lip to stop the laugh that threatened to leave her.
A sharp knocking sound awoke Katia the following morning, only having time to sit up in her bed before Genya was strutting in, carrying two pairs of clothes, hidden under her arm, and a pair of boots. She wore a pinched expression, something having grated on her nerves that morning.
"We have a problem" Genya announced.
"Apart from being awake at such an unearthly time?" Katia snorted, amusing the redhead.
"Your sister is refusing to where the kefta General Kirigan has chosen for her" Genya explained, holding out a black kefta, embroidered with gold.
"Why? Is she blind?" Katia gaped, running her hand down the beautiful fabric.
"My words exactly. She says she already stands out enough. She doesn't want to give them more reason to stare at her" Genya went on.
"They'll stare no matter what. It's what people do. Grisha or not" Katia mumbled, as Genya pulled the kefta away from her touch.
"Then I suppose you'll have no problem with wearing your own kefta" Genya grinned, placing an entirely black kefta on the bed, the same as the Darklings in every aspect.
She had never been given such an extravagant gift. Nor, one so beautiful. She knew if she wore the kefta she might truly feel like she finally belonged. That she was a Shadow Summoner.
"...Alina refuses to wear hers?" Katia asked, as Genya let out a groan.
"Saints, not you too" She grumbled, coming to sit on the bed beside Katia.
"You didn't hear how Ivan spoke to her last night, Genya. If Alina wishes to blend in with the crowds, then so will I" Katia explained.
"It's worse than that. General Kirigan has invited you both to ride with him this morning. Your sister has already refused. I believe she plans to sulk in bed for the remainder of the day" Genya informed her.
"Not a bad idea" Katia mumbled, as Genya threw her bedsheets away from her body.
"He will already be irritated enough at Alina's refusal, let's not keep him any longer" Genya insisted, as Katia pouted.
"How come you didn't force Alina to go?" Katia complained.
"I can't very well force a Saint to do anything, can I? You, on the other hand..." Genya smirked, grabbing her arm and dragging her out of the bed.
Katia walked out of the large palace doors with a nervous expression, running a hand down her arm. She had decided to greet the Darkling with no kefta, thinking it less disrespectful than to continue wearing the blue kefta that was not hers to own. That left her in black trousers, boots, and a thin white top, with frilled sleeves, a stark contrast to her dark hair. She found the man in question running his hand down his horse's mane, a soft look in his eyes. Once again she felt as if she was peeking behind his mask.
"Morning" She announced, as he turned to her, a little taken aback to find her without a kefta.
"Morning" He replied, in a gentle tone, that had a smile pulling at her lips.
He gestured for her to stand by the white horse beside his own, before nodding for a maid to come forward. He was quickly pulling his own kefta off his shoulders, his movements a little disjointed at the sudden sense of urgency he felt. Katia raised an eyebrow at his actions, raising her hand to touch the face of her horse, trying to calm the creature before she mounted it.
"Did you not like the colour I chose for you?" The Darkling couldn't help but ask.
"Black is your colour" She pointed out.
"Ours" The Darkling insisted, as she shook her head, fondly.
"You might catch a chill on our ride" The Darkling exclaimed, as Katia reached up for her horse's saddle.
"You'll find I run quite hot. I'll be fine" She answered, mounting her horse, as her shoulder strained somewhat painfully.
"I'll bear that in mind" The Darkling said, with a slight smirk, as he pulled himself up onto his own horse.
"So, where are you planning to parade me, General?" Katia inquired.
"All in good time, Miss Starkov" The Darkling told her, as Katia's nose scrunched up.
"Saints, call me anything but that. I sound like a fifty-year-old woman" Katia giggled.
"As you wish, Katia" The Darkling replied, as they shared an amused look, before setting their horses off running.
She wasn't sure where she was expecting the Darkling to take her, but it certainly wasn't a wishing well on the outskirts of the forest. It appeared no one had disturbed the grass beneath her feet for some time. She watched in fascination as General Kirigan took a coin out of his pocket, closed his eyes and brought it to his lips. He was making a wish, she realised. He flipped the coin into the dark water of the well, a sigh leaving his lips.
"What did you wish for?" Katia asked, curiously.
"When I was a boy, I used to run away and hide here. Once I realized that I was a descendant of the most hated Grisha in Ravka, I'd come here, throw a coin. Make a wish in the fountain. Same wish, over and over again. That I could be anyone else" The Darkling admitted, ducking his head, his gaze dropping to the ground.
"Well, you're not so bad" Katia pointed out, bringing a smile to his lips.
"Really?" The Darkling replied, as she nodded.
"You can't blame yourself for the choices of those who came before you. It won't do any good" Katia told him.
"You know the story of the Black Heretic then?" He questioned, as she gestured to the carvings on the well.
"Hundreds of years ago, Anastas, the King, hired a Grisha as his military adviser. The Black Heretic. The Heretic grew hungry for more power, and the King, fearing a coup, put a bounty on his head, and any Grisha that stood by him. The Heretic knew he was outnumbered, so he attempted to create an army of his own using the same forbidden science Morozova once used to create his amplifiers. But he failed. He created the Fold instead. And was killed by it. Along with countless others..." Katia trailed off, as the General tilted his head.
"You think there is more to the story?" He guessed.
"I find it hard to believe that a being that powerful could be killed by the Fold" Katia shrugged.
"The histories forget, he was just a man. One who thought he knew better than the rest" The Darkling sighed, as Katia bit her lip.
"It must have been hard...growing up with all of this weighing you down" Katia murmured, as his eyes darkened.
"I have devoted my life to undoing the great sin of my forebearer, but I am never seen as the solution. Only as a reminder of the problem. And they always need someone to blame. People fear Grisha, even before the people knew who I was, they..." He stuttered over his last words.
"When people can't understand something, they learn to fear it. And fear always leads to one thing" Katia mumbled, as the Darkling turned to her with a startled expression.
"Hate" He replied, holding her gaze for too long.
"You must have not been here for a long time. These roots are overgrown" Katia stated, as she reached out to grab a few roots that had slipped into the cold water of the well.
She stood on her tiptoes to grab a branch that floated on the surface, and lost her footing, almost falling into the well. The Darkling was quick to grab her by the waist, pulling her flush against him, a panicked sound leaving him. She opened her mouth to thank him, but clamped her lips together when she saw the fearful expression he wore, staring at the rippling water. His hand still clutched her waist, appearing lost in a trance, as a realisation hit Katia.
"Are you...are you scared of the water?" She gaped.
"Of course, not" He grumbled, releasing his grip on her, a scowl growing on his face.
He had let her see his true self again, and he hated himself for it. He had spent so long keeping his walls up, it would do him no good to lower them now. Even if it was for a fellow Shadow Summoner.
"Heights" Katia exclaimed, as he gave her a questioning look.
"I was pushed off the roof of my orphanage when I was twelve. Been scared of heights ever since. It's stupid, illogical...and I can't help it" Katia told him, watching his eyes soften.
"Who pushed you?" He asked.
"One of the kids. They didn't like the idea of sharing a room with Shu scum" Katia shrugged.
"Are they still alive?" He inquired, as she raised an eyebrow.
"Why? Do you plan to visit Keramazin and kill him?" She scoffed, eyes doubling in size when she saw there was no bluff on his face.
"I told you about my fear. It's time you tell me about yours. C'mon, it's only fair" Katia insisted, as he looked out at the water again.
"...When I was thirteen, I was stationed at a Grisha camp near the Fjerdan border, I hid my true identity, tried to fit in. I even made a friend. But when he discovered I was an amplifier...he tricked me. He and another boy from the camp attempted to drown me and take my power for themselves, desperate to become stronger. It was the first time I used the Cut. I killed them both, their broken bodies and blood filled the river's edge. I still remember the feeling of that cold water seeping into my mouth. My screams turning into nothing" The Darkling recounted, in a haunted tone.
"You didn't have a choice" Katia stated, reaching out to place her hand on his arm.
"Perhaps" He mumbled, looking away from her.
The Darkling was taken aback as she slid her hand down his arm to intertwine their fingers, a warm sense of comfort engulfing them both. Neither of them wanted to let go of that feeling. So, they didn't. Even as Katia placed her other hand up onto the well and pushed herself up onto the edge, he still kept his fingers wrapped around hers.
"What are you doing?" He gaped, as she pushed herself over the edge and into the cold water of the well, submerged to her shoulders.
"You're the General of the Second Army. You can't be scared of something like water. It's too easy to be used against you" Katia explained.
"Katia—" He began, but she quickly cut him off.
"Just...trust me, okay?" She insisted, squeezing his hand, watching some of his restraint melt away.
With his free hand shaking, the Darkling pushed himself up over the edge of the well, only jumping into the cold water when Katia gave him a tug. His teeth were chattering as the water lapped against him, more out of fear than the cold. He wanted nothing more than to jump out of the water, but Katia's hold anchored him, her touch bringing him an odd sense of safety. Even as she ducked under the water, disappearing from sight for a few moments, her grip on him never relented.
"Now you" She exclaimed, as he shook his head.
"No. No, I can't...I won't..." He trailed off, as Katia suddenly wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
He stilled against her, having never expected such a turn of events. Despite the coldness of the water, he suddenly felt far too warm, his heart beating quicker every second. Katia's eyes fluttered shut as she felt him finally bring his own arms around her, resting on the small of her back.
"We go under together, alright? Five seconds" Katia told him, hearing him let out a shaky breath.
Her stomach fluttered pleasantly as she felt him wrap his arms around her tighter, pulling her flush against his chest. Bringing her hand up to rest on the back of his head, she thread her fingers through his raven-coloured hair and began to lower them into the water. The Darkling's grip became almost bruising as their heads were submerged, and she began to count in her head.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Neither of them moved.
They didn't want the moment to be broken. The contact that they both ached for. But as their lungs started to burn with the need for air, Katia reluctantly pushed them up over the water, as they panted heavily. She was the first to pull away, running a hand over her face, collecting the water in her palm that covered her face. As the Darkling's face came into view, she was truly struck by how handsome he was. His dark hair was wet, a few strands plastered against his forehead, thick lashes glistening with water, and a pleasant flush on his cheeks.
"How do you feel?" She questioned, as a genuine smile spread over his lips.
"Less alone" He admitted, as she shared his expression.
"Come, General. We should get back to the Little Palace, I have a lesson with Baghra soon" Katia exclaimed, as she pushed herself up above the well.
The Darkling was surprised when she held her hand out to him, a soft look in her eyes, an emotion he took too long to decipher. Trust.
By opening himself up to her, she had returned the favour. She was letting him in. If he could only mould her trust into something more, he was sure he could bring her to his side.
"Kirigan. Call me Kirigan" He smiled, as he reached out for her, warmth spreading through his body.