"Enter," came the Darkling's voice, and the servant opened the door for me. The room was spacious and adorned in black. Dark wood lined the walls, and a cracking fire illuminated the space with a warm glow. I noticed a big carving of the eclipse above the fireplace - the Darkling's symbol.
That's what a hotel like this is doing in Kyrsk! They must be frequently spending the night here, while travelling from Ulensk. I guess the dark general likes to stay comfortable during his travels.
The Darkling was seated in an armchair, his gaze fixed on the dancing flames. As I entered, he rose to his feet. He wore black satin bottoms and a matching dressing gown. His robe was closed and tightly tied with a belt, but it still showed a hint of his muscular chest, just enough to steal my breath away for a moment. My eyes lingered longer than I'd care to admit before I forced myself to meet his gaze.
Did he notice I was looking?
He looked me up and down, amusement flickering in his eyes. "I believe women are usually provided with a nightgown here," he remarked, raising an eyebrow.
The servant quickly spoke, flustered. "I'm sorry, sir, but the miss insisted that-"
"I'm sure she did," he interjected with a nod, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
"Please, have a seat," he gestured to an armchair opposite his own. As I sat down, he looked at me expectantly.
"How do you feel?" he asked, his eyes finding mine.
Embarrassed. Confused. Sad. Nervous. Scared. Also… weirdly hot.
"I'm alright." I looked at him searchingly, "What exactly happened to me? Why did I feel so… foggy?" I asked.
"That would be the work of my Healers, I'm afraid. You were in deep shock, and considering your body hasn't fully recovered from its previous... hardships, my Healers grew concerned and decided to sedate you. It was done to… calm you down a little and to make sure you got some much-needed rest during the journey," he explained.
"But it wasn't just that," I admitted, feeling a hint of embarrassment creeping up. "You... made me fall asleep. What is it? The thing you do..."
His forehead furrowed in a frown as he tried to understand. "What do you mean?"
"I mean when... when you touch me," I murmured, my cheeks heating up. I desperately hoped the feeling wasn't just my attraction to him.
He nodded, his gaze focused. "I am a living amplifier," he clarified. "When I touch you, it enhances your power, making you feel stronger and..."
"Calm," I finished his sentence, relief washing over me. "I didn't know that."
"However, I wasn't inquiring about your physical well-being," he stated, his gaze never leaving mine. "I have Svetlana for that. I want to know how you feel."
"I'm alright, thank you," I repeated, hoping he would skip the pleasantries and get to the point. I certainly didn't plan to share my feelings with him.
"Are you sure?" he pressed, his eyes scanning me.
Did he truly summon me to inquire about my feelings? He's probably expecting me to crumble after a single fight. I tried to ignore the fact that I just did almost crumble back in my room. Maybe he's just worried I'm a bloodthirsty fanatic on a killing spree, intending to murder him in his sleep.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked, noticing the frown forming on my forehead.
"How many people did we lose today?" I deflected the question.
"Four," he replied, remorse audible in his voice. "Three Grisha and one Oprichnik."
A heavy silence settled between us. They were dead because of me. I remained quiet for a long moment, avoiding eye contact with the Darkling and focusing on the dancing flames. He watched me intently, his gaze unwavering.
"Why did you call me here?" I asked finally.
"I didn't realise my company annoyed you," he remarked, his expression inscrutable.
"It doesn't annoy me; it confuses me. You're asking about my feelings and thoughts, and I have trouble understanding the actual reason for my visit," I shrugged. "Am I in trouble?"
"Why would you think so?"
I squirmed, not wanting to answer. "Well, you asked me to not leave the coach and not to use my powers. I did both."
You know what this is about. You just don't want to talk about it.
"You were dragged out of the coach, Klara," he said. "And you handled yourself very well," his tone turned serious. "I'm sorry that happened. I had hoped that with me at the front, we would manage to pass without stopping. I would never leave the coach if I knew..."
For a few moments, we sat in thoughtful silence, the unspoken question hanging in the air.
"You want me to talk about the Fjerdan soldier," I sighed, finally giving up.
"If you'd like."
I scoffed. "And if I wouldn't?"
"Then I'd simply ask you again another time."
I sighed. Might as well get it over with.
"I recognized him," I admitted after a pause.
"I had a feeling," the Darkling mused, furrowing his brow. "Was he one of your tormentors?"
"Yes," I said, my voice heavy with the weight of the memories. "He was the worst of them. The others were after information, but he... he revelled in it." I shook my head.
"He relished every tear, every cry of pain... I think you can imagine the rest," I spoke with a calm and steady tone, trying to keep my emotions in check.
"He wasn't in the room when they decided to end my life. I don't think he would have allowed it. I doubt he was finished with me," I explained, my gaze fixed on the flames. "When I saw him today, it took me a moment to recognize him. At first, he was just an enemy, and I acted on instinct. But when I noticed who he was... fear and rage overwhelmed me." I let out a deep sigh, covering my face with my hands, determined not to cry again. It was done, and now I had to face it.
"I'm not proud of what happened back there. I didn't recognize myself," I admitted, my lips pressed tightly together. "But it happened."
The Darkling rose from his seat and walked over to a small cabinet near the door. He retrieved two glasses and filled them with kvas, then offered one to me. I gratefully accepted; I needed a drink.
"He deserved much worse," he growled in a low voice. "And the rest of them will face their own consequences in due time," he said with a dark promise in his voice.
"Did you find the base?"
"We did," he nodded solemnly."But we're being cautious. We're gathering information, trying to assess the extent of their operations and the numbers involved. We need to find out what exactly they are doing there."
"I could tell you a bit about that," I said bitterly.
"You will be safe in the Little Palace," he promised.
I mustered a weary smile as I met his gaze. "What will happen to me there?" I asked and took a sip from my glass, happy for the change of topic. The drink pleasantly burned in my throat, steadying me.
"You will be trained to become one of my Grisha," he stated calmly. "You will live among your people, where you belong."
"And here I thought it was up to me to decide where I belonged," I said with a bitter edge.
The Darkling tutted, turning to face me. "Do you believe you belong among Fjerdans, among the Drüskelle?" he questioned, his eyes piercing into mine. "In the Little Palace, you can embrace your true self. Your powers will no longer be suppressed. You will have freedom."
"Will I?" I questioned sceptically. "I will become a soldier, not by my own choice. Where is the freedom in that?" I downed the rest of my drink, worried that my words might anger him. However, he seemed to genuinely consider them.
"I suppose nobody truly has freedom in times of war," he admitted, following suit. We sat in silence for a few moments, enveloped by the warmth of the fire and the lingering taste of kvas.
Finally, I spoke again. "I felt quite free in Fjerda."
"Free?" he scoffed. "How could you be free when you had to hide your true self?" A hint of frustration tinged his otherwise composed voice. "You weren't free when you came to me, tortured and hunted. And you were never free before. Not in Fjerda."
"You know nothing about my life there!" I snapped, my words sounding harsher than intended.
He stared at me intensely, his expression cold. Taking the glass from my hand, he abruptly stood up and headed towards the door. I anticipated him asking me to leave, but instead, he stopped near the small cabinet again. With a silent question in his eyes, he reached for a bottle and, as I nodded, refilled both our glasses.
"I can't resist a good kvas," I said, trying to break the awkward silence. "Though I've always preferred Brännvin."
He surprised me with a smile. "I do too." He returned to his seat and moved his armchair closer to mine, our knees nearly touching.
"You're right," he said, passing me the full glass. "I know nothing about your life in Fjerda. So tell me about it."
I laughed. " Are you serious?" I asked, taken aback.
"Is that a problem?"
"It isn't I'm just… surprised," I smiled. "What would you like to know?"
"Everything," he said. "But then I would have to keep you up all night." He took a sip of his kvas, an innocent smile playing on his lips.
I silently thanked my own refilled glass, taking a long sip as I attempted to drown the thoughts his remark had stirred within me.
"Where exactly are you from?" he inquired, seemingly oblivious to my embarrassment.
"I spent my entire life in the forest near the border. There is a small settlement about 60 miles away from Halmhend called Ussel," I explained. "Well, calling it a settlement is generous. It's only a few scattered houses, quite far apart from one another."
Darkling chuckled. "Ussel… if I'm not mistaken, that means pitiful, miserable or poor. Isn't that right?"
"Of course you speak Fjerdan," I laughed. "I don't know why I am surprised. And - yes, you are right. The name is spot on." I smiled. "I never understood why my mother chose it."
"Tell me about her," he said. "She was Ravkan, correct? What was her name?"
"Polina," I smiled. "Polina Solberg. Before marrying my father, she was Polina Kuznetsova."
"Do you know any other relatives on your mother's side?"
"She would mention her mother, Angelina, but I never had the chance to meet her. She stayed in Ravka while my parents moved. But they would sometimes exchange letters."
"Angelina Kuznetsova? And her maiden name?" He questioned.
"I don't know… Why is that important?"
"It isn't," he shrugged. "I'm simply trying to see if I'm familiar with the family. You said they never saw you summon?"
"Never. I only played with my powers when I was alone at night."
"Played?" he smirked. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Well, I… summoned them." I shrugged, confused by his question. "I played with their shapes, tried to make them move…"
"What shapes?" he asked, intrigue in his voice.
"I... enjoyed creating flowers," I confessed, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. "And shaping animals was perhaps the most challenging. It was difficult to maintain their form as they moved."
"Animals?" He furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowing. "Show me," he offered his hand.
"If you're so eager to hold my hand, perhaps you should simply admit it," I teased, trying my hardest to remain composed. "The 'amplifier' excuse is getting quite repetitive."
"Does it, now?" He locked eyes with me, maintaining silence for an unbearable moment. Just as I was about to crack under his gaze, he added, "I shall endeavour to come up with something new in the future. In the meantime, I'm confident that you can demonstrate the full extent of your powers without relying on something as superfluous as my touch," he smiled slyly as he withdrew his hand.
Well. That blew up in my face.
Deciding not to protest, I closed my eyes and turned my palms upward, focusing on my shadows. They responded quickly this time, returning to me with ease. I suspected they simply liked to show off to the Darkling. But it still wasn't enough. I managed to form an even sphere, but I couldn't keep it in any other shape as I attempted to mould it. Without thinking, I reached out and grasped Darkling's hand, the familiar warmth enveloping me. A few seconds later, I opened my eyes as a small, pitch-black finch fluttered its wings and took off from my Darkling observed the bird intently, his expression unchanged, but his eyes widening slightly.
The shadowy finch continued to flutter around the room, casting darkness with each beat of its wings. After a few moments, the only remaining light was the spark in the Darkling's eyes.
Still holding his hand, I caught the bird and pressed it into my palm, causing the surrounding darkness to dissipate as it vanished. I looked at the Darkling, waiting for him to speak. He looked down at our intertwined hands.
"Who's eager to hold whose hand now?" he asked innocently. We shared a chuckle as I let go, folding my hands in my lap. My palm tingled as if it hadn't fully recovered from the sudden loss of his touch, so I clasped it with my other hand, fidgeting nervously.
Is he not going to say anything? I could feel his eyes on me, but I hesitated to meet his gaze, fearing he would find my use of grisha powers ridiculous and pathetic.
"I never considered using them in this way," he finally spoke, a hint of distant sadness audible in his voice. "It's beautiful," he added. As he shifted in his chair, his dressing gown slid open, revealing the entirety of his muscular chest. My breath caught in my throat as my eyes instinctively traced his figure.
Oh saints.
I quickly finished my drink, trying to conceal my embarrassment, and met his gaze, visibly amused by my reaction. He was enjoying my discomfort once again.
"I... I really should go," I stammered. "I'm still quite tired, and it's getting late." Nervously, I fidgeted with my ring, avoiding direct eye contact.
"Of course," he replied, rising from his seat. "I don't want to keep you up." I felt his gaze on me as he escorted me to the door, his dressing gown still partially open. With an unsteady step, I exited the room, grateful for the cool air that greeted me.
"Good night, Klara," he bid farewell.
"Good night," I whispered.
…
The following morning, Svetlana paid me another visit to check my progress. As her hands hovered over my head I took a better look at her face. Like all the Grisha I've seen before, she was strikingly beautiful, her fair complexion contrasting against her dark hair. She noticed my gaze and raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry," I muttered, casting my eyes downward. "It's just... you all look so... beautiful." I cringed in embarrassment, but to my surprise, she laughed heartily.
"We are different from Otkazat'sya," she smiled. "Using our powers to their full potential makes us stronger, healthier... You'll feel different once you start using them without fear of being caught, you'll see," she winked. "You seem better. Do you think you could travel on horseback today? Os Alta isn't so far away."
"Absolutely!" I nodded, happy I wouldn't have to spend another day locked in the small space with the Darkling.
"Good. Now, pull yourself together. You're a mess," she remarked, pointing at my ruffled hair. "Shall I send a servant to assist you?"
"I'll manage, thank you."
"Hurry it up. You should be downstairs in half an hour if you don't want to miss breakfast."
"Breakfast?" I echoed, unable to hide my surprise.
"Do you think we all eat in our rooms?" she mockingly questioned. "I suppose the General has decided it's time for you to join the ranks." She turned to leave. "Half an hour, see you there!"
After I got dressed and washed my face, I made my way down to the busy dining room, filled with Grisha and servants. The two tables were adorned with a modest but enticing breakfast. There were platters of bread with butter, assortments of cheese, fresh fruits, and steaming pots of coffee and tea in large samovars. One table seemed to be reserved for the Darkling and his Oprichniki, while Grisha sat at the other.
They appeared to have some hierarchy I wasn't familiar with. At the forefront of the table sat the Corporalki, dressed in their crimson keftas, followed by the Etheralki in blue, and finally, the Materialki at the other end, their keftas vibrant purple. I wasn't sure where I fit into this arrangement, so I decided to settle at the end of the table near the Alkemi, but as I approached, a girl in a blue kefta waved at me.
"Come sit with us!" she beamed. "After all, you're a summoner, just like us."
Grateful for the invitation, I joined her at the table. Her name was Alisa and she possessed an insatiable curiosity and an admirable persistence in asking questions.
Was I really a shadow summoner? Yes.
Was I really captured by the Drüskelle? Yes.
Did I really escape? No, I decided to join their ranks and we're best buddies now. I rolled my eyes slightly.
Why didn't I sound like Fjerdan? Because of my Ravkan mother.
Was I related to the General? Ehm, no. Definitely not.
How is it possible that I'm a shadow summoner then? I'm… actually not sure?
"The only known shadow summoners were always in the same lineage," she explained. "Even the Black Heretic is his ancestor."
I shuddered at the thought of Darkling being my relative. Relatives certainly shouldn't inspire such... desires in me. But what if it was the truth?
Is that why he asked me all those questions about my mother yesterday? Does he think we're related?
"Saints!" I said out loud.
"Saints? Shouldn't you worship Djel?"
"I told you my mother was Ravkan. I guess I took that from her. And things are quite different in the border forest. Religions, beliefs and languages all mix together around there. And-"
I didn't have a chance to finish the sentence, as she immediately continued with her questioning.
"Aren't Fjerdans supposed to all have blond hair?"
Finally, I was rescued as the Darkling rose from his seat, prompting everyone else to follow suit. It was time to go.
…
Most of the Grisha had already returned to the camp, as the remaining journey posed little danger. The Darkling's spies had been monitoring the Drüskelle, and it seemed they had truly retreated. Among the familiar faces were Svetlana, the Healer who tended me, Oksana, the kind-hearted Heartrender, and Alisa, the curious Squaller I had encountered at breakfast. Together with the other Grisha and a group of Oprichniki, we formed a group of fifteen riders.
They had prepared a stunning black pinto mare for me and I fell in love with her at the first sight. Throughout the ride, the Darkling rode alongside me on his magnificent black stallion. We exchanged nods and smiles, but we didn't really talk most of the way.
After a couple of hours, we took a break in a large field. We ate the remainder of the breakfast we had brought from the hotel. I sat off to the side, and after a while, Darkling joined me, sitting down next to me.
"Did you enjoy joining the others this morning?" he broke the silence.
"It was... nice," I hesitated.
"Were they not kind to you?"
"They were fine, it's just... I guess I'm not used to being around people anymore," I shrugged. "And they're all so... confusing."
"Confusing?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Half the time, I can't tell if they're being genuinely nice or condescending. And I don't understand the strange hierarchy they follow. Why does everyone insist on sitting with their order? Don't they talk to others?" I shook my head. "And where am I supposed to fit in?"
"I understand that it's difficult," he nodded. "You belong with the Etherealki, but you're also special. That might be why they're acting strange around you."
He stood up and signaled for everyone to get moving again. As we mounted our horses, I couldn't help but remember the Squallers words this morning.
"Um... You don't think we are related, do you?" I asked, my tone more anxious than I intended.
"Why? Would that bother you for some reason?" he asked somewhat impishly, as we mounted our horses again.
"No!" I felt my cheeks burning. "It's just…"
"We should get going. They're already expecting us," he looked at me, a little smile playing on his lips. "I am confident that we are not related," he said, and nudged his horse forward.
…
We rode in comfortable silence and after less than three hours, we reached a colossal gate to Os Alta. The city was noisy and unclean, and I couldn't quite grasp why it was called the dream city, not until we crossed a bridge over a wide canal. On the other side a whole new world unfolded before my eyes.
In front of me was a white city that bore no resemblance to the chaotic streets we had left behind. Mansions with manicured gardens lined wide boulevards, leading to expansive parks and plazas with gushing fountains and gilded statues. My fascination caused me to lag behind as I slowed the horse's pace, mesmerised by the city around me. The Darkling aligned his horse with mine and watched me with an amused smile.
As we ascended the gently sloping streets, the houses grew larger and more impressive. Finally, we reached another wall, guarded by armed soldiers, with golden gates bearing the emblem of the royal double eagle. Above, on marble terraces and amidst shimmering fountains, stood the Grand Palace, the biggest and by far most pompous building I had ever seen.
But that was not our destination. We continued along the path behind the palace, winding through a dense forest that hid the entrance to yet another world, a realm vastly different from the opulent display of wealth of the Grand Palace.
Contrary to its name, The Little Palace was anything but small. It emerged from the surrounding trees as if it had been woven into the very fabric of the forest. Every inch of its dark wooden walls was decorated with elaborate carvings of birds, flowers, vines, and mythical creatures, their details highlighted by mother-of-pearl. I couldn't help but gasp in awe.
"What do you think of it?" Darkling's words snapped me out of my thoughts.
"It's incredible," I said honestly. "I've never seen anything as beautiful before."
"Welcome home," he smiled.
We reached the main entrance, where a line of servants dressed in black awaited us. As we dismounted our horses, they swiftly took charge of them, leading them off to the stables. The Darkling motioned for me to follow him towards the palace, and we walked side by side towards the imposing main door.
"For tonight, I'll spare you the curiosity of the others and allow you some peace. However, tomorrow you will need to begin your lessons, and soon enough, you will have to meet the king," he said.
"The king?!" I exclaimed. "Is that... customary? Do you introduce every new Grisha to the king?"
"No, we do not," he replied, his eyes glimmering with amusement at my question. Pausing before the door, he turned to face me directly.
"But you're not just any Grisha, are you? You are a shadow summoner, an impossible one. A one that shouldn't exist." His expression grew serious.
"I don't expect the court to be pleased when they learn of your existence. Although the king deemed me useful as his General, he fears me. And he will not be thrilled to learn there are two of us. But hiding you away would be far worse." He opened the door for me.
"I recommend you use today to reconnect with your shadows, I can't be your clutch in your lessons, amplifying you. I believe you have some amends to make," he added as I passed around him, and gave a nod towards the waiting servants.
"Is the T'ma suite ready as I instructed?"
"It is, moi soverennyi," one of the servants said with a slight bow.
"Take her there and make sure she feels at home. Dinner is to be brought up for her today," and with those words he nodded at me, turned on his heel and strode off across the hall, followed by his men.
Following the servants through the seemingly endless corridors, we eventually arrived at a black-carved door. A silver sign above it bore the inscription "T'ma Suite" accompanied by the symbol of a crescent moon.
With a swift motion, one of the servants unlocked the door and handed me the key. It felt surreal, like stepping into a dream. I never had this much space just for myself. There was a large bedroom with a canopy bed and thick curtains to keep out the light. The living area had a cosy fireplace, a comfortable black sofa, and a study corner with a writing table and a small bookshelf. The private bathroom had a luxurious brass bathtub in the centre.
The entire suite exuded an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. Grey wallpaper with a subtle pattern adorned the walls, while black flooring stretched beneath my feet. The furniture was crafted from dark wood and curtains, bed linen, and a plush rug, all in shades of darkness, harmonised with the overall aesthetic. It might have seemed dark to some, but for me, it felt inviting and safe.
After I ate and had a refreshing bath to wash off the sweat and dirt from my journey, I spent the remainder of the day exploring my new home. There was a wardrobe in the bedroom, made of dark wood adorned with intricately carved flowers and a crescent moon at its centre. Opening it, I discovered a set of black men's pyjamas and a matching dressing gown, bringing a smile to my face as I realised they were the same clothes I had worn back at the hotel in Kyrsk, only in a smaller size that fit me perfectly.
As I continued exploring, I came across a pair of breeches made from a unique fabric that resembled leather but appeared much sturdier. They clung to my legs like a second skin. There was also a long black blouse, accompanied by a black satin sash to tie it with, and a pair of leather boots. The clothes had a rustic charm, they seemed similar to what a peasant might wear, but the quality of the materials exuded luxury. It was unlike anything I had worn before.
Then, my eyes fell upon a kefta, similar in style to the ones worn by the Etheralki, but this one was pitch black and embellished with a dark, shiny thread that glistened in the light, reminding me of the one Darkling wore. Like everything else I had found, it fit me flawlessly.
They must have sent a messenger with my measurements the very day we left the camp, or they couldn't have managed it.
Moving into the living room, I studied the collection of books displayed on the shelves. Most of them were books of Grisha history and religious texts recounting the tales of Saints. However, I also discovered a book of poetry and a few novels that were unfamiliar to me.
Clad in the cosy pyjamas, I settled into bed with Istorii Sankt'ya in hand, a book I knew by heart from my mother's bedtime readings. I hoped it would calm me down, but I fell asleep as soon as I opened it.
I dreamt I was back in Fjerda. I stood outside my childhood home, breathing in the crisp winter air. Eager to check on my animals, I hurried to the barn, relieved to find them all safe and well. Freya, the black cat I had taken in, approached me, purring softly, and I couldn't help but break into tears as I buried my face in her fur.
Bringing Freya with me, I entered the house, only to find that it looked nothing like I remembered. Instead, it resembled my suite in the Little Palace. Curiosity led me to the bedroom, where I discovered a figure lying in bed, facing away from me and hidden beneath the covers. My husband, I shivered at the thought. Trying not to disturb him, I moved backward, but tripped over my feet and fell to the floor. As I heard him getting up, I closed my eyes and instinctively shielded my face with my hands. But to my surprise, the blows didn't come. Confused, I cautiously opened my eyes and squinted at the figure towering before me. It was the Darkling.