Katia sucked in a deep breath, holding out her palm in front of her, allowing the shadows to leech from her skin. Darkness drifted from her open hand, small tendrils of shadows growing bit by bit, ascending toward the ceiling. She splayed her fingers out, forcing the shadows to cascade further out when a sharp pain shot through her and the shadows disintegrated. She clutched at her head, feeling pain radiating from her neck all the way to the back of her skull. She slammed her fist down onto the dresser beside her, panic coiling tightly in her stomach. There was only two days left before the Winter Fete and she was expected to perform. Ever since her near-death experience, she had been weak, struggling to keep a hold of the shadows. She was beginning to think she would have to admit defeat and refuse to attend.
"You almost had it that time" A voice purred from the doorway to her chambers, causing Katia's head to snap up.
Zoya leant against her the doorframe, a self-satisfied smirk playing on her lips, looking as perfect as ever in her dark blue kefta. Katia suddenly found herself regretting pushing the Darkling to bring Zoya back to the Little Palace.
"Come to gloat?" Katia asked, repeating the words the Squaller had once said to her.
"I wouldn't kick you while you were down. It's too easy" Zoya pointed out, sauntering into her chambers.
"Do you think people will notice if I don't go to the Winter Fete?" Katia murmured.
"You're the only Shadow Summoner in living memory besides the General. If it weren't for your blessed sister, I'm sure you'd be the centre of attention" Zoya explained, watching as a pout grew on Katia's lips.
"Well, you best get yourself a front-row seat to watch me fail then" Katia stated, flexing her hands.
"You're going to give up the easily?" Zoya huffed.
"I almost died less than a fortnight ago, my head spins every time I stand up, and I can barely produce a whisp of a show...what would you have me do?" Katia complained.
In response, Zoya raised her hands up, only giving Katia a few seconds to realise what she was planning. She sent a gust of wind toward her, one which would have sent Katia flying into the wall if she didn't defend herself. Raising her palm up in the air, she scrunched her eyes shut and waited for the force of the impact. When no blow ever came, she dared to open an eye, finding a wall of shadows in front of her, so dark that she couldn't even see Zoya on the other side. With a flick of her hand, she disbanded the shadows, sending the whole room into pitch-black darkness for a few moments. Zoya was left reeling at the display, lost in awe. As the light slowly returned to the room, she quirked an amused brow in Katia's direction.
"I'd have you do that" Zoya grinned.
Katia smiled back at her, before her vision suddenly darkened, and her knees felt as if they were crumbling underneath her. She grabbed onto the chair beside her, attempting to steady herself as a wave of dizziness washed over to her. Hands were grabbing onto her arms a split second later, as pain once again shot down the base of her skull. When her vision cleared, she found Zoya gripping her tightly, concern evident on her features.
"Are you alright?" Zoya asked, running a hand over Katia's cheek, surprising the younger girl with how gentle she was.
"I guess...now all I have to do is figure out how not to pass out after my demonstration" Katia huffed, as Zoya let out a sigh of relief.
"I have every faith in you" Zoya mumbled, in a teasing tone, running her hand down Katia's arm.
Zoya's hand lingered against Katia's skin, a strange emotion flashing over the older girl's face for a moment. She opened her mouth to speak when she noticed how Katia's gaze had flickered to something behind her shoulder, and the way the Shadow Summoner's eyes lit up.
"Kirigan" She smiled, as Zoya wrenched her hand away, straightening her back.
"Am I interrupting?" The Darkling asked in a cold tone.
"No, General. I was just leaving" Zoya announced, unable to look Kirigan in the eye.
Zoya felt a chill go down her spine as Kirigan watched her intently, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment as she ran out of the room. The Darkling sent a flurry of shadows toward the door to Katia's chambers, as it slammed shut, leaving the two in a tense silence.
"Zoya was just helping me plan for the Winter Fete" Katia exclaimed, as Kirigan jaw clenched.
"Yes, she looked like she was being very...helpful" Kirigan sneered, through tight lips.
"Well, my fellow Shadow Summoner has been avoiding me the last couple of weeks. I have to take all the help I can get" Katia pointed out, as Kirigan's gaze softened somewhat.
"It was not my intention for you to feel neglected" Kirigan stated, in a teasing tone, approaching her slowly.
"You almost seem jealous?" Katia suggested, cocking her head to one side.
"I think you'll find I'm a little more experienced than Zoya" Kirigan pointed out, not denying her comment, as he came to stand inches away from her.
Katia found herself leaning forward, being drawn in by the Darkling's alluring presence before she caught herself. Blinking a few times, she turned away from him, her cheeks flushing as she felt his gaze never leave her face. It was hard to think straight with him so close.
"Why have you been avoiding me?" Katia asked, in a soft tone.
"Those closest to me tend to find themselves in danger, sooner rather than later" He explained, as Katia's eyes flickered back up to his.
"I'm not just anyone though" Katia pointed out, his lips quirking into a smile.
"No. You're not" He agreed.
"Is there any news on Zlatan?" Katia inquired, after a few moments of silence.
She watched as Kirigan finally dropped his gaze, the muscles in his jaw tensing, and for just a split second, she could swear the room grew darker. For someone usually so composed, the Darkling seemed close to losing control at the mention of the man's name.
"Not yet. But anyone who wishes to harm you, or your sister will be dealt with, rest assured" Kirigan insisted, as she gave a curt nod.
"It's a shame. I was hoping for some news to take my mind off my impending failure at the Winter Fete" Katia sighed.
"Soon enough, such foolish performances will be a thing of the past" Kirigan muttered, his nose turned up in disgust.
"You really hate this whole thing, don't you?" Katia guessed, as Kirigan nodded, moving to rest against the side of her dresser.
"It's a waste of our time. The King and Queen wish for us to perform like puppets. Pets. If I had my way..." Kirigan trailed off, his eyes darkening.
"There would be no more King and Queen?" Katia suggested, as his eyes snapped up to hers.
"You won't fail. You're far stronger than you realise, Katia" He told her, ignoring her last reply completely.
"Not since I was injured. I...I don't know what's wrong with me..." Katia stuttered.
Her heart skipped a beat when the Darkling's warm palm was suddenly caressing her cheek, the familiar feeling of safety and belonging washing over her. She had missed it more than she had realised. The air around them began to thicken, almost sparking with the combined power the two controlled.
"The only one holding you back is yourself. You believe because you were injured, you should be weak. But you're wrong. Your shadows bring your strength. By giving yourself over to them...you have no idea what you'd be capable of" Kirigan went on, his thumb brushing slowly over her soft skin.
"I like being in control" Katia reminded him.
"You might find relinquishing control from time to time can be rather enjoyable" Kirigan stated, moving his hand to brush through her hair, her heart speeding up further.
She watched as his eyes flickered down her lips, his intentions clear as he brought his hand to rest against the nape of her neck, pulling her closer. Just as Katia's eyes fluttered shut, the anticipation causing her whole body to ignite, the pair were suddenly flung into darkness. Katia jumped back in fright, finding every light in the room had been extinguished, and a thick darkness oozed around them, almost as if they had been pulled into the Fold. Katia's eyes widened as she found the darkness seemed to sway in time to her shallow breathing, reaching out into the shadows to find she couldn't even see her hand held out in front of her.
Katia.
The Darkling's commanding voice was quick to bring her back to her senses, as the darkness began to dissipate, being pulled back to where it belonged. Inside her. As Katia's vision cleared, she could see Kirigan standing where he had been moments before, a look of awe on his face.
"Remarkable" He murmured.
Before Katia could reply, the doors to her chambers were pushed open, and a panicked-looking Genya came racing through. Katia thought she had never seen the older woman look so scared.
"What in the Saint's name was that?" Genya gaped, as the realisation slowly hit Katia.
She had not only brought the shadows forward in her chambers...she had engulfed the whole of the Little Palace in darkness.
Genya's nerves were as clear as day as she fiddled around with her kit to find the right shade to colour Katia's eyelids with. Katia hated that her friend could now barely look at her. She had seen the fear in Genya's eyes. It wasn't right that she had been able to command the shadows to such a degree, even if she were in the presence of the Darkling.
"Do you think I shouldn't attend the Winter Fete?" Katia inquired, knowing that the event was to be held that evening.
"It's not up to me" Genya stated, as Katia raised an eyebrow.
"Maybe not, but I'd still like your opinion. You've always been truthful with me in the past" Katia mumbled, watching as Genya grimaced at her words.
"You're very powerful. It's no surprise the General is so...drawn to you" Genya told her, being careful with her words.
"You think my powers are too dangerous to be used?" Katia suggested.
"I didn't say that" Genya retorted.
"Baghra did. She warned me before, but I didn't listen. The shadows...they're a part of me, so how can they be wrong? What does that make me?" Katia insisted.
"This sounds like a conversation you should be having with the General" Genya pointed out, causing Katia to pout.
"I would if I could think straight in his presence" She confessed, leaning back against the chair she was slumped in.
"I've...I've never seen the Darkling act this way before. Perhaps you should go to him before the Fete?" Genya murmured, unable to look Katia in the eye.
"Why?" Katia frowned.
"I know he'd like it" Genya shrugged, causing Katia's frown to deepen.
"You've talked to him about me?" Katia asked, watching how Genya's hands had begun to tremble.
"Ah. Here, it is. This should make your eyes look quite beautiful this evening" Genya exclaimed, touching a golden beetle between her fingers, before running her thumb over Katia's eyelids.
The golden colour shimmered above Katia's dark eyes, making them stand out against her already darkened eyelashes. She found herself wondering whether Kirigan would like it, before chastising herself. She was acting like some lovesick fool.
"...I've never been sure about Kirigan's intentions. I feel like there's something he's hiding from me. Do you...do you really think I can trust him?" Katia questioned, as Genya's jaw clenched.
"He cares about you" Genya replied, as Katia's brows knitted together.
"That's not an answer, Genya" Katia complained.
"I have something for you" Genya announced, reaching into her large kit, and pulling out a pretty silver and black ring.
"A token of my thanks. For what you said to the General, he's kept me away from the King these past few weeks" Genya explained, as she slid the large ring onto Katia's finger, finding it fit perfectly.
A beaming grin broke out on Katia's face, having never expected such a gift. It was quite heavy for a ring, but beautiful all the same. Before Genya could say another word, Katia was jumping up to pull the redhead into a tight hug. No one had ever given her something so precious before.
"Thank you, Genya. Thank you for being my friend" Katia smiled, hugging her tighter.
Genya was glad her own face was hidden from Katia's view, as she reached up to circle her arms around the girl's back. She felt tears welling in her eyes, her chest tight at the happiness in Katia's voice. She wanted to scream at her to take the ring off. To run.
"Just wait until Alina sees this" Katia giggled, pulling away from the hug, her eyes instantly going back to her new ring.
A soft knock at her chamber door rang out, before it was opened by a maid a moment later, carrying a large object in her arms. Katia's eyes widened as the maid placed it onto her bed, realising it was an all-black kefta, the same as the Darkling's in every way. The dark embroidery at the cuffs and hem only added to the extravagant kefta, the second gift she had received that day.
"Perhaps I will see Kirigan before the Fete" Katia grinned, running her hand over the silky garment, missing the panicked look on Genya's features.
The Darkling was adjusting his collar when he heard soft footsteps approaching outside his chamber door, surprise etched over his face when he saw Katia standing in the doorway, his black kefta lying in her arms. She gave him an almost shy smile, as his eyes drifted over the lilac robe she wore, to the expert way her hair had been tied into a tight bun, no doubt by Genya.
"You're not dressed" She murmured, teasingly.
"Neither are you" He replied.
"Well, I wanted to thank you in person for your gift" Katia explained, taking a step closer.
"I trust the kefta is up to your standards?" Kirigan mumbled.
"No one wears an all-black kefta. Only you" Katia pointed out.
"Only us. We're the same. I want everyone to know that" Kirigan informed her, as she smiled down at her boots.
"May I?" She asked, holding up his own kefta which was weighing down her arms.
"Thank you" Kirigan said, in a velvety tone, his hands twitching at his side as he turned away from her.
She was quick to stride forward, holding the kefta up for him to slip his arms into, as she pulled the fabric high over his shoulders. Katia didn't miss the sharp intake of breath that left his lips when her hands trailed down his arms. He was still breathing heavily even as he turned to face her, appearing uncharacteristically nervous about something.
"I should go" Kirigan mumbled, his eyes darting down to her lips once more, before he went to walk past her.
He came to a sudden halt when her warm hand shot out to grab him, her fingers circling around his wrist, tugging lightly. He turned back to her in confusion, watching as she opened and closed her mouth a few times, clearly struggling to speak. With a shake of her head, she went to close his chamber doors, causing Kirigan to tilt his head to the side.
"I need to...I want to tell you something. Something I've never told anyone before. Not even Alina" Katia announced.
"You have to promise me you'll never tell another soul" Katia continued, as Kirigan nodded, anxiously.
"You can tell me anything, Katia. You know you can" Kirigan insisted, as she became lost in his dark eyes for a moment.
"I learnt I was Grisha the day after we were supposed to be tested. Alina was so worried about being taken away from Mal, she cut her hand. So, I did the same. The Grisha couldn't test us, and then they left. I thought we'd be safe. Then the Drüskelle came" Katia told him, through gritted teeth.
"They had followed the Grisha?" Kirigan guessed, knowing it happened from time to time.
"They attacked them, killed them, and took the children they had taken. They saw on the lists the Grisha carried that there were a few children who couldn't be tested, more than normal. So, they came to our orphanage. I was in the fields when they..." Katia trailed off, with a shaky breath.
With her gaze firmly on the floorboards, Katia began to shrug off the lilac robe she wore, so it hung by her elbows. She then pulled at the white undershirt which covered her, until it revealed the top of her shoulders, the white scars that covered her skin on display. She wanted to run out of the room, to cover herself up, but she forced her feet to remain where they were.
"The Drüskelle didn't even know that I was one of the children on the lists. They just wanted something to hurt. To kill. Slowly. They took out their whips and knives...carved into my skin until I was just a bloody mess. And then they spotted Alina and Mal outside the orphanage, coming to look for me. I don't know what happened, but one moment they were all surrounding me and the next...they were gone" Katia explained, as the Darkling's brow furrowed.
"Gone?" He pushed.
"I destroyed them. Turned them into nothing. I didn't know if I could trust you. Until now" She went on.
Closing her eyes, she brought all the hatred and fear she felt toward the Drüskelle to the surface, feeling the shadows growing within her. In the next second, she was thrusting her hand out in the air, as shadows hurtled forward, hitting a nearby flag strung up in the corner of the room. She narrowed her eyes, balling her hand into a fist as the flag began to disintegrate in front of their eyes until there was nothing left but ash pooling onto the floor. It took some time for her to pluck up the courage to look toward Kirigan, but when she did the look of awe on his face was enough to have her heart coming to a grinding halt in her chest. There was no fear in his eyes.
"Why did you tell me this?" Kirigan questioned.
"I want you to know me. All of me" She confessed, as he strode forward, coming to a stop only inches from her face.
"Why?" He insisted, breathlessly.
In response, Katia leant forward, pressing her lips against the Darkling's, feeling all her doubts melt away once and for all. Everything around her disappeared, everything but him. She reached up to cup his bearded jaw, every nerve in her body coming alive, from the tips of her fingers to the shiver that went down her spine. And then, she pulled away, her eyes fluttering open to see his still closed in a moment of bliss. Katia could feel her mouth go slack when his dark eyes finally connected with her, the look of pure devotion on his face almost enough to have her knees giving out.
"Does that answer your question, Kirigan?" She replied as a genuine smile grew on his lips.
"Aleksander" He murmured, in a soft voice.
"Call me Aleksander" He told her, as Katia realised, he had gifted her with the truth of his real name.
Just as he leant down, his lips brushing against her own once more, a sharp knock on the door had the pair springing apart. A guard stepped through the doorway an instant later, not seeming to notice Katia's flushed cheeks or the way the Darkling was breathing. He spoke of the arrangements for the Fete, but all Katia could hear was the way her heartbeat was pounding in her ears and Aleksander's voice.
Alina glanced at her sister as they ascended the stairs of the Little Palace toward where the celebrations were being held that evening. She didn't think she had ever seen Katia smiling quite as much, nodding in greeting to every Grisha and nobleman and lady they passed. She seemed...lighter.
"You seem in good spirits" Alina pointed out.
"Why shouldn't I be? I feel as if I am finally beginning to understand my abilities, I have you by my side, friends...I'm happy" Katia confessed, as Alina quirked an eyebrow.
"Alright, who are you and what have you done with my sister?" Alina teased, as Katia nudged her with her elbow.
"Are you nervous about tonight?" Katia inquired.
"I was. But I know how important this demonstration is to us all. It feels like here is exactly where I was meant to be" Alina went on.
"I know just what you mean" Katia mumbled, more to herself than Alina.
"Do you think the Darkling will be annoyed that we didn't come with the guards?" Alina asked.
"Oh. I think he'll find himself quite distracted by other things" Katia grinned, looking down at the black kefta she wore.
As if on cue, they came to the main ballroom and were quick to spot Aleksander speaking to the King and Queen, who were perched upon their extravagant thrones. Katia held her arm out, indicating for Alina to step forward, knowing it was her sister's moment to shine. Silence washed over the crowds as they took in Alina's appearance, who was dressed in a black kefta and golden embroidery, easily standing out from the other Grisha. She kept her gaze forward, simply praying she wouldn't trip over her own feet. Katia, however, couldn't keep her eyes on Aleksander, whose mouth had gone slack the moment he saw her. Something strange glinted in his eyes, a new emotion she had never seen before. Her cheeks flushed as she realised, he hadn't even paid a second to glance at Alina, appearing far more interested in her. Pulling himself out of his trance, he quickly realised that the siblings were alone, and rushed toward them.
"You were supposed to be accompanied by Palace guards," Aleksander told them.
"We didn't want to wait any longer" Alina shrugged, as lights shone behind him.
She looked past his shoulder to find two Inferni throwing fireballs over the nobles' heads, catching almost every eye in the room. The Darkling took his chance to move closer toward Katia, coming to stand by her side, glancing at her every few seconds, as if he couldn't stop himself.
"You look lovely" He whispered, close to her ear.
"You don't look too bad yourself" Katia grinned, as their pair found themselves subconsciously leaning closer to each other.
"Is it time?" Alina questioned, once the Inferni had finished their displays.
"Come. Let us give them all a good look" Aleksander murmured, gesturing both sister's forward toward the raised dais.
Katia could sense Alina's nerves growing with every step they took, and reached out to touch her hand, giving her sister a comforting squeeze. Alina shot her a grateful smile, trying to calm her breathing, knowing her moment had come.
"Just remember who you are. Not my sister. Not the Sun Summoner. You are Alina Starkov" Katia reminded her, as Alina nodded before ascending the small steps up the dais.
Once Alina was out of earshot, the Darkling came to stand in front of Katia, the soft look back in his eyes that was only meant for her. Katia's heart fluttered in her chest as he reached out to cup her cheek, calming any nerves she felt.
"Are you ready?" Aleksander asked, as she reached up to place her own hand against his.
"I am" She smiled.
Everything that happened next was a blur. She was suddenly standing by the Darkling's side, centre stage, with hundreds of eyes on her. He announced both Starkov girl's names, before stepping aside to allow them to demonstrate their abilities. Taking a step forward, Katia raised her hands out in front of her, sucking in a deep breath, before clapping her hands together. In the blink of an eye, the ballroom was completely engulfed by darkness, gaps and cries echoing through the hallways. Power coursed through Katia's veins, as the inky blackness grew thicker and thicker by the moment. Looking down at Aleksander, she was quick to walk down the steps of the dais, allowing Alina to take the spotlight, not that anyone could see more than a few feet in front of them.
"You were magnificent" Aleksander mumbled, running his hand down her back, as she allowed the shadows to ebb somewhat.
Bright light was suddenly blinding the pair, as Alina brought the sun forward. Katia watched in amazement as two balls of light rested on Alina's palms before she threw her arms out and ignited the ceiling in pure light. It was the most incredible thing Katia had ever seen. She turned toward Aleksander with a grin, thinking he would also be taken aback, but she found his eyes were still firmly glued on her.
People were suddenly falling to their feet, praying to their Sankta Alina, tears welling in their eyes. Katia debated kneeling too, but when she found Aleksander rooted in place, she decided against it. She found it was a little too easy to follow his lead.
The Darkling stormed into his chambers only ten minutes later, furious at having been called away from the demonstration. From Katia. But when his guards informed him that two men from the First Army had information regarding the Stag he had spent so long looking for, what other choice did he have?
"These are the two who claim they found the Stag?" Aleksander exclaimed, finding two men before him, their cheeks dirtied with blood.
He looked them over, finding one around forty and the other perhaps half his age. Neither looked particularly remarkable. He found it hard to believe they could have found what had been able to evade him.
"No, sir. He did" The older soldier replied, gesturing to the man on his left.
"And you are?" The Darkling murmured, with disinterest.
"Malyen Oretsev. Tracker with the 36th, sir" He announced, as Aleksander felt his jaw clench.
The tracker.
He remembered all too well the fondness Katia spoke with when describing her former friend. He clearly meant a great deal to her and Alina. It made Aleksander's skin crawl to have the man so close to them both.
"Mal. What a surprise" The Darkling muttered, barely able to keep the hatred out of his voice.
"Leave us" The Darkling nodded to the older soldier, who did as he was ordered without another word.
"Are you all right?" Aleksander inquired, gesturing to the blood on Mal's uniform.
"Yes, sir" Mal nodded.
Pity, Aleksander thought to himself.
"So, there are a lot of deer in the wild. How do you know you found the right stag?" Aleksander questioned, as Mal placed a drawing of the Stag onto his table, pointing to it.
"It was this one. Twice as big as any other. All white" Mal told him, not a hint of a bluff to his voice.
"Show me where" Aleksander insisted, bringing a large map forward.
"North of Chernast" Mal replied, as the Darkling pushed down the urge to roll his eyes.
"No, precisely. Mark it for me" He retorted, grabbing a pencil and holding it out for Mal to take.
"Not until I see Alina and Katia" Mal informed him.
"I beg your pardon?" Aleksander snapped, through gritted teeth.
"I know them. We're friends. You let me see them I'll tell you where the Stag is" Mal explained, as Aleksander found himself close to stabbing the younger man in the eye with the pencil clutched in his palm.
"Do you know how many claim to know my Shadow Summoner?" Aleksander muttered, bitterly.
"Your Shadow Summoner?" Mal frowned, as the Darkling looked away from him for a moment.
"They are under my protection. I won't put their safety at risk at a stranger's request" The Darkling stated.
"Ask them about me. I've known them both since I was a little boy. We know each other better than anyone—" Mal began, as Aleksander cut him off.
"Tell me something only a few would know about Katia. Something personal" Aleksander exclaimed, thinking he could use such knowledge to his advantage.
"Like what?" Mal frowned.
"Like what's her favorite flower? Or what kind of book—" Aleksander started, when Mal stopped him mid-speech.
"She hates flowers. Food on the other hand...now that she likes" Mal said, with amusement.
"That still seems rather vague" Aleksander pointed out.
"Fine, fine. She's scared of heights, her favourite colour is lilac, and she has a mole right here behind her ear..." Mal trailed off, when he saw how Aleksander's face darkened.
"And how would you know that?" Aleksander inquired.
"I...it was a long time ago when we joined the First Army. She wanted to know what it was like to..." Mal stuttered as Aleksander came to loom over him.
"To what?" Aleksander spat out, as the room around them darkened.
"To kiss someone" Mal confessed, as the Darkling all but snarled at him.
The revolution was evident on his face, his hands balled into fists at his side as he did everything in his power to not bash Mal's head against his war table. He imagined neither Katia nor Alina would appreciate such violence toward their...friend.
"Guards!" Aleksander yelled, causing Mal to flinch.
"Take the tracker away. Find out the location of my Stag...by any means necessary" The Darkling muttered.
"W—wait. I thought we had a deal!" Mal gaped, as two guards stormed in and grabbed his arms.
"I do not want you in the same country as my Shadow Summoner, let alone the same room. Get him out of my sight" Aleksander snapped, as Mal was dragged away from him.
He ran a hand down the front of his kefta, trying to compose himself. He would not let anyone get between him and Katia. Not ever.