We talked about nothing and everything as the forests outside the coach windows grew more untamed with each passing mile.

"So… Why exactly did I end up sleeping in your bed last night?"

"Would we have to endure this whole 'I'm embarrassed for getting drunk' conversation again if I told you that I carried you there after you fell asleep in my armchair?" he asked with an impish smile.

I let out a resigned sigh. "Definitely."

"In that case," he continued, "you were so gracious as to offer to switch rooms with me after I mentioned that I wasn't fond of mine."

"You didn't like the room adorned with your symbol everywhere? The one clearly tailored to your preferences?" A smirk played on his lips.

"Precisely that one. Even I can tire of routine."

I couldn't suppress a giggle before covering my face with my hands. "Saints," I sighed, shaking my head in disbelief, when a sharp knock sounded on the top of the coach.

"A scouts, moi soverenyi," Ivan's voice came from behind the door. "Something happened."

The coach stopped, and the Darkling opened the door, stepping out in one fluid motion.

"Stay here," he ordered, closing the door firmly behind him.

I considered it, I really did. I sat there for nearly two minutes, listening to the rising voices outside. Fuck it, I thought, ignoring his order. I jumped out of the coach and found in the darkened forest, already in heated conversation with the young scout.

"Since dawn?!" the Darkling exclaimed, his voice laced with anger. "Why am I only just learning about this now?"

"I had to stay hidden, moi soverenyi. They scoured the whole forest. I was lucky to escape!" The scout's voice quivered with fear.

The Darkling's face contorted with fury as he opened his mouth to respond, but then he noticed me. He shot me a withering look, and I shrugged apologetically. "Is it safe now?" he demanded, turning his attention back to the scout.

"I think it is, sir. They left and—"

"You think?" The Darkling's sharp voice sliced through the air. The poor scout squirmed under his piercing gaze.

"Y-Yes, moi soverenyi. They were angry about the false tip. They mentioned their base, and I... I really think they went back there..."

"You really think," the general echoed. "Should I risk dozens of Grisha lives on your hunch, traveling a road that was surrounded by Druskelle all day?" His voice dripped with sarcasm and menace.

That's a bit unfair, I thought, feeling a pang of sympathy for the scout.

The young man looked down, his face pale.

"No, moi soverenyi," he whispered.

The Darkling nodded, his expression cold and calculating. "And I won't. Ivan, any unknown heartbeats around?" he asked, the wind stirring his dark hair as he turned.

"No, moi soverenyi."

"Good." The Darkling selected two Inferni and four Heartrenders, their crimson keftas standing out starkly against the fading light of the forest. He commanded them to ride ahead along with a group of Oprichniki to check the road for safety.

"Try to find the other scouts. If they noticed any danger, they should be on their way here," he instructed.

Turning back to the trembling scout, his gaze softened slightly. "You did well," he comforted him. "Healers will take care of you, and you'll travel back to the base with us."

"We will wait here," he announced to the group, his voice resonating with authority. "Heartrenders, listen for heartbeats. If you hear anyone approaching, I need you to inform me immediately."

With a simple gesture, he called Ivan, Fedyor, and several other Grisha whose names I did not know and stepped aside with them. His expression told me now was not the time for questions, so I made my way over to Eskil and Alisa. The evening air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth, and the trees cast long shadows in the fading light.

"Druskelle knew we were heading to Ulensk," Eskil said grimly as we sat down together in the dew-soaked grass. "And they knew you were with us. They even knew our timetable."

"Someone must have tipped them off," Alisa added, her voice barely above a whisper. She shivered slightly, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth. "Apparently, there were a huge number of them. We're lucky the Darkling changed the plan and postponed our departure. I don't want to think about what would have happened if he hadn't…"

"They must be really scared of you," Eskil said quietly. "They don't seem to want to stop at anything."

"No wonder!" Alisa shook her head. "The only Shadow Summoner they've ever known is the Darkling and they're shitting their pants just thinking about him. Then they find out about Klara, living in Fjerda right under their noses. Not only does she escape, but she kills several of them and exposes the location of their secret base, which we had no idea about?! I'd want to kill her too," she laughed bitterly.

"But you'll be safe in the Ulensk base," she hurried to comfort me. "Before, there used to be just a military camp, but now there'll be a whole big base and fort. As weird and scary as he is, the Darkling knows what he's doing."

I looked around at the tense faces of the Grisha and shivered. The memory of my confrontation with the Druskelle was still fresh, and the fear that gripped me then began to resurface. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

A sudden rustle in the bushes made us all tense up, but it was only another two scouts returning with news. Their clothes were disheveled, and they moved quickly, their breath visible in the cold air. They hurried over to the Darkling, whispering urgently in his ear, but his expression didn't reveal anything.

"More scouts are alive, I guess that's a good sign," Eskil broke the silence, his voice low but filled with tension. "Who could it have been? Who informed the Fjerdans?"

"It must have been someone back in Os Alta, or they wouldn't have known the details of our journey," Alisa pointed out, her brow furrowed in thought.

"But that doesn't make sense!" Eskil shrugged, his frustration evident. "Who would want Klara dead?"

"I don't know, the Apparat didn't seem particularly fond of me," I said, glancing around nervously as the sky to the north suddenly lit up with flames.

"That's our signal," Alisa said, her voice filled with relief. "The Inferni are letting us know the way is safe."

The Grisha around us started to get up and mount their horses. I smiled at my friends and headed towards the Darkling.

"To the coach," he said curtly. "I want you out of weapons range in case they show up again."

I had no intention of resisting and quickly stepped inside, followed by him. The carriage started up with a lurch, and I watched his grim face as the wheels began to turn. We rode in silence for a while, the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels and the distant hooting of an owl the only sounds breaking the stillness. The Darkling stared out of the window, lost in thought, the passing landscape reflected in his dark eyes. I took a breath, ready to break the silence.

"I know," he said, preempting me. "You want to know what's going to happen so you don't feel like an idle observer of your own life." He turned to me with a sigh, his expression weary.

"I... actually wanted to ask if you were okay."

His lips curled into a gentle, almost amused smile, and for a moment, his intense gaze softened. It felt as though he was peering into the depths of my soul, trying to make sense of it.

"Of course," he said softly.

"Of course," he murmured softly. "And you? After another brush with death, I imagine you're not entirely at ease," he added teasingly.

"I've gotten used to it," I matched his playful tone. "I'd be more nervous if it hadn't happened."

"His smile faded, and his gaze grew serious. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto mine. "I am afraid this changes certain things," he said, his voice low and grave.

"I know."

"Druskelle will not attempt a major attack on the base. It is heavily fortified and full of elite soldiers. But that doesn't mean they will not send assassins," he said, shaking his head. His gaze darkened. "And now that we know it's not just the Fjerdians who want you dead, but someone in Os Alta... I can't leave you unprotected. Not until we find out who the informant is and if there are more in our ranks," he looked at me intensely. "It is not an option for you to leave the base unless I personally invite you to do so, under any circumstances. Is that clear?"

I nodded, but he pressed further.

"Answer me. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir!" I mocked, trying to lighten the mood, but his expression remained grave.

"When the base was planned, it was assumed that myself and the entire Second Army would be spending a vast amount of time there, so you do not have to worry about being uncomfortable. It was built to be a second home. It has large adjoining grounds that are also protected, but again... you must never be alone. I will assign a guard of my Oprichniki to accompany you."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. I didn't dare to protest.

"Now, our training rooms are in a separate part of the base, where only a few have access. Your room, however, is in the main wing where the other Grisha stay. I thought you might appreciate being closer to your friends. But that is not an option anymore. No one can know where you are."

The carriage jolted along the uneven road, and I noticed the lines of worry etched into his features. The trees outside the window blurred together, the forest growing denser as we moved further north. Moonlight flickered through the canopy, casting eerie, shifting shadows.

"Where will I stay, then?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"With me," he said simply. I blinked, caught off guard. He continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "My living quarters are in the same part of the base as the training facilities, the most secure area. And as I said, given the ongoing conflict at the border, I expect to spend a large amount of time here so I made sure I will have everything I need," he explained.

As he spoke, I noticed the small details that made up the Darkling's presence—the subtle lines of tension around his eyes, the way his fingers drummed lightly against his thigh, betraying a restless energy. The carriage hit a bump, and he steadied me with a gentle touch before quickly withdrawing his hand.

"I have several private rooms, one of them can be easily converted into a second bedroom. The only other person who can access my quarters is my personal manservant Grigor. He has worked for me for years, and I trust him completely," the Darkling paused. "However, if you would be uncomfortable with a man having access to your quarters, I can arrange for a trusted maid instead," he added, his voice softening slightly. It took me a moment to realise he was waiting for an answer.

"I don't care," I snapped out of my thoughts. I certainly won't miss the armies of maids insisting on being present during my bath.

"I thought so," he nodded curtly. "My quarters include a reception room, the only part accessible to a wider circle of people, and naturally the War Room, where only a handful of my most trusted are allowed. But even they can't access the private rooms from there. Only a Shadow Summoner can," he said with a smirk.

"You can share the other rooms with me, like the library, the living room and more. You will have access to everything you need and you will be well protected," he paused, his gaze softening. "Privacy won't be an issue. I spend most of my time in the War Room, and your personal room will be entirely yours. It's certainly an unusual situation, and it can be uncomfortable, but it's the only possible solution at the moment."

Darkling's quarters. Now they'll never stop gossiping, I sighed.

"Besides…" a little smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You will be lucky enough to live in by far the most luxurious part of the base with by far the best-equipped library," he added playfully. "Consider it a perk."

I couldn't suppress a grin at his attempt to lighten the mood.

"And here I thought today would be the last day I slept in your room."

"Did you now?" His smile turned predatory, and I felt a flush creep up my cheeks.

"I'm glad you're taking it in stride," he added after a pause long enough to enjoy my flushed reaction.

"What else can I do?" I tried to regain my composure. "The last few months have been so wild and full of twists and turns that nothing surprises me anymore."

"I'd be careful with statements like that," he warned, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Finally, the carriage slowed as we approached a heavily fortified gate. The walls loomed large, casting a shadow over the surrounding landscape. Built from solid stone and reinforced with sturdy battlements, they stood as a formidable barrier against any would-be invaders.

I could see the guards standing watch, their eyes sharp and vigilant. The gates themselves were massive, made of thick iron bars and adorned with intricate carvings. It was clear that no expense had been spared in fortifying this stronghold. I barely had time to wave to Eskil and Alisa from the moving coach when we passed through the gate and into the heart of the base. I felt a sense of awe wash over me. This was no ordinary fortress.

…

The Darkling's rooms spared no expense either. The reception room exuded an air of formality and importance, with its high ceilings and polished marble floors. A large, imposing round table dominated the center of the room, its surface gleaming under the soft glow of chandeliers. Tall-backed chairs lined its perimeter, adding to the room's aura of authority. The dark wood panels along the walls were adorned with the emblem of the eclipse.

Moving through the guarded corridors, we entered the War Room—a space dedicated entirely to strategy and planning. Unlike the grand reception room, this room was all about function. A large desk on one side was covered with neatly arranged messages and reports. The dark walls were adorned with maps and charts detailing the borders of Ravka and the movements of enemy forces. A massive table dominated the centre of the room, strewn with miniature figurines representing troops and supplies. It was clear that this room, with all its details, was a faithful replica of the war room in the Little Palace.

A heavily guarded and locked door stood between the War Room and the private rooms, set deep into the wall and leaving a long space in front of it. The Darkling clapped his hands together with a thunderous crash, and the opening in the wall began to fill with an impenetrable layer of darkness. I reached out to touch it. It was cold and hard, almost like stone.

"Isn't it only temporary?" I asked.

"No. It will stay here until someone removes it." Not fair. The shadows I summon only stay as long as I keep my focus on them.

I sighed. "I suppose you want me to remove it now," I said, looking up into the Darkling's face.

"Not at all. The barrier has to stay; it will always be there to keep the rooms protected. The shadows will stay exactly where they are. Only we will move," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he took in my confused expression.

"Today has been exhausting enough as it is," he continued, his voice soft but firm. "We'll do it together. Close your eyes," he commanded gently, and I obeyed.

I felt him move behind me, his breath warm against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. "Trust me," he whispered. "There's no barrier here; you just have to walk through." His hand slid into mine, the familiar wave of warmth and energy from his touch washing over me. And just like yesterday, I felt something was different. As if his power intertwined with mine, growing steadily.

"Come with me," he whispered, gently pushing me forward. I followed, eyes still closed. The air around me was charged with energy, yet to my amazement, we didn't hit the barrier. We passed through it as if it were mere fog.

I opened my eyes and turned to face the Darkling, who towered over me with an intense, unreadable expression. Our hands were still entwined, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us. He laughed softly, reminding me how much I liked that sound.

"We still have a lot of work to do, but don't worry, you'll be able to do it on your own someday. For now, you can use the entrance for Grigor."

We walked into a spacious, round sitting room that was undeniably grand. The walls were adorned with angular wallpaper featuring delicate ornaments, and the floor was covered in thick black carpet that swallowed the sound of our footsteps. In the centre, a large marble fireplace crackled with a welcoming fire.

The room was furnished with velvet sofas and chairs arranged around a low coffee table. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, adding to the sense of luxury that permeated the space. On the other side of the room was a smaller dining table with a few chairs. Six doors each decorated with different carvings were arranged around the circular room. "Your room?" I asked, pointing to a door closest to me. There was a carving of the eclipse. The Darkling nodded.

I moved to the next door, marked by a carving of an open book. "The library," I whispered in awe as I stepped inside.

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, filled with volumes on history, politics, and philosophy. A cozy reading nook beckoned from one side, complete with plush armchairs and a small table stacked with books waiting to be explored. The comforting scent of aged paper and leather filled the air. I couldn't suppress my joy, which only grew when I noticed the symbol on the next door.

The carving of a wine bottle hinted at its contents. The small room beyond was lined with shelves stocked full of fine wine and various other spirits. I even spotted a few bottles of Branvinn. I turned to the Darkling in disbelief.

"You're certainly not denying yourself."

He shrugged casually. "I don't want to bother Grigor every time I want a glass of wine. Besides, I prefer to choose it myself."

"A military base where you live in opulent luxury," I said, shaking my head in amazement.

"Not only do I lead the second army in a country at constant war with its neighbours, but I also have to protect my soldiers from everyone here who hates them for being Grisha! I deserve some luxury!" He feigned offence, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. "If the wine room surprises you, I can't wait to see your reaction to the next one."

Curious, I moved to the fourth door, adorned with a carving of a steaming tub.

"No," I said, half-laughing. "Don't tell me it's—" I opened the door and stepped inside. In the dimly lit room, a large tub took center stage, waiting to be filled with water. Cabinets brimming with bottles of scented oils and stacks of clean towels lined the walls. Bundles of fragrant herbs hung from the ceiling, filling the air with a soothing aroma.

Doors made of dark planks on the left side of the room led to a Banya, a steam room reserved for the General's… and now mine private use. The benches, crafted from sturdy, polished wood, were newly constructed and still carried the fresh scent of the forest. Above them hung veniks—bundles of birch branches used for massage. In the middle of the room stood a sturdy cast-iron stove, its chimney reaching up to the ceiling. Several buckets of water were ready to be poured over the rocks once they were heated.

"You really know how to pamper yourself, don't you?" I said half to myself.

"The best place to relieve tension," came an unfamiliar voice from behind me. I turned to see an older man with silver-streaked dark hair, dressed in a black double-breasted vest and a crisp white shirt. "And the general of the Second Army experiences more tension than anyone else. I should mention that you contribute significantly to it, so you must understand how indispensable this room is," he continued.

"Thank you for rushing to my aid," the Darkling laughed. "Klara, meet Grigor."

"Hello," I smiled awkwardly.

"An honour to finally meet you, miss," the man bowed his head and smiled warmly.

"A cup of tea would be lovely, Grigor, thank you," the Darkling instructed. Grigor nodded and opened the fifth door that was unadorned. It led to a long corridor, where three oprichniki stood guard on either side. A door on the right bore the symbol of a double-breasted vest—likely Grigor's backroom, I surmised. The door slammed shut behind him, and I turned back to the Darkling.

"This is the way you'll get in," he said. "Ready to explore your room?"

We completed our tour of the suite and stood back at the Darkling's bedroom, with one door left. It was decorated with a carving of a quill and an inkwell.

"We moved the desk from my study to my bedroom," the Darkling explained. "I would have spent most of my time elsewhere anyway. Welcome home," he said, opening the door.

The bedroom behind them was more modest than the T'ma suite, but no less comfortable. A large bed, piled high with soft blankets and pillows, stood against one wall, with a desk and chair occupying another corner. Behind a large screen was a copper bathtub. A large closet and a small bookcase completed the room, both already filled with my belongings from the T'ma suite. I was getting used to these wonders.

"What do you think?" The Darkling studied my face searchingly.

"It's perfect," I replied, smiling. "I couldn't have asked for more."