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STRANGER (xiv) - KAZ BREKKER

tags: @beekeepingageissome @shadowzena43 @nikfigueiredo @mp-littlebit @starmansirius @hadesnumber1daughter @directioner5life @strvngestark @hostilityghost @ofmenanduhhhwellmen @justnerdystuffs @faeriepigeons // previously // next

Pairing: Kaz x Davina Rollins (enemies to lovers)

Word Count: 6,940

Summary: Backed into a corner, Davina makes a shaky deal with the last person in Kerch she wanted to be tied to. Are good intentions enough to justify what she’s done?

He thought Davina was a pain, then he had a conversation with her Heartrender friend. Suddenly speaking to Davina, even arguing with the woman, was seeming more appealing by the second. If he called for her, would she answer? If she answered, would she be kind?

“What business?” He asked flatly, not bothering to look up from studying his all too familiar cane.

“Davina sent me.” The Heartrender answered.

“And I should care why?”

“I saved your life, you ungrateful bastard!”

“Regretting that now, are we?” Kaz mocked.

Kaz knew better than to push the Grisha too far. With a flick of his wrist, he could knock Kaz out cold. He could kill him if he wanted to. But he also knew that the Heartrender followed orders from Davina, and for all Davina’s faults, she wouldn’t let Kaz die. She’d proven that much. She’d gut him and hurt him herself, with words or weapons, but he’d live.

“Kol, was it?” Kaz looked up finally and the man in front of him was staring daggers. “Let’s talk about your leader, shall we?” Kaz gestured to the open chair.

Hesitantly, Kol sat.

“Give me one reason I should keep defending you.” Kol said sharply.

“Defending me?” Kaz almost laughed. “I don’t need your defense.”

“With Davina. Do you even realize what it does to her, to feel as she does?”

The enormity of his desire in regards to Davina disgusted him. He wanted so much where she was concerned. He wanted to protect her, to shield her from the pains the Barrel caused, that her father caused. He wanted to fight beside her. He wanted to hear her scold him and he wanted to scream at her. He wanted to blame her and forgive her. Wage war for and against her. To give her anything and everything. To lean against her and raise her up. He wanted to own the Barrel just to share it with her.

But he would never admit that he knew exactly what it meant to feel as she did, especially not to Kol.

“Her heart will get her killed.” Kaz waved a dismissive hand. “That’s her weakness. She lets people in.”

“She’s stronger for it.” Kol shook his head.

“Is Melli? Are you?” Kaz struck a nerve with that one and he saw it on the Heartrender’s face.

“Are you any stronger for not letting anyone in?”

Kaz made a gesture to the things around him.

“My reputation speaks for itself.” Kaz said, almost proudly.

“You saw her as a threat when she wore the hood, before you knew her name. She had the same heart then.”

“She hid it better.”

After he learned who she was, everything was obvious. She didn’t hide her heart at all, really. Not when she had the drawings and her ring brought to him. The drawings which now felt like contraband, like the one piece of evidence that proved him a liar. That proved Dirtyhands had a heart and it beat for the Rollins Princess. That proof sat in the top drawer of his desk.

“You’re impossible.” Kol scoffed.

“So leave.” Kaz shrugged.

“Do you care about her at all?”

“She wouldn’t be alive if I didn’t.”

A heavy silence fell over the men. Kaz could hear the chaos that was the Crow Club. If he focused enough, he could hear the money being exchanged. But even with the thoughts of his own potential wealth, he couldn’t quite get Davina out of his thoughts.

“You make her vulnerable.” Kol continued.

Kaz had to avert his gaze to hide his eye roll. He suddenly had the overwhelming urge to knock himself out just to spare himself the conversation.

“Is that all you’ve come for, to tell me what Davina thinks of me?” Kaz challenged, though there wasn’t as much edge to his words as expected. “Does she know you’re here telling her deepest feelings?”

“No.” Kol admitted, regret settling across his features. “She didn’t tell me what to talk about, actually.”

“She just sent you for a chat?” Kaz looked at him in disbelief. “Davina doesn’t do things without reason… She’s planning something, isn't she?”

“She’s been different since that night. Bringing home Melli was supposed to set things right, but now she seems different. Distant.”

“What did you expect? Her father nearly had her closest friend killed.”

Kaz wondered if Davina saw the parallel. He knew he wouldn’t be the one to bring it up. He’d rather take a hit to the jaw by every Dime Lion than mention that to her.

“I can’t help her through this but you might.” Kol continued.

“If you’ve come for sympathy, you’re sorely mistaken.” Kaz bit out. The words tasted bitter but he said them nonetheless.

“Not sympathy. Understanding… She listens to you, Brekker. For some reason only the Saints understand, your word carries weight with her.”

“What, exactly, do you think I can do for her that you cannot?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be some mastermind? Figure it out.” Kol’s focused turned towards the door, likely thinking about Davina and her crusade.

Kaz took the silence as a chance to think as well. If Davina was pulling away from her friends, he knew it was so she could stand against her father with less worries. The possibility of losing Melli must’ve hit her so much harder than she let on. Why else would she cut herself off from her support? She was willing to go on a suicide mission and wanted to make sure no one would mourn her. Who would mourn someone that was so cruel in their last interactions?

The realization hit him like a punch to the stomach. Davina was trying to burn the bridge with him as well.

“You should go.” Kaz finally spoke. He needed some time alone to truly think.

Kol didn’t protest. “Will you consider what I’ve said?”

“Keep an eye on her. My friends and I will be leaving town soon so we can’t rescue her if one of her idiotic plans backfires on her.”

“Leaving permanently?”

“Don’t look so hopeful, Kol.” Kaz mocked. “Long enough that she can get herself killed but not long enough that her damage can’t be undone.”

“Best of luck.” Kol nodded. A polite response, even if he didn’t quite seem to mean it. “I’ll be sure to ask the Saints to protect you all.”

Kaz pulled a face and waved the man away. He had enough back and forth with the man, adding the topic of Saints to that pile was not on Kaz’s to-do list. Instead, his focus locked on one of Davina’s drawings. It was always on top of his paperwork stack, as if without the visibility it would be gone. It was a reminder, like the little ring still tucked safely under his shirt, of her. Not anything particular about her, just her, and that was always enough.

“Kaz.” Jesper burst through the door. Kaz casually looked up, even though the sudden appearance of his friend did jolt him from his thoughts. “You’ve gotta see this.”

Kaz raised a brow but didn’t move. Jesper groaned in annoyance.

“One of Davina’s got the boot and he’s been left at the card tables.” He continued.

Now that had his attention.

“Which one?” Kaz asked as he stood, careful not to seem too interested.

Jesper shrugged and led Kaz to the man whose hand was currently stuck to the card table. The hilt of the blade was easy to recognize. He’d had that blade held against him, slashed along his skin for shallow wounds. He’d recognize it anywhere, the same as he could Inej’s blades.

Davina left that man there, a statement to those who could figure who she was out that she was not done. She would cut down whoever she had to in order to get what she wanted, which was just to keep her friends safe. Anyone against her would be dealt with accordingly.

She was strong. She made the hard choices. She was the only person beyond his Crows that cared whether or not he lived or died. The only other person he could trust.

So, potentially like a fool, he went to her.

It took three days after Kaz left to get into the Menagerie. You had Kol visit Inej’s friend. True to Inej’s word, the girl was eager to help. Her information corroborated what Inej left for you, though you never doubted her.

One night when you knew Heleen was out of office, you sent Kol to see his new friend while you climbed the building nearest the office window.

Heleen’s office was heavily scented with whatever candle she was last burning. You wrinkled your nose and pulled your scarf tighter around your face. You shuffled through papers on her desk first, just in case anything was interesting. All you found was a calendar with names you didn’t recognize and little drawings of animals beside them.

Appointments, you realized with disgust. That was another thing you planned to burn.

You went to the drawers next. Flipping through, most of it was indentures. You were tempted to burn it all, but Heleen would only find new girls to replace them. You wondered vaguely if there was a way to end the Menagerie completely. But you understood that it was a means of profit first off and Ketterdam was nothing if not for profit, and getting rid of one Pleasure House would do little in the grand scheme of things. If the Merchant Council truly cared about the way things were in Ketterdam, the Barrel wouldn’t exist.

So you shook the thought, as well-intentioned as it was, and focused on the task at hand.

The Crow Club deed wasn’t hard to find. You tucked it safely into your cloak’s main pocket before continuing to the next drawer. The indenture for your ally was easy as well. Too easy, even. But where was Inej’s?

As you were pulling the paperwork, the door opened and your ally was dragged behind her. You spun quickly, slammed the drawer, and hid the contact behind your back. You mentally cursed yourself, wondering just how long had you been searching? How distracted were you?

“Why am I not surprised?” Heleen sighed. “A Snake.”

“The Snake, actually.” You countered calmly. “Who’s she?”

“You don’t know?”

You shrugged. To her credit, the woman didn’t seem fazed. There was an apology in her eyes so you knew it wasn’t a set-up. You did it to yourself.

“Don’t you want to know where her client went? He’s one of your pets, isn’t he?” Heleen’s taunts continued.

Your eyes flicked to the nearest candle. The edge of the desk, top right corner of the large calendar. One slip of the hand and you could burn both. It wouldn’t halt her business in any way but it’d be a hindrance at least.

“So long as my Snakes are respectful in their debauchery, I don’t quite care who they visit.” You laughed.

She hummed in delight before shoving the girl away. Your ally gave you a brief nod before disappearing into the halls.

“Care to tell me why you’re here, pilfering my personal items?” Heleen asked, shooing you out from behind her desk.

“I heard that a certain Bastard left something with you in exchange for your blessing to take the Wraith on a little trip.” You began. It was true enough. “I want it.”

She laughed. You faced her head on. “You’re serious?” She asked, that stupid grin still plastered to her face.

“Yes.”

“Your father already tried to convince me and he failed. Why should I give it to you?”

“As a business venture.” You continued confidently. “If he manages to secure his payout and returns to pay out Ms. Ghafa’s indenture, you lose income.”

She scowled at the idea. Profit was everyone’s master after all.

“Give me what Dirtyhands left with you and I can ensure Inej’s indenture lasts a long time, regardless of the money he offers you.” The threat was a nasty sentence, one you never thought you’d say, but you needed the facade. You needed the rumor of turning your back on Kaz and his crew.

She tapped her manicured finger against her desk in thought. The deed sat heavily in your cloak’s pocket, burning against your side. You already had your prize. Any deal with Heleen was a distraction. You needed time, enough for Kol to ensure the woman who helped you gets out and enough for you to leave without drawing suspicions. You could already tell the vile woman was intrigued.

“You don’t even know what it is.” She tried.

“I don’t have to. If Brekker was willing to wager it and you accepted it as collateral, it has to be valuable. That’s enough for me.”

“Tell me why I should risk double crossing the Bastard.” She said, pretending to be on the fence.

You shrugged slightly. “You let me worry about that. I can be very persuasive.”

You carefully pulled the indenture paperwork from behind your back. “Admittedly, I was looking for it, just to know what it was before making the deal. Or if I could find Inej’s indenture, I could’ve made a different deal, but I found this one. I can’t read the name.”

You squinted at the paper and moved closer to the flame. Heleen’s hand shot out to snatch it from you but you moved quickly, withdrawing the paper and sticking it in the flames. It caught fire quickly.

“Oh, Saints.” You feigned and dropped the flaming parchment. It landed on the calendar, soon igniting it. “I’m sorry.”

“You fool!” She screeched, throwing a nearby glass of water on the small fire.

“It looks like you’re short one woman now.” You frowned. “Almost like you need the deal with me so you don’t lost a pair.”

“No matter.” She attempted to regain her composure. “I can redraw the paperwork. The little wretch will never know.”

“Wretch?” You repeated, frowning slightly. “That’s harsh, Heleen.”

“I’d say it’s rather kind compared to what I could say about you.”

You waved her off. “I am curious… Doesn’t she need to sign the indenture?” You asked innocently. “And you’ll need a notary, but bringing this to the Exchange will prove you’ve lost it. Her name will already be recorded as an indenture but with no paperwork on your end to prove what she still owes you… They’ll have to let her go.”

You shrugged. “Well, I’m sure you have a lot to think about. I’ll be back tomorrow to know your answer.”

“Your father raised you well.” She commented on your way out the door, freezing you in place for a moment. “You were made for this place. You may even rule it as he does someday..”

“So they tell me. But it’ll take more than a few fires to dethrone the King.” You shot over your shoulder and left.

Two out of three goals - and a bonus task - wasn’t bad, but you needed to complete the third. You owed it to Inej to see it through.

A few hours later, Kol met you in your office.

“Our friend is aboard a cargo ship for Novyi Zem. Her papers should get her through customs and she has enough kruge for a decent start after exchange. ” He told you “She insisted I tell you how grateful she is.”

“That’s good. I’m glad she’ll be happy.” You nodded. “Inej should be relieved, too.”

“How’d you fair?”

“I got what I really needed.” Your foot tapped the floorboard. “And I freed our little ally, but I didn’t get everything.”

“What’d you miss?”

“The Wraith’s indenture.” You confessed. “I told Inej I’d burn it, same as I did the other, just to make sure she’s taken care of if Brekker’s job comes up short.”

“When has he ever come up short?” Kol rolled his eyes.

“That’s the thing. I don’t know what this job entails for them. I could tell it had a massive payout, considering someone tried to warn him off the job.”

“You think he should’ve passed on it?”

“If there’s one thing Kaz Brekker will never pass on, it’s a solid bounty.” You laughed slightly. “Him being gone leaves me with time to try and fix this but I don’t know how much time I actually have left.”

“Can you get in again?” Kol offered.

“I doubt it. Guards at the Menagerie have probably been doubled by now or at the very least someone’ll patrol her office more consistently. She’ll expect me to come for it… I had one chance at it and it’s gone.”

“I can go with you.” He offered. “They won’t stop us both. Melli might want in on this one, too.”

“She’ll have moved it by now. It may not even be at the Menagerie at all anymore.” You shook your head. “No matter what I do, if Brekker doesn’t come through, Inej goes back to the Menagerie.”

“Then we’ll break her out. The Crows and us, we’ll get her back, even if we have to force Heleen’s hand.” He was so determined. “Inej is our friend too, Davina. She fought for Melli.”

“If that’s all it takes, Kol, then you should consider Kaz our friend, too.”

He waved a hand and you chuckled quietly. “We can’t let it happen to Inej.”

“You’re right. I know Melli’s gonna tell me the same thing but for now, it’s in Brekker’s hands.” You sighed. “Keep an ear on the harbor for when they return. I’ll keep tabs on the Menagerie.”

Rumors were flying by the next day. Tante Heleen made it known that she was robbed by the Rollins Princess. Stadwatch paid no mind to it, however. Maybe your last conversation had them thinking it was a baseless accusation. Either that or her refusal to say what was stolen made her unreliable.

If word got out that she had the Crow Club and lost it, she’d be humiliated. You’d be elevated to a new level as a threat in the Barrel. Anyone who didn’t consider you a Barrel Boss would have no choice. All incentive for her to keep the details under wraps.

By the night, however, Heleen was dead and your father was in your office. You couldn’t immediately prove the two were related, but you wouldn’t put anything past your father.

“Hello, Davina.” Your father smiled. Your head snapped up from your desk, seeing him flanked by a Lion on either side. How he got past Adrin, you didn’t know but the potential of her hurt gripped your heart. It must’ve been readable on your face because your father offered a falsely sympathetic smile. “Don’t fret. Your doorman is unharmed.”

“What business, Pekka?” You asked tightly. One hand went to one of the sheaths of your vest, fingers inching towards a blade. You wouldn’t become the next death by your father’s hands that night.

“We’re not here to fight. I hear you’ve come into your own, finding prime real estate in the Barrel.”

“Meaning?” You raised a brow. No way would you confess to having the Crow Club deed. The document was locked away in a safe beneath your floorboards, something you had Kol help you place when you first got the Poisoned Rook. Not even Kol knew what was there, only that it was your prize from the Menagerie job.

“Brekker’s club. I want it.” He shrugged. “Name your price, Daughter.”

“You cannot have it. I don’t care what you offer me. It won’t be yours.”

“Let’s not play this game, Davi.” He gestured to the men beside him. “You’ll lose.”

“Not in my own club, I won’t.” You stood slowly and drew the blade. Inej’s blade. You had just sent Kol home for the night, which meant you would really be alone in the fight against your father and his men. But he made the mistake of bringing men you recognized, men you’d fought before, men you could beat. “What makes you think I’d sell the Crow Club if I had it?”

“I know Tante Heleen had it. She said something interesting when I went to speak with her earlier. Said you came by asking for it, and that same night it was gone.”

“Sounds like coincidence to me.”

“Now she’s dead and all of her properties are mine. You saw an opportunity to expand your empire. I’m proud of you.”

“I had nothing to do with Heleen.” You shrugged. “I can’t stand the woman but I wouldn’t kill her.”

“Of course not.” He shook his head. “Brekker and his crew did that.”

You didn’t bother to hide your confusion. “They’re not here.”

“They’ll go down for it either way. Don’t you see? The truth is what I make it, what we make it. Now I’ll give you two options, Davi.” He held up a finger. “One, you sell me the Club and your little crew is safe. No one’ll dare lay a finger on you or your Snakes.”

A tempting proposition.

“Or?”

“Or…” He held up a second finger. “You’re all dead and word gets out that Brekker and his crew did it. Stadwatch hauls them all in and they rot away in Hellgate. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get to see it all happen before you die. Call it a gift.”

You crossed your arms, feeling backed into a corner. You couldn’t let your father have the Crow Club. You couldn’t betray Kaz that way. You made a deal to keep an eye on the Club, which basically meant keeping Pekka away from it. But you also knew Pekka wasn’t kidding when it came to killing your people and you had to keep them safe.

So that’s what you would do, while also keeping your word to Kaz, even if it didn’t look like it. Pekka wasn’t going to take your friends from you again, not without one hell of a fight.

You recognized it was also a second chance. If all of Heleen’s properties were now your father’s, that meant the Menagerie, which meant every indenture belonging to the damned Pleasure House. Your father owned Inej’s contract, which had to have been part of the game in acquiring Heleen’s businesses, and he was going to be your way to take it back.

All you had to do was play along.

“I won’t sell you the Crow Club.” You said firmly, sheathing the blade. “But I have something else in mind.”

He hummed in interest. “I’m listening.”

“The Club stays with me, but I will return home.” You carefully laid out your idea. “Spin it however you want. Name the place whatever you want but it is mine. The Snakes remain intact and untouched, with a successor of my choosing, and maintain sole ownership of the Poisoned Rook. They’ll pay a tax to the Lions, of course, for the protection. Dime Lions can take over working the Club under my supervision.”

“A family reunion.” He smiled.

“A united front.”

“Why should I?”

“Because I can’t beat you.” You played up the disappointment in your voice. “I thought with Brekker I could, but he’s gone. He was far too willing to leave me for dead so why should I care if he gets his Club back? I finally realized he’s no ally of mine. Think about it, Papa. The King reunited with his Princess, the Rollins dynasty restored, made whole again… And you get to show Brekker who truly runs this place. We can make him regret the day he decided to try out the Barrel.”

The last sentence tasted bitter in your mouth.

His smile grew a little wider. He truly was proud of you in those moments and it made you sick. “Welcome home, Davi.”

You held out a hand for him to shake. “Do we have a deal?”

“The deal is the deal.” He shook your hand.

It felt like a death grip, not on your hand but around your heart. You’d have to figure out how to explain it all to Kaz upon his return. Your father took everything from him before, and with that handshake, you had done the same. Your father’s daughter indeed.

You dreaded the reunion.

The Crow Club was renamed by the next night.

“The Kaelish Prince?” You frowned at the sign.

“You said whatever I wanted.”

“You would only ever refer to yourself as King, which means this isn’t about you. It’s clearly not for me, leaving…” You trailed off in realization.

“Honor of my boy.” Your father beamed. “Your brother, Alby. Problem?”

“Nothing worth mentioning.” You answered flatly. “The boy inherits your kingdom still?”

“You might earn it back.” He shrugged. “Lad’s still young but whatever you build here with me, Davi, will always be yours. The entire Barrel can be yours.”

You had a comment on your tongue, about his legacy and his fortune going to a spoiled child, but you held back. Heleen was right about one thing. You were made for the Barrel. Alby wasn’t. You didn’t need to know the boy to know that. Tearing down your father’s kingdom just might be the greatest thing you could do for that boy’s future.

You were in the Palace when you were young, watching money exchange hands and card games be stacked. You could count cards before you could fasten your own dress buttons. Your father didn’t raise you to be his successor but the Barrel raised you to outdo him.

It was a trick, to lure you into some sort of mutiny or double cross. If you walked away now, you risked the Snakes. You’d leave Inej at Pekka’s mercy. The rumors of Heleen’s death coming at the hands of the Crows were already in full swing. Wanted posters were all over Ketterdam. Stadwatch was in your family’s pocket.

Kaz and his friends were doomed unless you stayed put and began unraveling your father’s empire from the inside. So you bit your tongue.

It didn’t take long for your father to clear the Dregs out of the former Crow Club. Dime Lions took up the positions quickly and the place was as busy as ever. You occupied Kaz’s former office and it felt strange to put it lightly.

You were haunted by his presence in that room, despite him being completely out of the country. It seemed like everywhere you were, you heard his voice. You remembered some interaction with him in that room. His DeKappel still hung on the wall and there were several instances where you simply stared at it. If you stared long enough, you could almost imagine the leather of his gloves against your hand.

Everything about you had changed in those few short days. You’d gone missing from the Poisoned Rook entirely. Your last words to Kol were for him and Melli to manage it while Adrin and Stephan alternated at the door in his absence.

Your hair was still the altered, shadowy red, but it was now neatly braided and pinned out of your face. You wore much nicer clothes, more like your father’s, though he couldn’t take the Grisha made vest from underneath it. And it was easy enough to stash blades up your fitted long sleeves. You had to add rogue to your cheeks and darken your lashes. When you asked your father what all the fuss was about with your appearance, he said that there were certain expectations of a Rollins. Anything less was unacceptable.

When you managed to wear your cloak, it was simply for dramatics or just the comfortable weight on your shoulders. You didn’t hide in the shadows of its hood. You weren’t allowed to.

It was as if the Hood didn’t exist anymore.

You were merely your father’s puppet at that point. A pawn he was playing until you would quit and give him the deed to the new Kaelish Prince. But you could not yield. You were too stubborn for that, too loyal to Kaz, too ready to give up everything for the people you loved.

You were walking the floor one night, almost a week since Kaz left. You hadn’t heard any news, not that you knew which country to pay attention to, and you were beginning to dread. It was possible that he was dead, that they were all dead, or they had failed so they weren’t coming back. Maybe he was reworking his plan and finding a new way to bring back enough kruge to free Inej.

You were dressed in darker clothes, more like what you wore prior to your reclaim of the Rollins family, with your cloak around your shoulders. You were going out as soon as your father left. The man was spending most nights at the Kaelish Prince, as if he needed to watch you. He did, and you both knew it, but neither of you would address it.

You had plans to sneak into two places. The first being your home building. There was an explanation you owed Melli and you had it written in a rushed note, safely tucked away in your cloak’s knife sheath. You wouldn’t be able to talk to her. You wouldn’t be able to leave her again if you did, so the note was your only option.

The second was the Menagerie. You were going to tear through every file, every drawer, every stack of paper in that cursed building to find Inej’s papers and burn them.

“Look at that.” A Lion pointed across the room. The man was assigned to be your guard. You figured it out by the way he was always less than ten feet away. Whether it was to keep you in the Kaelish Prince or keep you safe, you didn’t know. It wouldn’t make a difference.

You could just see the familiar face yelling about something you couldn’t hear near the door.

“Ah!” Your father seemed delighted. “Mellaney’s returned! Maybe she’ll want to join us for a few drinks. Davi, care to do the honors?”

“She shouldn’t be here.” You sighed. “I’ll talk to her.”

“Not so fast.” He said flatly and the guard took a step closer. “How do I know this isn’t a ploy?”

“I haven’t talked to her in a week. If there’s any plan, it’s hers and I can stop it before she does anything. If it was the Heartrender boy, it’d be different, but it’s Melli…”

Your father clearly wasn’t convinced.

“I can get rid of her. She’ll listen to me.” You nearly begged. “Papa, please. Let me talk to her. I’m the one she’s looking for anyway. It’ll be the last time.”

“Alright.” He shrugged slightly and nodded. “What harm could it do, eh? Make it quick.”

It took all your self-control to not run to your friend. You grabbed her arm and pulled her to a quieter corner.

“What are you doing here?” She asked in a panic. “What happened to the Crow Club? Does Kaz know about this?”

“It’s alright, Mel.” You said calmly, though you knew your own panic was obvious in your eyes. All you could think was that she shouldn’t be there.“I chose to be here.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because… There’s so much more than I can tell you right now.”

“What are you wearing?” She frowned at your new clothes. “And your face! Since when do you-“

“Right now, you need to go home and talk to Kol. Tell him everything is alright and I’m where I need to be.”

“I’m not leaving.” She argued. “You tell me and Kol to look after things and then you disappear! I thought you were dead until I was walking by and saw you in here, smiling with Pekka!”

“We all have our roles to play in this.” You said urgently.

“So what’s yours then, Princess?”

You frowned at her use of the street name. Why couldn’t she see that you couldn’t speak freely in that place?

“Right now, you need to be my successor with the Snakes. Name Kol your lieutenant. Keep them alive and away from this.”

“Don’t do this, Vina.” She whispered.

“You’ve heard the rumors about Kaz and his friends, Mel. Who do you think started them?”

“Pekka can’t control Stadwatch.” She shook her head, as if that would be enough to make that statement true.

“You’d be surprised.” You sighed. “This is a risk I have to take. It’ll make sense soon.”

Your arms were tight around Melli. You knew once you let go, she’d be gone. You doubted you’d get to see her again, not until it was all over at least, so you memorized everything in that moment. You memorized how her arms wrapped around you, how her hair felt against your cheek, how her shoulders shook with her quiet cries.

One of the Lions cleared their throat behind you, signaling that your farewell was over. You forced yourself to pull away. Melli sniffled, her eyes brimming with tears. You let your own fall freely as you undid your cloak and pinned it around her shoulders instead. You patted the spot over the empty sheath. There was a slight crinkle of paper and you felt the folded edge through the fabric.

Maybe Melli felt it too.

You turned away and followed the Lion back to your fathers side, letting out one long and shaky breath to regain your composure. All you could do was hope she’d find the note and be able to forgive you when all was said and done.

You didn’t want to think about what earning Kaz’s forgiveness would take now.

dearest melli,

you know me better than anyone. you know i wouldnt have made this choice if i didn’t think it was what was best. trust me when i tell you that this was in everyones best interest. i have to protect you and kol and the rest of the snakes. you are their leader now. theyll look to you and kol. it should be a smooth transition, especially once word gets out about me.

the princess returning to the king because she couldn’t stand on her own. all ive done is give my father more power when i just wanted to keep my word to kaz and keep you safe. what a mess ive made this time, huh?

when the crows come to you (and i know they will) take them in with open arms. welcome them as if you were me. protect them as long as you can, please. they have nowhere else. distract them if they ask about me. they cant know what ive done until i can explain it myself. but truthfully melli i dont know if there is a way to explain this.

this decision will be my last stand. i will not back down. i will not turn away. i will face this and all its consequences head on. i will show my father who ive become, who he had forced me to be.

if this is what finally kills me, you need to know that i love you, melli. you are my family and i wish i knew another way out. tell kol i love him, too. and yes, you can tell kaz the same. (he might not believe you or seem to care) i dont regret anything that brought me here.

i leave this next message for you. not kol. not adrin. not any other snake or any crow. only you. after reading this, you have to destroy at least this part. tear it into tiny pieces and burn it if you have to. it can never be found.

i write this in hopes that you will understand the weight of all the decisions ive made up to this point. when i was young, i knew kaz and his brother. yes, he had a brother. kaz was my first crush, him and his brother my only friends, and my father ran a con that took everything from them. kaz lost his brother (and his childhood) to the plague soon after. i didnt know until it was too late. that is why i left my father. that is why ive always tried to keep things right with kaz. and i relived that all when the lions had you.

and lastly, whatever you do, do not let anyone touch the safe. kol knows where it is. everything falls apart if that’s lost.

blink last, die tomorrow - DMR xx

You were praying Kaz was having better luck than you.

Meanwhile, Kaz was not.

It was a job with odds stacked against him. He knew that much going into it, but dammit all if he wasn’t convinced his Crows could pull it off. He ended up in over his head. Every plan he made unraveled before his eyes so they were returning to Ketterdam empty-handed.

“So… We’re going to Davs for help, yeah?” Jesper asked on the ship ride back.

Inej looked at Kaz with a knowing expression. He let it slip that Heleen would get the Club and Inej if they failed. But Kaz recognized something else in her expression, something knowing and hopeful. He knew she was hiding something since before they left, but he hadn’t given it enough thought to figure out what exactly it was.

“We don’t need Davina.” Kaz muttered. “We’ll manage. We always do.”

“Alright, but…” Jesper tried and Kaz sighed loudly in annoyance. “It’s an option.”

“She is resourceful.” Inej added carefully. Whatever she was hiding, it had to do with Davina. “And she cares about what happens to us.”

“Us?” Jesper snorted. “She cares about Kaz. We’re only involved by association.”

“That’s not true.” Inej frowned. “I’m sure if either of us asked her for help, she wouldn’t hesitate.”

“And are you only bringing that up because you saved her life so she owes you?” Kaz countered. “Or is that just coincidence?”

“She saved yours, too.” Inej shot back. “You would’ve bled out if she hadn’t offered her home. Her bed. Her Healer.”

Kaz scoffed slightly.

“Her Heartrender’s quite the looker.” Jesper said casually. “You think they ever-” Inej kicked Jesper in the shin before he could finish.

“No.” She said firmly. “Kol has eyes for the lieutenant, Melli.”

“Melli’s cute, too.” Jesper shrugged.

“No one’s hosting a beauty contest in the Barrel so looks don’t exactly help any goal.” Kaz muttered.

“Honestly, I think that’s why word got around that you two spent a night or two together.” Jesper continued. “Couple pretty things like you two? It’s fair to assume.”

“Shut up, Jesper.” Kaz sighed.

He would never admit any sort of thoughts of Davina, only ones where she was involved with her father’s demise, but that didn’t mean they didn’t exist. He thought of her voice when he couldn’t sleep, the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn’t paying attention, the way she fussed over him after the cafe. He’d never wanted anyone the way he did Davina.

She changed everything. The Saints never listened to him. He’d accepted that long ago. Even still, he’d fall to his knees and beg them to let him keep her if it came to it. She used to be his secondary phantom, following him the way Jordie did, reminders of another life come and gone. She was a bane to his existence, then he all but felt the ground shift and suddenly, she was the center of it.

“Hello?” Jesper was waving a hand in front of his face for his attention. “You weren’t listening.” His friend frowned.

Inej smiled to herself, like she knew exactly where Kaz’s mind went. If anyone would know, it would have to be Inej.

Kaz decided to ignore them both.

“He was thinking.” Inej answered teasingly.

“About what? About how we’re not coming back with our haul? Or how we barely escaped certain death?”

“Couldn't you tell by the glint in his eye?”

“Honestly, it looks the same as when he gets murder-y.”

“No, that’s the lovestruck look.”

“He has one of those?”

“He’s planning what he’ll say to Davina. He’ll need quite the speech.”

“For what?” Kaz gave in.

“To actually thank her for not letting you die.” Inej said pointedly.

“You didn’t thank her?” Jesper was shocked.

Kaz thought for a moment. Hadn’t he?

“No.” He confessed. “She went on some rant about how we shouldn't have been there and then said something about…”

Kaz wasn’t going to finish that. She didn’t exactly say Jordie’s name but the intent was clear. That hurt him more than any bullet wound.

“Right.” Jesper nodded slowly. “I forgot about your little lover’s quarrel.”

“Why are you so interested in Davina’s help?” Kaz asked, looking to shift focus off of him.

“She’s the only person that’s ever tried to help us. That’s worth something.” Jesper answered.

“If you’re not,” Inej began, that ‘matter of fact’ tone in her voice. “Why did you visit Davina?”

“I didn’t.” Kaz lied.

“You did. Two nights before we left, you went to her office.”

“Were you watching me?”

“Answer the question, Kaz.” Jesper added.

“I only went to ensure she didn’t make a move on Pekka while we were gone. If anyone’s taking that man down, it’s me.”

Jesper and Inej shared a look, but thankfully the conversation ended.

When they returned to Ketterdam, everything was wrong. Kaz felt it as soon as they stepped off the ship, but it only became clear when they saw the Crow Club renamed as the Kaelish Prince.

Somehow, Davina had failed and Kaz lost everything.

“We’re going to Davina.” Kaz said firmly.

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petertingle-yipyip · 5 days ago

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i can tell you rn that ex is immediately gonna want to take june in so she can feel the same love and acceptance ex found with matt, foggy, and karen but june isn’t gonna want to until ex has to DRAG HER (kicking and screaming) into her found family

girls when they are trauma bonded 😔 | I caved and made an ex and june edit 🤭 i fear they are taking over all my thoughts | @petertingle-yipyip

only the text almost took me an hour bc capcut put the auto lyrics behind a paywall 😭😔

#ptyy mag #mag extra

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petertingle-yipyip · 5 days ago

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@fallingfavourites piderman 🙂

getting a tattoo w my sister but she’s been in the chair so long im at a point where i don’t even wanna do it anymore, i just wanna go home

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petertingle-yipyip · 5 days ago

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update: i’m getting the tatt

getting a tattoo w my sister but she’s been in the chair so long im at a point where i don’t even wanna do it anymore, i just wanna go home

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petertingle-yipyip · 5 days ago

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getting a tattoo w my sister but she’s been in the chair so long im at a point where i don’t even wanna do it anymore, i just wanna go home

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petertingle-yipyip · 8 days ago

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i can definitely see june having resentment towards ex bc dreykov wanted june to be like that new, unstoppable weapon like ex was

remeber that time i kinda mentioned a mag oc?? well i was being silly (its almost 3am and i can't sleep) so i was looking through my word docs and found a little something that i had started 🤭

I am aware the writing is dookie 🙂‍↕️

and also idk why i did you pronouns in the second part, muscle memory probably

anyway if you cant tell i wrote this while i was watching gen v and was obsessed with kate (she is kinda who i imagined while writing and i also literally stole her powers)

ALSO how i was planning on having this go is her powers scare Dreykov’s balls off, so he like has his scientist make some kind of drug to dampen her powers (once again stealing shit from gen v). Vut he still feels uneasy about her so wants to make her someone else's problem. So through like bad guy channels (idk im workshopping it) she ends up with fisk, june is like 13 or something rn, and fisk kinda becomes this father figure for her. Fisk is heavily gaslight and manipulating her. When she's like 16/17 she has like her first run in with ex/matt

idkidk i just thought this might be fun to share with you 🤗

i literally was sitting here reading this like 😲🫢🫨

how early would you imagine their first meeting, like in what season? bc i can imagine them meeting and banter, yadda yadda yadda, but then (depending on how early) she sees june in amy and that’s part of why she’s so protective over her in wcs OR she sees yelena in june and so she’s lowkey obsessed with tracking her down to take her in and help her

OH but i can imagine june using her powers on ex, freaking her out bc she’s not used to being overpowered, and ex using hers to basically overwhelm june

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petertingle-yipyip · 8 days ago

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this part is so ex and matt coded 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

dawg i love gracie abrams

#fallingfavourites #mag extra

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petertingle-yipyip · 8 days ago

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the urge i have now to edit ex and june (also with nat and yelena tbh) to this song

ex and june brainrot is real guys 😞🙏

please do!! when you choose a definite fc, let me know so i can too

#fallingfavourites #mag extra #all this talk of mag OCs is gonna make me go edit the entire series to give ex her own name

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petertingle-yipyip · 8 days ago

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so let’s say ex has this feeling like she’s being watched. she’s a top-tier spy so of course she’s gonna know when there’s eyes on her. so one night, she’s reviewing some footage from her mask and boom! she catches a glimpse of june. she freaks bc she remembers dreykov’s interest in june before she took off so, at first, she thinks dreykov is after her again. but no, that doesn’t make sense. not when natasha is in the same city, an accessible ally that knows dreykov’s tendencies as well as she does? no way he’d risk that, which means june works with someone else and the only other person that wants her tracked is fisk. now she’s hyper-aware of her surroundings, especially when fisk is involved.

i could totally see their first real altercation being in that gap time between s1 and s2, when she’s not really in the same page as dd so she’s trying to fight matt and junes trying to fight her but she trying not to hurt june bc she’s just a kid and matt’s trying not to hurt either of them

remeber that time i kinda mentioned a mag oc?? well i was being silly (its almost 3am and i can't sleep) so i was looking through my word docs and found a little something that i had started 🤭

I am aware the writing is dookie 🙂‍↕️

and also idk why i did you pronouns in the second part, muscle memory probably

anyway if you cant tell i wrote this while i was watching gen v and was obsessed with kate (she is kinda who i imagined while writing and i also literally stole her powers)

idkidk i just thought this might be fun to share with you 🤗

i literally was sitting here reading this like 😲🫢🫨

OH but i can imagine june using her powers on ex, freaking her out bc she’s not used to being overpowered, and ex using hers to basically overwhelm june

#fallingfavourites #mag extra

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petertingle-yipyip · 9 days ago

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remeber that time i kinda mentioned a mag oc?? well i was being silly (its almost 3am and i can't sleep) so i was looking through my word docs and found a little something that i had started 🤭

I am aware the writing is dookie 🙂‍↕️

and also idk why i did you pronouns in the second part, muscle memory probably

anyway if you cant tell i wrote this while i was watching gen v and was obsessed with kate (she is kinda who i imagined while writing and i also literally stole her powers)

idkidk i just thought this might be fun to share with you 🤗

i literally was sitting here reading this like 😲🫢🫨

OH but i can imagine june using her powers on ex, freaking her out bc she’s not used to being overpowered, and ex using hers to basically overwhelm june

#fallingfavourites #mag extra

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petertingle-yipyip · 10 days ago

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The Princess and the Bastard || read on @petertingle-yipyip under the first tag used

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petertingle-yipyip · 10 days ago

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I know this is so random but the until dawn intro song is lowkey ex coded

i can’t till ddba to find out if she gets a happy ending (by then, maybe you’ll be caught up (she says with love 🫶) )

#fallingfavourites

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petertingle-yipyip · 10 days ago

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STRANGER (xiii) - KAZ BREKKER

Pairing: Kaz x Davina Rollins (enemies to lovers)

Word Count: 6,863

Summary: An unseen clock ticks down and alliances shift. Tensions rise behind the scenes in the Barrel and when a player leaves the board, a new conflict unfolds.

“I won’t tell you!” She screamed, shooting up in the bed.

You jolted awake from your spot on the floor, moonlight streaming through the window. Your knife was in your hand in an instant while your eyes darted around the room. You quickly realized you were in Melli’s room so you dropped the knife and sat on the edge of the bed.

You reached for her arms and gave her a gentle shake. Her eyes weren’t open but she was thrashing against you.

“Mellaney!” You said urgently. After the first few times of her doing that, you realized her full name got a quicker response.

As expected, her eyes opened and her expression fell to one that shot through your chest.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered. Her eyes watered and her lower lip quivered. “I didn’t… I promise.”

You said nothing. Instead, you pulled her into a tight embrace. Her hands fisted the back of your shirt and you felt her silent sobs.

It was three days since you got her back and she still couldn’t sleep through the night. You hadn’t slept in your own room since either. It felt haunted with the ghost of your last argument with Kaz, as if Jordie had come to hold you accountable for your harsh words.

If it wasn’t you sleeping on her floor, it was Kol while you watched over the Poisoned Rook. You used the time in the office to figure out how to keep your friends out of the fight considering your father knew their names and faces. The secret of your home’s location was the only shadow left for you to hide them in but they’d only stay in it if you barricaded them inside.

You were damn near considering it.

“I swear…” Her voice was muffled against your shoulder. “I didn’t tell ‘em anything, I swear.”

“It wouldn’t matter if you did.” You said softly.

“They kept saying I would break and when you found out, you’d kill me yourself.”

“All that matters is you’re safe now. You could’ve told the Lions everything and I’d still welcome you home, Mel. You’re my family and this is where you belong. That’s all I care about.”

She pulled away first and wiped her arm across her eyes. “What about Brekker?”

“What about him?” Your brows furrowed. You hadn’t mentioned much about Kaz other than the fact that he sent Wylan.

She shook her head.

“Maybe it wasn’t…” She trailed off and you realized something.

Melli was trying to distinguish what was real from what was taunts from the Dime Lions, what she could believe and what was used to torture her. If your heart could break anymore, it did at that moment.

“Brekker’s fine.” You promised, even though you had no idea. Ever since he left, he stayed gone.

It was for the best, you knew, but it still hurt. Even if it was exactly what you were trying to do. Maybe you’d visit Nina soon to ask how they all were.

“He was here.” She spoke slowly, trying to piece together the idea. Patiently, you let her. “I heard you and him yelling.”

“We were.” You nodded and her eyes seemed to brighten at the confirmation. “We do that a lot.”

“You were the angry one.”

“The idiot took a bullet the night we went to get you. I didn’t know he was going to be there. We brought him here to help him but I started a fight with him. I haven’t talked to him since.”

“Oh…”

“It’s alright.” You forced a smile. “I’m just glad he’s alive.”

“Pekka’s afraid, you know?” She changed the subject and you were glad. “I heard him talking to some of the Dime Lions that watched me.”

“He was there?” A new anger burned out your regret.

“Once. He was afraid of what would happen if you and Brekker actually came together. He didn’t outright say it but he thinks the Lions can take you both individually, not together.”

“Hmm.” You nodded slightly. “I’ll talk it over with Kol. Maybe he can help me figure something out.”

“He’s taken over for me, hasn’t he?”

“Temporarily, but you’ll always be my right hand. As soon as you’re up for it, you’ll be right where you left off.”

“You should keep him as your lieutenant.” She shook her head. “He’s stronger than me, a better fighter and a better soldier.”

“I never said my lieutenant needed to be a soldier. A strategist or a diplomat is just as useful.”

“He’ll serve you better than I can.”

“That’s up to you.” You said, swallowing your sadness. “If you want to take a step back after everything, I’ll understand, but we don’t have to make that decision right now. I can’t imagine what you went through…”

“They wanted to know everything... Where we stay, what jobs we have planned, what your relationship with Brekker was, if Kol was the only Grisha in our ranks, how many we have, how much money we have.” She wrapped her arms around herself like she could make herself smaller.

You noted the faint appearance of bruises across her wrists and forearm, the only evidence of the prior breaks. Kol had spent the better part of a day repairing those bones. The wrap around her chest was still there to secure the cracked ribs she suffered. Various bruises littered her back and stomach. Knife wounds healed and turned into faint scars on her legs. All traces of injury were gone from her face.

Kol worked himself into exhaustion putting Melli physically back together. While he rested, the least you could do was try to help put some of her mental pieces back together.

“You’re so strong, Mel.” You said softly. “They would’ve broken anyone else.”

“Not you.” She argued quietly. “You would’ve taken it and laughed. Spit in their faces.”

“I would’ve told them anything if it would’ve kept you safe.”

“No, you wouldn’t have.”

“No, I probably would’ve ran my mouth so much they would’ve put a bullet in my head instead.” You tried to joke.

“You would’ve lied or came up with something clever that would’ve put them into some unspoken trap that Brekker set.”

“Brekker won’t help me anymore. Him and the rest of the Dregs are keeping distance.”

“That’s not my point.”

“Right, I’m sorry.”

“The point, Davina, is that you and Kol, Kaz and all his friends, you’re all made for this Barrel life. I’m not…”

Before you could argue, Adrin came bursting through the door.

“Sorry. Good to see you awake, Melli” She smiled sheepishly. “Davina, we need you downstairs.”

“What’s wrong?” You stood. A new feeling of dread settled under your skin while your mind raced through what could be happening. You started to formulate a plan to try and get everyone out, the kind of distraction you’d need to keep focus from whoever was coming for you. Luckily, her explanation calmed your racing thoughts.

“Nik’s starting fights.” She frowned.

Melli threw her blanket back and you saw, from the corner of your eye, her swing her legs towards the floor. You wanted to tell her to stay out and rest, but you figured she was getting antsy and keeping her away from the action would do nothing to show that you still wanted her beside you. Instead, you gestured for Adrin to help and you hurried down the stairs, practically jumping them two at a time.

When you finally reached the main room, your Snakes were clustered around something. You could hear the sounds of shuffling feet, taunting cheers, and numbers being yelled. You elbowed your way to the center and once you reached it, the crowd quieted almost immediately but some kruge still exchanged hands.

“Someone care to explain?” You asked loudly.

Nik grinned viciously at you, drawing immediate suspicion. Carmen was the other person in the center and when she met your gaze, you immediately clocked the blood on her teeth and anger in her eyes. She didn’t start the fight but she was damned willing to finish it.

“There she is!” Nik announced and your glare shifted, allowing Carmen to fade back into the crowd. He had a stream of blood from his nose and a blossoming bruise around his right eye. “The Dreg slut!”

A collective gasp from behind you.

“If you want to keep your tongue, I suggest you apologize.” You warned tightly.

“Come on, Davina!” He laughed. “We all know you’re tumbling with Dirtyhands. You get turns with the Wraith as well?”

You rolled your eyes at the ridiculous rumor. “Funny

how you didn’t say any of this when they were here.”

“That’s why he got involved with Melli, right? Cause you’re just that good to him.”

“I can’t tell you why he helped us because I don’t know.” You admitted.

“Trouble in paradise?” His taunts continued.

“What I do know is that you are terrified of Brekker and the Wraith. You’ll say just about anything to keep them away from here, right?”

A chorus of muttered agreements came from the crowd.

“But Brekker and the Dregs have never moved against us. Have they?” You turned to your Snakes. “They aren’t exactly friends, but they aren’t our enemy. Dime Lions are our enemy! Dime Lions nearly killed Melli. Dime Lions have tried to make us into a joke.”

Some Snakes cheered.

“Because of you!” Nik yelled and you took a deep breath before facing him again. “Because you’re Davina Rollins!”

“So what?” You yelled. “I’m a Rollins by birth and nothing else. He’s afraid of us. He knows we’re coming for him and he can’t stop it.”

“Davina?” You spun immediately towards Kol’s voice. You hadn’t even realized he was back, but you weren’t surprised to see he had made it to Melli’s side. “Stadwatch is prowling around the Rook. They’re looking for you.”

Your expression fell immediately. Nik laughed again and you whirled on him. He held his arms out to his sides tauntingly.

He turned you in. The immediate thought was loud, pounding against your skull, but you didn’t want to believe it. How could he? You took Nik in when he was beaten out of his own home. He was one of your earlier members yet the potential for his betrayal seemed far too likely.

The Snakes closest to him stepped back as if they sensed your desire to beat a confession from him. One closest to you handed you a blade before taking their own step back.

“Davina?” Melli’s voice barely reached you.

“Lock him up.” You said flatly. “Keep him shackled till I get back.”

You turned away and almost immediately, your Snakes acted on your command. Some didn’t, looking between you and Nik with uncertainty.

“Say it.” You challenged.

“The Dregs know where we are now.” Aryan said firmly. “What’s to stop them from coming after us now? Our secret was supposed to keep us safe. You promised that.”

“Why would they?” You shrugged. “We’ve never crossed them.” Not as a group, but you personally betrayed Kaz. At least if he was going to come after you for that, it’d be specifically against you.

“We can’t trust them!” Soleeya yelled from deep within the crowd.

“Brekker helped bring Melli home!” Adrin countered. “That’s worth something!”

“Dirtyhands killed my brother!” Aryan continued.

You considered that. It was possible and not entirely unlikely, but it also seemed too convenient.

“The Wraith ruined my uncle’s career!” Stephan added.

“Wasn’t your uncle a slaver?” Carmen yelled.

“Fahey owes me money!” Fayven shouted.

“That’s your own fault. Fahey owes everyone money!” Kol argued.

“Enough!” You yelled over the chaos. “I will not sit here and let us implode because of one professional courtesy. Kaz Brekker and the Dregs have a long list of complaints. Fine. But guess what? In the grand scheme of things, there is no ill-will.”

“What if you’re wrong?” Nik continued.

“If I’m wrong, then I’ll hand over control of the Snakes to whoever can beat me.” You shrugged. “Until then, you’ll shut your mouth. Another word against the Dregs from any of you and your jaw’s wired shut. Understood?”

You spun in a slow circle, ensuring eye contact with each and every Snake.

Everyone made some sort of noise in agreement before dispersing. Kol looked over your shoulder to Nik, who was currently detained by two Snakes. You heard the thud and a moment later, Kol’s eyes met yours.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

You dropped the spare blade into your boot. “To deal with Stadwatch. Someone sold me out so you’ll need to post bail. Gather my personal funds, get my stash from the Rook if you need to. Until I’m back, keep them from tearing each other apart.”

“You’re not wrong about them.” Melli said quietly. “Even if the Dregs as a whole hate us, they listen to Brekker. Keep him and you keep them all.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have him.” You confessed quietly.

“His Crows seem to think otherwise.” Kol teased.

You rolled your eyes before taking off.

“Blink last.” Melli called out as the door was closing being you.

By the time you got to the front door of the Poisoned Rook, the sun was rising. Ketterdam was waking up and Stadwatch was on you.

They yanked your arms before your back before slamming the shackles around your wrists. You winced slightly at the pressure but said nothing. You kept your head high as the onlookers slowed. Even the various doormen quieted for the spectacle.

Your eyes darted among the crowd for a familiar face. You didn’t find your father, which made you reconsider if he sold you out. Wouldn’t he want to witness your arrest?

Instead, your gaze found Kaz and his stupid hat.

He wore a blank expression that you quietly cursed. You nodded in acknowledgment and he took that as his cue to leave. Frowning to yourself, you were paraded away.

You waited in the cold cell alone, laying on the worn mattress. There was a small window on the opposite wall with three vertical bars. No way for you to slip through.

You found yourself thinking that Inej could probably do it.

You watched the light change and tried to count off the minutes you waited. You lost count by the time an officer came for you. Again, your hands were wrenched behind your back and you were guided down to a room that was void of furniture, save for two chairs and a heavy wooden table. You were shoved into one chair and the officer sat in the other.

“Davina Maxim Rollins.” He began and you winced slightly at your full name. “You are being charged with arson, possession of illegal substances, inhibition of trade, robbery, and general criminal mischief.”

“Who’s raising the charges?” You asked plainly.

“Are you aware of this building?” He ignored your words, pulling a folded map from his pocket instead. A red circle surrounded the cafe.

“Vaguely.” You shrugged.

“It burned down a few nights ago, one of Pekka Rollins’ properties.”

“Shouldn’t you be talking to Pekka then?”

“We did. He didn’t know anything but said you might.”

You frowned to yourself. Your father may not have turned you in but he sure was willing to utilize a chance to get you out of his way.

“And you take everything he says as truth?” You countered. The officer’s frown deepened.

“When I was young, I used to go there with my friends. One would talk trade with the owner.” You smiled slightly at the memory.

Regardless of it being part of your father’s con, it was still a memory of Kaz and Jordie. That would always trump any affiliation to Pekka.

“I haven’t been there in years, not since I found out it was part of an old con Pekka used to run. Figured it was abandoned by now.”

“And this?” From another pocket, he withdrew a shard of glass. “Scientists found traces of a drug from the Shu Han.”

Now that was interesting. You didn’t know the kvas was laced with a Shu drug considering Wylan never mentioned that. That alone made you doubt whether Stadwatch had facilities equipped to know that for certain or whether that was an actual shard from your jars. Someone likely fed them that information, the same someone who turned you in, and that had to be one of your Snakes. No one else knew what made up the gas.

Wylan wouldn’t turn you in, which only pointed another finger at Nik.

Another nail in the coffin.

“Do I look Shu?” You finally said when you realized how the silence had stretched. “My father’s heritage is the Isle, my mother Kerch. I wouldn’t know anything about a Shu drug if someone shoved it down my throat.”

“Did you purchase the drug?”

“No.”

“Did you steal it?”

“No.”

“Do you know where it came from?”

“You just said the Shu. My guess would be the ships of slavers you all never seem to catch. No doubt those ‘indentures’ need something to make the handover easier.”

“Ms. Rollins, this is your first time with Stadwatch.” He switched tactics in response to your growing hostility. “I’d hate to lock you away so young. Tell us something useful and we can work out a deal.”

“A tragedy.” You gave a sarcastic pout. “I don’t know about the cafe. I don’t know about the drug. I don’t know about any of Mr. Rollins’ properties or his men or any inhibition of trade. I mind my own, Officer, and I’d like to return to it.”

“What of Ms. Mellaney Dodgion? A report came in not too long ago of her being taken from Tante Heleen at the Menagerie and the suspect matches your description. She was quite adamant it was you.”

You snorted. You met Melli years ago. Whether that was truly considered ‘not too long ago’, you didn’t argue. Buy leave it to Stadwatch to believe whoever can shell out the most kruge.

“Ms. Dodgion had no contact or requirement to be with the Menagerie. It was a price her mother had to pay, what for I don’t know and don’t care. Besides, I’ve never had a conversation with Tante Heleen. I’d likely knock her teeth out if I ever did.” You spoke truthfully. “I despise the woman because she’s cruel, taking girls younger than me and putting them into horrendous situations. If anyone’s going to know about illegal drugs, it’d be her. But her coffers are always so full so Stadwatch keeps away, right? No, you’d rather bother little old me.” You heaved a dramatic sigh.

“And your affiliations with Dirtyhands?”

“A pretty little thing, he is.” You allowed a flush to cross your cheeks, hoping it portrayed an innocent crush. “It’s true that I’ve been to the Crow Club. Who hasn’t? But I swear, I could knock the man over the head with his cane and he still wouldn’t give me so much a glance.”

“We have it on good authority-“

“Who’s?” You cut in. “If you don’t have evidence against me, either post a bail for ‘criminal mischief’ or release me. I have no information for you, Officer. But even if I did, I’d never tell you.”

He frowned at you before mumbling about useless arrest and wasting time. You caught the name among his complaints.

Nik.

“Shall we send summons for your father to collect you?” He asked as he stood.

“Do that and my death is on you.” You laughed. “No, a friend is already on the way with enough pocket change to make this all go away.”

His eyes lit up at the mention of money.

“I do wish you had been more cooperative.” He sighed.

“The problem with that is that if I told you anything, you’d want more. You’d threaten anyone and anything you could to keep me compliant. I’d get nothing from it except a reputation of being a rat… Nik has done enough of that, don’t you think?”

He paled before hurrying out of the room. A new officer came and escorted you back to your cell to wait for Kol. You didn’t enjoy the new potential of eyes on you. Avoiding Dregs and Dime Lions was one thing, but to actively avoid Stadwatch was another. It was an aggressive wrench in all your plans, so you’d need to come into power quickly.

Your first concern, however, was ridding yourself of the rat.

Another hour passed before you were released and you managed to snag a short nap on the scratchy cot. You had to admit, it was more comfortable than the floor. You and Kol were quiet as you walked back to the Poisoned Rook. You didn’t miss the whispers that followed, the new rumors about you already brewing.

“What’s been done with Nik?” You asked, sorting through a trunk of costume pieces you’d been collecting.

“He’s been unconscious since you left. Why?” Kol answered simply. “And what are you looking for?”

You threw a short blonde wig onto your desk before starting to braid your hair. “I’m nearly certain he tried to sell me out to Stadwatch.”

“And you need a wig because…”

“I can’t bring him here to discuss it. He’ll try to rally the Snakes around him.” You pinned the braid around your head in a neat crown before fixing the wig into place. “However, I need thisn conversation to be public enough that he doesn’t feel immediately threatened. I’m not welcome in the Emerald Palace, nor do I want to go back there, which leaves…”

“The Crow Club.” Kol sighed. “I could’ve Tailored you if you’re doing this to avoid Brekker.”

“Drag Nik to the Club if you have to.” You reached into your boot and withdrew the blade. You tucked it into the front of your belt instead.

“Will you kill him?”

“Not directly.” You shook your head. “But we are walking him to his execution.”

“We?”

“Yes. You’re coming with me.”

He sighed slightly. “I should get back to Melli.”

“It wasn’t a request. You’re coming to make sure Kaz is busy while I’m there.”

“What am I supposed to do?”

“Talk to him.” You shrugged.

You weren’t alone at the Club for long. You took a seat at one of the card tables to pass the time. Nik slid into the seat next to you by the third hand. You caught Kol’s eye as he was being led to Kaz’s office. He offered a subtle nod and you wondered for a brief moment what they would talk about.

“Why are we meeting here?” Nik asked tightly. “What happened with Stadwatch?”

“Nothing, obviously.” You smiled. “And we’re here because it’s neutral ground, right?”

“You have power here and we both know it.” He spat.

“And you have none. A little birdie told me you’re not welcome here.”

“Yes, so let’s make this quick. Shall we?” His fingers were anxiously tapping the table.

“Nik, you betrayed me.” You said truthfully, spinning in your seat to face him. “You sold me out.”

“I did no such thing.” He whispered harshly. “It was your father, if anyone. It was his building you burned, his crew you’re killing!”

“I never said what the pretense of my arrest was.” Your head cocked in faux curiosity. “How’d you know?”

“Well, I- People talk, of course. Nothing stays secret in the Barrel for long, right?” He chuckled nervously.

With one hand, you carefully drew your blade with hopes of avoiding suspicion. With the other, you reached for the tucked end of his shirt. Nik was quick to grab your wrist so you leaned in with an innocent expression.

“All it takes is one word and I can have Dirtyhands here to end your life.” You said sweetly. “But I don’t want to do that to you, Nik. That’s why I came in disguise. You’ve been with me for a good while.”

“And I’ve been loyal to your fight. To you, Davina.” He tried, swallowing hard when you didn’t falter. “Please. I can explain.”

“You see…” You pulled more on his shirt until it came fully untucked. You gently pushed the fabric up until you saw the head of the snake tattoo on his lower abdomen. “I can take a few back-handed comments. I’ve gotten them my whole life, it feels like.”

“Davina…” He sounded breathless, frozen by your touch and words.

You slid out your chair, the sound of your feet landing lost in the sounds of the Crow Club. You felt a few lingering gazes on you so you played a part as the dealer stepped away. You inched forward so Nik’s knee was between your legs. To anyone else, you two were a pairing that was hitting it off and due for a good night. If anyone bothered to look closer, they’d see the burning purpose in your eyes.

“I can take it, Nik, but I won’t let betrayal and mutiny exist in my home. I just won’t.” You laughed with a shrug. You kept the shirt pinned up while you pressed the cold blade against his skin, just above where the tattoo started.

“I’ll leave Ketterdam.” He tried desperately. “I swear to you, Davina, you’ll never see me again.”

“I’m sorry.” You said with fake sympathy. “But I just can’t trust you. So long as you bear my patron, you reap the benefits. Let’s say you do leave but end up back here for one reason or another… That tattoo implies you’re safe and welcome with us, but you’re not. Not anymore.”

“Please, Davi. I’m begging you.” His eyes darted between yours. He didn’t bother to hide his fear as he recognized his mistake.

“No you’re not.” You pushed on the knife and his jaw clenched to avoid crying out. You shushed him gently.

As you slid the metal under his skin, you leaned in to speak quietly in his ear. “Taking your tattoo is a mercy. I won’t risk my people’s safety for you.”

You leaned away and pulled the knife the rest of the way through. The flap of skin landed on his thigh. You let his shirt fall back into place before you picked up the bloodied flesh. His breath was coming in heavy pants as he clutched the seeping wound.

“Mercy.” He spat at you, any trace of your former friend and ally gone. You quietly lifted your eyebrows. “You couldn’t give me the mercy of your Healer?”

“No.” You answered firmly. You slapped the flesh over the back of his other hand before slamming the knife down, pinning his hand - and the skin inked with the head of the snake - to the table. “Because he is my Healer. He is my people, and you aren’t anymore. My mercy comes by way of you bleeding out before Dirtyhands gets to you. Ask the Saints that he kills you quickly..”

His head snapped towards you and you smiled wickedly.

“You think the Wraith didn’t see you come in here? You truly think the Bastard doesn’t know you’re here? Or that a cheap wig can truly fool him? Or that Kol wouldn’t have told him by now, considering your little trick could’ve put Melli in danger?” You laughed slightly. “You think I’m a fool but you don’t even know the trap you walked into.”

“He’ll kill me.” Nik panicked.

“Better him than me.” You shrugged and backed away. “If I ever see you after this, your death won’t be kind.”

“I hope Pekka destroys you.” He spat.

Silently, you smiled and turned on your heel. On your way out, you caught Jesper near the door.

“New look, huh?” Jesper grinned and flicked the blonde hair. His eyes scanned the wig and then your face then your body. His eyes lingered on your hand and you subtly rubbed your fingers together. Blood. He met your gaze with an unspoken question in his eyes.

“Tell Mr. Brekker there’s a gift for him at one of his card tables.” You said instead.

Jesper turned and quickly looked at the tables. His focus stopped on Nik trying to free his hand. He already seemed weakened from the blood loss.

“That’s… That’s one of yours, innit?” Jesper turned back to you.

“He bears no snake.” You shrugged and you saw Jesper’s attention dart back down to the blood on your hand. “Tell Dirtyhands to have fun with that one.”

“Saints, Davs.” He sighed. “What’d the poor man do?”

You said nothing. You had already begun backing away.

“Hang on.” Jesper tried to reach for you but you had already blended into the exiting crowd. You hung in the doorway to catch his last few words. “Kaz is gonna kill me when I tell him she’s come and gone.”

That comment seemed promising.

You felt a hand around yours to pull you away. You tensed, ready to fight, but relaxed when you saw it was just Kol.

“How’d it go?” He asked when you fell into stride with him.

“He tried to blame Pekka instead of owning up to it, so I took his tattoo and left him there. Whatever happens now isn’t my problem.” You answered.

“You took his tattoo in the middle of the Crow Club?”

“It was a tricky spot so I only managed to cut off the head. I couldn’t exactly take his pants off to get the rest off his hip. Imagine those rumors.” You shook your head. “What did you talk to Kaz about?”

“You.”

You silently nodded. You had expected as much but something about it still felt strange.

“I assume he’s still angry.” You tried to sound nonchalant but judging by the glance Kol gave, you didn’t.

“He’s always angry, it seems.” Kol joked. “But he seemed more angry at himself than you. You, he was more hurt by.”

You sighed regretfully.

“I know you believe you’re doing what you have to and I can’t convince you otherwise.” Kol continued. “But be careful that it doesn’t get to a point of no return. When this is all over, I assume you’ll want more of a life. You deserve that much but you won’t have it if you villainize yourself against everyone you love.”

“I don’t love him.”

“Don’t you?”

You made a noncommittal sound and let Kol guide you to the Rook. He went back to your building, mentioning something about resetting one of Melli’s ribs that weren’t aligned. When you hurried to ask him about it, he pulled a face and shrugged. You made a mental note to kick him in the shins when you saw him again.

When you got to your office, Inej was waiting for you.

“Not even Stadwatch can keep you.” She said with a small smile. “Can they?”

“Not when I have such important things to do.” You laughed slightly and pulled the wig off. “What do you have for me?”

She handed you an envelope. Inside was Heleen’s guard rotation, a sketch of the girl who was supposedly willing to help you, a blueprint of the Menagerie, and a rough schedule.

“You’ve been busy.” You commented.

She gave a casual shrug. “I still can’t figure out what Kaz is willing to trade.”

“I’m sure I’ll know it when I see it.”

“You’ve been busy as well.” She gestured to the wig you dropped on your desk. “Jesper said something about an abandoned Snake.”

“Not abandoned.” You shook your head. “Disowned. Nik chose his own fate.”

“Nik? The one who ran his mouth when you brought us in?”

You nodded and she tried to hide her smirk.

“Has anything else happened with the Lions?” You asked. Something told you that you wouldn’t have much time left with Inej that night.

“Nothing big. Kaz had a little interaction with a few when he was around the Orchid.”

“The Orchid isn’t Dime Lion territory.” Your brows furrowed.

“A new acquisition, apparently. Maybe to make up for the money he lost when you took this place over.”

“It’s still strange for him to be interested in a Pleasure House…” You pinned the thought to figure out relevance

later.

“They tried to warn us off the job.” She continued. “He doesn’t care. We leave in two days.”

“I don’t think there’s a soul in Ketterdam that can warn Kaz of anything.” You laughed slightly. “You probably have the best shot.”

She gave you a pointed look.

“He very easily tells me no.” You defended.

“Yet he still does it.”

You waved a hand to dismiss the thought. “Wylan told me about your group’s little saying, instead of good luck… Melli and I have one, too. We say to blink last and die tomorrow.”

A hesitant knock sounded at your office door, the coded knock for your building. You felt a new concern in your veins as you held a finger to your lips to signal Inej. The Wraith was already inching towards the window.

“Everything alright?” You called out.

“You have a visitor.” Adrin answered. You didn’t miss the uncertainty in her voice.

“I shouldn’t.”

“He was very… Insistent.”

You turned to Inej, now perched on your windowsill.

“No mourners.” She mouthed.

“No funerals. Blink last.” You returned silently.

“Die tomorrow.” She grinned before slipping out and disappearing from view.

You went and sat behind your desk, tucking away Inej’s intel.

“Fine.” You called out, not bothering to hide the annoyance. “Come in.”

After a moment, the door opened and Adrin walked in first. She mouthed an apology before stepping aside, letting the visitor in.

You had only a moment to be surprised before settling your features to a mask of indifference. You simply

nodded to Adrin before she slipped back out.

“You shouldn’t bully my doorman.” You scolded lightly and dropped the wig to the floor behind your desk.

“She should stand her ground better.” Kaz shrugged, looking everywhere in your office but at you.

“You shouldn’t be here at all.”

“You’re likely right.”

“So why are you?”

“Your Heartrender came to see me today.”

You briefly wondered if that was what your dynamic had fallen to. Sharp, one sentence responses with little to no emotion.

“Well, Kol is free to go out and make friends. What does that have to do with me?”

“He didn’t tell you?” Finally, Kaz met your gaze. You only shrugged at him. “We’re leaving Ketterdam for a job.”

Briefly, you wondered why Kol didn’t tell you. You couldn’t remember if you had already mentioned it to him, but if you hadn’t, Kaz was likely trying to push your buttons. You didn’t give him much of a reaction.

“I’d offer you my luck but it doesn’t seem to do anyone any favors.” You said, a slight edge to your words. “May the Saints watch over you.”

He scoffed slightly. “I don’t care for Saints.”

“Only profit, right? You believe in yourself and your friends and nothing else.”

You could see the thoughts behind his eyes, unspoken words that he reconsidered several times over. He seemingly decided against them all.

“How’s Melli?” He asked instead. He made his way over to her desk, which you had only recently put back the way it should be after letting Wylan work on it. You watched as he examined some of her trinkets.

“Why are you here, Kaz?” You tried again.

For some reason, it didn’t seem like he had an answer. Not one he wanted to share, at least. He glanced over his shoulder at you then returned to his inspection of Melli’s collection.

“She’s alright.” You said. “Still a bit banged up, but I think her mind is in more pain than her body. She’s up and moving, which is good. She’s strong, but she may not want to return as my lieutenant. And then Nik went and tried to have me arrested so things are a bit uneasy across the board.”

You hoped you didn’t have to specify that he was included in the last bit.

“Is that why you had him stripped of his tattoo and left in my Club?” He glanced over his shoulder at you again, one of Melli’s pendants - one you had gotten from a Ravkan vendor for her birthday - in his hand. You could see the hint of a smile on his face, like he knew where it came from.

“Is that where he went off to?” You shrugged, the indifference playing in your voice. “Hmm, guess he chose a cruel death.”

“He’s not dead, not yet at least.”

“You’ll use him for information then.” You sighed slightly. “Well you won’t have to torture anything out of him. I’m sure he’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

“I don’t need anything from him.” He almost sounded offended as he came to sit across from you. “Your Snakes aren’t the problem.”

“Everyone else in the Barrel would disagree.” You dramatically threw an arm to the side. “You thrive off leverage. Nik could tell you everything you need to keep us under your thumb. You’d be an idiot to not take advantage of that and you never pass on this kind of opportunity.”

“You think so little of me, Dear. For all you know, I know what I need to know about you and your friends. I don’t want to fight you right now.”

“If you’re not here to threaten me or taunt me with all the details Nik could give you, why are you here?”

“We leave in two days.” He repeated the information you already had. Did he know Inej had come to you or was she that good at keeping her secrets? “And I’ve come to offer you a job while we’re gone.”

Now that was interesting.

“Pekka will see this as collusion.” You pointed out as you came around your desk to lean against it beside him.

“Who said Pekka needs to know?” He shrugged casually.

“I’m listening.”

“I need you to keep an eye on my Crow Club.”

“Can’t Haskell look out for his own turf?” You raised your brows in slight challenge. “Why do you need me?”

“Because I trust you.”

“You don’t trust Haskell?”

“The man wouldn’t realize something was wrong until it slapped him in the face.”

“Why come to me after what I said to you?”

His fingers drummed the crow’s head atop his cane.

“Crows tell each other who has been kind to them.” He explained and you felt dumbfounded for a second. What that had to do with anything was beyond you but you let him talk, if only to keep him there. “They tell each other who to look out for… You always looked out for me, Vina. You’ve always been kind.”

“And it’s turned into my greatest weakness. My kindness has gotten too many people hurt.” Your eyes fell to the spot on his chest where the bullet hit for a moment.

“Pain is part of life in the Barrel. Those who cannot bear it never belonged here. Those who can are stronger for it.”

“What one can bear and what they should have to bear aren’t the same.” You said quickly. “I shouldn’t have to bear the weight of my father’s forgotten sins but I do. You shouldn’t have to bear the weight of it either but you do. I can’t fix that for either of us. I can’t keep Melli and Kol and the rest of them safe. I cant-“

“You do what you have to.” The head of his cane lightly thumped against your chest, right over your heart. “You always have. Sometimes your kindness is what’s needed rather than your father’s cruelty.”

“Why would you need someone to watch the Club anyway?” You pushed the cane away and redirected the conversation as you recognized the recurring argument looming.

“I don’t need anyone taking advantage.”

“Who would…” You began but then a new understanding washed over you. With a jolt, you considered what he was risking for Inej’s buyout. You wouldn’t just be looking for some amount of kruge or some promised deal or trade. You’d have to steal back the Crow Club.

“What did you do?” You asked quietly, hoping you were wrong.

“Will you help me or not, Davina?” He asked firmly instead.

“Of course, you idiot.” You rolled your eyes slightly. You met his eyes and you thought of Kol’s words. If he was right and you could build more of a life in the Barrel, would it be so wrong to try? If you couldn’t have it, shouldn’t you fight for it instead of against it?

“I don’t suppose this means I’m forgiven?” You tried.

Saints help you.

“What do you think my forgiveness looks like?”

“I don’t know.” You confessed. “I guess I never thought I’d actually see it.”

“Do this for me and maybe you will.” He stood, offering you his hand to shake. You stood with him. “I may even be so moved with gratitude that I’ll give you a share of the haul.”

You snorted a small laugh. “I didn’t think you knew that word.”

“Share?”

“Gratitude.” You grinned and shook his hand. “The deal’s the deal.”

32 notes · View notes

petertingle-yipyip · 11 days ago

Text

davina is a hot mess and she needs melli and kol to keep her from setting everything on fire (literally and metaphorically) and tomorrow things… don’t get much better. but she’s making friends with the Crows so there’s that :)

STRANGER (xii) - KAZ BREKKER

Pairing: Kaz x Davina Rollins (enemies to lovers)

Word Count: 5,734

Summary: Guilt is one hell of a burden to carry, and Davina decides to carry it all on her own. The question becomes whether or not she’ll drive away everyone she cares about in the process under the guise of protecting them.

The next few minutes were a flurry of overlapping conversations.

“What happened? Are you hurt?” Kol rushed to your side, falling to his knees beside you. You vaguely felt his hands skimming your back and arms.

Inej and Jesper had gotten there too. You barely registered their presence on Kaz’s other side. You had your good hand pressed against the oozing wound while you forced the other into his hand. In the chaos, no one seemed to notice how Kaz had a tight grip on it.

“The rifleman on the roof.” You sniffled. The wet cloth across your mouth now felt like it was suffocating you. The heat from the flames bit at your back and part of you wished it would engulf you, just to end the Saints forsaken nightmare. “He must’ve got a shot off at the same time Jesper did. I didn’t even hear it.”

“We have to get him somewhere safe.” Inej spoke. She was calm on the outside, with a level voice, but the concern in her eyes had to be mirroring your own. “We have to get him to the Slat.”

“He’s losing a lot of blood.” Kol muttered.

“It was meant for me.” You whispered, hoping your voice was lost to the chaos. You only knew it wasn’t when Kol’s head snapped up.

“It’s too far.” Jesper shook his head. “Crow Club?”

“Not much better.” Wylan countered.

“We have to do something!” Inej snapped.

“Kol..” You tried. When he met your gaze, you knew your eyes were pleading. You could blame the smoke and ash in the air, but you knew the tears were due to the crisis you found yourself in. “Our building is closest.”

“Are you sure?” He asked.

“He did it for me.”

He sighed to himself then nodded. Jesper helped get Kaz up. He was the only one Kaz allowed to grab onto him. Since Kaz tried to swing on Kol when he tried, the sharpshooter supported most of his friend’s weight while Kol was on the other side. Nina and Wylan carried Melli, who was gently stirring and mumbling. You led the way after one last look at the burning building and Inej promised to keep an eye out from above. Before you could say anything, she had scampered up the nearest building.

You kept your pistol in your hand as you led the mixed crew through the streets. Worry was gnawing at you, forcing you to disregard your usual caution, while your anger fueled you.

The empty streets should’ve been your first sign. You should’ve clocked the shooter earlier. What if killing Vicente is what set off the chain of events for the rest of the night? How could you be so stupid?

You banged the secret knock against the side door and shoved past Nik when he opened the door. You directed Kol and Jesper to your room and Nina and Wylan to Melli’s. Kol filled in the specific directions. Inej met your group as you were coming in and she hovered beside you.

“Seriously, Davina?” Nik scoffed and you took a deep breath before facing him.

You holstered your pistol and pulled the fabric from your mouth. You shook the hood off your head before glaring at your Snake. The pain in your arm was now throbbing and you recognized you’d need to reset it soon. You cradled the pained limb against your chest.

“What?” You asked. You made no attempt to keep the apace out of your tone.

“Why are you bringing Dregs here?”

His loud question drew the attention of the others in the main room.

“Because they helped bring Melli home.” You announced. Some of the Snakes showed visible relief. “They took damage and I’m helping them. That’s how this kind of thing works, Nik. They’re here as allies tonight.”

“He’s scared of Brekker.” Inej spoke from your side and you flinched. You forgot she was there.

“Isn’t everyone?” He said nervously.

“He’s banned from the Crow Club. Brekker warned that if he ever saw him again, he’d kill him.” She continued and Nik paled.

“Make yourself scarce till I say otherwise. I want Carmen on the door.” You warned and then gestured for Inej to follow you.

“You’re hurt.” She said plainly as you two were climbing the stairs.

“It’s not that bad.” You shook your head but tugged your cloak tighter around your frame as if hiding the arm would make it hurt less. “I’ll ask Kol or Nina to reset it whenever they’re free… What’d Nik do at the Club?”

“Nothing.” Inej answered. “Kaz banned him when he learned about his habits at the Menagerie.”

“He’s one of Heleen’s clients?”

“He was. Someone beat him half to death soon after I left. Hasn’t been back since that I can tell.”

“Interesting…”

She made a small noise of agreement and the topic died out. You stopped in the gap between your room and Melli’s. You gestured to your door but Inej didn’t go in right away.

“Davina, I may have misjudged you.” She confessed.

“Happens all the time.” You shrugged your good shoulder. “I don’t take it to heart anymore.”

“I saw the way you looked at Kaz tonight. Do you truly care for him?”

“I do.” You admitted. What good was it to try and hide anything for the Wraith? “Kaz is… complicated. I don’t know what’ll happen once he’s in good health. I want his help but if this is what’ll cost, I don’t see how it’s worth it.”

“I doubt he’ll let you take this fight on your own.”

“I don’t answer to him, Inej. He can’t stop me from anything, especially if he doesn’t know anything.” You glanced at your door again, knowing Kaz was on the other side. “Go. Take care of him. I’ll be in later.”

She nodded and moved towards the door. When your hand hit the knob for Melli’s, Inej added one last thing.

“He’s lost a lot too, you know.” Inej spoke plainly. “You coming back into his life means something, even if he’s a stubborn bastard and won’t admit it.”

You cracked half a smile. “Don’t let him die until he does then.”

You pushed into the room and found Nina at Melli’s beside. You gently shut the door behind you and practically ran to your friend. You sat at the edge by her feet, your hand gently finding her leg.

“How is she?” You asked quietly.

“She’s strong.” Nina promised, focusing on her task. “But I should warn you, Davina, there’s a lot of damage here. Bruises, cuts - some infected - a few broken bones. The men that did this were brutal. I thought druskelle were the worst of man but…”

“But my father’s cruelty is something else.” You finished, fighting back tears. “Thank you, for caring for her.”

“What about you, dear?” She turned to you after placing a damp cloth on Melli’s forehead. She must be running a fever from the infections. “You can’t be unscathed.”

“It’s-“ You tried to shrug and immediately regretted it as the new wave of pain coursed through your arm. “Dislocated.” You confessed instead.

Nina clicked her tongue in disappointment before her hands found the joint. You closed your eyes tightly while she worked. Healing was arguably worse than getting the damn injury in the first place. Your other hand closed into a tight fist around Melli’s blankets and Nina giggled at you.

“And here I was, thinking you were immune to pain.” She teased before patting your arm. “Good as new.”

“Thank you.” You smiled softly, rotating your repaired arm. “Do I need to do anything for her?”

“Other than that burning need for revenge?” She quirked a brow and you frowned at her. “I can see it in your eyes, Davina. You remind me of Brekker in that way.”

You looked at Melli’s closed eyes instead. She had her blanket up to her chest and her shirt had been removed. You could just make out the tight wrapping around her chest and over her shoulder instead.

“And look what that’s gotten me.” You sighed.

Her throat had an angry red line running across it that you assumed had been purple moments before. The swelling of her left eye and cheek was considerably less, as was the bruising across her face. Her nose, which seemed crooked when you last saw her, was now pristine. Most of the dried blood had been cleaned away. The only evidence it was ever there was the red tinted water on the bedside table.

You couldn’t bring yourself to think of the injuries under the blanket.

“You saved her life tonight, Davina.” Nina offered, kneeling in front of you. Her gentle hands on your thighs made you turn to face her. “I’m not sure she would’ve lasted another night of that torture.”

“She never should’ve been there to begin with.” You whispered. “I should’ve been paying more attention. I got too comfortable… I put her in this position because I care about her and Pekka used it against me.”

“You don’t bear the weight of your father’s sins.” She tried.

“Maybe not, but he needs to answer for them. He will answer for them.”

“Right now, you and your friends need to focus on rebuilding your strengths.” She said gently. “As a soldier myself, I understand what you’re feeling. I understand your need to fight back, but you need a strategy. Going in blind against your father again will end in death.”

“I know.” You confessed.

“Tread carefully, Davina. A war on two fronts is a war you cannot win.”

“Two?” Your brows furrowed. Before she could answer, Wylan burst in.

“He hit me.” He exclaimed, almost offended by the action. You had to laugh.

“I didn’t tell you to get close to him!” Nina scolded. “I told you to see how Kol was getting on.”

“And when I stood by Kol, Kaz swung at me!”

“I’ll handle it.” You smiled. You reached to squeeze Melli’s hand then offered Nina a small bow. She nodded in return and you smiled apologetically to Wylan.

You could see the red mark on his jaw as you passed.

When you stepped into your room, it was utter chaos.

Jesper was on one side of Kaz with Kol on the other. Kaz’s jacket and waistcoat were discarded on the floor and his shirt was unbuttoned. Jesper was trying to hold Kaz’s arm down while Inej was trying to help Kol.

“Will you stop?” Kol exclaimed in frustration.

“Get your hands away from me!” Kaz argued loudly.

“Saint’s sake, he’s trying to help you, man!” Jesper shouted.

“Don’t touch me!”

“Kaz, it’s alright!” Inej tried.

“What is going on here?” You yelled, slamming the door behind you for emphasis.

All of them froze.

You stared pointedly at Kaz and he hesitantly flattened against the mattress. Jesper sighed in relief before he let out a stressed laugh. Inej smiled to herself as she returned to helping Kol. Kol was complaining to himself in Ravkan. You went and stood at the foot of your bed, arms crossed as you watched Kaz.

He was rigid in the bed, pale as the sheets beneath him and covered in a thin layer of sweat. He had his eyes tightly closed and both hands in tight fists. His chest was rising and falling with shallow breaths and you could just make out what was left of the injury.

“It didn’t pierce his lung.” Kol explained and you turned your focus to him. “The shot collapsed it and broke what looks like two ribs, but by some miracle, it didn’t puncture.”

“He may or may not have ruined your bedding.” Jesper said apologetically, motioning to the new deep red stain, and Inej reached over to whack his arm.

You laughed slightly. “It’s fine. We can use it as dressing… Why’d he punch Wylan?”

“Pretty sure he was aiming for me.” Kol chuckled. “I ducked. Wylan didn’t.”

“I should go check on him, actually.” Jesper nodded.

“You all should go get something to eat, too.” You offered. “It’s not exactly fine dining but it’s a hot, fulfilling meal.”

“Adrin was cooking tonight, so that usually equates to some sort of stew.” Kol filled in.

“Kol can take you all.”

“What about you?” Kol wiped his bloody hands on your sheets. You scowled at him and he smiled sheepishly.

“I’ll stay with him.” You nodded to Kaz. He was so still you wondered if he had passed out. “Someone can bring some up whenever they can.”

“I’ll make sure we do.” Jesper promised, patting your back as he headed towards the door.

“Make sure Nina and Wylan eat too, please.” You added.

Inej rose and put a hand on your arm. She met your gaze for a few moments before she smiled in thanks. You returned the expression before she joined Jesper. Kol rose last and put his hands on either side of your face.

“One step at a time, Davina.” He said quietly. “Pekka won’t get away with this.”

All you could do was nod.

You couldn’t tell him that you were resigned to fight the war without them. You wouldn’t risk him or Melli again. It was in Melli’s contract that upon your untimely demise, she would head the Snakes. No doubt she’d name Kol her lieutenant. He’d earned that much in his time with you. Maybe they’d switch roles instead. You were fine with either taking your mantle.

You couldn’t tell him that you knew it was your fight. Not his. Not Melli’s. Not even Kaz’s.

When the door finally closed, you let out a long exhale before kneeling by the bedside. You frowned slightly at the stained sheets before pulling a blade to cut a long strip. You gently moved the loose fabric of Kaz’s unbuttoned shirt aside and saw how Kol had healed the wound.

Likely due to Kaz’s uncooperativeness, the gunshot wound was more open than you expected. You assumed Kol focused more on the collapsed lung and broken ribs than the flesh wound. You were just glad it wasn’t bleeding anymore.

“Vina…” Kaz said and his gravelly voice startled you.

“Can you sit up?” You asked.

He nodded and you stood to help him. You kept your hands on covered areas of skin, using his shoulder and forearm to pull him up. He winced at the movement, grasping your wrist tightly.

“You’re alright.” You said gently. “Kol fixed the worst of it, but I need to wrap it. Is that okay?”

“I can manage.” He countered, though the heavy breaths told you otherwise.

“Stop being so stubborn.” You rolled your eyes slightly. “Let me help you.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“I know. Would you rather it get infected?”

He shot you a weak glare before he gestured vaguely to the wound. He hesitantly lifted his arms and you had to lean in close to secure the wrap. You rolled the end over itself three times to form a bit of padding before looping it around his torso.

“How did you know to come tonight?” You asked despite knowing the answer. You figured he could use the distraction from your proximity. “Last time I brought it up you told me no.”

“Wylan told me everything.” He answered tensely.

“That’s why you sent him… If he was in danger, you’d have to come and help.”

“I wouldn’t have to, no, but it was a convenient excuse.”

You laughed slightly before tucking the end of the fabric and standing tall. You took your hand and ran it along the wrap, smoothing any bumps.

You thought of your mother for a moment and the way she would kiss your bandages. She said it would heal easier if healed with love. You kissed your fingers instead and gently touched the bandage. His eyes didn’t leave yours once they found each other.

“Your arm.” He changed the subject.

“Nina set it.” You shrugged. “It aches a little but at least it’s where it should be.”

“Melli’s lucky to have you.” He said suddenly. “Not many people in the Barrel would take on Dime Lions with no backup.”

“Maybe I had faith you’d show.” You joked. “Or maybe the Saints were looking out for me for once.”

“Makes one of us.”

“You were right to tell me no, Kaz, and you should’ve stuck to that decision.” You spoke honestly. “You and the rest of your friends. It wasn’t worth the risk.”

“They were insistent on coming to help you, Davina. Inej and Jesper were going to come regardless once Wylan explained it all.”

“You still shouldn’t have let them.”

“They are as stubborn if not worse than you are, Dear. The only way I could’ve stopped them would’ve been if I had nailed their feet to the floor.”

“I’ll get you a new shirt.” You went to your drawers where Kaz’s borrowed shirt waited neatly folded. “You and your friends can stay as long as you need. I’ll make up some of the spare rooms and-“

“Davina.” Kaz tried, but you ignored it.

“-I can have Adrin put waffles together in the morning for Nina.”

“Davina.”

“It might be best for you all to lay low tonight, anyways. I don’t doubt Dime Lions are out looking for blood.”

“Davina!” He said loudly then grimaced.

You faltered for a second then handed over the shirt. He looked down at it then broke a half smile before accepting it. You went to your wardrobe to allow him privacy to change while you stripped off your cloak. Your own shirt had vague stains from the gas but it was otherwise intact. You untied the damp cloth from around your neck and tossed it, feeling it stick to the base of your throat slightly. You prodded the area and your fingers came back red.

You pulled your sleeves over the heel of your hand and gently rubbed it away before turning back to Kaz.

“I’m not worried about what will happen to us.” He explained, his expression tight as he fought to get the shirt around his shoulders.

“Do you want help?” You offered.

“I lost everything before, Davina. Everything.”

You sighed slightly and went behind him. You shifted the fabric over his shoulder and held it out so he could slide his other arm in. He shot you an incredulous look over his shoulder but didn’t move away.

Not even when your knuckles brushed his arm.

“An ‘R’ .” You commented as you patted his now covered arm.

You turned and began to strip the stained blankets with a small frown.

“Yes…” He answered.

You knelt and pulled a new bundle of sheets from under the bed, pushing the old ones near the wall. You waited patiently for him to say something else about the simple tattoo on his bicep while you finished putting on the new sheets.

He didn’t.

“I’m grateful that you all showed up.” You confessed, gesturing for him to sit again. He did, wincing as he did so. “But I won’t have any of you die in my fight.”

“It isn’t just your fight.”

“It is now.”

“No, now we’re more involved than ever. The Lions will report back that we were there.”

“And it pulls the Dregs into a fight they didn’t need to be in.” You cut in. “This was exactly what you wanted to avoid, Kaz, yet you walked right into it. Why?”

“For you!” He nearly shouted.

“And you took a bullet that was meant for me!” You shouted back. “The shooter was aiming for me and yet you’re the one with a hole in your chest!”

“It was a fluke.”

“Don’t give me that! You’re the one so adamant that caring about anyone around here is a Saints forsaken death sentence! Guess what, Kaz? You were right! You’re always right and this-“ You threw a hand towards the wound. “-proves it! Is that you wanted to hear? Is that what you wanted to prove?”

“Why do I even bother?” He muttered to himself, dragging a hand down his face. “Why do you think I showed up tonight, Davina?”

“You never listen to me, do you?” You rolled your eyes.

“Maybe if you said something that had any truth to it.” He retorted.

“Of course.” You scoffed. “Of course! My mistake. Saints forbid I try to get through to you, that I try to connect with you, that I try to find some sort of emotion in you!”

“Emotion.” He spat.

“Yes, emotion.”

“You want to see my emotions.”

“You know, that part of you that means you’re human. Or did you leave that in the harbor with J-“ You clamped a hand over your mouth before you could finish the thought.

Kaz stared blankly at you. You may not have fully said it, but you recognized the look in his eyes. You crossed a line. You threw his brother’s death at him. After a moment, he was practically daring you to finish your sentence.

It made you feel sick. It made you feel cruel. You had been looking for something to get a reaction out of Kaz, but you had never thought you’d go that far. It was what made you your father’s daughter, that instinct to be cruel and hurtful. It was what had gotten you that far in the Barrel, but might also be what broke the tenuous relationships you fought to keep.

If you could go that far with Kaz, what would you pull out against Kol? Against Melli? Just how hurtful could you be?

You turned and left the room without another word.

You nearly collided with the Crows in the hall. Jesper, Wylan, and Inej all came back up with an extra bowl each. Wylan brought Nina’s. Inej brought Kaz’s. Jesper brought yours and Kol wasn’t far behind. His brows furrowed when he caught your watery gaze, which you quickly wiped away.

“Woah.” Jesper said as he expertly avoided you, not even spilling a drop. “Everything alright?”

“I already told Kaz. I’ll make up some spare rooms for you all if you’d like to sleep it off here.” You answered instead, fighting the shake in your voice. “Thank you.” You took the bowl and felt their worried looks.

You saw Inej’s focus land on the oozing slice at the base of your throat. You barely felt the blood leaking.

“What did he do?” She sighed.

“It wasn’t him.” You confessed, quickly smearing the blood with your sleeve. You glanced over your shoulder at your closed door, wondering what he was thinking. “I did what I had to.”

“Did you?” Jesper asked gently and you turned back to face him. “Davs, you don’t understand what lengths he would go to for you, do you?”

“It doesn’t matter… It can’t matter.”

You saw Wylan open his mouth to chime in.

“It can’t.”

“Davina?” Kol spoke up. When you met his eyes, he nodded to Melli’s room.

“Yeah.” You basically whispered. You nodded to the Crows in the hall and stepped into Melli’s room.

Kol spoke briefly with Nina before she shuffled out and joined her friends. You sat on the floor, your back against Melli’s bed, and Kol dropped beside you.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked.

He didn’t look at you, instead focusing on his bowl. You wondered if it was for your benefit or his.

“I care about Kaz but you knew that already.” You stared into your own bowl of stew, mindlessly stirring it. “If this is what happens to Melli, what could happen to him? The bullet he took was meant for me. I went over it in my head the entire trip back here. If the rifleman hadn’t been hit, that bullet would’ve been through my heart instead of clipping Brekker’s lung… All of it would’ve been over.”

“Would you have rather died?”

You shrugged.

“Brekker cares about you, too.” Kol continued. “His heartbeat changes when you come around.”

“You sure it’s not hate?” You snorted.

“It’s not. You bring out something that I think scares him. He didn’t get the name Dirtyhands by being sentimental, right? So you being able to soften him, even a minuscule amount, it panics him. Everything you’re afraid of is the same thing he is.”

“Tell that to him.”

“The difference, Davina, is that you are a lot more impulsive than he is. You’re rushing into every battle without the same resources and planning he does. That’s why it seems like you are the only one taking these hits. You're throwing yourself into the line of fire every time.”

“I’m well aware that all of this is my fault.” You sighed. “I can’t fix any of it. All I do is make it worse.”

“He can be your ally, but you have to slow down and play this more as he would.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Your head fell back and you stared at the ceiling. The gesture tugged the wound on your neck and you winced. “At the end of the day, the Snakes won’t willingly join the Dregs, let alone work with them. I won’t make them. And I doubt the Dregs would want to have us around.”

“So leave it behind.” He offered honestly. His fingers gingerly ran the length of the wound and you felt the familiar tingle of his healing. “You’re allowed to be happy, Davina.”

“These people are all here because I brought them here. I gave them somewhere to sleep, somewhere to be safe. I can’t just turn away from them for a guy.”

“I don’t think he’s just a guy. You’ve never looked at anyone the way you look at Brekker.”

“Have you ever seen anyone else that pretty in the Barrel?” You tried to shrug it off.

“Not just in a good-looking way.” He laughed slightly. “You look at him like he raises the sun and moon each day, like he arranges the stars every night, like-“

“Like the way you look at Mel.” You added, glancing at him for a second. You caught the flush across his cheeks. “She likes you, too… You’ll take care of her for me, right?”

“Davina-“

“Just promise me. In case anything happens to me, I need to know that at least she’ll be okay.”

“I swear I will keep her safe.” He squeezed your arm. “You do realize that if anything happens to you, Kaz Brekker is going to tear Ketterdam apart, right? He’ll watch the whole country burn.”

“You overestimate my value, Kol Gethos.” You patted his leg then finally found the want to eat.

You fell asleep in your spot on the floor. You weren’t sure how long it had been when Wylan came knocking on the door.

“Kaz thinks we should get going before the sun comes up.” He said quietly.

“Okay.” You nodded, rubbing your tired eyes. “I’ll walk you all out.”

Wylan was fidgeting with his fingers.

“What is it?”

“He told me to find Kol for that.” He answered awkwardly.

You shook your head and stood. “Mel needs him more. I’ll take you.”

“But Kaz said-“

You put up a hand. “Kaz isn’t in charge here. My building, my rules. He can complain to me about it on the walk if he cares to speak to me again.”

Wylan smiled, seemingly glad to know someone who doesn’t cower from Kaz. You collected the empty bowls before meeting Wylan in the hall. Inej and Jesper were beside Kaz. Nina carried the rest of the bowls and Wylan still lingered beside you.

You nodded for them to follow you. They maintained their own conversation for the most part and at some point, Wylan and Nina switched places.

“Whatever you said to him really put him in a mood last night.” She said quietly. You sighed regretfully.

“I shouldn’t have said it.” You admitted. “But I did and it’s for the best.”

“Is it?”

“I’m tired of everyone asking me that.”

“Then maybe they’re onto something that you’re ignoring.”

“Maybe when I’m not trying to usurp my father I can think of other things. For now, I need to keep the people I care about safe. If that means taking on my father alone, so be it.”

“You may not want to risk them-“ She nodded to the Crows that had fallen a few steps behind. “-but you can always call on me, Davina. I’m still a soldier behind all the waffles and jewels and silks.”

“I will keep that in mind.” You smiled slightly.

When you and Nina reached the end of the stairs, you brought her with you to drop the bowls in the kitchen. A few Snakes were up and milling about. Some stopped to stare at Nina and you had to physically close their mouths. A couple pulled a face of disgust and you shot them a single warning glare. They quickly fixed their expressions.

You led the Crows out the same door they came in and gave them brief directions back to the main road. Jesper tipped his hat to you and Wylan gave you a quick, awkward hug that made you giggle. Nina patted your cheek. Kaz barely glanced at you, but you forced yourself to swallow your pride and block his path.

“Uh oh.” Jesper mumbled and you kicked lightly at his shin.

Kaz met your eyes with a subtle intensity that almost had you reconsidering. You rested your hands on your lower back and forced yourself to keep the eye contact going. His brow raised expectantly. You wanted to curse at him for not speaking.

“I crossed a line.” You admitted and his chin tilted up slightly. What the gesture meant, you didn’t know so you continued with your improvised apology. “You don’t have to forgive me, for anything. In fact, you probably won’t. However, I am woman enough to admit when I’m wrong…There were better ways to go about it.”

It made you your mother’s daughter to try and smooth it over with him. Even if you wouldn’t get anything in return, you had made the effort.

“Go about what, exactly?” He asked.

“Ending our work together… Keep them off the Dime Lions’ radar and my father should move on soon enough.”

“Davina!” Jesper tried.

“She’s made her choice.” Kaz said flatly. “How long until she regrets it?”

You almost admitted you already did. Instead, you stepped quietly aside.

Inej lingered.

“The Suli have no words for ‘I’m sorry’.” She said idly, watching her friends go.

“What do you say when you hurt the one person you swore you’d never hurt again?” You asked, fighting the shake in your voice.

“Mati en sheva yelu. This action will have no echo. It means we won’t repeat the same mistakes, that we won’t continue to do harm.”

“I like that. I wish I could say that to him and mean it.”

“He’ll come around.”

“You don’t know what I said.”

“I don’t need to. I know Kaz and I know you well enough. You have a good heart. He will forgive you, Davina.”

“Saints willing.” You offered a tight smile.

“He’d be a fool not to.”

“Shouldn’t you be leaving with them? I don’t need anyone thinking I’ve stolen the Wraith.”

She chuckled slightly. “Actually, I need your help.” She hesitated. “I just didn’t want them to know about it.”

“Keeping secrets from Dirtyhands now? Must be serious.” You took a step further out, setting your hand in the doorframe to keep the door from closing. You didn’t feel like waiting to be let back in.

“I do owe you quite the debt.” You admitted. “What’s going on?”

“We have a job in a few days that’s taking us out of Ketterdam, but I can’t go unless Kaz can pay off my indenture to Heleen.” She explained quickly. “The problem is that Kaz doesn’t have that kind of money.”

“If Kaz doesn’t have it, then I can assure you I don’t either.”

“That’s not what I’m asking. I know Kaz and he’ll find something else to trade.”

Your brows furrowed as you thought about it.

“You want me to find whatever he trades?” You tried.

“And potentially take it back, depending on what it is.”

“Any ideas on what it could be?”

“No. With Kaz, it could be anything.”

“Can you get me any information on Heleen and the Menagerie? Where she would keep that kind of high value items. When she tends to be out of office. A floor plan of the building.”

“Yes. And there’s a girl there, like me, she can help you.”

“Alright.” You agreed. “Leave the information in my office at the Rook before you leave. And here.”

You reached your other hand to her vest and removed one of her blades. You dropped it into your boot and switched it for one of yours.

“If he notices, you can tell him it got switched during the chaos at the cafe. Keep it till you come back. Use it as an excuse to see me and we’ll go over what I find.”

She smiled slightly.

“Last question. Is Heleen an avid user of candles?” You asked innocently.

“Why?”

You shrugged a shoulder, leaning to open the door. “Maybe there was an accident and your friend’s indenture contract is lost. Maybe any trace of yours is too. Fire is a tricky thing to contain, isn’t it?”

She grinned widely at you.

“Davina Rollins, you just might survive this place yet.” She said proudly.

“I’m a quick study.” You waved her off. “I’ll leave the window unlocked.”

She was gone before the door clicked shut behind you. You knew she didn’t need the window unlocked either. You had questions about what they would be up to that would take them out of Ketterdam, but it’d be better that they left.

It meant you wouldn’t have to risk running into Kaz anywhere. You could think of a way to truly make amends for your near unforgivable blunder and maybe get a leg up on your father. If you could gain your own traction in the battle, you wouldn’t need to lean so heavily on Kaz’s knowledge which would put less of a target on him.

But you also had a new side project to play with.

You had a chance to rob Tante Heleen.

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