#Baghra is bad and then you meet HER parent and it's like

[kor-ee-an-door]

Ilya Morozova fully made amplifiers that should be worn together, knowing very well that someone would have to kill his daughter or her children and descendants down the line, and i don't think i shall know peace after this. He punished Baghra for it, then exiled her, a child, only to then turn around and make his dead daughter a weapon. Not even in death did they get compassion from their father, i--

[macgyvertape]

Shadow & Bone s2 thoughts

S1 of shadow and bone was a surprise favorite show; I’ve rewatched it a lot as something to watch when I’m cooking or wanted something familiar and comfortable.

After last season I tried reading the books; I didn’t finish Seige and Storm because I kept negatively comparing book Alina, Mal, and Darkling to their show versions. I did like the Six of Crows series but have no interest in the other books. So I’ve got a vague idea on the plot points unlike when I watched s1 

Oh I really like the map to cgi city transitions, and the wanted posters as establishing shots for storyline transitions

Sturmhond meeting the Crows like this, this is so much more fun than the book intro of him

I don’t remember seeing Jasper’s gun misfire in s1 or see gifsets of him fixing it.

Tolya and Tamar get a cool intro camera pan and theyre both really hot

Huh Darkling intro very different than the book, honestly he comes off as someone who spent a bit too much time alone by himself than menacing

How come in pirate clothes Sturmhond becomes the most baby faced of the cast

Love Alina’s stag antler embroidery dress, I’d love to wear a dress with that kind of neckline

Having one of Kaz’s plans go wrong and it not be something he accounts for, really ups the tension and makes Pekka Rollins a threat, and he’s actually more threatening than the Darkling. Wolf mask guy is just a creep, the costume kinda felt out of place

I expected the flying ship look more aerodynamic and either there’s a lot more flying ships or the show really glossed over them being repaired after being totaled because it needed characters to move around in ways they didn’t in the book

“Who do you want standing in that door when the lion gets hungry” then cut to a taxidermied lion. Lmao fun transition

This is one of the shows where I find basically all of the main cast attractive, very much including Inej in a knife fight

“All that matters is we know what’s real” with a political engagement, damn this is so much better than the YA jealousy drama of the books

OFMD AND S&B, edgy dude after his love abandons him starts cutting off the digits of the people who drove the breakup 

Rip to Matthias because the show didn’t seem to know what to do with him, I enjoy his plotline much more than s1 but its because he has such low screentime

The costume budget and workmanship is so good this show as it covers so many different styles and cultural influences

Bloody beaten up Kaz threatening as he gets his long awaited revenge is fucking incredible top moment of the season, especially because for Pekka “but for me, it was a Tuesday” he just couldn’t remember 

Genya’s really going through it this season and characters mistreating her is a more understandable and relatable evil than vague war crimes. “I should be your greatest shame!” and “ask me how I did it” she gets some great moments

Mal’s capture then causal return felt like an awkward plot point, like it shows up here because maybe it happened in the book

Huh for a major season 1 character and a global Big Bad threat the Darkling really isn’t getting much material this season, he just sits around and broods in a dark room while his underlings who wear lots of eyeshadow (to show they’re evil) do things. Like early on in the season he seemed sick but then he isn’t, then he just gives up all his action items about Grisha revolution to chase after Alina

Actually very curious about how much screentime Kaz’s dead brother gets vs the Darkling lmao

I didn’t realize at the height difference between Kaz and Inej until she hallucinated them almost hooking up. Eps 4-8 I watched playing a drinking game of take a drink for every romantic moment

The show really contrasted The Disciple and Neyar have such a good relationship compared to whatever the fuck toxic parent child relationship of Baghra and Aleksander 

Great that the Darkling and Mal can interact and bonus its in some weird fucked up way (dead peoples bones), there isn’t enough of that in fandom or canon 

The final battle has basically no tactics just people running around for cool dramatic timing, especially the Crows fighting in the frontlines

Darkling died in this show like he lived in s2, anti-climatically standing around downbad for Alina

Tbh there’s a lot of sex that could be done with gloves and clothes on 

Lmao where is Feydor he didn’t appear at all

Things I didn’t expect: David being killed off early RIP, Alina not losing her powers and faking her death to live with Mal but instead this weird non emotional breakup, and Zoya to not get more character backstory

Think it's interesting the contrast of the bee highlighted by the camera during the Darkling’s funeral as a subtle hint to the Elizaveta plotline vs the last few minutes throwing in: Jurda Parem, Nikolai’s shadow monster infection, a future war with Fjerda, Alina using shadows, all as continuation bait if it gets another season 

Verdict: enjoyable season 2, I’m so glad this season got about 15 minutes more per episode so it could cover the full Grisha trilogy in case it gets the infamous netflix s2 cancel. Still a favorite show because its  the perfect mix of drama, romance, and just enough writing cracks for fun AUs. The show covered a lot in the 8 hours with a fast moving plot that I watched over 2 days, so I’m very curious how my opinion of plot points will change with distance and reading others perspectives 

[greensaplinggrace]

do you have any darklina fic recs?

I certainly have a few! But first I want to clarify that I don’t really read fic when I’m writing it, and since I have so many fics in the works right now, I haven’t really been reading a lot of fanfiction. So this list probably won’t be as extensive as it could be.

Here are some other great fic recommendation posts, however:

DARKLINA FIC RECS by @vicioux

DARKLINA FIC RECS // part ii by @vicioux

Darklina Ruling the World Together Fic Recs by @clubofthestarlesssaint

Tumblr Ficlets

Aleksander’s First Memory by @kestrafagnor

Fivan Talk About Darklina by @jomiddlemarch

a little light in the great, big dark by @valkyrhys

Alina tells Mal she’s with Aleksander by @lorsanbitch

Darklina week day 5: intimacy & touch by @starlesscne

AO3 Fanfiction

if it ain’t me by larry_hystereks (Incomplete - 10/13 Chapters)

alina’s in her second year at Yale when she meets aleksander at one of his frat parties.

a hookup with the potential for more, only if alina wasn’t still struggling to piece herself together from last year’s breakup.

or: alina, zoya, their trust issues, and the men that fall for them

---

I’m only at about chapter 6 of this fic currently, but so far it’s one of my all time favorite Modern AUs. The characterization for Alina and Aleksander is incredibly well done, and the entire fic itself is so feminist and queer in such a refreshing way. Aleksander and Alina are bisexual as fuck, both with their own separate complex lives, and much of Alina’s own traumas and relationships are explored outside of Aleksander.

There’s some Zoyalina, with Nikolina friendship and endgame Zoyalai. There’s some mystery and some tension, but nothing too extreme, and a lot of the fic is merely an exploration in growth and overcoming one’s history and learning how to move on in healthy ways. I love it.

She Wears a Collar (With My Name) by Ceris_Malfoy (Complete)

She is immortal, and whatever lingering hints of humanity she may have once had have long been bleached from her heart.

I will grant you one wish, boy, if it is in my power to do so. What does a Shadow Smith most want?

"You," he answers.

Written for Darklina Week 2021 - Day 2: Role Reversal

---

This piece is just exquisite. This author’s writing style is one that I particularly enjoy. Their stuff is always so uniquely composed and crafted, and this one especially is a work of art. The way Darklina as a relationship is portrayed in particular is fascinating to me because it’s a role reversal but it’s still so complex. Aleksander’s character is nailed.

the bright sun was extinguish’d by athousandwinds (Complete)

Somewhere, deep in the dark forests of Ravka, a boy grows up on stories of Sankta Alina of the Wastes, the Sun-Scorched Saint.

---

This fic is just straight up magnificent. It’s so engaging and I love love love the way a role reversed Aleksander who joins the army is portrayed. He reminds me so much of Demon in the Woods Aleksander, as if he’s exactly what a grown version of that young boy would be. When I say I adore his characterization in this I’m not lying.

If I wanted any completed fic I’ve read to have a second chapter, it would be this one.

Winter in the Little Palace by redisxwing (Complete)

Written for Yuletide 2020.

Baghra and Alina's wildly different perspectives on the Darkling, and how things could have gone if nobody listened to Baghra.

Warning: Baghra is written as a harsh and arguably abusive parent, and this is darkfic about that relationship, with a side of shipping. Everything is terrible (except the parts that are pretty much okay).

Canon divergence pretty much as soon as Alina gets lessons in summoning.

This fic is likely not compatible with King of Scars (or any subsequent work).

---

As is said in the summary, this one makes Baghra a bit more extreme. If you’re a fan of Baghra, this fic probably isn’t for you. But since I’m not a fan of Baghra, I had no problems with it.

My biggest praise for this fic is in regards to the character interactions and the POVs. There’s a brilliant grasp of unique perspective and how to convey it, and that talent is carried over into the way character interactions are brought to life in the text. Also, there’s a scene where Alina gets kind of protective of the Darkling, which is one of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to Darklina.

Good Ideas by FelixRivers (Complete)

Alina Starkov had a very good idea. Aleksander Morozova would definitely agree. (or: Alina wants to go camping and Aleksander won't complain)

---

This fic is just straight up adorable and hilarious. They’re such a cute couple and Alina’s POV is great. It’s just pure fluff and humor 💕

I’m not a bad girl, but I do bad things with you by SanktaJenya - @sankta-arya (Complete)

Winter had been hard on Old Baghra and Ana Kuya was worried about her, so she decided that Alina should make the trip to her cottage on the other side of the woods to bring her some food and kvas. On her way there, Alina meets a stranger...

Darklina Red Riding Hood/Company of Wolves AU

Darklina Week, Day 4, Fairytales

---

This fic has a splendid grasp of tension and atmosphere. It’s very enchanting and dark and intriguing, and it nails those aspects with absolute precision. I love the style and the way the fairytale is incorporated into the narrative. It’s truly a masterpiece.

The Wretched by @aceofnowhere (Complete)

“We are strangers, but I want to help.” He growls at her, mocking and mistrustful. “I understand,” she said. “You think I am one of them. I certainly look like one of them. But I want to help you. Will you let me?” Prompt: fairytale. Alina saves a dragon.

---

Okay so I’ve mentioned this one before as one of my Top 5 fics of all time and I still stand by that. I can’t even describe why I love this fic so much except that the pacing is amazing and the prose is stunning and the story is beautiful. Aleksander is a dragon and Alina is a witch, and their relationship is just so...interesting and fascinating and lovely. I would literally kill for this fic. There’s such a softness to it as well. Such a tenderness. Idk, I just really love it.

Show Me Who You Are (I Want To Know) by Ceris_Malfoy (Incomplete - 12/?)

Alina takes her future in her own hands and makes her own decisions.

---

This is a great “what if Alina had stuck around after the reveal” rewrite. It doesn’t have Mal bashing and in fact still writes them as close friends, which is something I’m fond of in Darklina fics. Aleksander is allowed to be soft and Alina is allowed to be powerful, and I really enjoyed the take on their dynamics as a power couple wherein Alina is given a lot of control.

There’s something to be said for the way Aleksander is written in the scenes where he must be honest and earnest with Alina. I really enjoy the way they both come to equal ground, and I’m even more fond of the way Alina is allowed to grow darker without losing her light. She also engages a lot with quite a few other characters, developing tons of friendships and alliances on her own that help strengthen her as an individual character.

on this bridge between starshine and clay by @rhea-imagined (Complete)

"His breath narrows for a moment, his fist clenched tight before he forces himself to loosen it. She is his only opportunity for salvation, but vulnerability is not a cape he wears easily. “In those days, there was less prejudice against Shadow Summoners. But everyone fears the dark, in one way or another.” He does not look at her as he waits for the penny to drop, half-hoping it stays suspended in the air."

In which Alexander comes clean to Alina and tells her about his true identity in hopes that this will help convince her to take down the Fold.

A rewrite of the fountain scene in episode four, with a good!Darkling that is trying to make amends.

---

This is my all-time favorite good!Aleksander AU. He’s kept in character despite the major changes made to his motivations, and Alina is given a lot more agency in her own story. It’s the first fic in what might become a series, but it can stand alone beautifully.

I love how Aleksander and Alina’s relationship is allowed to grow tense without breaking, and how it’s a clear sign of change but not abandonment. I love how both characters are able to think for themselves and become self-aware and are given the chance to think critically. I love the character interaction so much because it’s honest and fresh and engaging. Everything from the smallest action to the most off-hand thought is in character and meaningful and incorporated with an amazing style of writing. It’s a very refreshing piece, and the writing only makes it that much better.

Bunnies of a Feather Stitch Together by Ill_Ratte (Complete)

"Just as Alina called to the light, gathering and twisting it into a ball in her hands, the door swung open.

Kirigan blacked out the door frame. His appearance enough would have surprised Alina, but there was something clutched in his arm, something dark and floppy. It almost looked like the stuffed toys that had been passed around to the younger Orphans." - Alina and The Darkling bond over a love of soft things

---

Soft stuffed animal shenanigans. Bits of trans!Aleksander, which I’m very fond of, as well as just a lot of fluff with a bit of something bittersweet and sad in a good way.

Half Lie by Ill_Ratte (Complete)

"Baghra always talked of the demon that had stolen her daughter." Or, Alina learns the hard way that the Darkling isn't the only one who deals in half-truths

---

This one is trans!Aleksander, and it handles it in a very interesting way. It’s quite sad, and deals a lot with Baghra & Aleksander’s relationship through Alina’s POV. I want to give a warning for transphobia, because it does center around that a lot as the premise, but it really is worth the read if that isn’t a trigger for you. This is one of my favorite trans!Aleksander fics, and the way it handles emotion and grief and pain is quite extraordinary.

The CEO and Helioseismologist by mrthology (Complete)

Aleksander Morozova doesn't get sick. He's the CEO of one of the most successful companies in the world, one that he had built from the ground up with blood, sweat, and tears. He exercised daily (usually), maintained a healthy diet, and kept himself fit.

He wasn’t sick.

Too bad no one believed him. And too bad Genya decided to call Ivan to take him home before also calling Alina to take care of him.

Maybe, just maybe, being sick wasn't so bad. Especially not when he has such a wonderful girlfriend.

---

Both of the fics in this series are great, but I love this one in particular because I’m an absolute sucker for hurt/comfort. Anyone who’s been on my blog for a while knows that it’s my all time favorite trope to read, and this fic fits the hurt/comfort trope to a T in the best of ways. It’s very tender and in character, and Aleksander and Alina are so soft with each other. It’s adorable and really makes you feel for Aleksander, and the caretaking is done perfectly.

All the different layers of dark (thousand little suns) by Anuna (Complete)

One month after the Winter Fete, Aleksander returns to the Little Palace, and Alina has been missing him.

Or

Episode five canon divergence in which Alina had never left Os Alta.

---

This one is soft emotional hurt/comfort smut. They’re both so open and vulnerable with each other, and it’s so beautiful to read. I love the writing style and the emotion in this one. It makes my heart ache in the best way.

An Honourable Man by liviy695 (Complete)

A reimagining of the scene after the winter fete. Alina catches a glimpse of a caring Darkling after he returns from integrating the Conductor. Plus, no Baghra interference.

---

This one is what it says on the tin, in that Baghra doesn’t interfere and they’re allowed to talk after the Darkling interrogates the Conductor. But more than that, it’s a great imagining of how a scene where Aleksander reveals Marie’s death would have gone. There’s a sort of quiet to it that I appreciate, with grief and solemnity weighed against care and vulnerability.

I see the real you (even if you don’t, I do) by Anonymous (Incomplete - 8/?)

A series of questionable decisions lead Alina to meet the Black General a bit earlier. Butterfly effect ensues.

---

I’ve only read half so far (I hadn’t realized it had updated!! 👀👀) but I’m already in love with this fic. Alina’s dialogue and perspective is perfect, her relationship with Mal and the other cartographers is great, and I really enjoy how much personality she has. Aleksander is so smitten, but more than that, his characterization is soft but not weak. It feels almost as if he’s swept up by Alina, instead of the other way around, and I quite like that.

Of parenting by Anuna (Complete)

Alina finds out how her husband handled yet another parenting situation.

---

This is pure adorable Darklina parenting fluff and I live for it. Yet it doesn’t lack depth and in fact explored Alina and Aleksander’s relationship with parenting quite well.

i have a longing by LRCee - @ladylyannastark (Complete)

“So, Alina Starkov, risk-taker, how did you end up being editing’s newest wunderkind?”

Alina Starkov is rising in the publishing world. Singlehandedly responsible for editing (see: rewriting) the hottest book of the year, she lands a coveted spot at Morovoz Publishers. It's the position she's always wanted, at the biggest publishing house in the country. Life is perfect. That crush on her boss though, that's gotta go.

---

OKAY! I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH!! Let me tell you, as someone who is not too fond of Boss/Employee dynamics, I was very wary going into this fic. But boy did it deliver in a way that was perfect for me.

The relationship that develops between Aleksander and Alina is complex but healthy, and it never feels as if there’s too much of a power imbalance or anything that would make Alina feel forced or unhappy. The tension lies purely in how she fears others will perceive her, and not in how unhealthy her relationship with Aleksander is. For somebody who’s often attracted to unhealthy ships, I have to say that my favorite fics are usually ones that don’t have that type of dynamic between the characters. This fic delivers on that.

Also, Aleksander’s POV surrounding his struggle with his Russian heritage and his feelings for Alina is amazing, and has some of the best writing and characterization I’ve seen.

You receive: an evil demon; I receive: human souls by @aceofnowhere (Complete)

The next morning while she tried to tell herself it was a dream, that of course there wasn’t a fucking demon in her house, she found a note taped to her fridge.

“You might eat this shit,” it had written, “but I would like some fucking souls please.”

Darkling Week Prompt 7: free choice. Alina has a demon in her house.

This is absolute crack, and I have no idea what the fuck is wrong with me.

---

May I just say that this is the most fun I’ve ever had when reading a fic. It’s interesting with a bit of mystery, and Aleksander as a little shit of a demon is hilarious. Alina in this fic is great too. It’s such a unique take on her POV, especially when you reread it after knowing the ending. 10000/10, this fic is brilliant in every way and I love it.

I had been lost to you, Sunlight by BrytteMystere (Complete)

A Girl became a Woman, became a Sankta, became a Goddess.

Or: An Immortal Alina calls upon merzost to reunite with the Prince of Shadows she lost long ago. She may have lost herself in the process.

But then again, maybe time and endless wars did that instead.

---

You really just have to read this one to get it. It is utterly haunting and fascinating in the best of ways. The writing style is strange and novel and fits so well with the story being told. The composition of the fic as a whole is genius.

I Look Inside Myself (And See My Heart Is Black) by Ceris_Malfoy (Complete)

"When is a monster not a monster? Why, when you love it, of course."

Written for Darklina Week 2021 - Day 6: Favorite Quote • King & Queen • Monster

---

Once more, this author comes through with an absolutely breathtaking writing style and story. The imagery is elegant yet brutal, simultaneously horrifying and glorious. There’s a certain way these stories are written, like fairytales, where the beautiful becomes the macabre and becomes ever more stunning because of it. It’s very dark but in a good way - an almost bewitching way.

Afterlife by @aceofnowhere (Complete)

“You are asking me to leave?”

“Not asking, shadow,” she said. “Telling. Time to get unlost, loser.”

Day 3 Darklina Week prompt: Modern AU (I mean, barely)

Alina expels ghosts from purgatory.

---

@aceofnowhere once again bringing the best of the paranormal to the Grishaverse. Literally everything you write is amazing idk why I’m even pointing out individual fics when I could just rec your whole page. But anyways!! This is fun and interesting and Alina is a badass. Aleksander is, of course, compelling and dark and kind of a little shit, and it’s all incorporated seamlessly into an existential paranormal narrative.

Once Upon a Shooting Star by Ceris_Malfoy (Complete)

"But most of all, she was drawn to a vast darkness that reached out above all of them, a void so hungry for companionship that she knew she could fulfill."

---

Let. Alina. Be. Feral!! Anyways, I clearly have a type when it comes to storytelling, and it’s whatever the fuck this person has got going on. Feral!Star!Alina is literally the light of my life. Her interactions with not only other people but the world in general are so well done, but my favorite parts about this fic are the numerous ways her relationship with Aleksander is described and depicted.

I love the dark and light imagery, especially with how it’s portrayed as them filling in the gaps of each other’s lives and supporting each other instead of trying to block each other out. There’s such clear passion and joy and love and devotion between them. The central focus of this fic is on her and Aleksander’s relationship, the interplay between them and their powers and the way her light fills his loneliness, the passing of adoration and trust and reliance between them. It’s very beautiful and I love it.

A Blaze of Light by Keira_63 (Complete)

They discover the Sun Summoner in the burnt-out remains of the Shu laboratory in which she has spent the last seven years of her life.

Or, the Darkling finds himself with a Sun Summoner whose greatest wish is to burn Shu Han to the ground. He is happy to oblige her.

---

👀👀 Badass Alina and Badass Aleksander. The ultimate power couple, and Alina burning a path through Shu Han before they both burn a path through the world together. The darkness and rage in this one are handled very well, and the way that rage turns to coldness and then resolve is done so well. This fic is very cathartic and also very furious, and reading it is certainly a trip down emotion lane.

One more for the Road by Rist (Complete)

He returns to the war room shaken, and finds an Alina that cannot leave without at least having tried.

---

This one hurts so much but its soooo gooood!!! Very smutty but also very tender and very bittersweet. Sad and soft all at once. I just... love the way Alina and Aleksander are written so much, and Alina’s complicated feelings for him are explored in such detail and depth. This one is truly worth the read.

[captain039]

A dark beast PT2

Alekander x reader

Werewolf AU

Warnings: violence, light swearing, emotional, intimate

Grisha - Werewolf hunters

I can’t make my baby Alek the bad guy so Baghra will be! 😂

Last Chapter

Part 2

You had stared at the man for a while wondering how the hell he got you to shift like that. He had ruined your chance of a normal life in a big city where you could blend in and work till you die.

“You’ve ruined everything” you whispered standing up, covering yourself the best you could. His smoke came around you, covering your body.

“How have I ruined everything?” He asked. He was too calm for this situation, this was easy for him, he was feared.

“You’ve ruined my chances of a normal life! I can’t hide with this inside me! I could’ve gone to the city and worked till I died! Now what i run till I drop dead or the Grisha find me!” You walked closer the smoke following you. You felt so exposed out in the open with this creature.

“You won’t run till you drop, nor will you work, you’re a saint” he said taking a step closer.

“That doesn’t mean anything!” You yelled before you heard hoof-steps. You frowned and looked behind you seeing light in the distant. Your hand was grabbed and he took you into the woods. Your feet ached from the sticks and rocks before he stopped and covered you both with shadows. You saw nothing but black till it went away. You frowned as you were somewhere different, there was no road or lights, no trees around either, just a large old palace looking building.

“What’d you do?!” You snapped as an older woman came out.

“No need to fret child” she said as she handed the man some clothes and you a coat. You held it tightly over your body staring between them. They held similarities in their eyes and noses.

“So you’ve found the saint” she said to the darkling.

“We can finally continue living” she added and you frowned.

“Hang on!” You snapped anger rising without realising.

“You can’t just teleport me to this creepy place! Who are you?! Why am I here!? I was nothing I am nothing. Im not some saint!” You snarled pain flaring through your body. You fell to your knees gripping your skin.

“So she’s new” the woman scoffed slightly as you cried.

“Mother” the darkling said glaring slightly and kneeling by you.

“Don’t touch me!” Your voice deepened and gurgled slightly.

“Calm yourself” he said as you felt your bones changing.

“She’s going to change” the woman said as you snarled your snout forming.

You laid under the cloak panting through a muzzle. You felt the cloak being lifted and growled, back hair going up and light emitting around you. You had nothing but rage inside, you lunged at the man claws in his side. You tumbled as he changed also. You snapped and snarled before he caught your neck and forced you to your side. You whimpered, he didn’t bite down but showed who was in charge in this situation. Your bones began to crack again and you howled in pain, it was more painful than last time. The mouth around your neck left as you shook on the ground. The cloak went over you again and he lifted you into his arms. You tried to fight but everything hurt from two sudden changes. You were crying silently as you leant into his arm.

“Train her” the woman said sternly and left. You sobbed softly curling your legs up the best you could.

“Can you stand?” He asked and you didn’t answer. You stared at the gravel aching your sensitive skin. You were leaning all your weight on one of his arms, barely touching any other part of him. You gripped his arm body shaking. You felt warmth though, a strange feeling go through you as he suddenly held you a little tighter and closer.

“It gets easier I promise” he whispered.

“How” you said broken.

“None of this will get easier, my life was taken from me” you added as you watched someone step out the building.

“Sir” she said and the man tensed.

“Zoya” he muttered as you frowned at her glare.

“You’re required inside, the pack needs information” she said scoffing at you slightly. You frowned in confusion as she left back inside.

“Bitch” you whispered and heard him chuckle. You didn’t think before you spoke and tensed.

“That would be my mothers third” you felt like an idiot and apologised.

“I don’t like her either” he said softly and an unwilling smile crept to your lips before you forced it away.

“You’ll stay with me” he said and you frowned.

“Come on” he encouraged and you slowly stood with him. He took the coat on the ground he lost and covered himself. He led you inside and through the broken hallway to an office area.

“What was this place?” You asked hugging the cloak.

“The little palace” he said and you froze. The little palace was a sanctuary for wolves till the Grisha destroyed it. Years ago it was home to the largest pack on this territory till they were slaughtered in their sleep.

“Sir” you frowned at the new voice at the door.

“Genya” he said and she smiled as you looked to her.

“Sorry to bother, I’m afraid there getting rather wound up” she said and he sighed.

“Would you take care of-“ he looked to you and you frowned. You realised he didn’t know your name.

“Y/n” you said looking to the woman who nodded with a kinder smile. She wasn’t glaring or bitchy like the other woman.

“This is my second Genya” he said introducing her.

“Nice to meet you Y/n” you nodded shaking her hand.

“I have to deal with the pack and I’ll be back” he said and Genya nodded as he nodded back and gave you one last look before leaving. You watched him confused before looking to the woman.

“What-?” You stuttered as she closed the door.

“I’m afraid everyone knows you’re here, you’re a big deal” she said and you shook your head.

“I’m not- I’ve never shifted till tonight I didn’t know I was a wolf! He forced me to shift somehow I don’t-“ you stuttered again sighing.

“He’s a true wolf that’s why” you frowned true wolf? Those born from the first wolves and not bitten.

“He holds a certain power I guess” she shrugged.

“But you also are born from the true wolves otherwise you wouldn’t have the power you have” you frowned confused, your parents were bitten.

“My parents were bitten” you said and she stared at you.

“Oh” she said thinking.

“Those born from the true wolf were sent out to bitten wolves to be blended into society” she said and you sat down.

“This is a lot to take in I know, for now just get dressed and rest” she said.

“Am I- am I related to him?” You whispered and she chuckled shaking her head.

“There were two packs of true wolves, the light and the dark, centuries ago they fought and fought before a truce was made between the dark prince and the light princess, brought the packs together with a mate ship” this was all new to you, the story unknown to you.

“This is confusing” you whispered head in your hands. You wanted to curl up in a ball and cry.

“I know it is, I promise Alekander will explain everything the best he can” she said hand on your back rubbing gently.

“Alekander?” You said and she nodded.

“His name is Alekander Kirigan” she said and you muttered it and nodded.

“Come there’s clothes in his room, they may not fit till we can get some for you” you followed her as she stood and opened two large sliding doors. The room was big, slightly ruined but mostly intact, the bed was big in the middle, a black quilt set, it looked comfortable though.

“Here just were these and I’ll have clothes tomorrow” she said handing you some of his clothes.

“These are his” you muttered and she nodded.

“Mine won’t fit you in afraid, I’m small for a wolf” she said and you nodded.

“I-“ you flushed but stared at the clothes before she turned around. You put the shirt on the sleeves too long and the shirt going to your thighs. You huffed trying to put the pants on, but they didn’t go over your hips.

“The pants don’t fit” you mumbled taking them off. She turned a chuckle on her lips as she took them.

“Just wear this coat, much more comfortable than this one” she said handing you a thiner coat to you.

“Thanks” you muttered as it reached your knees. You gulped slightly glancing around the room.

“Rest, he won’t intrude don’t worry” she smiled warmly but it didn’t comfort you.

“I’ll see you tomorrow ok” she said giving your arm a gently rub before leaving.

You stood lost tears in your eyes. You sat on the edge of the bed tears rolling out, your life had changed in a night. Your parents gone and now a so called saint. You laid down going under the sheets and staring at the wall. Your back was to the window and the rest of the bed as you laid close to the edge. You hugged the sheets close the scent of him on them. You ignored it, that weird sensation earlier coming to your mind. Perhaps it was just the power he held.

Next chapter

[malewife-darkling]

Evil Father Darkling headcanons?

So, this is assuming that Alina still grows up thinking she's an orphan as per callstolike's post

The fact that he is both Her Dad tm and Hundreds of years older than her is definitely used against Alina.

Like, "little girl", "young lady", "*miss* Alina" - all his favorite names to call her.

I feel like any Dad Darkling's attempt at parenting is him trying to heal the inner child that was hurt by Baghra. Especially Show Darkling, who when we meet him in canon obviously despises her. I like to think that he would train Alina to use her powers personally. And like, he would definitely push her to her limits, but he would also give her lots of praise. And he definitely would NOT hit her. (If he got her when she was a younger child he would probably ruin her by spoiling her rotten. Just turn her into an absolute bratty monster)

There is definitely a turf war over Alina between Baghra and Aleksander, but the Darkling has the upper hand bc he'd actually be nice yknow? I could see Baghra being nice to try and manipulate Alina to her side but honestly i think she would be worse at it than him.

The Darkling definitely tries to make her hang out with David, bc David is his Son tm and it's only right for his daughter and son to interact. I could even see him trying to encourage a relationship between David and Alina, just for getting David both as like, an Official Son, and getting that much more power over Alina by having her be with someone who is very much in the Darkling's kefta pocket. (Literally everyone but the Darkling thinks this is a bad idea, for the record. David is still clearly in love w Genya)

Zoya would deeply despise Alina like in canon, bc what is this New Girl that is taking all of Darkling's attention (no it doesn't matter that she's literally his daughter), and she'd be dropped by him in a heartbeat. Ivan would try to be nicer than he is in canon, but I imagine Alina still kind of hates him. She also doesn't understand why he's being nice to her until someone (Genya) points out "Alina he's literally dating your dad"

Alina and Fedyor adore each other. He definitely takes on a more Dad role than in canon, and I could see her being almost as close to him, or maybe even closer to him, than she is to the Darkling.

There is no way Alina would call Darkling "Dad" right away and this fact crushes him.

Alina: I mean, Mr Kirigan. Mr General Kirigan sir. Isn't there something else I could call you than... Dad? Like for now?

Darkling, holding back tears: How about P-Papa?

Alina:

Darkling, sobbing into his soup: They took you from me before you could even call me Papa, Alina

Now, the thing about Mal:

On the one hand, he fucking hates him. He is non-Grisha, he’s like dust to them, and also Mal hates Grisha and I cannot imagine him standing for his Little Girl having to deal w that 

And yet, Darkling knows the pain of having a parent push away and forbid a love interest. 

So on the one hand, he might outright forbid her from seeing Mal... but on the other hand,  I could see him allowing her to see him, but assuming they will fail bc Mal hates Grisha, and Mal is a mayfly compared to Alina. And she’ll love her Dearest Papa all the more for allowing her this choice 

So, w the way this au is structured, it would work best w Cis Darkling, just so the pregnancy would be able to be an accidental one off thing, so Alina would be able to grow up thinking she's an orphan when her mom dies

But if this was trans Dad Darkling, there are a few spicy possibilities:

I can't see him ever willingly carrying a baby to term himself, bc it would leave him way too vulnerable. Like, I could possible see him willing to as part of some Grand Design for Grisha Good (a Noble Sacrifice, if u will) but not until Grisha are safer

So, this would have to be a very planned pregnancy. Im thinking he could do something with merzost to create the equivalent of a magical bone marrow pregnancy. He either Loves This Person Very Much or this Mom is a Very Powerful Grisha)

But during her pregnancy, two things could happen: either the mom is kidnapped... or the mom runs away. Im leaning towards runs away, for the drama of it all. Maybe something like in canon, where Baghra gives the mom cold feet (reveals the darkling's past, reveals his plans for her child), and so Mom flees to the middle of nowhere (maybe she stays in Ravka bc she figures Darkling will think she fled him for Shu Han?)

Trans Darkling would also use the fact that Baghra is transphobic towards him to his favor. "You know that she likes to lie about me, to spread such nasty rumors about me Alina. You have to take what she says with a grain of salt"

"Baghra humiliated me in front of everyone at the last winter fete, do you really think she's above using her own granddaughter to hurt her son?"

Dad Darkling would still want to use the stag on her, but I can see him bringing up the idea early on. Especially since in this au he’s her mentor-dad, so having a strong, capable Grisha guiding her power would make a lot of sense to her. He could even have her think she was agreeing to it of her own volition.

Or he could even float his idea of using the fold as a weapon to her, and get her in on his plan. He would spin some lie about his wife being kidnapped by Fjerdans or Shu (or maybe he himself thinks she was kidnapped and didn’t leave of her own volition) 

------------------

Anyways thats my thoughts on this au for now. I probably have more. Thank u anon this was so much fun to answer 

[amiramorozova]

Dual Summoner x The Darkling pt. 17

Looking around we were alone still so he leaned down and kissed me as I kissed him back. I didn't want people to find out about us right away. While we were in our moment we heard someone suddenly walk up and clear their throat. Pulling away from each other we saw that it was Baghra. I knew the next few training sessions she wasn't going to go easy on me.

"I hope you had fun because you'll be working twice as hard until you make up your time." Baghra said, "and you will meet me out at night by the lake to train what we didn't for years." 

"You don't have to be so hard on her, you know she's dedicated to her studies. Everyone deserves a break." Aleksander said, "She is my soldier, I get to tell her what to do." 

The tension between the two of them was clear as day to me being they were both shadow summoners. I could see he was tense and I put my hand on his arm as he looked at me, the conversation we had was clear. Baghra insisted I come with her instead of staying there with him.

"I'll find you later." Aleksander said to me

"Of course." I said 

Walking over to Baghra I saw her take a look at me, her eyes stopping at the necklace around my neck. She didn't directly say anything when we started walking together to her training area, I knew that there was a lot to do. The fold was on my mind and the options of making it a weapon or destroying it lingered with me. I knew if I sided with him on making it a weapon I could be branded a heretic like him. Once inside the area Baghra had me sit and sat across from me as she waited. 

"Call the water." She said

I put my hands together following her orders as I had water come to my hands and it was a big ball in between my hands. I had done some training while I was there when I was with Nico. Just the thought of Nico and that fight made me falter and I lost it as I covered my eyes. 

"You aren't focusing enough." Baghra said as she hit my arm.

"Stop it." I said, "I had a bad day yesterday." 

"How could you have a bad day? You went out with the general. A week of freedom from this place." Baghra said 

"I ran into an old friend, he's in the first army." I said as I removed my hand looking at her "He was pressing his opinions at me and I got angry. We had a fight." 

"Is that why you have a darkling's symbol around your neck?" Baghra said "You are becoming like all the other Grisha girls." 

I stood up knowing she knew how much I hated the idea of her comparing me to the other girls. I was holding strong on not being anyone's pet. Aleksander had promised I wouldn't be his pet but something more. I put my hands together and brought the water back as I had it the same size then I expanded it as she watched and nodded. Then I let it go and I put my hands together as I called forth the light. Her surprise at how strong it looked made me wonder what happened and I just held it.

"Were you training over there?" Baghra asked

"He told me I didn't have to but I did. When you literally see the fold in close distance it kinda fuels you to want to get better." I said 

She had me show a few of my father's techniques which I still struggled with but I managed to form them. I was glad this Kefta was able to let me move and when we were done she had me sit. Thoughts were going through her head I could see as she got up and got something to drink bringing it over to me and I took it. We both sat quietly drinking as I waited for her to lash out or say something.

"I must confess something." Baghra said 

"What is that?" I asked

"Your father made a deal with me." Baghra said 

"I'm aware, you promised to keep his child safe if anything happened." I said 

"Well that was the deal we made after the first deal." Bahra said 

I looked at her curiously now because she'd never mentioned this before on what was going on. I started to think of what else they could have made a deal on besides everything that had happened. Still, I waited to see if her answer was going to be as I took another sip of my drink.

"When Aleksander was a boy, I traveled a lot when I came across your father for the first time. He was cold and trying to use so little of his power to maintain warmth. So I offered to train him but I wanted something in return." Baghra said 

"What?" I asked

"I told him I would train him to control his power and hide them. In return, if he had a daughter, I wanted her to marry Aleksander to form a unity between the two families as I had a feeling she would be like him." Baghra said, "I knew Aleksander would be eternal so it did not matter how long he would have to wait for her to be in his life...this was before the fold was ever created and before his healer was killed. Now we are here and I have tried everything to keep you from Aleksander but you are a dual summoner. Grisha Born of two bloodlines who can use two kinds of the small science and it feeds you every time you use it." 

I had taken another sip of my drink when Baghra had told this story about my father. It went down wrong and I had to cough a bit to clear my throat, not the first time someone has shocked me with information. Aleksander and Baghra were good with catching me off guard but I looked at her knowing that at first I considered she was lying.

"You arranged this but now you don't want me to be with him." I said 

"I don't want him to use you Amira. He has had enough time to manipulate naive girls." Baghra said 

"Well he isn't manipulating me. He knows I know the truth about him, all the names people called or call him." I said "I asked him about the fold this morning." 

"Merzosts was a forbidden science, but he used it." Baghra said "I wanted a Grisha daughter-in-law who would not die so easily." 

"stop interfering Baghra, you made this arrangement you cannot back out of it. Maybe I can do more than you're thinking. We can make Grisha safe and maybe the fold can help in some ways. I can't do it alone, I know that already." I said "Wait did you know my grandparents?"

Baghra seemed shocked at my words and I hadn't decided whether I wanted to destroy the fold or help expand it. "Yes Amira, I know your father's parents. They're alive and in hiding." Baghra said. Knowing she knew them surprised me and they were alive but where were they? I knew I needed to talk to Aleksander about what Baghra had done and the arrangement she'd made with my father. I left without saying a word after I set the cup down and walked back into the little palace. So much going through my mind at the moment and not enough time to process it all. 

As I walked around I came across Marie and Nadia as I waved to them to get their attention. I noticed Marie was distracted by a heartrender and I watched as they were talking, getting a little closer just in case any help was needed I waited. I saw her accidentally light him on fire and I put my hands together and used water to help extinguish the fire as they both saw me.

"Amira, welcome back." Marie said, then I saw her eyes go to my necklace "Oh"

"Thank you, it seems you uh were about to hurt this heartrender." I said 

"I am Sergei Beznekov, I was asking Marie out." Sergei said 

"So you set him on fire by accident?" I asked Marie

"I panicked, no one has asked me out before." Marie said "But you clearly have been asked out." 

I touched my necklace knowing that it was a symbol of protection but a symbol of claim on me too. I couldn't tell Marie that Baghra had arranged for us to be together, not until I could tell her everything. 

"Yeah, sort of. Happened last night." I said 

"Well take things slow, if you can." Marie said

"Of course." I said nodding

I needed space so I walked away from them and headed off to figure out what I was going to tell Aleksander. I knew that there was so much more than I could possibly do at this moment, but the fact remained that I had free will. If I chose to turn my back on him one day he would be hurt but at the same time I was falling for him.

Once he knows the truth will he try to insist we get married right away? I thought

I shook the thought from my mind quickly. Marriage was a big step and I was nowhere read to have that commitment. I needed time to think about all of what I knew and what I had been told. Most of all I knew I had another task at hand which would be finding my grandparents to meet them for the first time.

[vicisse]

on the darkling

listen. i totally understand the mixed opinions on this guy. i’ve pretty much resigned myself the fact that my opinion is and should be mixed. the darkling is the kind of character that is equal parts despicable and almost relatable—relatable and not redeemable. 

the man is a walking contradiction, and so is my opinion of him: i love to hate him, and i hate to love him. 

this post is meant to take a crack at the utter enigma that is the darkling and really break down his character. 

“The Darkling is a manipulative person, so why do so many people like him?”

i can’t speak on behalf of the whole fandom, but for me personality, i like TD in the sense that he is a complex character. does that mean i excuse the atrocious things he did? absolutely not. he is still an abject and detestable character. but i can still analyze and delve into the intricacies and reasoning behind his actions and find it interesting. 

(and besides, from a purely leisure-based perspective, TD is an entertaining character! i mean, he’s awful, but he’s also awfully petty. for a supposedly intelligent character with a vast amount of experience, he sure gets tripped up on the words and actions of a mousy teenage girl.)

some people, though, like to reduce TD to the bad boy/asshole who goes “soft” after meeting the girl of his dreams. not only does that trope grate on my nerves, it is also a far cry from the actual dynamics at work. 

not only has leigh commented on how she wanted to subvert the trope that a female love interest can make a bad man better (in regards to the relationship between alina and TD, at least), but she has also made it clear that TD would not change for alina. 

for all the times he reveals a little bit of truth to alina... well? it’s just that. a little bit of truth. it’s really another manipulative tactic: lies mixed with a little bit of truth, a classic TD move. he knows that alina is lonely and preys on that loneliness, talking on and on about how she isn’t like her friends, how none of them will ever understand her the way he can. 

“I’ve seen what you truly are,” said the Darkling, “and I’ve never turned away. I never will. Can he say the same?”

another reason why TD is fascinating to me is because he is so good at what he does that he manages to manipulate readers, too. they think he’s good for alina, or that alina will change him, that she was stupid for turning down a chance to step into power. 

(i beg to differ, though that is a whole other meta—on alina. this is about TD.)

TD is a compelling character because his very existence elicits so many questions: 

Why is he so obsessed with Alina? Does he actually feel anything for her? If he wants her so badly, why doesn’t he stop his quest for world domination and have a little more compassion for humanity?

Why did he make the Fold?

Why is he—well—Like That?

let’s go backwards, starting with Why is he Like That? well, the answer is easily: Baghra. 

her parenting is questionable, to say the least. i don’t doubt that she loves her son and genuinely wants the best for him, but “the best” gets warped with the times. in the early years, “the best” meant heeding her lessons, accumulating fear and power so no one could hurt them—hurt him. 

it isn’t until after the whole shadow fold debacle that baghra’s all “maybe the best is seeing my son come home,” because the monster who was peeling away strips of his humanity year after year is no longer her son. i mean, TD spent a good part of his formative years learning at her knee, truly heeding her words:

“I taught him that he had no equal, that he was destined to bow before no man. I wanted him to be hard, to be strong. I taught him the lesson my mother and father taught me: to rely on no one. That love—fragile and fickle and raw—was nothing compared to power.”

at the time, the latter certainly holds true. TD scarcely made friends, as baghra also warned him to be wary of touch (they’re amplifiers, after all), which is a pretty big part of socializing and human interaction. what does he need love for?

in order to make a difference, make the impact he desired, TD would have to climb a lot of rungs to step into a position powerful enough to commit to reality the dream he’s carried: to make a safe haven for grisha. 

but now his dreams have since been warped by time. 

it’s hard to fathom just how long TD has lived because we don’t know how long he’s been around. still, factoring time into the equation is helpful when it comes to understanding TD’s motivation. 

anger is certainly a huge motivator, and something that only festers on and grows with time, twining itself with resentment and bitterness and underneath it all: loneliness. anger, directed at a world that spurned him and people like him. anger, at a world that always, always took from him—because he must have loved someone at some point. he tells alina, 

“I have lived a long life, rich in grief. My tears are long since spent. If I still felt as you do, if I ached as you do, I could not have borne this eternity.”

and the loneliness, the burden of immortality, the curse of it. to watch the people you love taken by a world that spurned grisha, or worse: to watch them live long enough to die of old age while you remained unblemished by time, to repeat that cycle over and over again and bear the brunt of loneliness each and every time. 

“But wait,” you might be thinking, “doesn’t he have his mom?”

well, yeah. there is baghra, but... you have to understand: she’s the one who taught him to be that way. she was the one who taught him to rely on nothing and no one but himself. and also? who would want to spend eternity with a cold and distant mother? 

“Boo hoo, poor immortal character is stuck being lonely. Is that supposed to excuse the horrors he committed? I get lonely, too, but you don’t see me annihilating a whole town.”

no, not at all! this is just providing a reason behind it, not excusing it. understanding does not equal tolerance. TD is despicable, true, but i’m just pointing out:

a life in isolation + immortal life + grand ambition to change the world = disaster

it isn’t enough just to be grisha; TD is also an amplifier, so he was hunted by other grisha. that isolating existence combined with the long stretch of time he can live is already enough to strip you of what little humanity you have. add on the fact that TD once dreamed of changing the world, to make a safe haven for people like him, grisha, and the fact that baghra essentially raised him to rely on power and believe that the world is his birthright... yeah. disaster. 

of course, the real disaster here is TD, but apparently, disaster spur more disasters because he also made the shadow fold. so, Why did he make the Fold? honestly, it confuses me, too. 

see, when alina asks that, baghra tells her that the fold is no accident, which leads me, the reader, to believe that TD planned on splitting ravka in two in order to sanction fold crossings, which would get the king to rely on his second army, his grisha. buuut, leigh has also said in a couple Q&As that the fold was merzost gone wrong... to be honest, it’s probably both?

like yes, TD tried his hand at merzost and failed on a scale of epic proportions, but leave it to him to figure out a way around his mess. like sure, he wasn’t able to make his own amplifier (though why he would need more amplifiers when he is himself is an amplifier is beyond me), but he probably figures, hey, i can use this, and does. which brings me to the last stretch of questions:

Why is he so obsessed with Alina? Does he actually feel anything for her? If he wants her so badly, why doesn’t he stop his quest for world domination and have a little more compassion for humanity?

he’s obsessed with alina because she’s literally his answer. to everything. 

if he wants to cross the fold? alina. if he takes over ravka for many centuries and the people start to protest? alina, the revered sun saint, will subdue them.

so what if alina isn’t as powerful as he is, won’t live as long as he does? he supposes now is as good a time as any to whip out old grandpa ilya’s journals to get his set of amplifiers on her. 

she’s the amalgamation of everything he has ever searched for, ever wanted. and maybe that’s why a lot of people conflate those strong feelings for love, but the thing is... TD? loving someone? feeling anything? i have to laugh. 

that’s another thing about TD. when it comes to emotions, he’s not as emotionally stunted as some people make him out to be. 

he strikes me as a very introspective character. it doesn’t make sense to me that someone who’s lived so long is so out of touch with their emotions. he is, in a way, but i also think he is aware and merely chooses to ignore, push down, or disguise it as something else entirely. he’s not emotionally stunted, he just thinks some emotions are inconvenient. unpleasant. annoying, even.

the thing is, TD has lived a really loooong life. he doesn’t feel loneliness the same way any of the other non-immortal characters do. no, his kind of loneliness manifests itself without feeling, numb from the centuries of having nothing and no one to depend on but himself. 

i’m not saying that TD doesn’t love alina—though honestly, i could never imagine a world where he acknowledges he does. besides, it doesn’t look like what is the ideal definition of love as we see it, but it’s as close as he’s gonna get.

love is a tricky, flexible thing; and it isn’t always good or bad. ideally, love should be good, but. it’s like a friend pointed out to me: a controlling mother can tell her child, “i love you, so you have to do what i say,” but she isn’t necessarily lying. she does love her child, but she uses it as leverage to manipulate—another classic TD move. 

now, i never quite answered why, then, if he wants alina so badly, doesn’t he stop his quest for world domination and have a little more compassion for humanity? short answer is: it’s impossible. 

i’ve answered an ask before, on TD and the possibility of a redemption arc, but again: it’s impossible. i mean, imagine holding onto a grudge for years. years. at some point, it’s not just a grudge, it’s just you, holding onto your anger, some kind of injustice you feel but can no longer identify. 

it’s like that with TD, but x100000000000000000000. i might even be missing a few more zeroes, to be honest. 

TD is many things. stubborn, selfish, arrogant. arrogance plays a big role, because his ego is, frankly, the size of the shadow fold. someone who’s as self-righteous as TD isn’t going to readily admit he was wrong this whole time. 

the fold is one thing—but that mistake he could rectify, work around. if he were to admit that he was wrong for doing all this grand planning, plans he spent centuries building up to and waiting for, it would all go to waste. it would all be for nothing. at the very least, he has to see some follow through. 

and another thing: he’s not about to give up a centuries’ long ambition for one (1) mousy girl who is too stubborn to acknowledge her own potential. forget it! 

he might love alina, but he will always love power more.

[amiramorozova]

Dual Summoner x the Darkling pt. 26

We kept moving as we made it to the market and I used a few coins to buy some food for our trip. I wanted to just go back but I knew Baghra could only hold him back for so long as we kept going. We made our way out of town as I knew my way sort of to get back out. I had my locket and knew that it wasn't going to be easy.

How far can we go before I get caught? I thought 

The worry was always there and it wasn't going away as we made our way through the forest. I wasn't a tracker, actually, none of us were but we managed to make our way through. Baghra had provided a map in Nadia's bag to help us sort things out. 

"Amira, is this safe?" Marie asked

"You could have stayed back there with Sergei." I said 

"I.." Marie blushed at my words from what I could see at the corner of my eye "No, Amira. You're my friend and this is important." 

"If he gets the stag before I do. My life as his wife won't possibly be pleasant." I said 

I still couldn't tell them everything but I knew one thing no matter how it ended Aleksander was my soulmate. I would be with him no matter what happened but I looked at my wrist where his initials were and they were gone for now. I knew that I needed to keep my distance for as long as I could.

After so long Nighttime hit and we had no choice but to make due as we sat eating some of our supplies and working out a plan. We all were cold and I put my hands together to use the sunlight to warm us a bit before we decided to sleep grouped together so that we were protected. I couldn't sleep at first with everything but we had our Keftas so if we were shot at we could endure it. 

When we got up in the morning we started to walk, eating some more food as we made our way. I knew that we wouldn't get far but we could travel as we pulled our hoods over our heads. I knew his guards were looking for us, for me in probably every city. I knew that we needed more supplies for our appetites as summoners were not going to last with short supplies. We found a market and the three of us decided what we wanted so we had a few days' travel while heading to my parents home.

We have enough and now we just need to get out of this town. I thought 

As we kept walking we knew that there was nothing better than keeping our heads down. People didn't think much of a group of three going through the town and we kept our hands and faces concealed. We were outside the city and we headed for the forest like last time as I saw guards heading out of the town following our tracks but we'd covered our tracks going into the forest as I saw they were Alexander's guards.

So you are looking for me. I thought 

"The footprints are heading out of town but the hoof tracks are heading to the next city." One of them said 

"I don't think they're here, let's keep going to see if they are in the next town." The other said 

We made our way through the forest as I looked at our map again as we decided to head to Keramsin instead of the next town. It was going to be a three day trip but we were ready to face whatever we had to. We kept our pace going but we made camp and took our time to do things. Marie had hunted her amplifier so she knew how to hunt but we had to do without a camp so I had to use the light to cook our food.

Not really sure this is good for us but I know we can survive. I thought

We ate but I still felt bad for the animal though we had a few things more to worry about we never really said anything. Somehow I'd been able to learn how to read a map but something was just pulling me to Keramzin and I just needed to figure out what. We slept but we had to take turns on keeping watch so we weren't entirely rested when we got back up and doing this for two more days was a pain. I smelled food though as we soon were close.

"We're close." I said 

As we came to an opening we saw it was a festival and I was happy to see something I'd never been to before. We walked for a bit and things seemed fine until a woman grabbed my arm. I worried for a second as I looked at her but she seemed to be looking at my locket.

"Amira?" The woman said 

"Who are you?" I asked

"I'm your grandmother Catalina." The woman said as she looked at my company "come with me." 

We followed her to the house where she gave us shelter but I wanted to go out to the celebration to see what was there. She had us drop our bags and remove our jackets revealing our 2nd army keftas. My grandmother seemed to look at the three of us, my friends in blue Keftas with their inferni and Tidemaker design and my black Kefta with my dual summoner design.

"You girls are from the 2nd army. So explain why you're out of there." Catalina said 

"they're with me, I had to run to get ahead of my fiance who wants the stag." I said 

"Dual Summoner Amira, also known as Sankta Amira to the people." Catalina said 

My grandmother gave us different clothes and styled our hair differently so that we were not spotted out like the others. She made me wear gloves to conceal my engagement ring and even though I didn't want to, she removed my necklace with the darkling's symbol which she examined seeing the metal it was made of. She also removed my bracelet saying that if I didn't want to be noticed as the Dual Summoner I needed to lay low without my gifts that the gloves would conceal my engagement ring.

"I do not agree with my son's decision to promise you to a Darkling but I will respect your decision to say yes." Catalina said 

"I am capable of smooth talking to him if I see him again." I said 

I thought that was the end and we would be going out but she went a step further leaving for a minute before coming back as she told us that her friend was a tailor. Having met Genya I knew what a Tailor could do so we all sat and she slowly made us look different so we could blend in even more. It worked well on Marie and Nadia but for me not so much due to Genya had worked on my looks a little bit so she could only modify my hair color to blonde and make my eyes look a different color. Honestly when I looked in the mirror I wouldn't recognize myself either so I knew the guards wouldn't even look twice at me. 

cool. I can have a little fun. I thought 

Grandma Catalina took us out and we were able to enjoy the festivities trying everything that was available to everyone. The bread tasted amazing and I knew that we only ate peasant foods at the little palace but tasted way better than I could have ever imagined. Still I was enjoying myself and felt truly free like I could do anything without being Grisha and worried about a Fjerdan finding me. 

Night soon came and the three of us were a little tipsy that we ended up crashing at my grandparents place for the night. The tailor turned our looks back before we went to bed so that we didn't freak out if we had a bit of a hangover. I felt safe like I was with people who truly understood me and  knew what it was like.

By morning our heads hurt but we managed to remember what happened as we came down to meet with them. I realized I never met my grandfather with everything going on so when Grandma Catalina was sitting at a table with food already prepared we noticed the man sitting by her. 

"Amira, I see you're awake." Catalina said

"Thanks for letting us stay the night but we should be getting back on our way to my parents." I said

"No, you should sit and eat. I've taken the time to ask my son to come here." My grandfather said

"Jorge, be nice. she's on the run." Catalina said 

Marie and Nadia convinced me to enjoy this time with my grandparents and we all sat having breakfast with them. I started to really take notice of soulmate markings cause I noticed on my grandmother's wrist was JS and on my grandfather's wrist was CDR. I realized that things were not as easy as they looked but we somehow managed with everything. Though I panicked when I noticed the AM starting to faintly appear on my wrist.

He's close. I thought 

[amiramorozova]

Dual Summoner x The Darkling pt. 24

As I stayed in my room while it was getting dark I looked at myself in the mirror. I questioned if I was humoring the idea or was I really falling for him? I shook my head at the thought I knew the truth, I was falling for him every time I saw him. I could tell that he had been in a relationship well that was a lie I knew he had. Baghra mentioned that he was in a relationship with his healer before the fold.

Am I setting myself up to get hurt in the end? Does your heart still belong to your first love and you hide that pain of several thousand years to look at me as new hope?  I thought 

I went to bed figuring that it was best not to dwindle on things I could not understand. All of this was new to me. I was laying there in bed for only a few minutes when the door opened and I grabbed the dagger preparing to fight when I stopped seeing Marie and Nadia. I put it away as I felt tears falling and wiped my eyes.

Marie and Nadia came over sitting by me as they were my new guards now. I had my best friends as my own guards that I smiled at them. I knew that I had so many secrets buried within me I didn't know if I could keep them in for much longer.

"Why are you crying?" Nadia asked, "Did the general call off the engagement?"

"No, Aleksander did not call off the engagement." I said"

"who?" Marie asked

"General Kirigan, he allows me to call him that when we're alone. I know so much that I wish I could tell you." I said

"Tell us what you can?" Marie said 

"Baghra is our General's mother, she is the best teacher there will ever be. She's trained, my father and my mother. When she trained my father she made this arrangement for his daughter born with the sun to marry her son." I said, "There is a stag, Morozova's stag that when it's found I have to go after it or it could be bad for me." 

"Then we'll help you with the Stag." Marie said

"We'll need a tracker. If it's found we have to get Nico to help." I said

"Nico?" Nadia asked

"Nicolas, I asked him to come find me if he finds the stag." I said

"Have you invited this dashing boy to come to the little palace?" Nadia asked

"No. I don't have that kind of authority." I said, "and with Aleksander heading to the north I can't risk it." 

Marie and Nadia nod at my words as I reached for my father's locket holding it close. I knew that more Sun summoners were alive possibly. I'd never met my grandparents so if I could meet them someday it'd be a blessing.

We all ended up staying there passing out on my bed for the night. The next day was the usual except he wasn't here so I didn't have to feel like I needed to hide from anyone. Days passed and over time I realized that I did miss him. I'd heard summoners also talking about Soulmate initials starting to show up on their wrists as I checked my own.

nothing. I thought 

I didn't want to overthink it knowing that my parents were soulmates so I just had to stay positive. I hadn't heard of these things before about the Initials and most people wanted to talk to me for the wrong reason. Some Summoners thought I was going to be promoted to the General's right hand side with my engagement. I would just smile and try to assure them that I was unsure.

Genya came and found me when people were overcrowding me and I knew that there was much to discuss. The Fete was close and I was already ready to just go to another Banya to get my mind off of everything. Genya poured us tea as we sat down and we drank some until I decided to speak.

"Genya, does everyone have a soulmate?" I asked

"Yes, we all do, even those who are not summoners." Genya said

"So everyone gets initials?" I asked

"If a non grisha is a summoner meant to be, they will. Why are you curious?" Genya asked, "Think you might know who yours is?"

"No, I don't. Even if I did I am bound by a promise to be General Kirigan's wife." I said

Genya smiled "What if General Kirigan is your soulmate?" Genya asked, "have you ever looked when he's around?"

"I didn't even know about it before overhearing the summoners talking about it." I said as I noticed on Genya there were the initials DK on her wrist. "But clearly you do."

"Ah this, yes. Well I haven't spoken much to him." Genya said, "But I know who he is." 

I wanted to ask as I realized you didn't even have to be that close just on the grounds of where your soulmate was. I looked at my wrist, seeing it blank, wondering if Aleksander was my soulmate. I wondered if Baghra had one and they had died a long time ago. I eventually went to read over it and I looked over the text out of curiosity. 

When a summoner's soulmate is on the same grounds as them the initials will appear but if the soulmate dies the initials will fade but the feeling of them being there will remain. 

I wondered if Baghra did but I couldn't ask her as I never paid attention all this time about the whole soulmate. Still I hated the idea that this could throw a big problem in Baghra and dad's arrangement. I just closed the door before getting things done. 

The day before the Fete came and I was looking out the window when I noticed the carriage coming. I was curious about what he might have found when he was gone and I knew that there wasn't much I could do. I was thinking about him as I felt Marie and Nadia wrap their arms around mine and lead me off. 

"Where are we going?" I asked

"We are going to do something fun besides gazing longingly out the window." Marie said 

I laughed a bit knowing they were always going to be the best friends I could ask for when it came to the whole truth. We walked for a while before we started to do something, I started to get hot so I took my Kefta off and that's when Marie grabbed my wrist.

"hey what's going on?" I asked

"Your wrist has initials on it." Marie said 

"it..does?" I asked

I hesitated as I took my wrist back and slowly I started to look at it before I ran my thumb over the initials.

AM

Aleksander Morozova I thought 

When footsteps were behind us the girls looked as they bowed to him and he seemed to be thinking or I think he was. My back was to him as I could feel him staring at my back as if he was debating what to say before he spoke.

"Girls, let me talk to my fiance alone." Aleksander said to Marie and Nadia

"Of course." They said leaving the room

I turned around as Aleksander walked over and he offered his hand to me. I knew what he wanted to see so I took his hand with the wrist that had the initials on it as he looked over them and lightly traced them.

"My initials on your wrist." Aleksander said then he pulled his sleeve back where I could see my initials on his wrist.

AS

"O-Oh." I said 

Part of me wanted to say that it wasn't me that was on his wrist but I knew the truth. I knew that it only happened when we were on the same grounds and it wasn't there when he was gone. He took my hand and kissed the top of it.

"Amira, people are looking for the stag. After it's found, why don't we go ahead and get married." Aleksander said 

"I think that's a bit of a rush and honestly you didn't ask properly just asked if I would wear it." I said 

He seemed surprised by words and maybe it was because of how I came across but I had mixed feelings about the stag. I knew I needed to get it before he did but if there was a chance he got it before I did then I didn't know what to do. 

"I want to protect you Amira, word has spread that there was a spy in the little palace and saw your light." Aleksander said, "Please, this is a way to keep you safe." 

"Let me think about it." I said 

Aleksander pulled me close and kissed me and I kissed him back, this kiss started to become our first make out as I realized how much I missed him before while he had been gone. Before it got too intense for both of us I pulled away to breathe.

"I need to get some rest tomorrow is the Winter Fete." I said 

"Are you ready for the performance?" Aleksander asked

"I am." I said, "I can do anything as long as you're with me." 

Aleksander put a hand on my cheek and rubbed his thumb on it as I looked at him knowing that I was just keeping him thinking I needed him.

"Good Night Amira." Aleksander said 

"Good Night Aleksander." I said 

Then I left him alone knowing that I really did need sleep before the Fete.

[amiramorozova]

Soulmates? pt. 13

Pairing: Dual summoner Amira Silina x Darkling Aleksander Morozova/General Kirigan

TagList: @lifeisingrey,  @houseoftoomanyfandoms

A/N: Sorry for the delay. I took a week off of writing to get some time for myself.

Sitting in the carriage, I crossed my arms a bit while we had the masks on. Aidan and Adrian sat on either side of me while mother and father sat across from us. Behind us in another carriage were Grandma Catalina and Grandfather Jorge, as we all knew that we were invited to these events because of me. 

"What you said about the General? Is it true?" My father asked, as I looked at him and nodded. "He knows my scent, he knows how to track me if I go missing. If you approach him and ask, he will probably deny it." I told father as for once we were all in Etheraleki blue, I wouldn't stand out like last time and people stare at a girl in the General's color.

So what now? I thought

When we arrived, I took a deep breath as the carriage stopped, the door was opened as Ivan and Feydor were there. "Welcome back to the little palace." Ivan said as he moved aside and Aleksander walked forward as he looked in and his eyes met mine as he saw I was sitting between my brother and cousin. "Amira, you look lovely." He said as I got up and he offered his hand as I took it, allowing him to help me out. Feydor and Ivan assisted everyone else as I looked back at them. 

I let his hand go as I walked beside him, I didn't want people getting the wrong idea. I wasn't here to be his date to this, I was a guest like everyone else. "Stubborn as always." Aleksander said as I wouldn't even look at him. "I only came because you asked, let's not make this something it is not." I said as we walked but then he grabbed my arm and had me look at him. "What is this not? You are my Soulmate, it is exactly as it looks. I invited you here to be part of the party." Aleksander said 

I knew vampires had powers, one of his was influencing other Grisha but for some reason that didn't work on me...at least not all the time. "I am here of my own free will, I could have stayed home." I said as I knew for now we were at ends. He put a hand on my cheek before he seemed to bring me close to him and for a second I closed my eyes as I was reminded of kissing him drunk. That feel of his lips against mine in the brief moment while I was sobering up almost made me want to do it again. I opened my eyes as I looked at him and raised my arms to make him let go as I walked away as I said almost. 

Soulmate Jerk, I can't even enjoy my inner desires. I thought 

When I was walking I bumped into someone, at first I hadn't realized who it was until I noticed how expensive his outfit for tonight was. "S-Sorry, I should pay more attention." I said as he seemed to look at me before offering his hand to me. "Would you like to dance?" The man asked, I assumed he was one of the King's sons if the King had more than one son. "Uh, sure but aren't you Moi tsarevich, the king's son?" I asked as I put my hand in his.

Leading me out on the dance floor, he danced so easily and he was human I could tell that easily. The royals were all human, I'd already had the honor to meet the Tsar and Tsaritsa thanks to Aleksander. "No one ever talks of me as that, they would more like to refer me as a sobachka." The prince dancing with me mentioned. I was in shock that people referred to him as a puppy which told me that he was the youngest prince. "I am Prince Nikolai, your dress puts you in the Etheraleki Grisha. Are you apart of 2nd army?" Nikolai asked as I just shook my head. "I am just a visitor who wore a blue dress tonight for the party. General Kirigan invited me and my family." I said 

"Well then, that makes you a mysterious girl behind a mask. Are you Grisha?" Nikolai asked as we kept dancing. "I am." I answered since he was the prince and we kept dancing. I could feel the glares on us and knew it was the General who was angry with me dancing with him. "So, you didn't like the luxury of the little palace?" Nikolai asked as he spun me around and I laughed a bit. "No, not exactly. I live with my parents, grandparents and half brother. My grandfather needs us to help take care of him but tonight was one of his good days." I said as I looked over to Grandma Catalina dancing with Grandfather Jorge, they were so in sync as soulmates. It reminded me of what I wanted, to be with mine. 

"Grisha soulmates, right?" Nikolai asked as his attention went back to me and I looked at him. "I suppose one could say that." I said with a smile knowing that I was having fun. When he twirled me again and pulled me close he looked directly into my eyes. "Do you have one?" I gulped a bit under his presence. "Every Grisha has a soulmate, Prince Nikolai." I said as the music ended for the dance. "Have you found yours?" He mumbled before kissing the top of my hand. 

I blushed under the sudden move as I heard footsteps going over and when I looked up I saw Aleksander standing beside me. "Amira, you ran off, I was worried." Aleksander said as he saw Prince Nikolai and he had to have heard him as he pulled me close to him once my hand was let go. "I see you have kept my soulmate company.", the fact he said it before I could answer was making me uncomfortable. I knew too much as I was still blushing knowing that it was so informal to me being kissed on the hand. 

"I had no idea she was your soulmate, General. The question was asked to her." Prince Nikolai said as he looked at the two of us behind the mask. "She seems rather uncomfortable with you, have you done anything to offend her?" I was quiet as I pushed Aleksander away knowing that I couldn't stand him for what he was. "She's just a bit stubborn. Most women are, in their own ways." Aleksander assured Prince Nikolai 

"I'm sorry, I need to go home." I said abruptly as I turned to leave but then Aleksander took my hand as he pulled me back. I went to say something but the look of hurt in his eyes made me stop. "I believe Feydor asked you to save a dance for me tonight. Will you honor it?" Aleksander asked as I looked at him and then over at the Prince who was watching. "One dance, then I am going to go home." I said 

When the music started Nikolai walked away as Aleksander took both of my hands as we danced. "You need to be more careful around the royals." Aleksander said as we danced. "The Tsar still wants you in the 2nd army." I sighed knowing that it wasn't easy. "I am not coming to the 2nd army, I don't care how much they want me here." I said with a firm tone. Aleksander chuckled as he seemed to adore my defiance. "That is what I like about you, you don't give in so easily." 

I questioned if that was a compliment or not, there was just a lot going on that was not right. I needed to get away from here but even when the dance was over I ended up walking over. He led me to a table that had prepared food. "Oh wow." I was in shock knowing there was so much here and I knew we didn't have dinner. I hated the fact he knew this as I saw people walking over as we ate. Once I was done with eating and my drink I sat up as I looked at him.

"I'm going home." I said as I started to walk towards my family, I needed to get away from the group. I came across the prince again as he approached me "You're leaving?" Prince Nikolai asked as I nodded. "It's late and I want to get home before the attackers in the village start up." I said, a lie to cover for the darkling. I didn't understand why I covered for him when he was the one at fault for those deaths. "Perhaps I could interest you in a horse ride tomorrow, with me?" Prince Nikolai asked as I was surprised. "You don't even know me, except what you see with a girl with a mask." I reminded him as he chuckled. "I have my ways, will you say yes?" Prince Nikolai asked as I knew it would piss off Aleksander so I nodded. "I will." I said 

Trust me if you were standing here the hostility that was in the air from behind me was evident. "Then tomorrow." He said as he let me go to my family and as we all came together we left before gathering too much attention. Thanks to Baghra we could escape again and just head home as I took the mask off with relief. 

"You seemed to enjoy your time." Mother said as I knew it wasn't all bad but that didn't change what was going on. "I just want this day to be over and go home." I said as my grandmother put a hand on my shoulder. "I know, we all do." Grandma Catalina reminded me as I just nodded, closing my eyes while we were there. 

[amiramorozova]

Dual Summoner and The Darkling -Princess version- pt. 1

Pairing: Dual Summoner Amira silina x General Kirigan/ Aleksander Morozova

word count: 1127

Summary; similar to Dual Summoner and The Darkling but going with my first idea which was Dual Summoner Amira being Adopted by King Pytro and Queen Tatiana. Who refuse to let her be apart of 2nd army

The Grand Palace is a big place but as far as I know, I've been drawn to the little palace since I was a kid. I was adopted into the royal family since the Queen desired a daughter and my parents wanted to protect me. Queen Tatiana knew I was Grisha and she knew I was just a scared little girl. King Pytor gave me whatever I asked for, but sometimes even when he did I never accepted them but Queen Tatiana would push me forward and I would accept the gift. I was also a child, the new princess of the Grand palace to the people when I met him.

I remember the day I was preparing to demonstrate my power as a child to my new family, I was scared because of what was going on. "Princess Amira, you look nice. Are you ready to demonstrate your Grisha power in front of General Kirigan and your parents?" The maid asked, I was scared because of what might happen. I knew I could faint if I wasn't careful and that would look bad but I nod.

Guards escorted me out there and I was wearing royal attire, being only nine at the time I wasn't sure what to expect. Would my adopted family still accept me once they knew what I was? Would I be required to join the 2nd army if they knew? All of these things went through my head as we walked in. His presence was so strong that my anxiety got worse but something else happened too as I felt under my necklace they had me wear a tingling sensation.

What is this feeling on my neck? I thought

As the guards stopped I curtsied to my adopted mom and dad, I wondered if my real family was safe. "Amira, General Kirigan is willing to help you if you struggle." Queen Tatiana said as I turned to look at him. "A pleasure to meet you, Moya Tsarevna." General Kirigan said. I was speechless as I looked at my adopted parents and they motioned for me to start. "It is time, are you ready?" General Kirigan asked

"Yes." I said as I put my hands together knowing what I was as I closed my eyes before using the tidemaker first. I was able to control it and make it move to my will as I smiled. I could see him watching but then I put my hands together again. The water went away and everyone was looking at me confused. Sorry, but I do not feel like denying this. I thought as I looked at General Kirigan nervous again. "uh could we dim the lights?" I asked as I saw him put his hands together then put his hand up and suddenly it was dark in the room. Shadows...no wonder... I thought as I put my hands together and sparks started to come out.

I could hear gasps as I tried to make just a small amount of light knowing what would happen if I go any farther. What formed in my hand was a ball of light bigger than I intended as I threw it up and it shined in the room. Everyone was surprised but by the time the shadows faded I was already falling back as I felt someone catch me.

"Moi Tsar, Moya Tsaritsa you have adopted a Dual Summoner as a Princess. Tidemaker and Sun Summoner, she will bring great things to this country." General Kirigan asked, "May we mo-" I was fighting consciousness but still able to hear. "No, Amira was adopted into the royal family. She won't take part in the 2nd army when she is older. Her place will remain as one of us until one of two things happen." KIng Pytor said, "What will those two things be?" General Kirigan asked

"She is Grisha, so only her true Grisha soulmate could have her hand in marriage. If by the time she reaches marrying age, no soulmate has been found then she will marry who we deem worthy." King Pytro said as I realized my fate lied in the hands of those who were going to make this a bit hard. I closed my eyes not long after that I felt someone pick me up.

Shadows are close. I thought

I could feel them all around and I felt someone put a cloth to my head as voices started to be heard. "This girl is a Dual Summoner? A child with that much power, no wonder she is in this kind of state." A woman said, "I know Mother, but she is the most powerful among us at the age of nine. You must train her to withstand her power so she can use it without this happening." General Kirigan's voice said

His..mother? I thought

"Why is this small child so important to you? You haven't found a soulmate since the day you were born." The Woman said. The sound of a sleeve being pulled down was easy to hear "Look at this, this appeared the moment she walked in the room. It's probably there on her neck under that necklace..the king says her soulmate must be found before she's of marrying age. I will have to come forward eventually." General kirigan said

"The girl will probably not marry out of the saints choosing, you will have to earn her trust and be what she needs. Pity, you don't have that kind of time." The woman said as General Kirigan sighed "I have my ways to make time and I always have hope mother." General Kirigan said

My eyes didn't feel like they did when I fell back as I started to wake up and sat up taking the cloth off my head. I looked at them seeing General Kirigan and this woman who had a cane, wore black and she was in the 2nd army. Baghra looked at me and suddenly a realization seemed to come to her face. I didn't understand as she just seemed to take me in.

"Let's have a look at you." She said as she looked at me, "Where are your birth parents?" I shrugged at first but sighed, "Hiding, I think." I said, "One of the Silina family, you look like a friend of mine I haven't seen in years. You are the spitting image of Catalina at this age when we were young girls, but your tidemaker abilities that the General mentioned are strong. It cannot be denied you are Amara's daughter." She said to me, "I am Baghra, trainer of the Grisha and I will visit to train you so you may be able to protect your adopted family."

I merely nod but that was just how this whole thing began

Tag list: @lifeisingrey

[amiramorozova]

Dual Summoner and the darkling -princess version- pt. 2

When my training started with Baghra on the next day I had to figure out how to do this right. I could summon willingly that was clear but she pushed me on using them simultaneously. Always the same result as I fell unconscious when it was done. She used water to wake me but I adjusted some knowing it wasn't going to be easy. "We'll try a different method tomorrow." Baghra said as she left. 

I was able to take a little bit of a nap before there was a knock on the door and when I changed into something better walking to the door. I saw General Kirigan standing there as I looked at him. "Your horse lessons are beginning today." General Kirigan said as he led the way and I followed behind him. I was tired but these were part of my new life as a princess even though I was adopted. 

"Who is going to be my horse riding trainer?" I asked as we kept walking down the hall. "Moi Tsar and Moya Tsaritsa have given permission for your horse riding instructor to be me." General Kirigan said as I kept walking. "Do you have the time, General?" I asked as I knew he had a lot of responsibilities to do already and I didn't want to be a burden on him. "I have the time, I leave once in awhile to check on our boarder grisha and first army." He said 

"Tell me about the 2nd army?" I asked as we kept walking and he must have figured it wasn't going to harm in telling me. He told me about the different powers that were different from my own. The Inferni who could manipulate fire around them into a weapon, the inferni who like me had the power to control water. Squallers who could break wind and use it to knock an enemy back. These were the etheraleki which would have been a group I had been in. 

The next group he talked about was the corporaleki, who consisted of heartrenders and healers. He explained it but I couldn't understand it from not knowing about them beforehand and then the materialeki who made things. 

"That sounds all amazing, can I meet the 2nd army someday?" I asked him with a smile as I was pretty lonely being in the grand palace. He just looked forward as we walked, his behavior was so different from others. I was curious and yet he was so indifferent to me "Perhaps when you're older, you can visit the little palace." General Kirigan said 

I pouted a bit as I wondered just how this was going to work out with everything going on. Eventually, we made it to the stables where the horses were and I was hesitant. "One of the simpler horses for Moya tsarevna. It's her first horse riding lesson." General Kirigan said to the stablehand as they went to get a horse. I kept my hair down so the side of my neck where the initials were wouldn't be seen. 

When they brought the horse back with another horse I was curious but he led me out to the courtyard. He messed with the saddle but I wasn't sure why until he spoke about it. "It's secure so you won't fall off." General Kirigan said as he walked over, getting something for my head and putting it on as he kneeled down. "Safety first?" I asked as he nodded, though I had my suspicions of him being so nice when he was supposed to lead the 2nd army.

"Come on, let's see you get on." General Kirigan said as he led me over, he instructed me on how to as I struggled a bit but he helped when I did. After so long I was able to sit on the saddle as he nodded in approval, I questioned every minute with him. I was coming to consciousness when I heard what he'd said to Baghra. His nice behavior was a show, I was for sure of it since these initials that tingled on my neck were supposedly his but since I kept my hair over it no one knew. 

"Keep hold of the reins." He instructed while he fixed the places where my feet went and I waited. He started to lead the horse as I sat there unsure at first. Maybe that's why he was guiding the horse instead of letting me do it. "You'll get used to it over time." He assured me as we kept at this for some time. After that, he had me get off and took me back to the little palace. 

For the next week, he was always teaching me new things on the horse, while Baghra taught me how to use my power simultaneously and failing for now. After so long I was able to get the hang of riding a horse and when no one was looking we left the grounds. He had his horse but I was loving it as I adjusted my head and my hair was flying that I forgot about the initials and laughed. 

It was risky but we made it back without anyone seeing, luckily no one questioned it either and my teacher was every step of the way with me. After that, I got down and went to have a nice bath. It was great and for once I didn't fear anything at that moment, not even my adopted parents. I questioned why my parents left me in the care of royals, was our power in danger? Was being a sun summoner a bad thing? 

Did my parents not want me? I thought as that thought made me cry. 

I was sure they wanted me but Grisha were being hunted, that was what the maids said. Grisha were being hunted by hunters who thought of us as witches and we were to be burned or put on trial. I wasn't a witch, no Grisha was a witch but that was how we were being treated. 

The Sun summoner is ravka's hero to destroy the fold...am I that hero? Or will my adopted parents seek out another? I thought

TagList: @lifeisingrey,  @houseoftoomanyfandoms

[amiramorozova]

Soulmates? pt. 5

Pairing: Dual Summoner Amira Silina and Vampire General Kirigan/ Aleksander Morozova

word count: 2043

I saw the carriage door open and Aleksander was first to get out of the carriage as he put his hand out to me. The sound of people talking was clear as I took his hand, feeling it was slightly cold but still warm as I got out of the carriage. People seemed shocked to see me but it wasn't like I had a choice. I wasn't a Grisha who was part of the little palace but he adjusted my hand to be on his arm as I saw my family getting out of the other carriage. My father was in the dark blue like my grandmother with no design since they were unknown as far as everyone knew. 

Aleksander led me to the group of people as they seemed to take in my appearance of who I would be. A Dual Summoner being escorted by General Kirigan as my family followed behind us I'm sure. A lot of people were whispering as I was going past them with the General keeping my eyes off of people till we made it to the ballroom. There I saw a few Grisha, it was easy to tell who they were from the Dark Blue Kefta dresses and suits, along with the red kefta dresses and suits, purple kefta dresses, and suits. 

"Let's find Genya, she may be able to help you just a little not that you aren't adorable the way you already look." Aleksander said, I blushed at his compliment but tried to bury that down as I looked back at my family. My father didn't seem overly pleased with his only daughter being escorted around in the little palace but we all knew the saints had deemed him my soulmate. 

When we kept walking I noticed we came across a woman in white, she had auburn hair and green eyes as I looked at her. "General Kirigan, what can I do for you?" The woman asked as he looked at her. "Genya, this is Amira Silina, she's my special guest tonight. Can you use your tailor's magic to make her look just a little extra special tonight." Aleksander said, I was going to protest but then he looked at me and I decided against it. '' Genya looked at me surprised by my appearance. "Saints, are you a sun summoner?" Genya asked and I shrugged a bit before Aleksander let me go so Genya could lead me away. 

Genya led me to a room where she had someone bring her kit, she seemed to be thinking about what she was going to do. I was not used to such things, I could tell she was a tailor with her kit. "So what are you?" Genya asked with a smile, "you clearly don't live here in the little palace or I would have met you before today." 

"A Dual Summoner, very rare but not uncommon." I said as she had her surprised look "close your eyes and relax your eyebrows." Genya said to me as she started to work on me. "So, General Kirigan escorted you in. Does that mean you're staying in the little palace after tonight?" I waited till she was done and opened my eyes "No, After the Fete, I am going home to continue my training with my family. I want to keep my distance from him." I admitted

Genya didn't understand and I could not out him for being what he was, a vampire. She tapped the necklace and I laughed a little. "Well you see..uh...my initials are on his wrist." I said as she looked at me surprised. "Well that would explain why he wanted me to add a bit more to you. Who did your hair? It looks just plain." Genya said and I knew that I didn't do a lot with my hair regularly. "Oh I uh..we didn't have any accessories for my hair I think they forgot it." I admitted

Genya had me sit right here then she went to get something as I waited, I wasn't to see myself in the mirror until she returned and when she did she worked on my brunette hair as I felt her put in a hair accessory. "There, now you can look." Genya said 

I was hesitant but I looked in the mirror and gasped a bit seeing the transformation as I didn't recognize myself. I knew there was no way this was going to just be ignored as Genya took my hand "Come on now, we must show your soulmate but you walk ahead. I want to take in the General's expression as he sees you walk in." Genya said, I had to admit I like Genya but I felt bad because I didn't know her story and why white?

As we made it back to the ballroom, I knew people had already seen me before with him so I walked in. Everyone was turning to look at me as I was making my way in and even my family looked surprised. I knew I had to look older than my age just a bit as even General Kirigan looked awestruck as I noticed he was talking with the King and Queen as he walked over to me. "I didn't think Genya would have such an effect on your appearance." General Kirigan said as he looked seeing people staring at me. "You look stunning by the way." He added before he offered his hand to me. 

Knowing I didn't have much of a choice I took his hand as he led me around but we came back to the royals. "Moi Tsar, Moya Tsaritsa, this is Amira Silina. She is Amara's daughter, our tidemaker who left to take care of her husband and daughter." Aleksander said as I curtsied in front of them "Your Majesties." I said politely. I saw the king taking in my design and I was concerned that they would know but His Highness seemed to be wasted a bit. "She seems like a fine girl, but why isn't she with the 2nd army?" He asked 

"I live with my family, we don't have the luxury of the little palace but we make due with what we have. My grandfather is needing care that everyone takes part in, your highness." I said it was a lie my grandfather didn't need that care but he did get sick his Grisha life would not last as long as my grandmother's Grisha life. "If you'll excuse us, Tsar." General Kirigan said as he led me away. "Eventually you will have to come to the little palace, whether you wish to or not." 

I scoffed slightly knowing he couldn't force me, well he could try but I had the attitude to fight back. I saw a woman who was showing her age. Her hair was grey and she wore black. "Amira, this is Baghra." Aleksander said and Baghra looked at me seeing my dress design was not the usual summoner. "She is what?" Baghra asked, "I've never seen her before." Aleksander merely smirked "A Dual summoner Baghra, and she is my soulmate. Her name is Amira Silina, Amara's daughter and Catalina's granddaughter. She lives in Catalina's home as they did not send her here to train. Catalina and Amara have taken over her training." Aleksander pointed out

I looked at her, seeing her expression was calm until he pointed out I was his soulmate. She could probably tell I was neither happy nor angry about it. I was just humoring him tonight as I planned to never see him again if that was possible, living alone was an option too. Most Grisha was overjoyed by meeting their soulmate but he was a vampire, I would not subject myself. Still, I could tell more than anyone this woman wasn't just the trainer cause of the tone his voice carried as I showed her a bit of respect "It's nice to meet you Baghra, I have heard so many good stories from my mother." I said with a slight smile, but I knew that name from somewhere else...I had to think about it before it came to me and I remembered where I had heard about a shadow summoner woman who was Aleksander's mother. I felt a bit bad for her to have a vampire as her son. 

I saw my mother trying to get my attention as I excused myself from them and went to go over to her as she led me away. I needed space from him and I knew there was no way of getting around it but I worried I put my parents in more danger if I told them. We walked over to get something to drink as we relaxed. "Has he tried to do anything?" My mother asked, I shook my head not knowing he'd been nothing but a Gentlemen tonight. "Keep your guard up, the fact he had you wear black means he has intentions." Mother said. "After tonight, we will not see each other again so I do not care." I admitted 

Mother looked at me with surprise as I was talking like I was so certain but I knew he probably had my blood scent from the way he smelled me the other night. Grandma Catalina walked over standing on the other side of me as we all looked out at the party. I wanted nothing more than to leave but that was not an option. I finished the punch and decided to walk out of the ballroom heading anywhere but there as I came across a girl with brown hair, brown eyes, and a purple Kefta dress as I tried to pass her but she got in my way. "Who are you to wear the General's color?" Zoya asked, "Just someone he insisted on coming and I didn't choose it. I can't wait to go home." I said to her a bit annoyed already.

I tried once again to get past her but she got in front of me again as she seemed like she was going to use her Grisha power. "You really don't want to do this." I said, "I'm the General's favorite and you're just some stranger." She said, I put my hands behind my back putting them together in case I had to use my power as I turned to walk away. Suddenly I heard the sound of wind and I put my hand up covering me in light as I saw the light cut the wind. Looking back I saw her shock and I quickly switched the light and used water smacking her back with it as I looked seeing people had noticed. 

Saints! I am not living here. I thought 

I went back and I gathered everyone up as I talked them into leaving, we headed out of the ballroom fast. I knew this whole thing was bad but then I remembered that he had brought us here. We kept walking till we made it outside and I knew that people saw what I was capable of doing. I refused to destroy the fold and what lies within it as much as the vampires in the fold needed to be saved or given a mercy death that was not going to be on my hands. 

"So how are we going to leave?" Mother asked, I didn't have an answer but soon I saw Baghra come out as she must have seen my power. She whistled as a carriage came and I looked at her wondering why she let us go. "You need to go, he's looking for a sun summoner and you, my girl as a Dual Summoner must be very powerful." Baghra said, "We will meet again, I think I may be able to train you in many things." 

"Thank you Baghra." I said

Without hesitation, we got in the carriage as I was ready to get away from him and as soon as the carriage left the grounds I knew his initials were gone from my neck so I removed the necklace. I felt disgusted by him right now. I could only imagine that the Squaller girl may be in trouble for leading to my quick exit. 

we're away, we can just relax now. I thought 

Taglist: @lifeisingrey​

[amiramorozova]

Dual summoner and the Darkling -princess version- pt. 5

Pairing: Dual Summoner Amira Silina and Darkling General Kirigan/Aleksander Morozova

Glossary: otkazat’sya- Non-Grisha

After that Fete, I kept to myself but as promised he made up reasons for me to have to leave the grand palace. I was to pick up more 'classes' with him as I like the way that sounded, I had some simpler outfits that Genya snatched for me which was a shirt and pants like 2nd army. I was glad this was an option instead of a dress, the shoes were so much more comfortable. "I could get used to this." I said 

"Well don't get used to it just yet." General Kirigan said as we walked but I wanted to know what the AM stood for. "What does the initials stand for? If you're last name is Kirigan than you can't really have an M in your name." I asked as I walked beside him. "I'll tell you whatever you want to know when we're in a more secure location." General Kirigan told me. I wanted to know but nod as we kept going, turns out we were going horse riding so we saddled up the horses and he took me off grounds. I was in better confidence on the horse so when it was going fast I let go of the reins and laughed a bit before getting ahold of it. He led me to an open area where there was a well. 

"it's a well." I said as I noticed he got down and I followed getting down to knowing there was much. The Apparat I didn't care for him but he was creepy enough as I noticed the carvings walking over and traced them. "The story of how the fold was created. A former king hired a Grisha to be his adviser, a shadow summoner." I said as he chuckled a little knowing what people called. "You can say it, the black heretic." General Kirigan said, I shook my head as I pointed to the next one "this part, it doesn't seem right. It says the summoner was obsessed with power but our powers only go so far." I said with my back to him knowing there was so much I didn't know. "You don't think the black heretic was power hungry?" Kirigan asked as I shook my head. "there's missing pieces, why would he want more power unless something happened. Someone he cared about was killed or died possibly? So, he used a power he didn't understand causing the people in the land and himself to die." I answered

I looked back to look him in the eyes to see what was going through his head at that moment. He only had this surprised look like I looked past the story to something more. "Unless the black heretic didn't die by your reaction. Baghra is your mother." I said confronting him with what I'd heard in my unconscious state back at my presentation. His expression changed quickly as I stood up and he walked over to look into my eyes. "If only you were just a little older. I never expected anyone to see past that story the otkazat’sya put together.

"Your real name, you owe me that at least." I said confronting him knowing no matter what he said she wanted the truth. "Aleksander." He said as he looked at me and he moved his sleeve showing my initials AS. "Your real last name, Amira?" Aleksander asked. I knew my father informed me through a letter of my birth last name as I looked at him. "Silina," I said as I moved my necklace and showing his initials. "Morozova." Aleksander said as I let it go in shock as I'd heard that last name before. Sankt Ilya Morozova was the first Grisha saint. "You're related to Sankt Ilya." I said

He walked away and sighed "Luckily a tailor can modify those initials long enough when I come forward to claim you from the royals." Aleksander said, "My father doesn't approve of this. There is nothing between us except teacher and student." I said as I walked back to the horse. I was going to start heading back but he pulled me back and I looked at him. "Your father has no power over what the saints deem." Aleksander said 

I knew he was right but that didn't mean I liked the idea of the black heretic being my soulmate.  Still, after that, we headed back and I hardly said a word. Once I made it back I think I avoided him for a year and a half. I started missing Nikolai as I thought about a time when he was here in my memory. He'd joked he was going to marry me cause I wasn't his blood sister.

Fourteen isn't bad...two more years. I thought 

Those two years went by before I knew it and I didn't know what was going to happen. Count down to the day it was not going to work out, I knew Nikolai wouldn't make it back before this day. He'd been doing things across seas and I didn't even love my adopted brothers like family. Prince Vasily ignored my presence, the Queen didn't spend much time with me anymore, and the King...I locked my room at night now. 

Poor Genya...there's nothing I can do to help her. I thought 

By the time I was closing in on my sixteenth birthday, Genya came in to help me and she made me look presentable. I was to wear a tiara this time but I didn't feel the part as I sighed rubbing my arm. "You look great." Genya said as she looked at me in the mirror before she loosened my necklace to show the initials and modified the M to a K. It was temporary but it was for the best, "Might I suggest another necklace?" Genya asked as we looked over my jewelry for tonight. 

 After getting myself ready for the night I was worried about all this, it was going to be a big party but it was also where Aleksander could come forward. "Are you excited, tonight your Grisha soulmate may come forward to claim you before another royal can." Genya said as I had two years to consider it. My Grisha soulmate is the black heretic, the reason the problem in Ravka was here. If I wanted to get out of royalty society then I had to accept him at least for now. "Perhaps." I said, "I heard the King talking about tonight, he seems to be interested in knowing who it is. Whoever comes forward will have a chance to become next in line for the throne if anything would happen to Prince Vasily." Genya mentioned

I looked in the mirror at her as I had no idea that they were giving me a claim on the throne. No wonder the general was so adamant about coming forward as my Grisha soulmate, he could get the throne if anything happened to the heir of the throne. "this claim to the throne that my Grisha soulmate would have...is only if I marry them, correct?" I asked Genya knowing marriage was an option for me. I didn't have to get married to get claimed as someone's Grisha Soulmate.

When Genya was done I sighed as I walked to the throne room with Genya behind me, the Queen had assigned her to help me when she wasn't assisting the Queen. As I walked in there I saw everyone who was there, my parents were there as I nodded to them. I think they were awe-struck with seeing me dressed up like a princess. I was treated as one of the people as my hair was kept down to keep my Grisha soulmate's initials kept hidden. The king approached offering his hand as I took it and he led me up to where the thrones were. 

"Thank you for coming, today is a special day. Amira turns sixteen today and is of age to enter into a courtship but since she is Grisha. Her Grisha Soulmate may have first claim of her if he is present and steps forward." The King said, Amira silently prayed he wouldn't move as she looked and her eyes met Aleksander's eyes. Yet, against her silent prayer he walked forward and bowed "Moi Tsar, I am Amira's Grisha soulmate. I bear the proof here." Aleksander said as he showed his wrist to the King showing my initials AS for Amira Silina. "On her neck, you will see my initials there." 

As the King let my hand go he looked at me "Amira, if you will." The King said as I sighed before moving my hand and pulling my hair to the side. There on my neck were the initials AK for the King to see. I knew the truth, it was AM but a tailor had the power to manipulate for a short time as he planned. Genya worked for him, he had this all planned out. "I see, then you are claiming her. I assume." The King said, "Yes, Tsar. I want nothing but to make her happy." Aleksander said 

I saw the King give his approval as he motioned for me to go, I held back my sigh as I walked down seeing Aleksander offer his hand and I took it. "From this day, I will do everything to show you I want nothing but your happiness." Aleksander said to me, but I could see past his words. I was the Sun Summoner who was also Tidemaker so he had use for my powers. I had to be formal with him for now "General, I had no idea. What shall I call you from now on?" I said, a lie in front of everyone. We both knew I'd known his name for two years. "Aleksander." He said as he kissed the top of my hand.

We mingled with guests who were wishing us good fortune in our future, while others I heard whispering how inappropriate it was for the General to be my Grisha Soulmate. If they knew how old he truly was they would talk more. After we talked more, we finally made it to my parents. I figured my father would not be happy and say something but he wanted me to have my freedom. 

"You are Amira's father." Aleksander said to my father, I looked at him waiting to find out what he would say. "We've met before General, our mother's are very well acquainted." Father's words were clear as day for me, I knew they were both four hundred and something years old. "Ah yes, I thought you were familiar. I have heard great things about Amira's grandmother. Sad she hasn't had a chance to meet such a powerful Grisha. She is still alive, correct? It's so very rare for Ancient Grisha to be alive." Aleksander said as he looked at me and he seemed to be staring at me. "Your daughter is beautiful and I will make sure to take care of her." 

I could see Father wanted nothing more than to use light on him but that wasn't an option. This was the saints who had chosen this union and I had to accept it even though right now I didn't. I looked at my father knowing that for now, he had to trust in this union to work. Aleksander was my freedom from the royal family. 

When the music started, Aleksander led me out to the dance floor and danced with me. Unlike the last time we danced, I wasn't smiling but I put on a fake smile when the King was looking. "You're unhappy." Aleksander said I knew there was things I didn't know about him. "How can I trust you?" I said as I looked at him. Aleksander merely looked at me as we danced. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you. I'll try to get your things moved to the little palace so you can have more freedom." Aleksander said 

Why don't I trust you completely? I thought 

I looked away as we danced and sighed a bit "I can't trust you'll be loyal. You've probably laid with others." I said as he twirled me while we danced. "I guess I'll just have to earn your trust. How about I start with getting you out of here?" Aleksander said as I looked at him knowing that was probably best. The King did creep me out and I think Aleksander could figure that out. 

After the party, he kissed the top of my hand leaving me with my real parents as he went over talking with them. "I still don't like him." Father said, "We must trust he knows what he is doing father. As he is the only one who can get me out of here." I said calmly, I had to make this work for my freedom. "What did you hear about the throne?" Mother asked, I sighed knowing I wouldn't tell him this. "I have a claim on it, if something ever happens to the heir." I said knowing that was all they needed to know.

When he walked over, he seemed very confident as if he won in whatever he was talking about. "It is done, tomorrow you'll be staying over at the little palace in my hall." Aleksander said I was surprised it was that easy for him to convince them. Then again he had a certain charm everyone fell for in some way. 

TagList: @lifeisingrey,  @houseoftoomanyfandoms

[amiramorozova]

Dual Summoner and the Darkling -princess verison- pt. 4

For the next few years, I was groomed to be a princess and to be ready for anything. When I was twelve almost thirteen I was excited about my birthday and the winter fete. I was more confident now but I needed to get through this. My powers had grown too so I wasn't falling unconscious from using them simultaneously. Baghra was impressed with my effort and I had more work on my hand than the normal princess.

I wasn't so afraid but I decided to wear a necklace now, I wanted to keep the initials covered and the king gave it to me. So I wore it proudly as I would with anything I was asked to come to the throne room that something was going on. I walked in there as I wanted to see and saw that General Kirigan was here with a Grisha girl who looked like she could be around my age. 

Amira's necklace:

"Ah, here she is. Amira come here." The King said as I walked over to him standing by the Queen since my adopted brother was on the other side. The other brother had decided to go study abroad so it was just the two of us now. "Moi Tsar, Moya Tsaritsa this Genya Safin. She's a tailor and she could be useful to you." General Kirigan said as I watched intently at what was going on. "Genya will be useful to help my wife and Amira get ready for the next winter fete." The King said 

From that day forward Genya was put in the service of the Queen more than the King, but she did make time for me as the King said. It wasn't so bad since she helped us look our best every day but then I started to notice marks on her. "Who did this?" I asked her in concern. "The Queen, but it's ok." Genya said as she put her thumbs together then moved her thumb over the bruise marks and they healed. "You're a healer?" I asked as Genya had me sit forward with a smile. "I am a tailor, but I can heal and modify." Genya said 

You're Grisha, are you spying for him? I thought 

Genya tapped my necklace lightly, getting my attention as I was in my thoughts. "Are you hiding something princess?" Genya asked as I sighed. "Like you, I am Grisha. I don't know what went wrong with my parents but the royals adopted me." I said as she was busy working with what little she had. "What is your special power?" Genya asked as I  was surprised. Not many people ever asked me what I was, they just went about like I was another royal. "I'm a Dual Summoner." I said as Genya stopped and looked in the mirror at me. "What?" Genya asked as she went back but kept watch in the mirror. "I'm a sun summoner and tidemaker." I said 

Genya completely stopped as she kneeled before me and bowed her head as if she'd met someone important. I went to reach for her and put a hand on her shoulder as she looked at me. "You are her, General Kirigan has been talking about a girl he will save from the royals. That when she is of age he will present himself as her soulmate." Genya said as I felt very uncomfortable and pouted slightly. I didn't love the General, I didn't know what love was since my adopted parents just gave me whatever I wanted. 

My real parents are out there somewhere and they wanted me. They did this for my protection. I thought 

Genya went back to work and she finished as she laughed a bit. "You should smile more often, I heard stories of your mother. The infamous tidemaker who would lead and then she retired to get married." Genya said as I looked at her surprised. "Her name was Amara, people talk about her all the time in the Grisha community." 

I wanted to meet my parents but that was nearly impossible right now. I started to cry knowing there was no solution to my problem. Genya got in front of me and wiped my tears. "Now, Now you'll meet your parents someday." Genya assured me. "Maybe when you marry the General?" 

I just looked at her, soon my birthday arrived and the royals were celebrating for me. I walked out with the dress they gave me as it was a big celebration for my 13th birthday. I noticed some people that I didn't know as I walked around waiting. "Ah, here she is. Amira come here." The King said as I walked over to him standing by the Queen since my adopted brother was on the other side. The other brother had decided to go study abroad so it was just the two of us now. "Moi Tsar, Moya Tsaritsa this Genya Safin. She's a tailor and she could be useful to you." General Kirigan said as I watched intently at what was going on. "Genya will be useful to help my wife and Amira get ready for the next winter fete." The King said

From that day forward Genya was put in the service of the Queen more than the King, but she did make time for me as the King said. It wasn't so bad since she helped us look our best every day but then I started to notice marks on her. "Who did this?" I asked her in concern. "The Queen, but it's ok." Genya said as she put her thumbs together then moved her thumb over the bruise marks and they healed. "You're a healer?" I asked as Genya had me sit forward with a smile. "I am a tailor, but I can heal and modify." Genya said

You're Grisha, are you spying for him? I thought

Genya tapped my necklace lightly, getting my attention as I was in my thoughts. "Are you hiding something princess?" Genya asked as I sighed. "Like you, I am Grisha. I don't know what went wrong with my parents but the royals adopted me." I said as she was busy working with what little she had. "What is your special power?" Genya asked as I was surprised. Not many people ever asked me what I was, they just went about like I was another royal. "I'm a Dual Summoner." I said as Genya stopped and looked in the mirror at me. "What?" Genya asked as she went back but kept watch in the mirror. "I'm a sun summoner and tidemaker." I said

Genya completely stopped as she kneeled before me and bowed her head as if she'd met someone important. I went to reach for her and put a hand on her shoulder as she looked at me. "You are her, General Kirigan has been talking about a girl he will save from the royals. That when she is of age he will present himself as her soulmate." Genya said as I felt very uncomfortable and pouted slightly. I didn't love the General, I didn't know what love was since my adopted parents just gave me whatever I wanted.

My real parents are out there somewhere and they wanted me. They did this for my protection. I thought

Genya went back to work and she finished as she laughed a bit. "You should smile more often, I heard stories of your mother. The infamous tidemaker who would lead and then she retired to get married." Genya said as I looked at her surprised. "Her name was Amara, people talk about her all the time in the Grisha community."

I wanted to meet my parents but that was nearly impossible right now. I started to cry knowing there was no solution to my problem. Genya got in front of me and wiped my tears. "Now, Now you'll meet your parents someday." Genya assured me. "Maybe when you marry the General?"

I just looked at her, soon my birthday arrived and the royals were celebrating for me. I walked out with the dress they gave me as it was a big celebration for my 13th birthday. I noticed some people that I didn't know as I walked around waiting for it to be over. When I bumped into people seeing they looked like me in a way.

"Amira." The woman said as both of them seemed surprised, I didn't say anything. What could I say but then the man talked. "We're sorry Amira, we thought this was best." The man said, that made me realize who these two were, my birth parents. I looked over to see the King was busy and I hugged them trying hard not to cry. "Why?" I asked as they looked at each other. "Fjerdans are tracking down Grisha, we are given a secure location but you had to become part of the royal family for safety." My father said as I realized that was why I was here in the grand palace, why I was kept from the 2nd army. I was part of the agreement "Why didn't you write?" I asked as My mother sighed. "We were told to keep silent until you reached the age of thirteen." My mother said 

Amira’s Dress:

I realized this whole thing was set up for me to be kept out of the folds business, if I wasn't part of the 2nd army then I wasn't going to be subjected to be the savior. "The fold can be destroyed with light." I said, "yes, and it would take a lot of power to do." My father said, I nod realizing that was why this all worked out, it wasn't to unite Ravka it was to maintain power. "May I?" Father asked as he noticed the type of necklace I had on and I nod as he lifted it, knowing exactly what was there. "AM" My mother said as my father let it go and he was not happy. "Your only chance of freedom in this agreement, is that man? I don't approve." My father said

I was confused but then General Kirigan came in and of course, I looked with a slight smile. Not supposed to be close or not my father pulled me back as I realized he was the man father did not approve of. "I can't believe we have to put our trust in a shadow summoner." Her father said as I knew he was called the darkling. "How close has he gotten to you?" "He is my horse riding teacher and Baghra trains me on my power." I said, father seemed to be less tense on hearing about Baghra. "She's a good teacher." Father said

He walked over to us, father let me go as I fixed everything but I didn't tell my birth parents he knew the truth. "Amira, you look nice on your special day." I just smiled at him "thank you." I said as he walked away. Father still didn't like the way things were but I needed to get away from the royals sometime. "He won't try anything yet." Father said as I just mingled with everyone. I had to hope for the best when it came time. 

Luckily I wasn't forbidden contact with my birth parents after the party, we communicated through letters. I was still being treated with respect and everything was going well. My parents were happy that they treated me well. I told them about Genya and they seemed to like that I had a Grisha friend. Still, time went by and before I knew it the next Winter fete arrived. 

I questioned what I was going to wear to this one when my dress arrived, looking at it I was surprised. This was going to be different as I smiled at the color. It was a nice color and looked great for me. I wondered if the General would ask me to dance at this fete but he never seemed interested in dancing. 

Maybe the General isn't interested in simple society things. I thought 

I took a deep breath as I headed with them to the Fete, of course, this time I was able to blend in with society. I was able to talk to nobles without a problem but the issue they would bring up about my future husband was not one I wished to talk about. "The King has said that my true Grisha soulmate may claim me first before such talks." I said to them, they were surprised unaware I was Grisha. 

"Have you met your Grisha soulmate?" One of the nobles asked, I looked at them surprised by their question. "I have met my Grisha soulmate but he's older than I am so we must wait. I don't even know if he'll come forward" I said as they seemed to not like that answer. Honestly, I knew my birth family didn't like it either. 

When I heard footsteps coming, I looked back seeing the General was there. If Nobles had paid attention he was the only one who paid mind to me. He didn't even really pay attention to the other royals or the other Grisha. "That dress compliments you well with your necklace." General Kirigan said as he offered his arm. I took it since he was the only one the king allowed to escort me around. As we walked I decided to approach the subject even though I was only thirteen at the time.

"So, General should we talk about the truth?" I asked as nobles would talk with me as he escorted me around. "What truth is that?" He asked seeming as calm as nothing bothered him. "For starters, your Grisha Soulmate." I said as he stopped and looked at me, I realized that was a bit bold and I almost backed down but he sighed. "You're thirteen, when you're sixteen we'll talk more." He said 

For the rest of the night if I asked anything he'd just answer them like normal but when the last dance happened. I wanted to go out and dance but none of the nobles approached so when he offered his hand to dance I couldn't resist. It made the winter fete a bit special to me and as we danced he decided to ask. "You met your parents at your birthday party." I looked up at him surprised. "I did, they told me everything and why I live this life." I said as he sighed. "Well then, I guess you'll just have to have more classes with me so you can come by the little palace. When you're old enough to fit in a kefta we'll make one in case anyone tries to break in the grand palace, keftas are bullet proof." General Kirigan said 

Bulletproof keftas? I thought 

TagList: @lifeisingrey,  @houseoftoomanyfandoms