#zoya nazyalensky smut | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

simp2537 · 9 months ago

Text

Moon Helios

a/n : Oh boy was this hard to write. I’ve had major writers block because I’ve been trying to write Y/n’s character in this was a struggle. There’s one more chapter before we get into the real plot. I’m so excited. There are a lot of triggers in this chapter. I don’t wanna give anything away but READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Other than that please enjoy. Word Count: 9.2k plus

Series trigger warnings:Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act l : The motherland

Chapter Five

A cold air whipped around Y/n as she forced herself off the ground. The snow covered ground caused her skin to go cold and the falling snow invaded her cloudy eyes. Y/n heard the soft groaning of Isla, Niko, Zan, and Kheli. Y/n pushed her body off the ground as her sight kicked in.

Y/n ran to Isla and quickly helped her up. Isla shook from the cold, Y/n quickly removed her cloak and wrapped it tightly around the smaller girl. Niko helped the other boys up and turned to Y/n.

“Where the hell are we?” Zan yelled as snow whipped around them. Niko groans and rubbed his arms. As he did so he found a small note in his pocket. It read.

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐥. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞.

They all groaned in frustration as they looked around. They were in a snow covered area with no people in sight. There’s a lot of snow, too much snow. Trees covered in snow, the forest was large and vast.

“How will we know who speaks the language? We don’t even know where we are!” Zan yelled. Kheli sighed softly and dusted snow off his pants. Niko walked over to him and grabbed Y/n’a shoulder.

“I think we should find a village of some sorts. Maybe we’ll find this ring of Sol there.” Niko suggested. With a small sigh they all began to walk through the snow covered ground. Y/n tied the blue ribbon tightly around Isla as they walked.

As they all moved through the woods Y/n surveyed the area around them. It was quiet far to quiet for Y/n’s liking, all she could hear were there steps on the snow. Every minute or so Y/n would count everyone’s steps. She’d count five pairs of footsteps all together.

The winds whipped around the ground, messing with there hairs, the dry air causing Niko to cough a few times. Y/n felt the vibrations around them. There were more then there group. Y/n froze her eyes darting around. That’s when she saw it, some men dressed warm fur cloaks, dressed in black uniforms, and weapons.

ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ

Y/n grabbed tightly onto Isla and dashed away. Niko, Kheli and Zan followed after her as the pair ran. The snow pools around their feet as they run, a village came into view.

Their feet were heavy against the ground as they panted. Isla’s soft hand tightly knitted into Y/n’s calloused hand. The group runs into the bustling town, narrowly avoiding people as they run.

“ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ ꓄ꃅꍟꂵ! “ A booming called out from behind them. A giant of a man grabbed into Isla yanking her, causing Y/n to hit the ground with a thud. The blue ribbon around his wrist causing Y/n to be dragged.

Niko and Zan stopped running and turned back ready to activate their armor. Kheli was grasped onto by a giant blonde made of pure muscle. Y/n raised her hand motioning them to stop. Fjerdan, they spoke fjerdan.

She understood there language, she was in charge. A rough hand picked her up and her sight allowed her to see his face. He was taller than any man she’d ever seen. A large scar traced down his face from his eyes down to the bottom on his chin. His eyes were icy and sharp, peering into Y/n’s cloudy ones.

“ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꀤꌗ ꅏꋪꂦꈤꁅ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꓄ꃅꍟꌗꍟ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸꋪꍟꈤ! ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꍟꌩꍟꌗ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꉓ꒒ꂦꀎꀸꌩ.” He spoke his voice booming all around. Isla struggled in his grip.

“꒒ꍟ꓄ ꃅꍟꋪ ꁅꂦ.” Y/n demanded. The ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ looked over at her, and furrowed their brows. Who was this tiny girl. Why were her eye’s and her companions eyes white.

“꓄ꃅꍟꌩ ꂵꀎꌗ꓄ ꌃꍟ ꁅꋪꀤꌗꃅꍏ ꅏꀤ꓄ꉓꃅꍟꌗ! ꌃꀎꋪꈤ ꓄ꃅꍟꂵ!” An older woman with a hunched back and cane yelled. Isla’s eyes widen in distress and she tried to pull away but to no avail. Niko and Zan stood frozen as two more ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟꌗ nabbed them into their iron grip. Kheli struggled and the blonde dug his nails into Kheli’s skin.

“ꌗꃅꍟ ꌗꉣꍟꍏꀘꌗ ꂦꀎꋪ ꒒ꍏꈤꁅꀎꍏꁅꍟ. ꀤꎇ ꌗꃅꍟ’ꌗ ꁅꋪꀤꌗꃅꍏ ꓄ꃅꍟꈤ ꅏꍟ ꂵꀎꌗ꓄-“ The man holding Niko began but Y/n interrupted him.

“ꈤꂦ! ꉣ꒒ꍟꍏꌗꍟ! ꅏꍟ’ꋪꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꁅꋪꀤꌗꃅꍏ! ꅏꍟ’ꋪꍟ ꂦꋪꉣꃅꍏꈤꌗ!” Y/n screamed. Niko, Zan, Kheli and Isla paled and lowered their gaze away. The fjerdan’s all froze and the one holding Y/n lowered her to the ground.

“ꍟꊼꉓꀎꌗꍟ ꂵꍟ?” He questioned as he set Isla onto the winter ground. Y/n quickly pulled Isla behind her. Niko and Zan were placed on the ground.

“ꂦꀎꋪ ꎇꍏꂵꀤ꒒ꀤꍟꌗ ꓄ꃅꋪꍟꅏ ꀎꌗ ꂦꀎ��. ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꅏꍏꌗ ꍏ ꎇꀤꋪꍟ ꍏꈤꀸ ꅏꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꒒ꂦꌗ꓄ ꂦꀎꋪ ꍟꌩꍟ ꌗꀤꁅꃅ꓄. ꂦꀎꋪ ꎇꍏꂵꀤ꒒ꀤꍟꌗ ꎇꂦꀎꈤꀸ ꈤꂦ ꀎꌗꍟ ꀤꈤ ꀎꌗ ꍏꈤꌩꂵꂦꋪꍟ ꍏꈤꀸ ꉓꍏꌗ꓄ ꀎꌗ ꍏꅏꍏꌩ.” Y/n lied smoothly. Niko quickly pulled Zan towards Y/n and they all stood behind Y/n.

The blonde kept his grip on Kheli. Y/n looked over at Kheli, and with a small shake of his head Y/n turned back to the ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ in front of her. The scared man stared down at her, a mix of pity and anger in his icy eyes.

“ꅏꃅꌩ ꀸꀤꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ ꋪꀎꈤ?” The scared man questioned. Y/n froze, she thought quickly. Her mind raced with possibilities.

“ꀤ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ, ꀤ ꅏꍏꌗ ꎇꋪꀤꁅꃅ꓄ꍟꈤꍟꀸ. ꅏꃅꂦ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸꈤ’꓄ ꋪꀎꈤ ꂦꈤꉓꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟꌩ ꃅꍟꍏꋪ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꀤꈤ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꅏꂦꂦꀸꌗ. ꀤ꓄’ꌗ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꅏꍟ ꉓꍏꈤ ꌗꍟꍟ, ꀤ ꅏꍏꌗꈤ’꓄ ꌗꀎꋪꍟ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꀤ’ꀸ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ.”

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ?”

Y/n nod softly, she held back the want to attack the man who held onto Kheli as Kheli groaned in pain. The scared man turned to the blonde and sent a chilled look to him. The blonde dropped Kheli to the ground and stood straight. Kheli rubbed his neck, crescent moon marks from the blonde nails were dug into his skin.

Y/n held her hand out for him but Kheli just stood. He stood behind her, not taking her hand. Y/n furrowed a brow but the sound of the scared man clearing his throat brought her attention back to him.

The scared man moved towards Y/n and in instinct she backed up, her group followed suit. The scared man watched them with curious eyes. They moved in sync, like they were all intoned to the same brain. They stood tall even though they were surrounded on all sides by strangers.

Slowly the scared man knelt down to Y/n’s height. Surprisingly he was still a bit taller than her. He stared at Y/n, it was obvious to him she was the leader. The alpha of this small pack of children.

“ꀤ ꍏꉣꂦ꒒ꂦꁅꀤꁴꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꎇꋪꀤꁅꃅ꓄ꍟꈤꍟꀸ. ꀤ ꀭꀎꌗ꓄ ꉓꍏꈤ’꓄ ꀤꂵꍏꁅꀤꈤꍟ ꃅꂦꅏ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꍏꌃ꒒ꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꍟꍏꋪ ꀎꌗ?” He stared but Y/n could hear the slight accusatory tone. Y/n tilted her head, making it seem as though she was trying to find the right direction of his voice.

ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ were known for being able to walk in snow, keeping silent. Y/n studied the scared man’s face. He had a dark beard, peppered with white. His hair was longer than the others, he was in charge. Only ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ who’d achieved officer status could grow a beard.

“ꀤ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ ꍏ ꓄ꅏꀤꁅ ꌗꈤꍏꉣ.”

The scared man’s eyes look to the blonde. His face was the youngest, he seemed a bit worried.

“ꌩꂦꀎ’꒒꒒ ꃅꍏꃴꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꎇꂦꋪꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ, ꃅꍟ’ꌗ ꍏ ꈤꍟꅏꍟꋪ ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ.” The scared man said. Y/n nodded softly. Ville the blonde that had held Kheli rolled his eyes slightly. A low growl came from the scared man’s side. A large white wolf growled softly as it walked near children.

They all stifled back, the boys cowering in fear when the ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ neared them. The ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ growled at Kheli and Y/n moved in front of him. The ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ stopped its growling and tilted her head. Her ivory fur blowed slightly in the breeze. The scared man gasped softly as the ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ nuzzled itself into Y/n’s stomach.

“ꂵꍏꀭꍏ ꉓꂦꂵꍟ.” He called out, with a small whine Maja his ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ moved back to him. His scared hand gently pet through her ivory fur. Y/n kept her gaze on the wolf.

She was much larger than any wolf she’d ever seen. She was large with powerful legs and a shaggy tail. Her eyes were crimson and had a ring of brown in the center.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꌗꉣꍟꍏꀘ ꂦꀎꋪ ꒒ꍏꈤꁅꀎꍏꁅꍟ, ꃅꂦꅏ?” He questioned. Y/n bit back a remark and kept her friends behind her.

“ꂵꌩ ꉣꍏꋪꍟꈤ꓄ꌗ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ.” Y/n stated softly. It wasn’t a pure lie. Either her mother or her father was fjerdan. He gave her a small nod and through her sight she saw a woman with blonde hair, and bright blue eyes.

The woman placed a soft hand on his shoulder. Her hair in a braided crown and a thick cape lined with fur is around her.

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ?” The women asks but the scared man, now known as Gustav ignored her. His gaze was strictly on Y/n.

“ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꎇꋪꀤꍟꈤꀸꌗ ꍏꋪꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ, ꀤ ꉓꍏꈤ ꌗꍟꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄. ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꌃꂦꌩ ꀤꌗ ꌗꀎ꒒ꀤ, ꓄ꃅꂦꌗꍟ ꌃꂦꌩꌗ ꒒ꂦꂦꀘ ꋪꍏꃴꀘꍏꈤ, ꍏꈤꀸ ꌗꃅꍟ ꒒ꂦꂦꀘꌗ ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꌗꃅꍟ ꎇꋪꂦꂵ ꈤꂦꃴꌩꀤ ꁴꍟꂵ.” He announced. Y/n kept herself firmly in between her friends and the ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ.

“ꂦꀎꋪ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍏꁅꍟ ꉓꂦꈤꌗꀤꌗ꓄ꍟꀸ ꂵꍏꈤꌩ ꀸꀤꎇꎇꍟꋪꍟꈤ꓄ ꉣꍟꂦꉣ꒒ꍟ. ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꅏꍟꋪꍟꈤ’꓄ ꀭꀎꌗ꓄ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ’ꌗ.” Y/n admitted. Maja howled and a few other wolves howled back. The women came closer but Gustav held a protective hand in front of her.

Y/n raised a brow, was he …. Afraid. Isla clutched on to Niko’s arm as Zan and Kheli stood around her. The winds whipped around blowing cold air at Y/n. A shiver erupted through her skin uncovered due to giving her cloak to Isla.

The women gently pushed aside Gustav’s arm and she knelt in front of Y/n. She stared into her eyes and examined her face. Her hands were soft like rose petals, and Y/n flinched back when her hands gently held her face.

“ꉣꂦꂦꋪ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅꌗ, ꌩꂦꀎ’ꃴꍟ ꌃꍟꍟꈤ ꍏ꒒ꂦꈤꍟ ꌗꂦ ꒒ꂦꈤꁅ.” She mumbled softly. Y/n didn’t understand this strange feeling in her chest as this woman held her face.

“ꈤꂦꋪꍏ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꀘ, ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꀘꀤꈤꁅ ꀤ꓄.” Gustav growled but the woman Nora. Nora glared back at him and gently wrapped her cloak around Y/n. Nora looked back at the other children with a motherly gaze. She couldn’t help but notice how close they seemed.

They all huddled together, forming a small diamond shape. Y/n in the front, Kheli and Niko at her sides, Isla directly behind Y/n and Zan in the back. The boys looked ready to pounce. Nora has seen how they followed Y/n’s movements. Where she moved they moved, when she so much and moved a finger they copped it.

Nora reached her hand for Y/n to take. Y/n moved back in confusion. She seemed kind, it could be a lie. She could be trying to trap them, hurt them. Y/n wouldn’t let that happen.

“꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꂵꌩ ꃅꍏꈤꀸ, ꉣ꒒ꍟꍏꌗꍟ.” Nora sighed reaching g her hand further out. Y/n kept herself firmly between this woman and her people.

“ꅏꃅꌩ?”

Nora furrowed a brow but kept her hand out. Gustav stared at his wife in confusion, he kept Maja ready to pounce. The other ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ watched there leaders wife with a curious expression. Her kindness knew no bounds, but to extend that the strangers.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꉓꂦ꒒ꀸ, ꌗꂦ ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍏꋪꂵ꓄ꃅ. ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꃅꀎꈤꁅꋪꌩ, ꌗꂦ ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꍟꍟꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ. ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꓄ꃅꀤꋪꌗ꓄ꌩ, ꌗꂦ ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꓄ꂦ ꀸꋪꀤꈤꀘ. ꌗꂦ ꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꂵꌩ ꃅꍏꈤꀸ.” Nora voices her tone sweeter than any honey the group had ever tasted.

Y/n felt a warmth in her body she’d never felt before. It’s was fuzzy, like sitting at just the right place next to a fire. After a moment Y/n took Nora’s hand. Nora’s smile brightened and she lead the group through the crowds of people. Gustav went to stop his wife but instead he watched.

The crowds parted for Nora like she was royalty. The crowds stared down at the children with a mix of curiosity and disprove. A few children younger, older, and around their age stared at them till their parents pushed them back.

Gustav looked over at Ville and followed his gaze. It was set on Y/n with a curious expression. Gustav stood next to him in a matter of minutes.

“I want you to watch over those children, especially that girl.” Gustav whispered while looking at Y/n. “Something is off about these children.”

With a small nod from Ville Gustav walked toward his wife, Maja followed closely behind. Ville stared at them as the crowds gathered as each child left his view.

Y/n kept her grip firmly in Nora’s. This women was kind, too kind. That would be her fault, her kindness to these children. They were no ordinary children. They were Helios in training, and they had a job to do.

……………………………………

Snow flurried down from the grey sky as Y/n left the home of Gustav and Nora. For the last two weeks her and her fellow trainees were staying with the leader of this Fjerdan town and his wife. Gustav agreed that the children could stay as long as they lived in the attic and help around.

So there Y/n was, holding a basket, and a small huddle of thin cookies for her to snack on. Y/n journeyed through the town towards the town center. The children playing stopped and stared at her. Their eyes filling nothing but distrust.

Another pair of eyes followed her. Ville’s pale eyes followed her as she walked and snacked. Y/n felt his gaze but didn’t turn to look at him. Ville followed behind her as she walked. Y/n stopped and turned, Ville stumbled slightly and glared down at her.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꋪꍟꍏ꒒꒒ꌩ ꌗꀎꉓꀘ ꍏ꓄ ꎇꂦ꒒꒒ꂦꅏꀤꈤꁅ ꉣꍟꂦꉣ꒒ꍟ. ꀤ ꉓꍏꈤ ꃅꍟꍏꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Y/n answered as she bit into the cookie. Ville grumbled and began to walk next to her. Y/n rolled her eyes as she held tightly onto her basket. She handed Ville one of the cookies, no words were exchanged.

“ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꀤꌗ ꀤ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꀸꂦꀤꈤꁅ?” Ville questioned as the pair weaved their way through people. Y/n picked up spices and Ville would add things to her basket.

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꀤꌗ ꃅꍏꃴꀤꈤꁅ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꋪꀤꍟꈤꀸꌗ ꂦꃴꍟꋪ ꒒ꍏ꓄ꍟꋪ. ꈤꂦꋪꍏ ꌗꍟꈤ꓄ ꂵꍟ ꂦꀎ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꁅꋪꍏꌃ ꍏ ꎇꍟꅏ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅꌗ ꎇꂦꋪ ꃅꍟꋪ. ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꃅꀎꈤ꓄ꌗ ꀤꌗ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꅏꍟ’꒒꒒ ꉓꂦꂦꀘ.” Y/n answered as she paid the stall owner. Ville nodded softly, he was going on the hunt with the others.

Y/n picked up some bad grain and Ville sighed. He took the grain from her hand and handed her a better bag. Y/n thanked him silently as she paid with the krydda.

Ville’s eyes trailed after Y/n wherever she went. Y/n’a braided hair flowed in the cool breeze. Nora had been doing Y/n and Isla’s hair for the past two weeks. It was customary for unmarried women.

As they began to walk back towards Gustav’s home Y/n hummed softly. Ville listened intently as the soft sound entered his ears. From afar Gustav ready Maja to hunt, a few other men with him. Gustav watched as Ville brought Y/n home with an almost knowing gaze.

Ville opened the door and allowed Y/n inside. Gustav called him and Ville turned to leave. Ville began to walk down the snow covered path glancing back at the closed door of the home.

“ꉓꂦꂵꍟ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ, ꓄ꃅꍟ ꆰꀎꀤꉓꀘꍟꋪ ꅏꍟ ꃅꀎꈤ꓄ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꎇꂦꋪ ꈤꂦꋪꍏ, ꓄ꃅꍟ ꆰꀎꀤꉓꀘꍟꋪ ꅏꍟ ꎇꍟꍏꌗ꓄.” Gustav cheered with a right smile and a pat on Ville’s back. Ville flinched slightly at the roughness of Gustav. As the other men went into the woods, Gustav grabbed Ville’s thick cloak.

“ꀤꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꅏꍏ꒒ꀘ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꃅꍟꋪ, ꋪꍟꂵꍟꂵꌃꍟꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ ꈤꍟꍟꀸ ꍏ ꉓꃅꍏꉣꍟꋪꂦꈤꍟ.” Gustav growled softly, letting go of Ville. Ville stuttered over his words. No, he didn’t want Y/n, she was a stranger. She was odd, and her friends brought distrust into his home. Gustav merely watched Ville’s inner workings as he guided Maja into the wood.

Y/n brought the basket full of spices, grain and a few other things into the kitchen. Isla and Nora moved around cooking together. Nora kept Isla away from the knives and stove thinking it too dangerous for a girl who couldn’t see or speak. Nora smiled brightly as Y/n brought her the basket.

Nora had Y/n begin to make some bread. The boys were up in the attic planning out how to steal the ring. Turns out Gustav had it, but it was kept in his bedroom. Nora had mentioned it in a previous conversation. Y/n had also seen it once.

Time flew by as the two girls and older women worked in the kitchen. Gustav soon returned with a kill, a deer. Gustav dressed and cleaned it then left it to Nora. Gustav gave Nora a quick kiss on her forehead and pull Y/n aside. Y/n furrowed her brow as Gustav guided Y/n away.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꈤꀸ ꀤꌗ꒒ꍏ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꃅꍟ꒒ꉣ ꍏꋪꂦꀎꈤꀸ ꀸꀤꈤꈤꍟꋪ.” Y/n furrowed her brow in confusion. She always helped with dinner.

“ꅏꍟ ꍏ꒒ꅏꍏꌩꌗ ꃅꍟ꒒ꉣ.”

Gustav stared down at her with a firm face. He fixed up her hair quickly, adjusting her braid. Some of men entered into the house and Gustav pulled a few strands of Y/n’s hair out of the braid.

Gustav stared down at Y/n’s s/c skin, it shined softly. Y/n, Isla, Niko, Kheli, and Zan were everything his wife wanted. Gustav had been unable to gift Nora children, so he couldn’t refuse to let this orphans go. Nora has quickly grown attached, while Gustav was only now growing attached to Y/n.

The others were fine but there was something off with how Y/n carried herself. She seemed so sure of herself, yet seemed so scared. The way she’d always push her friends behind her, even the boys. It shocked him that such a small girl was so protective.

“ꉓꂦꂵꍟ, ꓄ꃅꍟꌩ’ꃴꍟ ꍏꋪꋪꀤꃴꍟꀸ.” Gustav murmured as he guided Y/n back to the kitchen. Ville looked away from his conversation with his friend and watched as Y/n walk into the kitchen with Gustav.

Nora handed Y/n some wine and a tray to carry it. Nora kept Isla in the kitchen to help her cook. Y/n walked around the table with Gustav’s company. She’d grab a cup filled with it and wait till the man would grab it.

The first couple grabbed the cup without much issue. Ville’s hand gently grazed Y/n’s as he took a the cup. Gustav gripped his cup in his iron grip. As Y/n held the filled cup out for Markus to take as he spoke. Markus stared up at Y/n with a raised brow.

The whole table stopped as they stared at Y/n. Y/n motioned for him to take the cup from her. A low growl came from Maja as she rested under the table by Gustav. Another reason Gustav was so enamored by Y/n’s character was Maja.

Maja was the deadliest ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ of her litter, yet she was so docile when it came to Y/n. Instantly Maja connected to Y/n’s side, she seemed second only to himself. When Y/n sighed softly and motioned to the cup again.

“꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉓꀎꉣ.” Y/n asserted sternly. Her tone was abrasive and annoyed. Markus glared up at her as the boys walked down the stairs and moved to the table.

Niko shot a look around the table then his gaze finally landed Y/n’s. Kheli moved to the kitchen next to Isla and helped her with stuff Y/n couldn’t see. Zan leaned against the wall and unreadable expression on his face.

Markus still made no move to take the cup, he was so used to it being placed in his hand. Gustav moved his gaze to Y/n and then to Niko. Maja sat upright and Nora’s gaze moved to the quiet table.

“ꌗꃅꍟ ꉓꍏꈤꈤꂦ꓄ ꌗꍟꍟ ꂵꍏꋪꀘꀎꌗ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꂵꀎꌗ꓄ ꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉓꀎꉣ.” Gustav voiced with a small smile. Markus nodded softly taking the cup, the look on his face seemed to be tight. Gustav allowed the tight smile on his own face, Y/n’s voice always seems to bring some frustration to others but to him it brought amusement.

“ꀤ ꎇꂦꋪꁅꍟ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸꋪꍟꈤ ꍏꋪꍟ ….. ꀸꀤꎇꎇꍟꋪꍟꈤ꓄.” Markus politely sneered in a way Y/n thought only she saw. Nora stopped chopping her vegetables and snapped her head up. Kheli and Isla shared a quick look as Zan moved his head up. Niko rolled his shoulders his white eyes seeming to go sharp.

Gustav hummed in response and they all raised there glasses in a quick salute to each other. As the dinner continues Y/n goes around bringing food, filling there cups, clearing some finished plates. The others watch as Niko helped Y/n around, Markus keeping his gaze on the pair.

“ꈤꀤꀘꂦ ꃅꂦꅏ ꂦ꒒ꀸ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ?” Markus questioned rang threw for a moment. Zan rubbed his gloved left hand, it was missing a chunk of flesh and scared over, a small courtesy of Y/n biting it out. Many times since there friendship began Y/n had apologized over his ruined hand, Zan would merely wave her off with a smile.

Niko looked to Y/n unable to answer. His fjerdan was no where near as proficient as Y/n’s. Y/n did most of the speaking now, she’d give them all lessons but fjerdan was a hard language to learn.

“ꃅꍟ ꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꍟꍟꈤ.” Y/n answered taking a plate and giving the deer bones to Maja.

“꓄ꃅꍟ ꂦ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꌗ?”

Y/n knew he meant the other boys, Markus didn’t show much interest in the girls. The boys all felt the air go cold, Nora went to place another log in the fire.

“꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗꍏꂵꍟ.” Y/n’s tone was becoming questionable. Ville stared at Y/n with an uncertain look, he knew where this conversation was moving. Ville had not really understanding of just how close Y/n was with her friends, how could he. After all Y/n and the others were lying about almost everything, and it came so naturally.

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꌩꂦꀎ ꌗꃅꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꌃꋪꀤꈤꁅ ꌩꂦꀎꋪꌗ ꌃꂦꌩꌗ ꓄ꂦ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꈤꍟꊼ꓄ ꃅꀎꈤ꓄ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꀎꌗ. ꓄ꃅꍟꌩ ꍏꋪꍟ ꂵꂦꋪꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟꈤ ꂦ꒒ꀸ ꍟꈤꂦꀎꁅꃅ.” Markus began. Y/n ignored the conversation from then on, choosing to help Nora. As the dinner concluded Ville stared at Y/n the entire time. Gustav watched his gaze as Y/n cleared and cleaned with Isla.

Markus watched Isla move around swiftly with a kind smile on her face. Markus’s gaze ran over Isla is a way that made her friends growl internally. It was not secret all of them were dangerously protective of Isla, but none more so then Y/n.

A shared glance between them was all it took to decide Markus’s fate. When the time for the group to leave with the Sol ring Markus would die.

Maybe we’re being a bit extreme, but I don’t really care.

Y/n shuddered at her own thoughts. Sometimes she feared herself, her fury, her anger, her….. darkness. It was too late to get rid of her thoughts of smashing Markus’s head due to the way he was staring at Isla.

Oh well, not like his wife or children will miss him.

…………………………………………

Y/n picked at her nails as Niko and Kheli sat awake with her in the darkness of the attic. Isla was sprawled against Y/n’s lap, Y/n’s hands threading through the small braids she had braided into one large braid. Zan was asleep on his make shift bed Nora and Gustav had made.

They were comfortable enough but Y/n preferred the floor near Isla’s bed. It brought her a sense of comfort to know if something went wrong nothing could stop her from reaching Isla. Y/n tilted her head back against the plush of the bed as Kheli and Niko we’re across from her.

After the dinner the group had discussed how they could speed this plan up. The plan was get close to Gustav, and steal the ring. Simple enough but they were getting too close. Isla was content with cooking in the kitchens with Isla, Y/n was growing used to Ville’s and Gustav’s company. The boys were struggling with the fact so many pretty girls were interested in them.

The ring was kept in Gustav’s and Nora’s room, locked away. Y/n alone caught a glimpse of it in passing when Gustav was showing it to Ville, the reason unknown. Y/n hummed softly, the simple tune that she’d sung many times. Niko’s gaze was one Y/n’s shadowy figure, he could barley make out her hazy shape. Through his cloudy eyes and at night his sight was weak.

Kheli stared out the slightly open window, the moonlight shining perfectly down on Y/n. His sight was hazed as well but Y/n’s figure was easily visible due to the softly shimmer of her skin. Kheli couldn’t explain it, but in the moonlight or under the stars Y/n shinned oh so softly.

"ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ʙᴏʀɴ ᴀ ʟᴀᴅʏ, ᴛᴏ ᴀ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ʀᴇɴᴏᴡɴ.

ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴘʀɪᴅᴇ.

ɪ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴏʙᴇʏᴇᴅ, ɪ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ.

ʙᴜᴛ ᴍʏ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ.

ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ɴᴀᴍᴇ, ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ʟɪɴᴇᴀɢᴇ.

ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ʙᴜʀᴅᴇɴ, ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ᴛɪᴛʟᴇꜱ.”

Y/n’s soft melody echoed through the attic. The sound traveled through the window and around the quiet village. Any who were left awake were lulled to sleep by the song in the unfamiliar language. Niko closed his eyes and pulled his blanket over himself.

"ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴀ ʟᴏʀᴅ,

ʙᴏʀɴ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜɪɢʜ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ.

ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʟᴀᴅɪᴇꜱ ᴅᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ,

ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜰɪɴᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴏʏ.

ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ᴍᴇ, ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ,

ᴡʜᴏ'ꜱ ʙᴏʀɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴄʟᴀᴡꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴇᴇᴛʜ."

Kheli laid against the cold ground and began to sleep soundly. Isla’s soft breath against Y/n’s legs reminded her of the life still in her body. Y/n looked around the attic as she hummed the melody. She gaze went from each other to the next.

“ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ᴠɪᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ,

ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇꜰʏ ᴍᴇ, ʜᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱʜɪᴠᴇʀ.

ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴀ ʟᴏʀᴅ,

ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ᴅᴏɴᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ, ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴏᴠᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴛʜ.

ꜱᴏ ɪ ꜱʜᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴅʏ, ᴍʏ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ʜᴀᴅ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇᴅ."

As Y/n finished her tune she felt tired herself. She sighed softly and pulled a small object out from her pocket. It was a hairpin with a strangely sharp edge. There was a rose at its side, a gift from Isla. Y/n poked herself over and over again with the pin to keep herself awake.

She couldn’t sleep, she just couldn’t. She was in charge, it was her job to ensure the safety of her friends. As her gaze moved about the room, it remained on Zan’s sleeping figure. Even through her sight, even though it was dark she could see him.

There was just something off about Zan, a gut feeling Y/n got whenever she caught his gaze. Y/n didn’t understand how he could forgive her for his hand. Y/n would admit she wished she hadn’t done it. In her fury she lost control of herself.

The healers at the sanctuary tried there best to fix his hand. His hand still works just fine, he was scared though. Adam was even stranger, but he seemed so obsessed. He’d follow Y/n around at times she’d wish he’d leave her alone. Her guilt stopped her from really telling him to leave her alone.

Her eyes begin to drop, and she forced the pin into her skin. She bit her lip tasting the metallic of her blood. Isla stirred in her lap for a moment. Y/n halted her movements and then Isla nuzzled her head into Y/n’s stomach. Her senses were blurring and she could faintly feel the dripping of blood from her cuts.

Y/n pulled the pin out and placed it into her pocket. Her black dress was scratchy on her skin but the buzz that surrounded her head caused her to ignore it. As she allowed her eyes to drop, darkness took over her.

𝓨/𝓷 𝓼𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓷 𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓯𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓿𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓲𝓽. 𝓢𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓴𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓰𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓵𝓼 𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓽. 𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓾𝓻𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮, 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮. 𝓕𝓸𝓸𝓽𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓹𝓼 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓫𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓶𝓸��𝓮. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓽𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮.

“𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵.” 𝓨/𝓷 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓮. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓽 𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓴𝓮𝓯𝓽𝓪 𝓼𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓮𝔃𝓮 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓵𝔂.

“𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓸𝓿.”

𝓨/𝓷 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓪𝔃𝓮 𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓾𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭. 𝓐 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵 𝓯𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝔀.

“𝓢𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓔𝓰𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯.”

𝓨/𝓷 𝓱𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓼𝓸 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓸𝓻 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓹𝓾𝓹𝓲𝓵𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮.

“𝓨𝓮𝓼, 𝓪 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓽𝓱𝓮 ʊռʊɖɛǟɖֆ 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽.”

𝓗𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮. 𝓨/𝓷 𝓴𝓮𝓹𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓼𝓲𝓰𝓱.

“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓲𝓽, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾.” 𝓨/𝓷 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓭.

“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓶𝓮?” 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓹𝓵𝓮𝔁𝓮𝓭. 𝓨/𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓸𝓯𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓸𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓰𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓶. 𝓗𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭.

“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓗𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓼 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭.” 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽. 𝓝𝓲𝓴𝓸 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓷𝔃𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓻, 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀. 𝓘𝓽𝓼 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓮𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓿𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂.

𝓝𝓲𝓴𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓪 𝓺𝓾𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓨/𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓰𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓸𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓽𝓾𝓪𝓻𝔂. 𝓗𝓮 𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓸𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓨/𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭.

“𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓿𝓪𝓵𝓾𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓗𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓼, 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽.”

𝓨/𝓷 𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭. 𝓗𝓮 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓰𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓹𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓽. 𝓐 𝓫𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓨/𝓷’𝓼 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓮𝓴 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭.

𝓗𝓮 𝓹𝓾𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷, 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓮. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓶 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓹 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓴 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓴𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮.

“𝓔𝔁𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓻𝔂.” 𝓗𝓮 𝓶𝓾𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓨/𝓷’𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓭𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓨/𝓷 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓹 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓻. 𝓗𝓮𝓻 𝓰𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓽, 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽.

…………………………

Y/n hid behind a large oak tree as snow fell down around her. A crossbow was placed in her hands as a wild boar came into view. She raised her crossbow with a fumble.

Gotta make it look like over never used one of these before

“ꀸꂦ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꌗꃅꂦꂦ꓄ ꀭꀎꌗ꓄ ꌩꍟ꓄.” Gustav mutters softly. Y/n internally groaned as she looked down. Crouching in the snow behind a bush was Gustav and Ville. The others all brought their sons, but Gustav brought Y/n. He would have brought Niko, Kheli, or Zan but they had all come down with a sickness.

It was strange to him that Isla and Y/n were perfectly fine, but he didn’t give it do much though. Ville looked over at Gustav in confusion.

“ꀤ ꀸꂦ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꀎꈤꀸꍟꋪꌗ꓄ꍏꈤꀸ, ꀤꎇ ꌗꃅꍟ ꌗꃅꂦꂦ꓄ꌗ ꈤꂦꅏ ꌗꃅꍟ’꒒꒒ ꀘꀤ꒒꒒ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌃꂦꍏꋪ.” Y/n nodded at Ville’s words. She may have made it look like she was struggling but she could still kill the boar. Gustav sent a quick glare to the young ones around him.

Ville promptly turned his head back to the boar while Y/n returned the glare. Gustav chuckled softly at the threatening look Y/n gave him. For a child who could not see, she was quite frightening. When Y/n turned back, the boar was gone.

“ꋪꍟꂵꀤꈤꀸ ꂵꍟ ꍏꁅꍏꀤꈤ ꅏꃅꌩ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏ꒒꒒ꂦꅏꍟꀸ ꌩ/ꈤ ꍏ ꉓꋪꂦꌗꌗꌃꂦꅏ?” Y/n’s head snapped towards the two men as they stood. Gustav ignored Ville’s question as he walked towards the boar tracks. Ville placed his hand in the small of Y/n’s back and lead her towards Gustav.

Y/n wished she could slap his hand away but made no such move. Ville attempted to take the crossbow but Y/n pressed it against his side.

“ꀤ ꂵꍏꌩ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꌃꍟ ꍏꌃ꒒ꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꌗꍟꍟ, ꌃꀎ꓄ ꀤꂵꍏ ꀎꌗꍟ ꀤꎇ ꀤ ꉣꀎ꒒꒒ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꓄ꋪꀤꁅꁅꍟꋪ ꀤ꓄ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꍟꈤꀸ ꌃꍏꀸ꒒ꌩ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ.”

Ville shivered at her words and backed away. Y/n smirked triumphantly as Gustav stood. He gently brought Y/n to the ground and placed her hands above the tracks.

“ꀤꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸꋪꍟꈤ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ ꎇꂦꋪ ꍏ ꂵꂦꂵꍟꈤ꓄…. ꌩ/ꈤ ꓄ꍟ꒒꒒ ꂵꍟ ꅏꃅꀤꉓꃅ ꅏꍏꌩ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌃꂦꍏꋪ ꀤꌗ ꁅꂦꀤꈤꁅ.” Gustav pondered. Ville scoffed as he began to speak, Y/n merely laid her hand into the tracks.

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꌗꃅꍟ ꀤꌗ ꍏ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒, ꀤ ꀸꂦꀎꌃ꓄ ꌗꃅꍟ ꍟꃴꍟꈤ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꒒ꂦꂦꀘ…” Ville’s words trailed away as Y/n pointed east towards the lake. Gustav nodded in approval and continued his path. Y/n shot a proud smile to Ville and she crossed her arms gently.

Ville glared softly down at her and he began to lead her. His mind raced with confusion. Y/n was so different from all the girls in the village. She wasn’t timid or so docile. She was rougher and so violent. None of the other girls could hunt, none of the other girls were so peculiar to him.

As the boar came back into view Y/n knelt down in the snow a bit further away from the pair. She took in a deep inhale and allowed herself to feel the buzz of the space surrounding her.

She felt the tress seasoning in the cold breeze, the breathing of Ville, the heartbeat of Gustav. Every vibration of life around her, she focused on. The boar began to move and Y/n lost her focus as Ville poked her leg.

“ꌗꃅꂦꂦ꓄ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꀸꍏꂵꍟꀸ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ!”

Y/n shot a vicious glance to Ville as she set the cross bow down. When she looked up the boar was gone. Y/n stood and walked to the area it had just been in. Placing her hand down and feeling the mud in between her hands brought a small comfort.

The meadow would get so muddy in the spring, Y/n would be able to pull the flowers right from the roots. She brought her muddy hand to her nose, deeply inhaling the scent of the ground bellow her. Ville watched her so intently that Gustav could practically feel the radiation of his gaze.

A loud squeal bombarded the area as Y/n hit the ground. Y/n screamed at the boar began to attack her, its trotters hitting against her shoulders. Y/n pushed her arms against it as it’s ripped off. A haze enveloped her as she was pulled into a pair of rough and muscular arms.

As her eyes opened their Ville stood drenched in blood spats. The boar a few feet away, the creature twitched as Ville shot his dagger into the boar. Gustav’s arms were tightly around her, his grip so gently in comparison to the feeling of the boar on her a moment ago.

As the pair met each others eyes the other froze. On Ville’s end he peered into those alluring white eyes the prickled with tears. Her eyes of the snow that he lived in, trained in, breathed in. Her faced was dirty, flushed and had gone pale. Her hunting cloths, a pair of Niko’s pants and one of Gustav’s thick shirts were torn in a few places. Ville couldn’t help but find it strange such a quick encounter could cause such havoc upon her.

Y/n’s sight was hazed in the strangest way. As she stared at Ville she could make out his figure, but his features didn’t stand out. The blood he was soaked in did. It’s bright crimson color pierced her sight, the droplets forming on the curve of his face. As she was brought to her feet she stumbled into him. The still warm blood getting on her cloths.

Y/n grasped onto Ville and Gustav’s froze. He stared at the pair, then ordered that Ville watch over Y/n so he could secure the boar. Ville went away from the dead boar a dazed look on his face as he held Y/n.

The ground was cold and wet against Villes bottom, but it was a small price to pay to keep Y/n off the ground and in his lap. Y/n kept her eyes closed as she leaned into him, she took in his scent for a moment. Ville looked around then saw it.

He dug out his knife and cut into the ground, avoiding the roots. He pulled it up covered in mud and placed it into Y/n’s palms. Y/n lazily drew her fingertips over the petals of the flower. There was a thin layer of frost over the flower, the rose. Ville moved her h/c hair out of her face, his calloused hands brushing against her skin.

A winter rose…. Its roots covered in dirt in her hands. Y/n slowly lifted her gaze to his with a slight tremble. Her lip wobbled as the pain set in, an uncontrollable shiver enveloping her body. Ville’s warm hand against her kept her grounded.

Her stomach dropped as his thumb brushed away a stray tear. This feeling in her stomach was pounding inside of her. No it couldn’t be this. This was something she’d only ever read about in the storybooks. The way his hand was so firmly pressed against her cheek…..

Y/n hadn’t realized that they were moving and out of the forest till her back hit the couch in Gustav’s sitting area. Ville’s cape was warm and tucked around her. She felt Isla’s warm hand in hers, Niko’s hands on her shoulders, and the rose still clutched in her hands.

The adults in the room spoke in hushed voices, the topic Y/n didn’t care to translate. Isla tapped on her hand urgently as the other two boys watched.

“We have to do it now, we can’t wait any longer.”

Y/n’s hushed tone was fearful, something the others weren’t used to. Isla stared at Niko, who stared at Zan, who stared at Kheli, who was staring at Y/n.

“One week from today is the village celebration for Ville’s proof of his worthiness today. That’s when we strike.”

The group nodded softly, no one dared to object.

…………………………………………

A large bonfire crackled as girls and women danced out the fire. The men drank and laughed as Y/n observed them. Isla had caught the boys sickness and Nora stayed home to watch them.

The moon danced above them as Y/n sat next to Ville’s mother as the women talked her ear off about topics she had no idea why she was talking to her about. She was speaking about the best ways to give birth, care for a sick baby, cooking tips, and sewing tips.

Y/n simply nodded along as other women joined into the conversation. They began discussing a wedding and venues. Y/n tuned them out as her brain thought back to when Egon found her.

Alina, Y/n and Mal sat in the meadow as Y/n braided Alina’s ebony locks. Mal laid on the ground in front of the sisters with his eyes closed. Figures began to approach from the tree-line. Y/n stared at them in confusion.

The grisha testers had come a few weeks ago, Y/n wasn’t sure who these strangers were. They weren’t dressed in kefta’s but armor in colors that fades from bronze to golden. Y/n stood up quickly as they approached, keeping her body in front of her sister and Mal.

The soldiers tilted their head to the side at Y/n and narrowed their eyes on Alina. The tallest man in a golden armor motioned his hand forward. The others grabbed Y/n quickly and then pulled Mal off the floor.

The tallest man stalked towards Alina as Y/n thrashed in the grip of the two warriors. The gently grabbed Alina’s chin as she quivered.

“Lina! Get off her!” Y/n shouted as she tried to pull herself away. Mal stood frozen in fear as Y/n continued to push back. The warriors grip loosened and Y/n took a dagger from his side. Y/n ran at the man holding Alina’s chin and sliced at his hand, pulling Alina behind herself.

The man gasped as he pulled back, the dagger raised in the air. The man stared down at her with a small smile.

“Let him go!”

Mal stumbled forward as the man let him go. Y/n pulled him behind her as pair quivered in fear. Y/n stared up at him with unwavering hatred in her eyes. The dagger didn’t seem to scare him, merely excited him.

He laughed…?

He bellowed with each passing moment his laugh grew. The other armored men shared a smile as they relaxed.

“What is your name girl?” He asked Y/n as he kneeled down. Y/n trailed the dagger after him as he knelt in front of her. Y/n didn’t answer as she heard Alina sniffle.

“Can you not speak?” He tilted his head in mockery.

“I know better than to give my name to a stranger.” Y/n snapped. He held an amused look as she spoke. He turned his gaze to the pair hiding behind Y/n.

“And you two?”

“A..Alina Starkov.”

“Malyen Orstsev.”

Y/n groaned in disbelief as they told their names. The man turned back to Y/n, his face holding not a hint of what he wanted. With a defeated sigh Y/n mumbled.

“Y/n Starkov.”

His eyes piped up in intrigue. He looked between Alina and Y/n for a while.

“Sisters?” He pondered for a moment. “You don’t look related.”

Y/n’s glare deepened, her jaw tightened. She huffed softly.

“Does that really matter?” Y/n pondered. He shook his head and looked back at his people for a moment.

“I am Egon Waldow, Lord Helios.”

Y/n blinked a few times and looked back at Alina. She stared back at her in confusion. Mal furrowed his brow.

“You’re what?”

Egon laughed softly as he stared down at her. He gentle grasped her hand that held the dagger.

“We’ve come for your sister.” Y/n froze, and quickly jerked away. She pulled both Alina and Mal further behind herself.

“You can’t have her!”

“Unfortunately we have to take someon- Take me!” Egon raised a brow at her request. He stared down at Y/n with a slightly smile. She wasn’t meek or skittish like her sister. She stood tall, her grip tight around the dagger as he held it.

“No you can’t go! Ana Kuya won’t allow you to leave.” Alina tried to reason as tears streamed down her face. For some reason Y/n knew she would be allowed to go. This vibration around Egom seemed familiar, liked they’d met before.

“Your caretaker won’t stop us.” His voice held no uncertainty. Y/n slowly bit her lip nervously as she lowered the dagger. Her fate was now sealed.

Guilt prickled at her brain, this was wrong on so many levels. They had lied and weaseled their way into these people’s lives. They had made bonds that they would be breaking.

“ꌩ/ꈤ? ꍏꋪꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꍏꌩꀤꈤꁅ ꍏ꓄꓄ꍟꈤ꓄ꀤꂦꈤ?” Y/n looked over at Ville’s mother in confusion. The absent look on her face causing the older women to glare.

“ꀤ ꍏꌗꀘꍟꀸ ꀤꎇ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ ꃅꍏꌗ ꁅꀤꃴꍟꈤ ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꀤꈤꍏ꒒ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄?” The older women amused. Her brows turned, raising her chin.

“ꅏꃅꍏ꓄?”

“ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꀤꈤꍏ꒒ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄ ꂦꎇ ꉓꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ? ꃅꍏꌗ ꃅꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꁅꀤꃴꍟꈤ ꀤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꌩꂦꀎ ꌩꍟ꓄?” Y/n felt the blood in her veins freeze. Her heart sped up to an unmatchable pace. Courting gift? She pondered softly as she began to nimble at her bottom lip.

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ ꀤꌗꈤ’꓄ ꉓꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꂵꍟ.” She tried to reason.

The women all laughed at the girl with a smile. Ville’s mother sent the girl a look she was thankful she couldn’t see.

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ ꃅꍏꌗ ꌃꍟꍟꈤ ꉓꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꌩꂦꀎ. ꃅꍟ’ꌗ ꌃꍟꍟꈤ ꀸꀤꈤꀤꈤꁅ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꌩꂦꀎ, ꃅꍏꌗ ꃅꍟ ꍟꌗꉓꂦꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣ꒒ꍏꉓꍟꌗ, ꃅꍏꌗ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄ꍟꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏ ꅏꀤꈤ꓄ꍟꋪ ꋪꂦꌗꍟ. ꍏ꒒꒒ ꃅꍟ ꈤꍟꍟꀸ ꀸꂦ ꈤꂦꅏ ꀤꌗ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꀤꈤꍏ꒒ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄.”

Y/n never thought she’d be so happy to feel Ville’s hands on her shoulder as the world buzzed around her. Whatever words were said she didn’t hear. Her legs began to move and she felt Ville’s hands on her waist.

“ꌩ/ꈤ?”

“ꌩꍟꌗ?” The quiver in her voice brought a frown to Ville’s face.

“ꀤ ꍏꌗꀘꍟꀸ ꀤꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꃅꂦꅏ ꓄ꂦ ꀸꍏꈤꉓꍟ?” Y/n idled nodded her head as music played. As they slowly began to dance, their steps messy and twisted Ville held a smile on his face. Her cloudy eyes stared up at him, her hair was only partially braided. A braid bun at the top while all rest of her h/c h/t locks were free.

Ville couldn’t help but allow his smile to reach his ears, her hair was prefect in every way. The way the raging fire illuminated all her features.

“ꎇꂦꋪ ꍏ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒ ꅏꃅꂦ ꉓꍏꈤꈤꂦ꓄ ꌗꍟꍟ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꍏꈤꉓꍟ ꌃꍟꍏꀎ꓄ꀤꎇꀎ꒒꒒ꌩ.” Ville complemented. Y/n smiled softly as she felt her stomach plunge.

“ꍏꈤꀸ ꎇꂦꋪ ꍏ ꌃꂦꌩ ꅏꃅꂦ ꉓꍏꈤ ꌗꍟꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꋪꍏ꓄ꃅꍟꋪ ꀎꈤꉓꂦꂦꋪꀸꀤꈤꍏ꓄ꍟꀸ.” Ville’s laughter boomed as he spun her. Her thick dress twirling around, the fade of grey looked lovely on her. Her skin held a sweet glow to it that Ville had convinced was a trick of the light.

“ꍏ꒒ꅏꍏꌩꌗ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗꅏꍟꍟ꓄ ꂦꈤꍟ ꍏꋪꍟꈤ’꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ?” Y/n slowly her steps as they pair left the dance floor. Gustav watched the pair with a small smile. The village was allowing them to break a few of the courting rule, after all Gustav wasn’t interfering.

The smell of the cooked boar invaded Y/n’s senses and she gulped softly. She could practically feel her hands covered in dirt, trying to keep the thing from falling on her.

“ꀤ ꉓꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꓄ꍟꍏꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꉣꍏꋪ꓄ ꀤꎇ ꀤ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ꍟꀸ.” Y/n uttered softly. Ville shock his head as he helped her moved over a branch. He was leading her away from the celebration, into the woods around the village. Slowly the pair approached a small clearing.

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ? ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꍏꋪꍟ ꅏꍟ ꀸꂦꀤꈤꁅ ꂦꀎ꓄ ꃅꍟꋪꍟ?” Ville stopped in front of her. He clutched her hands gently, his hard palm again her slightly calloused hands.

“ꌩ/ꈤ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌃꌩ ꎇꍏꋪ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꌗ꓄ꋪꍏꈤꁅꍟꌗ꓄ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒ ꀤ’ꃴꍟ ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꂵꍟ꓄. ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌃꋪꍏꃴꍟ ꍏꈤꀸ ꉓꂦꀎꋪꍏꁅꍟꂦꀎꌗ. ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꋪꂦ꓄ꍟꉓ꓄ ꀤꈤꌗ꓄ꍟꍏꀸ ꂦꎇ ꌃꍟꀤꈤꁅ ꍏꎇꋪꍏꀤꀸ ꍏꈤꀸ ꀤ…” Y/n shot her hand to his lips. Fear ate at her insides, like a ravenous beast.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꂦꈤ’꓄ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꌗꍏꌩꀤꈤꁅ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꍏꋪꀸ꒒ꌩ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꂵꍟ.” Ville gently removed her hand and placed his own into his pocket. He pulled out a item covered by a cloth with an engraved wolf.

“ꀤ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꀘ ꀤ ꒒ꂦꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ.” He placed the gift into her hands, with hands that shock like an earthquake she moved over the cloth. In her hands laid the most beautiful comb she’d ever imagined. Her sight allowed her to see the comb as she ran her fingers over it. It had an arch at each end with simple blue stones placed onto it.

A tear streamed down her face as Ville took the comb and placed it in her hair. It rested so beautifully in her hair under the moonlight. The smell of smoke began to cloud there nostrils and Ville turned away from Y/n. Under her dress she gently tapped on the stone of her collar, hidden as it always was.

“ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ’ꌗ ꅏꋪꂦꈤꁅ ꀤꈤ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍏꁅꍟ. ꀤ’꒒꒒ ꌃꍟ ꌃꍏꉓꀘ.” As he turned back to Y/n, a soft look on his face, the sound of metal going through flesh commenced. His breath paused for a moment as he looked down, in his stomach, a silver dagger with a star at its hilt was plunged deep into his stomach, held by Y/n’s hand.

His gaze traveled to her as she ripped the dagger from him. Blood pooled from his stomach as he staggered back.

“꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꅏꍏꌗ ꍏꈤ ꀤꈤꍟꃴꀤ꓄ꍏꌃ꒒ꍟ, ꌃꀎ꓄ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ ꌗꂵꍏ꒒꒒ ꉣꍏꋪ꓄ ꂦꎇ ꂵꍟ ꅏꀤꌗꃅꍟꌗ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꀤ꓄ ꅏꍏꌗꈤ’꓄. ꀤ ꋪꍟꁅꋪꍟ꓄꓄ꍟꀸ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꌗꂦ ꂵꀎꉓꃅ ꂵꂦꋪꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏꈤ ꀤ ꉓꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ’ꃴꍟ ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꀤꂵꍏꁅꀤꈤꍟꀸ ꀤ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ. ꀤ ꓄ꃅꂦꀎꁅꃅ꓄ ꀤ꓄ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꌃꍟ ꍟꍏꌗꌩ ꓄ꂦ ꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗ꓄ꀎꉣꀤꀸ ꋪꀤꈤꁅ ꍏꈤꀸ ꒒ꍟꍏꃴꍟ. ꀤ ꀸꀤꀸꈤ’꓄ ꍟꊼꉣꍟꉓ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꌗ꓄ꍏꌩ, ꂵꍏꌩꌃꍟ ꌗ꓄ꍏꌩ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Y/n mourned softly as she caught Ville. As she laid him against herself she felt her tears dripping from her eyes.

Ville grasped onto her dress, his blood coating her. He stared up at her, his eyes wide as he watched the tears pour out of her eyes. She continued to apologize, I plead for his forgiveness as he laid against her.

“ꌗ-ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ.” Ville muttered softly. He pulled at her braided hair and undid it. He took the comb and pushed some of her hair back with it. He wanted to remember her as she was not as she was now. Not with the tears of her own betrayal in her eyes, with his crimson blood covering her. Just Y/n, the eccentric girl he fell madly for.

Ville held her face, no tears in his eyes, no pain, just his blue eyes peering into her white ones. He watched at her tears hit his face as she held him. His mind didn’t go to his death but who was with him. He held the side of her face, his blood coating her face.

Y/n felt as he began to go cold, his grin in her face lessened. Her tears poured down her face, angry red strikes covering her.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꍟꌗꍟꋪꃴꍟ ꌗꂦ ꂵꀎꉓꃅ ꌃꍟ꓄꓄ꍟꋪ.” Ville smiled as his vision began to fade. He gently pulled her down, pressing a gently kiss to her lip. Y/n tasted the iron of his lips mixed with the salt of their mixed tears.

And then Ville was gone.

The sound of footsteps did not cause her to move. The gently grip of Niko’s grasp on her shoulder shock her gently. Y/n slowly turned to him, a sniffle escaping her nose.

“The house? And Nora? And Markus?” Y/n pondered, her voice cracking.

“Burnt to the ground, Nora’s safe. We left her outside the house. Markus is dead, they’ll never find him.” Niko affirmed not looking down at Ville. Y/n nod softly, Nora was kind. She didn’t need to die. Markus however was doomed from the moment he stared at Isla with lust.

“The ring?”

The sound of jewelry being placed around her neck caused her sight to kick in. Looped around her neck was a simple gold chain with a simple band. A sun engraved into the ring.

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ? ꌩ/ꈤ? ꅏꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Gustav’s voice cut through Y/n’s sorrows. Gustav froze as he can up in the sight. Y/n holding Ville in a pool of his own blood. Niko standing next to her. Kheli, Zan and Isla in the trees behind them.

Y/n slowly lowered Ville’s body slowly, her eyes not breaking from Gustav’s. She slowly stepped in front of her friends. Gustav walked forward Maja at his heel growling softly, baring her razor pearly teeth.

“Head towards the Sanctuary, I’ll meet you at the cliffs.” Niko stared at her, pity in his eyes. The brittleness of her voice seemed to become apparent. Her hand slowly raised to her necklace, her armor melted over her skin in a moonlight sliver color. Gustav yelled a command at Maja and she charged forward.

“ꌗꀤ꓄!” Y/n yelled, piercing through the silence. Maja whined softly, sitting down upon Y/n’s side. Gustav glared sharply at her as the others quickly left. Isla remained behind staring at Y/n. With a disappointment sigh she left.

“ꀤ ꀘꈤꍟꅏ ꀤ ꅏꍏꌗ ꋪꀤꁅꃅ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꌃꍟ ꌗꀎꌗꉣꀤꉓꀤꂦꀎꌗ ꂦꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ… ꌃꀎ꓄ ꈤꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꃅꍏꃴꍟ ꀤꂵꍏꁅꀤꈤꍟꀸ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ.” He breathed. His eyes bore cruelly into her eyes. Y/n couldn’t speak, her words were lodged in her throat. She felt like a sildroher, stripped bare of her song.

No mate to sing in harmony with, no one to help control her song. She couldn’t breathe under his hatful gaze.

“ꀤ ꀸꀤꀸꈤ’꓄ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ… ꈤꂦꈤꍟ ꂦꎇ ꀎꌗ ꀸꀤꀸ.” Gustav scoffed creeping towards her, his axe in hand. From her back she pulled a large sword as she began to circle Gustav.

“ꀸꀤꀸꈤ’꓄ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꀎꌗ? ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꃴꍟ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ? ꂵꌩ ꅏꀤꎇꍟ?” Y/n sharpened her brows, her teeth gritting.

“ꀤ’ꀸ ꈤꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꈤꂦꋪꍏ, ꌗꃅꍟ ꅏꍏꌗ ꀘꀤꈤꀸ. ꈤꂦ ꂦꈤꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꀘꀤꈤꀸ ꀸꍟꌗꍟꋪꃴꍟꀸ ꓄ꂦ ꀸꀤꍟ. ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꉣꍟꂦꉣ꒒ꍟ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꀤꈤꀸ ꃅꍟꋪ, ꍏꌗ꒒ꍟꍟꉣ ꌃꌩ ꍏ ꓄ꋪꍟꍟ.”

“ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꀤꈤꀸ ꃅꍟꋪ ꍏꈤꀸ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꃅꍟꋪ ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꃅꍟꍏꀸ.”

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꒒ꍟꍏꃴꍟ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꅏꂦꂦꀸ ꓄ꂦꈤꀤꁅꃅ꓄.” Her threat held no question, not an ounce of doubt. Ville’s blood soaked the snow as they circled.

“ꍏ꒒꒒ ꂦꎇ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꋪ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꋪꀤꈤꁅ?” Gustav mocked motioning his axe toward the corpse.

“꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꋪꀤꈤꁅ ꀤꌗ ꌗꍏꉓꋪꍟꀸ, ꀤ꓄ ꌃꍟ꒒ꂦꈤꁅꌗ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꀎꌗ.” Y/n attempted to justify. The ring was made for their saint, it would help balance light. They couldn’t hunt an amplifier for them, but they could give their saint this.

Egon would praise her willingness to her saint. Her faith was strong and her faithfulness in him reminded him that she was his ꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ. Egon could feel his soul would swell with pride whenever she successfully completed a task.

“ꀤ꓄’ꌗ ꎇꍏꀘꍟ.” Y/n froze, she became stiffer than the trees around. Stiffer than Ville as he laid in his crimson. Her hands shock around her sword, her feet digging into the ground.

“ꅏꃅꍏ꓄…?”

Ville drew his axe back, sighing softly looking at Maja. She sat on the ground, her fur coated in snow. The terror rested on Y/n’s face, the color left her face quickly then ice could freeze over a lake. Gustav watched her hands tremble against her sword, the moon casting against her.

“ꅏꍟ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄ꍟꀸ ꍏ ꋪꍟꉣ꒒ꀤꉓꍏ ꌩꍟꍏꋪꌗ ꍏꁅꂦ ꌃꌩ ꍏ ꎇꋪꀤꍟꈤꀸ. ꃅꍟ ꍟꈤ꓄ꋪꀎꌗ꓄ꍟꀸ ꂵꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꀤꀸꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꋪꍟꍏ꒒ ꂦꈤꍟ. ꅏꃅꍟꈤ ꃅꍟ ꌃꍟ꓄ꋪꍏꌩꍟꀸ ꀎꌗ, ꃅꍟ ꅏꂦꋪꍟ ꍏꋪꂵꂦꋪ ꀤꌗ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉓꂦ꒒ꂦꋪ ꂦꎇ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗꀎꈤ.”

Egon…

His armor was the only that was the pure color of the sun. Only the Lord Helios and his kin were permitted to wear the color of the Saint.

“ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꒒ꌩꀤꈤꁅ!” Y/n screamed her hand fumbling around her sword. Egon was the Lord Helios, he’d left his life as a ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ. Gustav stared at Y/n his eyes dull.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꂦꂦꋪ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸ, ꌗꂦ ꂦꌃꍟꀸꀤꍟꈤ꓄ ꍏꈤꀸ ꌗꂦ ꌃ꒒ꀤꈤꀸ.” Gustav said. Y/n felt the tears pour down her face leaving red marks in their wake. Y/n dropped her sword.

“ꌗꃅꀎ꓄ ꀎꉣ!” Y/n yelled. Her knees buckled and hits the cold frost bellow her. Her arms clutched her quaking frame. Gustav moved forward, gently running his hands through her hair. Gustav was careful to avoid the comb that Ville placed in her hair.

Maja wander over to the bawling Y/n nuzzling her nose into Y/n’s stomach. She shudders and she wraps her arms around Maja.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꂦꂦꋪ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒, ꎇꂦꋪ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉣꍏꌗ꓄ ꓄ꅏꂦ ꂵꂦꈤ꓄ꃅꌗ ꀤ’ꃴꍟ ꉓꍏꋪꍟꀸ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ. ꒒ꂦꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ, ꍏꈤꀸ ꉣꋪꍏꀤꌗꍟꀸ ꀸꀭꍟ꒒ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌗꍟꈤꀸꀤꈤꁅ ꂵꍟ ꌗꀎꉓꃅ ꍏ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄. ꌃꀎ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꋪꍟꍏꀸꌩ ꓄ꂦ ꌃꍟ ꂵꌩ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄. ꈤꂦ꓄ ꌩꍟ꓄.” He uttered. He knelt down, gently taking her face into his large hands.

“ꂦꈤꍟ ꀸꍏꌩ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꀤꈤꀸ ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꅏꍏꌩ ꌃꍏꉓꀘ ꓄ꂦ ꀎꌗ… ꍏꈤꀸ ꅏꃅꍟꈤ ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꂦ ꅏꍟ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꌃꍟ ꅏꍏꀤ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Gustav expressed a gently kiss to Y/n’s forehead. After a few moments he stood and began to walk away. Maja moved to follow but Gustav shook his head gently.

And just like that he was gone. Maja nudged at her side, pushing her to leave. She picked up her sword, took one last look at Ville’s corpse and was gone with the snow.

………………….

The journey back to the sanctuary was long and spend in silence. No one spoke unless they needed to. Y/n’s eyes wouldn’t cease there production of tears. Her face long since gone irritated, the ring heavy around her neck.

Maja walked in front of all the children, growling softly at Kheli, Niko, and Zan. By the time they reached the edge of the fold other Helios stood at the entrance awaiting them.

They stared down at the young children, their eyes dull. There armor glistening under the sun, there helmets make each Helios look more frightening to most children. Y/n kept her gaze down as Maja growled at each Helios. Her teeth were bared, her eyes blood eyes sharp.

“꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ, how did your journey fair?” Egon’s voice quipped. Y/n raised her chin, her face full of red lines, her eyes seemed more grey then white at the moment, and her lip wobbled oh so slightly.

Her fingers shakes as she dropped the fake ring into Egon’s hands. His eyes moved to Maja for a moment.

“ꀤ꓄’ꌗ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꎇꍏꀘꍟ ꂦꈤꍟ, ꀤ ꃅꍏꃴꍟꈤ’꓄ ꓄ꂦ꒒ꀸ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꂦ꓄ꃅꍟꋪ.” Egon nodded his head at her. He gently placed his hand on the back of her neck. His lips gently brushed against her forehead. He rested there head together, breathing in the earth smell of her hair.

"Be careful child... Just because you are winning does not mean you've won." Egon whispered against her forehead.

#aleksander morozova x reader #aleksander morozova x you #shadow and bone netflix #aleksander morozova smut #alina starkov #zoya nazyalensky #moon helios #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x you

36 notes · View notes

steponmeinejghafa · 1 year ago

Text

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

Hi there! I'm Anne, and I see you've stumbled upon my humble corner of he internet. Below is a masterlist of all my imagines, to make searching a bit easier!

Requests are: Open [✔] Closed [•]

Rules: 1. No smut for the boys because I am canonically a lesbian <3 At most I will write fluffy stuff for them. 2. Only parental/platonic/sibling imagines for Wylan because he is my precious gay child. 3. No age gap, no incest (because yuck wtf), absolutely NO teacher x reader, however 'legal' it may be. 4. Only tame kinks in smuts (Like praise, degradation, choking at most. Mommy kinks to a definite minimum.) 5. I am hopeless at poly imagines and relationships so please- don't-don't ask for them.

Character lists below the cut <3

Zoya Nazyalensky

Miniseries

First Bench Pt.1

First Bench Pt. 2

First Bench Pt.3

First Bench Pt.4

First Bench Pt.5 (TW)

First Bench Pt.6 (Coming Soon)

Fluff

Touch Starved

After Hours

Hot Chocolate

A Little Too Much

Smut

Angst

Parent

Alina Starkov

Miniseries

Fluff

I’m Here

Serial Cuddler

Sick (Coming Soon!)

Smut

Angst

Dear Alina

Parent

Little Disturbance (Darklina)

Malyen Oretsev

Miniseries

Fluff

Angst

Parent

Aleksander Morozov

Miniseries

Fluff

Angst

Parent

Little Disturbance (Darklina)

Genya Safin

Miniseries

Fluff

Smut

Angst

Beautiful Girl in a Broken World

Parent

Nikolai Lantsov

Miniseries

Fluff

Angst

Parent

Tamar Kir-Bataar

Miniseries

Fluff

Smut

Angst

Nadia Zhabin

Miniseries

Fluff

Smut

Angst

Kaz Brekker

Miniseries

Fluff

Angst

Parent

Jesper Fahey

Miniseries

Fluff

Angst

Parent

Wylan Van Eck

Miniseries

Parent/Platonic/Sibling

Inej Ghafa

Miniseries

Face In The Crowd Pt.1

Face In The Crowd Pt.2

Face In The Crowd Pt.3

Fluff

Smut

Angst

Parent

Nina Zenik

Miniseries

Fluff

Just How You Like It

Dance With Me

Smut

Tease

Angst

Parent

Matthias Helvar

Miniseries

Fluff

Angst

Parent

Little Crow Series

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Ships (Child!reader)

Malina

Genyadavid

Zoyalai

Work Break (Coming Soon!)

Helnik

Kanej

Tamadia

Wesper

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

29 notes · View notes

1u11ablues · 2 years ago

Text

MY LITTLE INFERNI (NIKOLAI LANTSOV X OC)

WC: 2.6k

Summary: Nikolai re-reads Dasha's letter to reminisce, but the nichevo'ya in him had other plans.

Warning: No warnings.

CHAPTER 2: HOME

Nikolai,

I’m sure by now you’ve heard of my assignment in Fjerda. I don’t want this to be a winding eulogy of our friendship, but—a king and a witch, surely that warrants at least a couple of them?

I jest.

Nikolai grins, thinking back to the fairy tales he had read when he was a child. Surely there was one of a demon king and his fire-witch that didn't end in a tragedy?

Your highness, I still look back to the first time I bumped into you .

How could someone have that much energy within them? You reminded me of a ball of star, constantly writhing, and I never knew when you were about to explode.

He rolls his eyes. Dasha and her obsession with stars. This isn’t even a good metaphor. He’d described himself more like the sun. Brilliant and strong—as a King, and as Sturmhond.

You reminded me so much of Stepan—bless his dear self—wild, resourceful, always knowing what to do. Sure, I disagree with several choices you’ve made before, but I admire you for springing into action when it calls for instead of being rooted on the ground. Thank you for pulling me off my feet when I was stuck. May you do the same to Ravka.

I know everything has its ups and downs, even our friendship. I find that none of it matters now, so I’d hope you’ve forgiven my blunders as I do yours. When I think of you, I only feel warmth, Nikolai.

He feels the same way. He realised that he never once told her how he cares. Their friendship was built on quiet moments and acts of service, so he didn’t think he needed to say it out loud.

In the end, I could not work myself up to tell you how much I care about you. It was stupid of me to rely on unspoken moments; to think you can figure out the words I could not say. I think of all the times I wanted to touch you, hold you in ways friends don’t normally do, and I laugh at how puerile it all sounds. As if every girl in the kingdom hasn’t already thought the same.

There was a time where he wanted to do the same thing, perhaps he still does. It’s just—he grew up with her. She had been there for him for so long; he didn’t know if it was simply adoration or something deeper than that.

I will do my best to serve Ravka and its king, so don’t even think of worrying about me—I can already imagine your eyebrows knitting together. I have the honour of Zoya as my mentor (don’t tell her I said this) and remember that time I almost incinerated the forest near that lake? I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, so I hope you do the same.

Yours truly,

Dash.

Nikolai had reread the letter Dasha left him a handful of times now, the wrinkled edges proof of it. He had no idea that Zoya had given her the assignment to begin with, and if he had any say in it, he would not have signed her off to wager her life in Fjerda. Or maybe he would. He is a king first—foolish man second.

“Why was I not informed of this?” he asked Zoya the day he found the letter left on his work desk.

“I didn’t know I had to, moi tsar. Dasha is only there as a dormant agent, if that’s any consolation.”

It’s not.

Nikolai paced the floors of his chambers, and Zoya studied him, confused. Her mouth opened and closed several times to say something but failed to. Her question lingered in the air. Nikolai rested his hands on his desk and eyed the opened letter again, gaze falling on Dasha’s signature.

“She’s my oldest friend, Zoya. I hold her very dear to my heart, and it—it’ll kill me if—” he hesitated to say the rest of it. What could he have said, anyway? That it’ll kill him if he lost her? He already did, the moment he chose to push her away. He tells himself that it was the guilt. The morning of the first incident, when he found out that he could’ve killed you while you were asleep, it terrified him more than having that nichevo’ya in him. “If you think you did what you thought was right, then I’ll not press any further.” King first, man second.

“I’m sure of it,Nikolai.She’s our best inferni.”

Nikolai looked her in the eyes, a slight nod to dismiss her. For Ravka, he reminded himself. And every time he did, the ball in the pit of his stomach grew.

“Are you ready, your highness?” Zoya called from outside his bedchambers, pulling him back to the present. Nikolai folded the letter neatly into its envelope and tucked it safely in his nightstand under the books and paper of its first drawer.

“Come in, Nazyalensky,” Nikolai summoned her, stretching and massaging the knot out from his back. Zoya enters, the chains dangling from her arms, a necessary means to an end. So far,the demon has only ever killed livestock, but he lives in fear of the day it decides to take human lives. This is why precautions had to be taken.

“Have you thought about what I said?” she asks, while untangling the chains.

“You’ve said a lot of things, Nazyalensky. I need you to be more specific.”

Zoya rolls her eyes.As if it’s not the one topic Nikolai had been avoiding since she first brought it up.

“Marriage, Nikolai. Setting up your roots as the ruler of Ravka. Producing an heir—”

“I think you’re getting a little too ahead of yourself,Zoya.”

Zoya fastens the shackles over his left hands,frown apparent in her face.

“Well,” she pulls the chains to his right , “forgive me for thinking of the country and doing my job as the general you appointed.”

Nikolai flashed her that boyish grin famous for melting the hearts of many.

“And thank you for that. But I think there’s more pressing matters right now than getting hitched with someone I barely know, don’t you?” Nikolai quips, head tilting as he motioned towards himself.

“I don’t think anyone wants to be with a monster, even if it comes in pretty packaging.”

Zoya snorted. Nikolai laughs and hopes Zoya will forget about it. He doesn't feel like planning that far ahead when something so dark lives within him.

“How does it feel?” Zoya asked,taking a seat at the edge of his bed. She eyed him, waiting for an answer. Nikolai’s head tilts, beckoning her to elaborate. “You know,” she continues, straightening the nonexistent wrinkle of his bedspread, hoping it’ll disperse the weight of her upcoming question, “with the creature inside of you, how do you deal with it?”

“Oh,” the corners of his mouth twisted in consideration, his mind trying to fish for the right words to explain it to her. “It’s like having someone else sharing my body with me. Losing time. An unwelcome guest prying and muddling every thought I have.”

“Can it affect your actions?”

“Not when I’m conscious.”

Zoya hummed, a little relieved at his answer. She won’t say it, but it’s not easy to put trust in a king that does not have control of his own mind and body. Nikolai understands her reasons even if she chose not to tell him. If he were her, he wouldn’t be able to trust a possessed king either.

“Any other questions,Nazyalensky?” Nikolai questioned. He could at least try to settle Zoya’s unrest if he can’t be the king she thought he’d be.

“Does it speak to you?”

“Sometimes.”

Zoya’s eyes widened. She hadn’t guessed that Nikolai was that close to the creature. Her theory was that they were two different entities, and one is only up if the other is asleep. She’d heard stories of something happening like that passed down from her seniors, someone who was not in total control of themselves. It sounds terrifying, but it made her look at Nikolai in another light. She respected him,looked up to him as her king, but now—looking at Nikolai so helpless against the one thing the Darkling should’ve taken with him when he dies—it feels foreign to admit that she cared about him.

Nikolai’s eyes droop, his mind straining to stay awake. Zoya takes this as a sign for her to leave.”You’re still Ravka’s king, Nikolai. As long as you do whatever you think is best for the country, I will be fighting next to you. And if you want to find yourself a bride, then I’ll be there to help you.”

“I appreciate the elaborate speech, Zoya, but that won’t top my list anytime soon.” Nikolai states, his words slurring like he’d had a glass too many kvas.

Zoya stood,dusting her hands on her Kefta. “Fine,” she turns to leave, “What about Hiram Schenk’s—”

“Goodnight,Zoya.”

Zoya presses her lips and lower her head to bid him goodnight. She’ll just have to bring it up to him another time,then.

***

Home.

Nikolai wakes from his slumber to find out that it’s still dark. What time is it? He scans his chambers to find out that he was not in it at all. He’s not even in the palace, in fact, he’s way up in the air because he can feel the wind slapping him in his face. Panic starts setting in when he finds out that he was not in control of his body, and the demon had essentially taken over while he was sleeping, but what had changed? He had never been conscious enough to see himself flying this clearly before. Something must have prompted it to behave this way. Was it running away? Going somewhere?

Home, the creature muttered, and he hadn’t expected a response so clear from it, as if the creature was speaking to him—as if they were two separate entities that did not share a body. Nikolai didn’t understand what it meant by home, and is hesitant to push for more in case it’ll shut him down completely. He wanted to use this change as an opportunity to learn more about it, maybe learn how to rid it off of him. The creature sensed Nikolai’s plans and snarled, spraying the sky with thick slobber. Nikolai knew why it was angry, of course—they share the same body, so he tries to keep himself from making any plans to get rid of the pilot while he’s still the passenger, because if they crash, he would hate waking up in the morning. Or worse, not waking up at all.

***

“Zoya, the king had escaped again.”

Zoya stood,putting down her cup of tea so quickly on her table that the clinking reverberated in her skull. She saunters to her bed and picks up her Kefta ,hastily changing from her night robe so she could join Tamar to go look for Nikolai.

“Where is he headed?” she asks, while they sprint to the carriage Tamar had prepared as soon as she notices the king missing from his bed.

“North,” Tamar replied,her hands on her axe. They entered the carriage with Tolya as their coach and rushed north,eyes scanning the night sky for any black winged figure. Since Nikolai entrusted his secrets to only members of the Triumvirate plus Tamar and Tolya, they had to make do with their limited number of hands.

The outlines of Os Alta were barely fading when they caught sight of Nikolai zipping through the clouds. It almost seems like the creature had a set destination it was flying to, its pace unforgiving .

“We need to stop it,” Tamar yells, the sound of hoof beating ground and air passing the carriage too loud for both of them to hear perfectly. “He’s heading to Tsibeya. If he continues further, it’ll be harder to lasso him in without having to worry about Druskelle.”

Zoya nodded. It does seem like the creature was heading to the permafrost, maybe even further. She doesn’t want to think about what they’ll have to do if it enters Fjerda, so she pushes herself out of the carriage, using the wind to carry her up to the same eye level as Nikolai. She had had flying practice before, but it’s still too risky to do because there are too many variables to consider when you’re up that high, but she had no other choice.

The creature felt another presence intruding on it and turned to find Zoya zoning in . It screeched and darted towards Zoya, head-butting, knocking her down. Zoya managed to summon a cushion of air before she fell and used it to levitate. She focused her left hands on it, creating a pulse strong enough to knock the creature down from the sky.

It shrieked before losing consciousness, hurtling to the ground at maximum speed. Zoya softened the fall with her powers, Tamar and Tolya behind her, ready to chain it before it woke up and try to fly away again. They decide not to when they sees Nikolai lying there, his dirt-smeared face looking peaceful,like he was asleep in his own chambers. Zoya whispered a quiet apology when she sees bruises blooming on his skin predominantly on his left torso where her air pulse had hit him.

She nudged his shoulders to wake him as it’ll be easier to bring him home if they didn’t have to carry him. Zoya supposed she could hover him in the air if she wanted to, but she was tired, her body sore from getting hit.

“Zoya?” Nikolai called, slowly gaining consciousness. Zoya was about to explain what had happened, when he continued, “I was there,Zoya. I saw it.”

***

“When you say you were there,” Zoya starts, asking Nikolai for more explanation. They had begun their journey back to Os Alta before the sun started to rise. Better to reach home while it’s still dark, or else people will start talking. There were already words of the King of Ravka being possessed, so Nikolai and his confidantes tried their best to keep his transformations hush.

Tamar sits next to her, her eyes first on Nikolai, then Zoya. She’s equally confused, just sitting there and hoping her friends will fill her in.

"I mean I was there. A passenger in my own body. I woke up from sleep and all I could do was sit back and watch." Nikolai explained, jittery , and Zoya raised her eyebrow because it seemed like he was excited about the whole ordeal. She shoots Tamar a look , a silent question , asking her is he losing his mind?

Tamar shrugged, she doesn't mind as long as he comes back in one piece. He'd done crazier things as Sturmhond, so Tamar and Tolya have kind of expected it as one of Nikolai's inborn quirk.

"Nikolai, where was it going? Tamar says you're heading straight to Fjerda with no plans of stopping." Zoya states, her gaze intent on him, wanting him to give her a direct answer.

"Did it say something to you,your highness? Any clue as to how we could get rid of it?" Tamar continued .

Nikolai turns to look outside, watching as the trees pass by like a blur. He had a theory as to why it was headed North, but he’s not so sure about it. For all he knows, the creature plans to surrender him to the Fjerdan monarchy. That doesn’t explain why it was intent on going ‘home’ though.

“I don’t know where it was going. I only know that it wants to go home, and home is somewhere in Fjerda.”

Chapter 1

AO3

#grishaverse #nikolai lantsov #nikolai lantsovxoc #zoya nazyalensky #tamar kir bataar #original character #friends to lovers #ao3 fanfic #eventual smut #eventual romance #sobachka #kingofscars #shadow and bone netflix

19 notes · View notes

marvelmusing · 2 years ago

Text

Like A Diamond

Part of the Glitter & Gold AU

Pairing: Darklina x Fem!Reader (featuring Zoyalai and GenyaxDavid)

Summary: Every one of Aleksander’s closest friends has at least one Morozov diamond. He gifts you one which then prompts an official initiation into Ravka’s most exclusive group of socialites.

Warnings [18+]: smut, oral (fem receiving), exhibitionism and voyeurism (Nikolai & Zoya play with the reader whilst their friends watch), soft dom!Nikolai & Zoya, consensual sharing of explicit videos and photos, praise kink, masturbation, nipple play, non-piercing nipple rings, hint of pain kink.

My Masterlist

Every one of Aleksander’s closest friends has at least one Morozov diamond.

His grandfather had not only been the founder of the company Aleksander now owns, but he had also been one of Ravka’s most influential explorers and inventors. He had located one of the country’s largest natural diamond deposits which had set the foundation for the Morozov brand.

Now, almost every celebrity worldwide wants one of Aleksander’s pieces. Very few people can afford to have such a luxurious item in their jewellery box, and he is very selective about who can be seen wearing his designs publicly. But, of course, if Aleksander values you he won’t be able to resist staking his claim on you through a gift of glistening diamonds.

Genya has a pair of earrings. Sparkling silver studs comprised of three teardrop-shaped diamonds stacked on top of one another to curve over the slope of her earlobe. She wears them on special occasions. Dinners and galas and parties, whenever she needs a reminder she’s appreciated. She and Aleksander have a close bond and his gifts are amongst her most valued possessions.

David has a simple pendant necklace with a small diamond at the centre. He wears it almost always since he likes the comforting weight of it and has a habit of loosening the chain from underneath his shirt to fidget with the expensive gem, twirling it with his fingers whenever he’s nervous. Genya thinks the habit is endearing, especially since the necklace was a wedding gift from Aleksander.

Nikolai has a ring. Thick metal, with a flattened centre that sits on his knuckle, where a Morozov diamond sits alongside his initials engraved there - NN. Nikolai Nazyalensky. He keeps it on his pinkie finger as a replacement for the Lantsov signet ring that he threw away when he became estranged from the rest of his family.

Zoya has a necklace which traces down her figure into a body chain. The thin shining strand of metal falls between her breasts, where a cluster of diamonds sit on her cleavage before splitting into two chains that hang around her waist meeting again at the small of her back. The piece is a pretty addition to Zoya’s tightest dresses and her favourite sets of lingerie.

Alina has more pieces of jewellery than she can keep track of. Glimmering rings, beautiful earrings, necklaces and chokers, glistening bracelets. One night, when the two of you are drunk and giggly, she starts whispering filthy words into your ear, telling you everyone’s deepest secrets. She takes your hand, sliding it into her panties so that you can feel where her Morozov diamond presses against her clit.

When you join the group, they all exchange knowing glances when Aleksander helps you into your coat after dinner or places his hand on your lower back as he steers you through the crowd towards the rest of the group at a gala. They all tease you good-naturedly, telling you that it’s only a matter of time before you get your own diamond.

Alina smiles widely when she sees her husband working on a particular design, sitting in his lap to offer him some company while he draws out something special.

Then one evening you and Aleksander are working late in your office, passing sketches between one another and comparing notes for your designs in preparation for your new collection.

“I have something for you,” he says quietly.

When you see him reaching for his coat pocket, pulling out a small velvet box embossed with a very familiar logo, your stomach flips.

“Aleksander, I hope you know you don’t ever have to give me anything.”

He nods.

“I know.” He opens up the box, nudging it towards you. “But I crafted this one myself.”

Aleksander doesn’t make many pieces by hand anymore, given that he has a company to run and a whole team of people to craft his designs for him instead.

“I thought long and hard about what piece you would like.”

As your eyes flicker down to the contents of the box, the breath catches in your throat. His thumb strokes the underside of your breast. Arousal stirs in your stomach, thrumming down between your thighs.

Slowly, you trace your fingertips over the edge of the box, the velvet smooth against your skin. There’s two small silver pieces, decorated with tiny diamonds cut perfectly to line the outside of the thin curves of metal. The shape of the rings themselves loop in elegant circles, so that they look like daisies.

“Are these…?”

Aleksander continues to stroke your breast, his fingers seeking your clothed nipple, hidden by the fabric of your shirt. Once he finds it, he rolls it slowly between his finger and thumb, pinching lightly.

“I wasn’t sure if you had them pierced or not,” he muses quietly, continuing his gentle touches. “Regardless, I thought it best to give you something easy to wear.”

The thought of having those rings, that Aleksander created himself for you, pinching lightly at your nipples all day has your eyes fluttering closed with need. He takes your silence for hesitation.

“I can turn one of them into a charm for a necklace if you would prefer.”

You shake your head immediately.

“No. They’re beautiful.”

He gestures lightly towards the loose collar of your shirt which reveals your cleavage.

“May I?”

You nod.

He loosens your shirt from the waistband of your trousers, unbuttoning the piece of clothing slowly and pushing the fabric aside to reveal your bare chest. He hums quietly in approval, his voice a low murmur that sends a thrill down your spine as he stares at your nipples.

“Look at that, milaya, all perked up and pretty for me already.”

A burning flush rushes over your skin, warming your cheeks before it spreads down your neck as you glance down at your breasts.

He takes one of the rings from the box, cupping your breast with his other hand. Even though your nipple is already hardened in anticipation, he rolls it between his fingers gently, encouraging it to stiffen further.

“Good girl.”

It’s difficult to not whimper aloud at his praise. He slots the ring onto your nipple, cool metal encircling the bud. There’s a firm pinch at first and you squirm at the sensation, though it softens rather quickly into something more pleasurable - a soft pressure that has you shifting your thighs to seek some friction.

“A perfect fit,” he observes, the corner of his mouth twitching.

He pinches your other nipple hard and there’s no stopping the whimper from escaping your lips this time. A wide smile spreads over his face as he slots the next ring onto your nipple, watching your chest heave as the metal clings to your hardened nub.

The sight of your breasts, areolae adorned with pretty circles of silver in a floral shape, pinched nipples in the place of the flower head, sends a heavy flood of arousal to your cunt. Certain that your panties are soaked, you bite down on your lower lip, gripping to the sides of your seat.

Aleksander’s eyes are darkened as he stares at your breasts, a glimmer of pride in the depths of his gaze. He hooks a finger under your chin, guiding your eyes up to meet his directly.

“How do they feel? Not too tight?”

“Good,” you say with a sigh. “They’re so good. I love them.”

He hums in acknowledgement, stroking his knuckles along your jawline.

“Ensure you take them out before going to bed.”

You nod.

He cups your breast, thumb brushing over your pinched nipple. Shifting your thighs once again, your eyes flutter closed as he stands. A whine claws at your throat, grip tightening on your seat as he shrugs on his coat.

“Aleksander,” you say quietly, your voice an almost pathetic whimper.

The temptation to grab his hand and press it against your clothed cunt is almost too much to bear. Embarrassment prickles over your cheeks at the thought of grinding weakly against his hand, begging for him to touch you. He cups your face with both of his hands, bringing you close for him to press his lips tenderly against your forehead.

“Send me a message when you arrive home safely.” The nod you give him in response is jerky. “And send Alina a video of whatever you do to satisfy yourself tonight.”

You do as he says.

As soon as you get home, your fingers fumble over the screen of your phone, typing out a message for Aleksander as you tuck your shoes away. He responds within a minute, praising you for following his instruction and reminding you of what else he had asked of you. That is all the incentive you need.

Bag and coat left abandoned in the hallway, you move up the stairs into your bedroom and collapse onto the rug between your bed and wardrobe. Once you’ve managed to prop your phone up against your wardrobe door, you begin removing more of your clothing.

Fingers shaking with anticipation, you slide down the zipper of your trousers, allowing the smooth fabric to drop down your legs. After Aleksander had left your office, you had only managed to button up a small portion of your shirt, hands still shaky with adrenaline.

Without too much preparation, you press on the record button and allow the camera of your phone to capture your need-fuelled actions.

The mess in your panties would be embarrassing if you weren’t so aroused by the sight of your slick clinging to the delicate lace, knowing that if Aleksander had slipped his hand beneath your waistband the same mess would have coated his fingers. His long nimble fingers.

It can’t be a very alluring video. But you’re too overcome by need to do anything but arch your back into the side of your bed, fingers reaching up to grasp at your covers as your other hand rubs frantically at your dripping cunt.

Any technique that you’ve gained from learning what your body likes has been abandoned as you mindlessly press your fingertips hard against your clit in eager circles. Gasps and cries of their names escape from your lips even when you grit your teeth as you writhe on your bedroom floor.

The nipple rings Aleksander had created for you glisten in the low light of your lamp as they remain firmly attached to the hardened nub of your nipples. The metal is no longer cool, warmed by the heat of your body, but the subtle pressure of the jewellery against your skin, a gentle tug on your sensitive nipples, has your arousal skyrocketing.

Thoughts of both Aleksander and Alina fill your mind, imagining her fingers rubbing sloppy circles over your clit while he holds your waist still to prevent you from squirming.

Their breathing heavy against your neck as they press kisses there, unable to pull themselves away from you to breathe properly. Alina mouthing over your throat and collarbone, delicate lips pressing firmly as she sucks blooming marks there. The scrape of Aleksander’s facial hair against your cheek, his teeth dragging over your jawline and nipping at your earlobe. Hot mouths. Eager tongues. Sweat rolling down between your breasts. Cunt tightening, a steady beat of pleasure, climbing higher with every drag of friction against your sensitive bundle of nerves.

The climax that hits you has stars sparkling behind your closed eyelids, pleasure thrumming beneath your skin. As you slump your head back against your bed, pressing your face into the curve of your arm, a greedy urge tugs at your hand, as your body perks up again at the prospect of another orgasm.

Squeezing your eyes shut tighter, your sighs and moans become whinier, higher in pitch as your fingers chase your next climax. Curses, pleas, whimpers of their names, they all tumble from your lips, merging together into an almost incoherent mess. You end up hiding your face into the crook of your elbow, biting down on the flesh there to quieten your desperate noises.

Unbelievably quickly, you feel your body stumbling towards the edge of your pleasure, teetering on the precipice of another dizzying climax. The moan that shudders through your body is obscene, your breathy gasps borderline pornographic as you whimper their names one final time as your cunt clenches frantically around nothing.

With shaking hands, you stop the recording and send the footage without any hesitation. There’s no reply from Alina, though you aren’t too conscious of it as you clean yourself up in the bathroom and slip under your bedcovers.

Head still fuzzy with pleasure, you’re dozing lightly when there’s a soft ping that rouses you from the haze in your mind. Blinking sleepily, you reach for your phone, unlocking it and clicking on Alina’s message.

“For fuck’s sake,” you whine, dropping your face down into your pillow.

Taking the image itself into account, it’s more likely that Aleksander had sent the photo, and the response to your video has need blooming in your abdomen once again. What a vicious cycle. Very briefly, you contemplate slipping a hand down to touch yourself again.

The photo is taken from Aleksander’s point of view, as he sinks his cock into Alina’s cunt. A thick ring of arousal is coating his length, smearing messily over both of their thighs. From the soaked state of Alina, he must have been teasing her while you were recording your video for them. Unable to fashion any sort of response, you simply stare at the image until another one arrives.

This one is also taken by Aleksander, though he’s holding the phone to one side so that the majority of their bodies can be seen. Alina’s arms are stretched up to the headboard, while his other hand is curled around her throat as he thrusts into her. Her back is arched against the mattress.

Eyes fluttering closed you imagine their bodies crashing together, the gasps and moans, the slapping of skin against skin. Inhaling deeply, you wish you could hear them yourself, smell the scent of sex fill their room, and taste the sweat on their skin. It’s hard not to touch yourself again, forcing your body into overstimulation just to know that you might climax at the same time as them. But you manage to resist, though your hips grind gently against your mattress.

The last photo is taken by Alina. It’s a mirror picture taken in what you can only assume is their bathroom. She’s completely naked, cheeks and chest flushed a pretty shade of pink, with marks dotted over her neck. Butterflies swoop in your stomach at her beaming smile, filling your chest with a giddy feeling. By the time you’ve finished admiring her, there’s a text underneath the image.

Alina: Don’t forget to pee!! And Sasha said drink some water before you go to bed

You: I’m surprised you can type out full sentences after all that

Alina: I’ll tell him you said that ;)

Alina: And yea I’m concentrating very hard rn

A soft laugh falls from your lips.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

“Let’s see it then,” Nikolai remarks, taking a sip of his drink before he sets in down on the glass coffee table in front of him.

A frown creases at your brows as you watch him lean back into the couch, draping his arm over the back of the furniture piece.

“See what?”

“Whatever Aleksander has made for you.”

Genya smiles widely in anticipation, settling down beside Nikolai before she tucks her leg up to her chest. Her eyes scan over your body intently and you blush. Nerves flip in your stomach at the weight of so many eyes falling on you.

Aleksander and Alina watch you from the other side of the room, where they sit in an armchair together with Alina draped over his lap. Their dark eyes make arousal pool in your panties and a flustered blush burns over your skin as they both smirk.

Swallowing hard, you shift your weight slightly on your feet.

“Go sit with Zoya and show her first,” Aleksander instructs you.

There’s a knowing glimmer in her eyes as you sit down on the couch next to Zoya, opposite Nikolai and Genya. David tilts his head curiously from where he’s sitting in the armchair, leaning to rest his elbow on the arm of the couch next to Genya.

Taking the hem of your shirt you tug it upwards over your head, revealing your bra to everyone in the room. Nikolai grins and Zoya’s gaze roams hungrily over your skin. She reaches out, hooking her finger under the strap of your bra to snap it playfully against your skin.

The sting of pain sends a pleasurable thrum down to your nipples, reminding you of what they’re about to see. Sending a glance over to Aleksander, his eyes darkening as they meet yours, you breathe in shakily and unclasp your bra. The fabric falls from your breasts, revealing Aleksander’s creation to the group.

There’s a collective sound of inhaled breaths and low murmurs of praise, which has you squeezing your thighs together.

“Good girl,” Zoya says with a smirk, cupping your breast to admire the jewellery.

Nikolai leans forward, resting his elbows onto his knees, cocking his head aside as his lips quirk into a boyish grin that makes you blush.

Alina peers over eagerly, as if she doesn’t have an ample number of photos of your breasts saved on her phone. Almost every day, you’ve ended up sending her a picture of some aspect of your body at her request. The thought of her using those photos to touch herself to makes your panties wet.

“Come here, love,” Nikolai says, beckoning you to him. As soon as you stand, Zoya grasps at the waistband of your jeans, bringing them - alongside your panties - down with a few determined tugs.

Nikolai sets you down on the glass coffee table, facing Zoya, goosebumps rising on your bare body from the chill of the glass and the heat burning beneath your skin.

“Let everyone see how pretty you are,” he murmurs low in your ear.

Zoya smirks widely, continuing to play with your breasts. Her fingertips dance over your skin, brushing delicately against your hardened nipples.

“And what a lovely job Aleksander did.” Her voice is an admiring purr that makes your blush deepen. “I think this one of your best, Sasha.”

He inclines his head slowly in appreciation, the corner of his mouth quirking slightly. David asks him a question about the metal used and conversation begins to flow as easily as it always does. Everyone is so dynamic and interesting, they understand one another so instinctively. How can a group of people merely talking to one another make you this aroused?

Aleksander’s voice is your favourite to listen to. Smooth and decisive, every word is pronounced intentionally with confidence in every syllable. Alina is the most expressive with her voice, amusement and interest colouring whatever she’s saying. Genya’s is a soft balm, soothing yet there’s something hidden in her words. Whilst David might not be as articulate as Aleksander, or charismatic like Nikolai, everything he says is insightful. There’s no hope of you understanding what he’s saying, but his enthusiasm has you wanting to listen for hours.

Zoya’s nails scape over your thighs, dragging your awareness back out of the haze that has clouded your mind. A breathy whine heaves at your chest, your eyes snapping up to meet hers. Deep chocolate brown, allure swirling in the dark depth of her gaze as she smiles at you.

The hairs on the back of your neck stand up, prickling in anticipation as Nikolai shifts his body to the edge of his seat, leaning over so that his chest is mere inches from your bare back. His arm curls around your waist, not touching you until his fingers brush lightly over your navel.

A whimper catches in your throat, as Zoya presses her nails harder into the soft plush of your thighs. Her smile twists into a devious smirk. Her nails are always perfect, a decent length, painted whatever shade will match her colour palette for the week ahead. This evening, blood red nails bite into your skin and you squirm over the table.

Nikolai clicks his tongue in warning. His fingers drag up your stomach, tracing a feather-light path between your breasts. When his hand encircles your throat, the pressure is a wonderfully familiar sensation that has you sighing as he squeezes once in reassurance - an encouragement for you to submit to them both.

Their touches are knowing, well learnt through hours spent in one another’s beds. Luckily for you, the length of Zoya’s nails means she prefers to use her mouth to pleasure you and Nikolai. Excitement prickles over your skin as she parts your thighs. The need thrumming through your body ensures you’re unable to focus on anything except Zoya’s lips lowering to kiss over your thighs.

Conversation continues, though you’re unable to decipher anything being said. Occasionally, Nikolai will chuckle, the motion of his chest jostling you slightly. Zoya’s mouth moves over your skin, licking the scratch marks left by her hands and the sting of pain makes you whimper.

At some point, David must have moved over to the couch, sitting beside Genya to press lazy kisses over her throat and slide his hands over her waist and thighs. Her sighs are soft as she threads her hands gently through his hair, encouraging him to continue whilst they watch you, Nikolai, and Zoya.

The amount of arousal leaking from your cunt, smearing over the table beneath you, makes your cheeks burn hot with embarrassment. Nikolai’s murmurings aren’t helping to curb those feelings either. His words are phrased like praises, but the teasing edge in his voice makes your clit throb with need.

“Messy little girl, dripping all over our table. Do you know how much that cost?” When you shake your head weakly he laughs. “Of course you don’t. Numbers are difficult, aren’t they? I don’t think you could count to ten in this state.”

He’s right. Thoughts themselves are difficult and your mind is fully grounded in sensation. His wife bites a mark into your inner thigh, her nose nudging gently against your mound as she leans closer. Every kiss and touch she’s given you has been pointedly away from where you need her most and your patience is wearing thin.

“Zoya, please.”

The sound of your voice breaking through the conversation has everyone’s attention returning fully to you. Zoya looks up at you sharply, something dangerous glimmering in her eyes and you whimper at the feeling of being unintentionally disobedient.

“I’m sorry, please,” you beg, turning your face to hide against the space between Nikolai’s collarbones. “I’ll be good, I promise.”

Nikolai runs a hand soothingly down your side.

“Tell us what you want, lovely. Ask politely, like a good girl, for everyone to hear.”

Chest heaving with anticipation, you squeeze your eyes shut in an attempt at suppressing some of the embarrassment burning over your face as you say,

“Zoya. Will you please kiss my cunt?”

“Just a kiss?” she teases.

Shaking your head, you whimper in protest.

“Don’t be mean Zoya,” Nikolai remarks, though his tone is light and he smiles over at her whilst stroking your cheek gently. “She’s being good.”

She hums quietly, tilting her head as she appears to give his words some thought. Then she nods to one side.

“Look at Aleksander.”

There’s a knowing glimmer in her eyes as you hold her gaze and her smirk widens. Zoya and Nikolai share a look, smiling at one another. They know you well enough to see how much you like Aleksander and Alina.

Swallowing hard, you turn your head and the breath leaves your lungs in a sudden rush as Aleksander’s pitch black eyes meet yours. You can almost see yourself reflected in them, a messy wanton being writhing in front of him.

His tongue traces over his lower lip before he smirks, his gaze lowering to admire your breasts, still adorned with his jewellery, and your messy cunt. Zoya presses her lips against one of your nipples, a delicate kiss to the pinched nub. Then the other.

Then, finally, she ducks her head down between your thighs, mouthing over your soaked cunt. She laps eagerly with her tongue, and the sensation has you throwing your head back against Nikolai’s shoulder. His arms curl around your body to keep you upright.

The desperate cry that escapes your lips attracts Zoya’s attention and her lips press together in disapproval when she sees your gaze has left Aleksander, shifting back to her.

“Keep looking, or I’ll stop,” Zoya says sternly.

A small pout puckers at your lower lip, but you do as she says. Aleksander’s gaze is too intense, and you move your eyes over to watch his hands wandering over Alina’s thighs. He squeezes the clothed flesh smoothly, ignoring how she shifts her weight over his lap, grinding slowly. Her eyes, half-lidded, meet yours and a thrill runs down your spine.

When Zoya’s mouth returns to your cunt, your hands reach for her hair to urge her closer, wanting to chase the prickle of pleasure that is buzzing in the back of your head. Before you can touch her, Nikolai is curling his hands around your wrists, guiding your arms backwards so that your palms are settled on each of his thighs.

“Hold onto me, love,” he suggests.

Despite having very little control of your body and its reactions, you grip onto the fabric of his trousers, nails digging into the muscle beneath. He smiles widely, nose nudging against your cheek as you gasp and whimper.

Aleksander is murmuring something into Alina’s ear, his hand curling around her throat to keep her attention on you. Bliss is running through your veins, heating your entire body as Zoya begins to suckle on your clit, swirling her tongue over the sensitive little bud. Alina bites down on her lower lip.

“Nik, please,” you whisper weakly.

He hushes you, pressing a kiss to your temple as you continue watching Aleksander and Alina, they bodies melding into fuzzy shapes as your gaze becomes unfocused. The drag of Zoya’s tongue and the movement of her lips against your sensitive cunt has you nearing a climax with an almost frightening intensity.

“That’s it, love. Come on, show everyone how pretty you look when you come undone.”

He whispers more praises into your ear before grasping your chin lightly to hold your head up and meet Aleksander’s eyes once again.

“Sasha, tell her what a good girl she is.”

You won’t survive this. The climax that is building inside you is too much. Aleksander’s words are smooth as he encourages you in a doting voice that has your mind sinking through honey.

“You’re a very good girl, milaya, and you’re going to cum for us, aren’t you?”

Obediently, you nod in agreement.

“Yes, yes Aleksander, please, oh fuck.”

Overcome by pleasure, you grasp tightly onto Nikolai’s wrist, writhing between him and his wife as your climax throws you off a cliff, plummeting into the wild waves of bliss. The muscles in your legs shake, your hips jerking against Zoya’s face as your climax shudders through your body.

Weakly, you slump back against Nikolai, whining quietly when Zoya continues to lick your twitching cunt. When your breathing hitches and you try to move away, she stops and you feel boneless now that the sensation has been removed. Bliss has made your limbs heavy and your body is still reeling.

For a long moment, you keep your eyes shut, admiring the colours that swim over your closed eyelids. The need that had been clouding your thoughts has now dissolved completely, leaving your mind a puddle.

While your eyes remain closed, you’re aware of someone lying you down, some gentle touches and murmurs, as well as a warm cloth being dragged between your thighs. It’s much easier to keep your eyes closed, settling your heart and breathing into something more comfortable. Slowly, your eyes begin to flutter open again.

“There’s our girl,” Nikolai coos with a bright smile. “Welcome back, love.”

His hands smooth gently over your thighs and you hum at the soothing sensation of someone tracing their fingers over your forehead. Blinking up at the person, you realise your head has been placed in Genya’s lap.

“Hello, down there,” she says softly, tapping you on the nose with her fingertip. A bashful expression fills your features as you whisper a quiet response.

“Hi.”

David reaches over towards the coffee table, picking up a large crystal pitcher filled with water that hadn’t been there earlier. He pours a small glassful while Genya helps you into a somewhat upright position.

They seem to know your hands would be unable to hold the glass, still shaking from the remaining adrenaline in your body. David holds the water up to your lips and you drink eagerly. His firm hand at the back of your neck makes you shiver pleasantly.

Once you’ve finished, Zoya places a soft blanket over your body and you nestle your face against Genya’s chest. She presses a kiss to the crown of your head, whilst David traces his knuckles down the length of your spine. His touch is warm even through the fabric of the blanket. It doesn’t take long for you to sink into a heavy slumber.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

A chill brushing over your skin is what wakes you and a shiver shakes your body, nuzzling deeper into the warmth surrounding you on both sides. It’s then that you realise you’re now in a bed, in one of Zoya and Nikolai’s guest rooms. With Aleksander on one side, Alina on the other.

Her head is tucked close to you, she appears to have slid off the pillow in her sleep, now nestled in the space under your chin, her forehead brushing against your breasts occasionally as you breathe. One of her hands is placed on your thigh, trapped between them as you lie on your side.

Aleksander’s arm is draped over your body, his hand resting on the limited mattress space between you and Alina. He seems to be a light sleeper, shifting his position as if he’s sensed your state of awareness.

His voice is rough with sleep as he murmurs quietly,

“Everything alright, milaya?”

You nod. You’re wearing an unfamiliar shirt which you can only assume belongs to Aleksander. After such an intense orgasm, involving so many intimate moments, you’re glad you’re not waking up in a cold and empty bed.

“You stayed with me?”

“Of course.” His lips brush against the shell of your ear. “We didn’t want you to wake up alone.”

Reaching for his hand, you intertwine his fingers with your own, giving him an appreciative squeeze as you whisper,

“Thank you.”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

marvelmusing Tag List: @dreamlandcreations @blanchedelioncourt @idaofinfinity @slytherheign @ellooo0ooo @vixenofcourse @dumb-fawkin-bitch @jane-arthur @ilikefictionmen @budugu @watersquirtpewpewboomm @mysweetlittledesire @dhampiravidi @morrigan-crowmwell

S&B Tag List: @motheroffae @daddymaster21

Aleksander M Tag List: @nyctophiliiiiaaa @jazmin2211 @wooya1224 @seronsalk @veescorneroftheworld

BB Characters Tag List: @rachlovesactors @noortsshift @aikeia @weallhaveadestiny @two-unbeatable-beaters

#glitter & gold au #darklina x reader #aleksander morozova x reader x alina starkov #zoyalai x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #alina starkov x reader #shadow and bone au #shadow and bone x reader

255 notes · View notes

rose-sophia-isabella-rogers · 11 months ago

Text

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XXI - Putting Down Roots

Chapter Summary: A sort of epilogue. Presenting how your and your loved ones' lives look few years after the war. Did you get your happy ending? Or maybe rather a happy beginning?

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Zoya Nazyalensky/Nikolai Lantsov, Fedyor Kaminsky/Ivan, Genya Safin/David Kostyk

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Nikolai Lantsov, Genya Safin, Baghra, Ivan, Fedyor Kaminsky, Zoya Nazyalensky, David Kostyk

Word Count: 3915

A/N: Smut alert! If you don't like it or are underage, please, don't read from "'No, I've waited long enough,' he says and enters the bedroom with you." to basically the end of this scene. Enjoy! zyoma maya olya – moon of my life eya fyela chi – I love you

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

You sprint past the corridors of the Little Palace. People usually gasp when you suddenly show up.

'Out of my way!' you shout. 'Careful, coming through! Excuse me! Sorry! Move!'

Most of them quickly jump aside, used to it. It's not the first time they see you racing with time. Some even shake their heads, amused.

Finally, you reach the doors to Aleksander's chambers and open them with a flourish. You stop in the threshold, panting. The owner of the room raises his eyebrows, not moving an inch from his spot by his table.

'Well,' he says, glancing at his watch, 'cutting it close today. A few more minutes and I would go to drag you here myself.'

'This time it's the Queen's fault,' you say, rolling your eyes, and walk to join him. 'I swear, once she finally gives birth, I'm going to visit Nina and Matthias.'

'Can I come with you?' General asks, amused.

'Naturally,' you answer and kiss his cheek in greeting. 'I wasn't planning to go without you.'

You sigh and fall on your chair. The Darkling raises his eyebrows yet again.

'What?' you ask.

'You missed,' he answers. You look at him with confusion. He taps his lips with his finger. You roll your eyes but stand up. You lean down and join your lips. You both sigh and groan quietly. Even after all those years, kissing your husband gives you the same thrill as it did when your relationship began. Same goes with calling him your 'husband'.

'Much better,' Aleksander says, satisfied, when you pull away. You shake your head and sit back down. Kirigan pours you both teas.

'How was your day?' you ask.

'Tedious, as always,' he answers. 'Keeping Novyi Zem and Kerch from killing each other is becoming bothersome. The only reason they're not doing it is thanks to our Crows.'

'Bless their souls, even though they helped to bring you down during civil war,' you say. Your husband nods in agreement.

'You will have to show up tomorrow,' he continues. 'Nikolai has a mission for you.'

You wince. Just what you need.

'You know I hate those meetings,' you groan.

'You're the peace advisor, it's your duty,' the Darkling reminds you. 'The only reason you don't have to be on every one, is because you've been bolting them anyway, because you had new ideas your Durast mind had to test out at once.'

You narrow your eyes at him. He simply smiles and drinks a sip from his cup. He frowns instantly and looks at you with disbelief.

'Did you make my tea grow cold?' he asks.

'You know better than to annoy me,' you answer innocently and drink your perfectly warm tea. You sigh with content.

'I see your trainings with Zoya are going well,' Aleksander says.

'Yes, but I preferred them when she wasn't pregnant,' you say. 'Her hormones exhaust us both. I'm seriously wondering whether she's going to kill Nikolai one day.'

'No, he has a survival instinct,' Kirigan denies, shaking his head. 'The moment the hormones take over, he runs for safety.'

'And leaves me alone with her,' you add grimly. General pats your hand.

'Your sacrifice is noted and appreciated,' he says. You scoff but move your hand to squeeze his. Comfortable silence falls between you two.

'How are things between you and Baghra?' you ask at some point. Your husband shrugs.

'Better, but we still don't trust each other completely,' he answers. 'Which is not fair, because she seems to absolutely adore you. Especially when you scold me.'

'What can I say?' you ask with a grin. 'I've always been her favourite. And don't complain. I'm yours, too.'

'That you are,' the Darkling agrees, smirking at you. His gaze roams over your body. You shiver.

'Tease,' you say. 'I know very well we can't indulge now. You promised to visit young Grisha.'

'Yes, but while I'm away, I can give you something to think about,' he says, slowly standing up. You freeze with wide eyes.

'Aleksander Kirigan, don't you dare,' you warn him. But he stands in front of you and puts hands on the armrests, caging you.

'Or what, [Y/N] Kirigan?' he asks, already kissing your neck. You smile when he calls you that, as usual since you've taken his surname.

'Or I… I… I…' you try to say, but it's very hard to concentrate when he kisses you like that. He chuckles and joins your lips in a passionate, heated kiss. You moan and press yourself to him, wanting more. Needing him.

But he pulls away. You pout. He chuckles quietly.

'I hate you,' you murmur.

'We both know you love me,' he says, winking at you. He sits back down, as if nothing happened, and returns to drinking his tea with that mischievous smirk of his.

'I hope you realise I'm going to take my revenge later,' you say flatly, frustrated beyond measure.

'Oh, I'm counting on it,' he chuckles. You glare at him.

'I promise you, you're going to change your mind,' you say. Aleksander's smile drops when he sees the look in your eyes. He's actually a bit afraid now.

'Still, I can't wait,' he says, trying to regain his composure. You just hum and drink your tea. He can see in your eyes that your vicious mind is already plotting. He gulps. Now he's gone and done it. He's in trouble, he's sure of that.

When hours later Kirigan walks into your shared chambers, he's surprised to see the chambers covered in darkness. He walks tentatively into the room.

'Milaya?' he calls. He gets no answer. He looks into your bedroom but he doesn't find you there. He enters the bathroom… and freezes.

You're in the bathtub. The only source of light is the moonlight coming from the windows. Your body is almost completely in the water. Only your head, neck, collarbone, tips of your breasts and that taunting leg, that's hanging on the edge, are sticking out.

General gulps. Oh, he's in trouble now. He can see that. Even more when you lazily turn your head to him and smirk.

'Hi, honey,' you greet him. 'Do you want to join me?'

Instead of answering, the Darkling hastily undresses himself. He doesn't mind how it makes you laugh. He loves your laughter, so he's happy to hear it, even if you're laughing at him.

'Have I known this would greet me when I come back, I'd have tried to do it sooner,' he murmurs, hurrying to you.

'Well, it was your idea to leave me hot and bothered for a long time,' you point out, slowly raising, showing him more of your skin. He licks his lips.

'So, how are you going to take your revenge?' he asks, watching you straddling him.

'Well, I thought about it,' you start. 'And I decided it's not fun when you're expecting it. So, I'm going to take my revenge another day.'

'That's cruel,' Aleksander hums, kissing your chest, his hands on your hips. 'Now I'll be always anxious, wondering when you will strike.'

'Exactly my point,' you say, grinning, proud of yourself. Kirigan chuckles.

'Do you want to start here or wait for when we're in bed?' he asks huskily.

'Hm, that's a very good question,' you hum and start massaging him. He groans and closes his eyes. He throws his head back.

'Milaya…' he moans.

'Saints, you're really tense,' you say, frowning. 'Looks like you're getting a massage now and the good part will take place in bed.'

'Yes, please,' he grunts and grabs you tighter when you attempt to get up. 'But stay where you are.'

'That is not exactly a good position to give a massage,' you protest, raising your eyebrows. The Darkling opens his eyes and grins.

'But I have a better view,' he explains. You huff and roll your eyes. You shake your head and do your best to give him a massage while on his lap. Which turns out to be a torture because of his groans, moans and hands wandering on your body. Soon you're both hot and bothered.

'So, how about we wash quickly and move to bed?' you suggest some time later.

'Fine by me,' your husband answers, staring at you with lust. You quickly get off of him and you both clean each other. While brushing bodies occasionally, obviously. Finally, you get out, dry yourselves and…

'Aleksander!' you squeak, when he suddenly picks you up, not letting you dress yourself. 'Put me down!'

'No, I've waited long enough,' he says and enters the bedroom with you. There, he gently lays you on the bed. Immediately, he starts kissing every inch of your body he can. He hums, satisfied, when he reaches your womanhood.

'Already wet for me,' he purrs. 'Such a good girl.'

'Hello, I can see you're hard for me,' you huff. He looks up at you and you shiver from the dark look he gives you.

'Only for you,' he declares seriously, causing you to blush. Then, he starts preparing you for him. You gasp and moan, throwing your head back, when his fingers and tongue work magic on your private parts.

'Don't stop!' you gasp, clutching the sheets tightly. He doesn't. He keeps his ministrations until he has you ready for him, drenched in sweat and your wetness. He pulls away and looms over you.

'You're so beautiful,' he murmurs, gently caressing your body. 'My gorgeous wife. I still can't believe I get to call you that.'

'Feel as if only yesterday I was confessing my love to you, huh?' you ask.

'I've been such a fool, denying my feelings for you for so long,' Kirigan says and kisses you gently. 'But now… now I can scream them as many times as I want.'

You smile at him and cup his cheek. He nuzzles into it and presses his lips to your palm.

'Are you going to get inside me or not?' you ask after a moment. He barks a laugh and slowly slides himself into you. You both moan softly.

'Ready, milaya?' he asks after a moment. You nod and he starts moving. Slowly, at first. But he speeds up with time. He wants to hear you screaming as well. His name. How good he makes you feel. He wants everyone within reach to know you're his and he's yours.

'More!' you moan. 'Harder!'

The Darkling takes your legs and puts them on his shoulders. This allows him to thrust deeper into you. He's sure your hips are going to be bruised from how hard he's gripping you. Well, just more to your collection.

'Oh, yes!' you gasp, tangling your hands in his hair. You pull and he groans. He connects your lips and you make out passionately. You move your head and kiss his neck. He grunts when you bite him softly.

'You do realise I have a meeting with a Shu-Han ambassador tomorrow?' he asks, more amused than annoyed.

'I see how she's looking at you, why do you think I did that?' you ask and kiss the spot. 'She must understand you're taken.'

'Maybe you should kiss me in front of her,' he teases you. 'Like you did during that party years ago.'

'Don't tempt me,' you murmur and join your lips again. It's messier now. Your breathing is fast and laboured. You're both close, you can feel it. You moan and move your hips to match his thrusts. He groans and goes even faster.

'I'm gonna…' you pant a moment later.

'Together,' your husband says through greeted teeth. 'One… two… three! [Y/N]!'

'Aleksander!' you cry out, as you both reach your peak. You arch your back and smile, enjoying the feeling of Kirigan filling you up. You deflate after a minute or two, or more.

'Do you want to go again?' the Darkling asks, looking up at you. You laugh and kiss him. Something tells you it's going to be a long night.

Nikolai is taking a walk among the gardens of the Grand Palace. His mind is elsewhere, though. He doesn't even really notice when Kirigan joins him. For a long moment they stroll together in a comfortable silence.

'Congratulations,' Aleksander finally speaks up. 'You have an heir. The line of succession is secured.'

'Yes,' Lantsov mumbles, still in shock. 'I have a daughter. I'm a father. Saints. How did that happen?'

'I imagine you and Zoya-' General starts, amused. The King quickly elbows him to the side with a huff. The Darkling laughs.

'Remind me, why do I keep you around?' Nikolai sighs.

'Because I'm keeping your country safe,' the Shadow Summoner answers. They both stop. Lantsov looks ahead, in the direction of the city.

'It still feels strange,' he says after a beat. 'Our country at peace. Not in a war with anyone. I keep expecting it to explode in our faces.'

'It won't,' Aleksander assures him. 'We've made sure of that. Ravka is strong.'

'And it's a safe place for Grisha,' the King adds, looking at General. 'Like you've always wanted.'

'Yes,' Kirigan confirms, smiling. 'At long last.'

'And we're no longer poor. That's nice as well. I hated being dependant of other countries' good will.'

'You mean Kerch's good will.'

'Yes. Speaking of other countries… are you ready for yet another meeting with them?'

'Do I need to be there? It's your child.'

'Yes, but you're the Second's Army's general… and my friend. I need you there.'

'… Very well. But know I shall hate every moment of it.'

'You think I won't? All those fake smiles, congratulations, blessings… I know it's Zoya's revenge for making her go through birth.'

'That sounds like her.'

They turn around and head back to the Grand Palace. They both smile when they see near the entrance a small gathering consisting of you, David, Baghra and Genya. All of you are smiling. Even Baghra has a shadow of it on her face.

'Does she feel happy and safe?' Nikolai asks, looking at you.

'Yes,' Aleksander confirms, feeling warmth in his heart. 'Thank you.'

'Hey, you did all the hard work,' Lantsov insists. 'I just helped out. I mean, I couldn't really help it. You two have been melting my heart with your love practically since day one. I know you were too busy staring at [Y/N], but I actually cried on your wedding.'

'[Y/N] cried on yours,' Kirigan says. The King looks at him, intrigued.

'And you?' he teases. General chuckles.

'Maybe a little,' he admits. 'It was a beautiful ceremony. And it felt good to see Zoya so happy. And I was right. She's a marvellous queen.'

'Oh, I know,' Nikolai says with a stupid grin. 'I love seeing her showing everyone that there's no messing with her nor with Ravka.'

'I especially enjoy when they cower with fear, seeing her eyes changing to one's of a dragon,' the Darkling says and chuckles. 'After one of such meetings, [Y/N] asked me, troubled, if her eyes turn to the eyes of a bee's whenever she's angry.'

'I've never noticed,' Lantsov says and ponders. 'Do they?'

'They don't for some reason. Thankfully. I imagine she would lock herself in her chambers again if they were.'

'Small mercies.'

They stop. They know they have to join your group and go to accept the congratulations from the delegations of other countries. But neither of them wants to do that just yet.

'So, when can I expect little Kirigans running around?' the King asks, smirking.

'I don't know,' Aleksander answers wistfully. 'We're not rushing. It will come with time. Or maybe not at all. I think we're good with both.'

You finally notice them and smile. You start heading their way.

'How is it Zoya rarely smiles when she sees me and [Y/N] always smiles whenever she sees you?' Nikolai asks.

'She always does,' Kirigan denies. 'You're just not looking then.'

Lantsov stares at him, surprised. He opens his mouth to say something, but just then you join them.

'Everyone is ready,' you inform them. 'We're waiting just for you.'

'We know and we're trying to prolong the moment of going there,' the King explains. You roll your eyes.

'Now you know why I'm always late to the meetings,' you say.

'Can't say I blame you,' Nikolai admits and sighs. 'Shall we?'

'Give us a moment, will you?' the Darkling asks, his eyes focused only on your face.

'Which means you will be joining us in ten minutes,' Lantsov says and shrugs. 'Fine by me. Hah, take even half an hour. I won't mind. Not at all.'

He walks away and joins others. You and your husband stare at each other with smiles.

'Hi,' you say.

'Hey,' General says, grinning. He caresses your cheek. You lean into his touch.

'Moi sol ye tselai,' he murmurs, moving so his lips are above yours. You can't help but smile.

'Zyoma maya olya,' you say. His smile widens. He cups your face and kisses you softly.

'Eya fyela chi,' he says.

'Eya fyela chi,' you reply. He puts his arms around you and hugs you. You smile and breathe in his scent. Safe and sound. Loved. Not alone. You finally have what you've longed for your whole life.

Baghra stirs her tea, waiting. She knows he will come late, as usual. But there will be a smile on his face. A smile she hasn't seen since Luda. She chastised him for his love for her, then. She was foolish, she knows that now. His loneliness drove him to do the unspeakable things. But maybe it was meant to be. Otherwise, he wouldn't have met you. And she knows you're the one that's supposed to be with him. Forever.

There's a knock on the door. The old woman stops the smile forming on her face. Less late than usual, but still late.

'Come in,' she invites him. The door opens and Aleksander walks in. His cheeks are rosy, but she doubts it's from the cold, and there's a smile on his face, like she's expected.

'Forgive me, mother,' he says, taking off his cloak. 'I-'

'Was busy kissing your wife, I know,' she interrupts him and raises her eyebrows. 'Or doing something more with her.'

'Not this time,' he laughs and sits opposite to her. This time she can't hide her smile. He looks at her, puzzled.

'What is it?' he asks. She scoffs. Is it that surprising to see her smiling? Hm. Maybe it is.

'Nothing,' she quickly says. Her son raises his eyebrows. He crosses his legs and arms.

'I know very well it's not,' he says. 'So? Spill it.'

'How commanding,' she says, rolling her eyes. 'You know you're not the Black General here, but my son.'

'You keep reminding me that,' he says flatly. She bites her cheek. Wrong. She's trying to mend their relationship, they both are. But her defence mechanism is working, trying to protect herself, even from her own son. And he always puts his armour on then, also trying to keep himself from getting hurt.

'It's good to see you happy,' she finally manages to say. He blinks, honestly surprised.

'I am,' he says carefully. 'And I have no nefarious plans.'

'I know that you don't,' Baghra says. '[Y/N] is making sure of that. She really is all that matters to you. I'm… sorry I ever thought otherwise.'

'You had every reason not to trust my intentions,' Aleksander says after a pause. 'Even though I've wanted your trust. Wanted you to be proud of me.'

'I am now,' she says, looking him in the eyes. 'Truly.'

He stares at her for a moment. Something blossoms in his heart. Hope? Maybe it's not too late for them yet?

'Thank you,' he says. They talk and drink tea for some time since then. The moment is gone, they're back to guarding themselves, but they're more friendly toward one another. Small steps.

Finally, he puts his cloak back on and leaves his mother's hut. She still refuses to live in the Little Palace. Maybe once their relationship is better? Who knows.

Aleksander walks toward the Little Palace. Grisha who pass him salute him, bow their heads or even smile at him. A few now don't trust him. To others he has proven himself. He's also more open now, more cheerful, so he's not that fearsome anymore. Well, they're still afraid of him, of course, he's still powerful after all, but they're no longer awfully tense around him.

'General! General!' a little girl shouts, rushing to him with her friends. 'Will you play with us today?'

'I'm afraid I don't have time, Clara,' he chuckles. 'How about tomorrow at this hour?'

'Okay!' the little Grisha answers cheerfully and looks at him hopefully. 'Will you bring Lady [Y/N] with you?'

'I'll do my best to convince her to come,' he answers, winking. The girls squeal and run away. They stop a few feet ahead, turn and wave at him. He waves back and watches them joining other Grisha children. He shakes his head fondly and gets inside the Little Palace.

'General!' he hears a moment later behind him. He turns and sees Fedyor approaching him.

'What is it?' Kirigan asks. Kaminsky catches up to him.

'Are you going to dinner today?' he asks.

'I might as well,' the Darkling sighs. '[Y/N] said she has some project she wants to finish, so she may be late. Why?'

'I just wanted to warn you,' the Heartrender explains. 'Zoya said she may drop by.'

'Ah, good to know,' the Shadow Summoner says and nods. 'Thank you, Fedyor.'

'No problem,' Kaminsky says with a smile and goes on his way. Kirigan goes to his chambers and gets to work.

A few hours later he goes to the dining hall. He frowns, as he gets closer. Usually, he can already hear Grisha chatting. But now it's suspiciously silent. He cautiously opens the door.

He stops dead in his tracks. In the middle of the room, there is a giant birthday cake. Every Grisha is standing behind it, Nikolai and some officials as well. But his eyes are on you, standing a bit to the right to the cake (Ivan, obviously, close by). You smile.

'Happy birthday, Aleksander,' you say. 'Come here and make a wish.'

Suddenly, everything strange from today makes sense. How his mother has insisted he comes and visits her. How earlier you stopped him from getting in here, distracting him with kisses and sweet words. A surprise party. Just for him.

'You didn't have to,' he says, touched, as he walks to the cake.

'Shut up and blow out the candles, so I could have cake,' Zoya says. General chuckles and stops in front of the desert. He stares at it for a moment. Then, he closes his eyes and blows out the candles. Everyone cheers and the cake is quickly cut into pieces.

'Thank you, lapushka,' he says, when you walk to him. 'Truly.'

'Of course,' you say. 'You're not going to tell me your wish, are you?'

'No,' the Darkling says, pulling you to himself. He kisses the top of your head with a smile and looks around the room, at the happy faces, at his friends, thinking about his wish.

Please, let me, and people I care about, continue to be this happy.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading this story! Thank you for every comment, likes and reblogs, and I hope you will let me know what you think of this end. Because this is the finale of the story of Aleksander and his Durast Girl. I really hope you enjoyed it. As to what's next, I have some ideas, but I'm not sure when I will post something new with this pair. Thank you and I hope to see you again!

This story can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135806941

47 notes · View notes