rose-sophia-isabella-rogers

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

Worth the Risk: Chapter II - After

Chapter Summary: The Clone Wars are almost over, everyone can feel it. But something sinister is happening. Forces stronger than you are reaching their hands for Anakin. Can you save him in time? Or will you unwillingly help bring ruin to the whole galaxy?

Pairing: Anakin Skywalker/Reader

Characters: Anakin Skywalker, Reader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda (only mentioned), Mace Windu (only mentioned), Ahsoka Tano (only mentioned), Rex, Sketcher, Shaak Ti, Count Dooku, Sheev Palpatine, Grievous (only mentioned), Padmé Amidala (only mentioned)

Word Count: 3562

A/N: Usually, I write fanfictions for female reader. But to be honest, I'm not sure if in this one it's said anywhere. So, for now I'm marking this as other, but if you see if it's said anywhere, please, let me know. This gif isn't my either. And there is a dialogue from "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith". Enjoy!

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

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

@astro-kitty-launch

Somehow, you and Anakin make this secret relationship work. Of course, the Clones are a big help. Sometimes, you think they're more excited about it than you. You can't tell how many times they've saved you from being discovered by someone. You fear one day you're going to get a heart attack. But it's worth it. Oh, so much.

Every time you and Skywalker have a moment alone, your heart is soaring. It's not always about physical contact, it's also about being with each other without hiding your feelings. It's surprisingly freeing. And it makes you happy. And Anakin as well. You don't think you've ever seen him smile like that like when he's with you and he lets his emotions show. You love that. You love that smile, the fact you can make him this happy… You love him.

Skywalker has the same. He also notices you're happier when you two are together. Whenever he makes you laugh, he can't stop grinning, because it's him that caused that laugh. You're more relaxed and peaceful, too. And that smile when your eyes are shining… he'd do anything to protect that smile. He's head over heels for you and he knows it. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

The day you two go further is perfect. He's the perfect gentleman, making sure you're certain about it. He's soft and caring, afraid of hurting you. You keep assuring him you're fine and give him everything you have, same as he. You also care about his comfort. You lay in each other's arms for a long time after that.

You're also a big emotional support to each other. When one comes back from a hard mission, the other is there for them. Sometimes to distract, other times just simply being.

One time you're both on such hard mission. When you arrive back to the Jedi Temple, you sneak out to a secluded place in a garden. You talk about it quietly, holding hands.

Obi-Wan looks for you, worried about you, as he's been briefed about what happened. Your former Master can't be here for you, as she's on Kamino, so he wants to comfort both his former Padawan and you. But how is he supposed to do that, when you're nowhere to be found?

Finally, he finds himself in a garden. It's a pure accident he turns into the hidden alley you and Anakin are sitting in. He sighs, relieved to finally succeed. He heads your way. He opens his mouth to let you know about his presence, but he notices your entwined hands. He stops and frowns. He observes Skywalker tracing your knuckles with his thumb. Then, you lay your head on his shoulder and he gently lays his head on yours.

'Oh, Maker,' Obi-Wan sighs quietly and retreats. He quickly finds himself on the corridors of the Temple. Soon he comes across Rex and Sketcher. They both seem to be looking for something. They're whispering nervously and glancing around. Kenobi frowns. Now that he thinks about it, the Clones from your legions often seemed to make him busy and they only stopped when you and Anakin showed up… with flushed faces.

'General!' they both say, saluting, once he gets close to them. He stops and crosses his arms. He observes them with narrowed eyes. They're perfectly calm.

'So how long has it been going on?' he asks. '[Y/N] and Anakin.'

'What do you mean, sir?' Sketcher asks, not showing any sign of worry.

'I've tried to ignore what I sensed from them,' Obi-Wan says. 'I trusted they're both responsible enough not to… indulge. But I can't say the same after I saw them just know, being closer to each other than two Jedi should ever be.'

Sketcher and Rex are quiet. How to get out of this one? They can't rat you out. But they know there's no lying to Kenobi now. Suddenly, the Jedi sighs.

'I'm not going to get them into trouble,' he promises. 'I just want to know when this started, because… I've noticed some change in them lately. And I wonder if that's the reason. So tell me. Would it be more or less when you locked them in that storage closet?'

The Clones look at each other, uncomfortable. Obi-Wan sighs and pinches his nose.

'And you've all been covering for them,' he says and looks behind himself. 'Well… Like I said, I won't tell.'

'Uh… with all due respect… but why, sir?' Rex asks. 'It's against your code.'

'Because we're at war,' Kenobi answers, looking back at his companions with a sad smile. 'And they're still kids. They deserve some happiness. I trust them not to do something stupid because of their feelings. Well, at least I trust [Y/N]. And that she will stop Anakin from doing it.'

The Clones chuckle. The Jedi winks at them. He puts his finger to his lips.

'Don't tell them I know,' he says. They nod seriously and Obi-Wan walks away.

'So… what now?' Sketcher asks after a moment passes.

'We continue hiding them from others,' Rex answers and marches away. Sketcher sighs, troubled, and follows him. To be honest, what else can they do?

*

Dooku and Grievous have kidnapped Palpatine. You, Anakin and Obi-Wan are sent to rescue him. If it were up to you, you'd let them have him, as you distrust the Chancellor and don't like him. He gives you bad feelings. But it's not, so you follow orders.

At some point, you get separated from your friends. When you finally reach them, annoyed because you had to fight with many droids to get here, you're surprised to find Kenobi unconscious. But before you can rush to him, you see Skywalker holding Dooku at blade point with both his own lightsaber and the Count's.

'Kill him,' Palpatine says, shocking you. 'Kill him now!'

'I shouldn't…' the Jedi says, hesitating.

'Do it!' the Chancellor urges him.

'Anakin,' you quickly speak up, letting others know about your presence. You think you see Palpatine grimacing, but it's so quick you're not sure. Skywalker glances at you.

'[Y/N],' he says.

'You beat him,' you say and smile. 'Well done. I knew you could do it.'

He smiles back. You walk slowly to him. You ignore Palpatine and look at Dooku. He eyes you warily. He wants to glare at you, but realizes you might have just saved his life.

'I got it,' you say quietly to your lover. 'You free the Chancellor and help Obi-Wan. Not necessarily in that order.'

Anakin chuckles and shakes his head. He frees Palpatine and rushes to his former master. You can sense the Chancellor's gaze on you. But quickly he follows Skywalker, talking to him quietly. You don't like that, but you can't take your eyes off Dooku… who has no hands. Oh, Maker…

'I don't suppose you'd like to collaborate?' you ask.

'On the contrary,' the Count denies. 'I am going to fully cooperate.'

'Huh? Why?' you ask, stunned. Anger flashes in his eyes.

'Revenge,' he spats out. Okaaaay… you don't want to be the person that wronged him so much he's ready to cooperate with you.

'Get up,' you say, as he's on his knees. He stands up and calmly walks before you. Anakin carries Obi-Wan on his back and you attempt to escape. You're barely caught by Grievous, but you manage to escape, with now awake Kenobi.

Back at Coruscant, you're all praised for your heroics, especially Skywalker. But once everyone leaves him be and Dooku is taken away, he takes you with him to a secluded place. He's very worried.

'I almost killed him,' he says at once. 'An unarmed man. If you haven't had come…'

'But I did,' you say, quickly cupping his face. 'And it's not you. I've heard Palpatine urging you.'

'He just… he feared Dooku is too dangerous to be kept alive,' Anakin defends the Chancellor. You sigh. They're friends and it's hard to say a word against Palpatine to Skywalker.

'I know you two are close,' you say. 'But that makes you unable to see his flaws. And trust me, there are many. One of them is him urging you to kill someone, even though he's well aware it's against your principles and well, simply wrong.'

'You don't understand,' Anakin says angrily, pulling away from you. 'The Chancellor wants the best for the galaxy. He has a huge responsibility.'

'But he has no right to decide who lives and who dies,' you argue. Skywalker wants to fight about it. But decides against it. He just huffs and marches away. You call after him, but he doesn't stop.

Not long after you hear that Dooku has somehow escaped. Anakin is angry and blames himself. You know he believes he should have killed him when he had a chance. This urges you to find the Count before he does.

Every Jedi on the planet is looking for him. But somehow no one is able to find him. Suddenly, as if the Force has nudged you in the right direction, you remember what happened when you captured him. Dooku has promised to cooperate, yes. But he also said it's because he wants revenge. And a moment before it was Palpatine who urged Anakin to kill the Count…

Anxious, you rush to the building of the Senate. You maneuver your way to the Chancellor's office. His security is dead. You burst inside and you see Dooku, with cybernetic hands, on his knees. Palpatine is a bit away. He looks at you with relief (which seems fake to you, but okay).

'Master Jedi, how good,' he says. 'He… he tried to kill me. Please...'

You eye the Chancellor. Because you can't explain how did he manage to bring the Count on his knees. Unless…

'Don't believe a word he says,' Dooku says, breathing heavily, and looks you in the eyes. 'He's the Sith Lord you've been looking for.'

A cold shiver runs down your spine. Palpatine chuckles, amused at the suggestion. Or trying to sound like that. But his laugh dies down, when he sees the way you look at him.

'You don't believe him, [Y/N], do you?' he asks. Oh, his tone. So patronizing. He always talks to you like that and it annoys you to no end.

'Actually, that makes a perfect sense,' you answer, slowly grabbing your lightsaber and lightning it. 'To be honest, I've never trusted you. And I had my suspicions. But I had no way to be sure. Nor to prove it.'

'I see,' Palpatine says and suddenly his face twists. 'So be it.'

He's so fast you barely manage to block his attack when he jumps at you. The fight begins and you quickly realize you're way over your head. You're powerful, yes. But still young and not experienced. You don't give up, but you fear that if help doesn't arrive, you're going to die. You can already see Palpatine blaming Dooku for your death. No one will know the truth. So you push on, determined not to let the Sith win.

But suddenly your lightsaber is knocked out of your hand. Palpatine starts choking you with the Force and lifts you up. You try to use the Force to stop him, but he's stronger than you.

'I must thank you,' he says, smiling sinisterly. 'Your death will be the thing that pushes Anakin over to the Dark Side.'

You look at him with alarm, finally understanding. For years, the Chancellor has been grooming your lover as his apprentice. Killing Dooku was supposed to be another step. You stopped it. But now you may bring it to come after all.

'No…' you wheeze, your eyes watering. Palpatine smiles sinisterly. You feel the life escaping you.

But suddenly, the Sith is thrust against the wall. His hold on you is lost and you fall on the ground, gasping for breath. When you look up, you're shocked to see Anakin in the room, glaring with fury at the Chancellor.

'I thought you're my friend!' he shouts, feeling betrayed.

'I am,' Palpatine quickly says, lifting himself up. 'I am, Anakin. I'm your only true friend. Join me, Anakin. Together we will achieve peace. Only I see your power. Only I truly value you.'

'Not only you,' Skywalker says after a moment, looking at you. Relief fills you. In that moment you understand that Palpatine has lost his chance with his attempt on your life. Anakin will never join him now.

The Jedi lights his weapon and charges at the Sith. They quickly begin fighting. You're surprised how matched they are. Maybe because Skywalker is angry. It worries you, but you know there's no point in calming him down now. So, you try to regain your strength as you watch him duel Palpatine… and finally winning.

'Anakin…' you say quietly, as Skywalker holds his lightsaber to the Chancellor's neck. 'Don't let him win.'

'But if he lives…' the Jedi starts.

'And if you kill him, this will hunt you forever,' you say gently. 'He was your friends. Or at least you believed that. Don't go this path.'

Anakin hesitates. But you see him lowering his weapon. You exhale, relieved.

'Pardon me,' Dooku says, suddenly showing up behind Palpatine. 'But since I'm already on the Dark Side…'

He takes a swing with Chancellor's lightsaber and cuts off his head. Skywalker moves aways, shocked. The Sith Lord's body falls on the ground. You stare at it with wide eyes.

'Well, at least it's certain he won't suddenly show up,' you say weakly. 'There's no way he survived that.'

Hearing your voice seems to wake up Anakin. At once he's at your side and falls on his knees. He takes you in his arms and holds you tight, his body shaking. Yours is shaking as well. You hold on to him, so happy you're both alive and well.

'It's over,' Skywalker murmurs. 'It's finally over.'

'There's still-' you start.

'No,' Anakin interrupts you. 'It's over. It's over…'

You decide to go with it for now and close your eyes. Skywalker presses a kiss to your head and you sit like that for a long time. Watched by Dooku, who's just standing there awkwardly, not wanting to ruin the moment for you two, but also wanting to escape.

Some time later, Obi-Wan and Shaak Ti rush through the corridors of the senate building. They burst into Palpatine's office. Their eyes quickly find you and Anakin, still on the floor, still hugging. Your former masters exhale with relief. They look at each other and exchange a knowing smile. Looks like they were right to let your love bloom.

*

The war is over. Obi-Wan has captured Grievous and the Separatists' leaders where captured. Some were shocked about the identity of the Sith Lord, some didn't believe you, but all was resolved. Dooku has escaped after giving his statement about Palpatine. For some reason, the search for him is no longer so frantic. Your actions grant you and Anakin the ranks of Masters in the Council. Except…

'You want to leave?' you ask your lover one night in the garden. He has asked you to meet him here.

'We've brought peace to the Galaxy,' he says. 'I've done what they wanted. What was expected from me. Now… I want to do what I want. For the first time in my life.'

'And that is…?' you ask hesitantly. He cups your face and looks you in the eyes.

'Being with you,' he answers. 'In the open. Living a life. Together.'

'You've always wanted to be granted the rank of the Master, though,' you point out, even though his words fill you with joy.

'But then I've found out you feel the same,' Skywalker says, smiling. You can't help but respond in kind.

'However, I know how important being a Jedi is for you,' he says, slowly backing away. 'So-'

You shut him up by kissing him. He quickly pulls you closer and answers.

'Let's do it,' you whisper. He beams at you and kisses you again. And again. Boy, how you love when he kisses you…

The Council is surprised by your decision, of course (except for Obi-Wan, Yoda and Shaak Ti). They try to persuade you to change your minds. You don't budge. Ahsoka understands your decision and is thrilled by it, to be honest. She's shipped you two as well. Soon enough she's helping you, together with Padmé, to find an apartment.

Once you choose one and settle in, you throw up a party. You invite everyone you know. The Clones are enough to make it hard to move around, but by some miracle everyone fits in. It's a huge success and almost everyone stays until bright morning. Your closes friends even stay to help you clean after the party. When even they're out, all that is left for you and Anakin, is to put back the dishes.

'I'm honestly surprised how many people have showed up,' your boyfriend says.

'I know,' you agree. 'Even the Jedi Masters were here.'

'Yeah, even Master Windu, which's honestly shocking,' Skywalker says. 'I was stunned into silence when I saw him.'

'I had the same with Master Yoda,' you chuckle. 'Still, it was very nice of them to come. And support us with our decision.'

Anakin hums in agreement. You look at him.

'Though I think Obi-Wan and Ahsoka are really going to miss you,' you say.

'I think they're going to miss you more,' Skywalker chuckles. You give him a look. He sighs.

'I guess,' he admits. 'Obi-Wan didn't want to let go of me, when he was leaving. But it's not like we're not going to see each other. I'm sure they're going to visit us often. And we will drop by the Temple.'

'Oh, I can imagine you walking into the Temple straight from your work as a mechanic, greasy clothes and all, coming across the Council,' you laugh.

'Ha, I can almost see Master Windu's disapproving looks,' your boyfriend chuckles. 'Speaking of work… have you finally decided on something?'

'No, but I'd like to remind you that I had no life before I was a Jedi,' you answer. 'Being a Jedi is all I know. All I ever was. I have to figure out who I am without it first.'

Anakin takes your hand in his. He smiles at you.

'Don't worry, we have all the time in the world,' he says. You smile back. He winks at you.

You're done with the dishes, so you get ready for sleep. It may be morning already, but you're both exhausted. First preparations for the party, then the party itself. You take a quick shower and go to your shared bedroom. Anakin has showered first, so he's already in bed and he's lowered down the blinds, so it's as dark in the room as if it was a night.

'Ready, Chosen One?' you ask, untangling your wet hair with your hand. Skywalker rolls his eyes.

'Stop calling me that,' he asks.

'Hey, you are one,' you remind him, getting under the covers with him. 'You brought back balance, defeated the Sith, saved everyone.'

'Maybe, but you saved me,' your boyfriend says softly and looks you in the eyes. 'First you stopped me from killing Dooku, then from killing Palpatine. If you hadn't… maybe I wouldn't have been able to free myself from the Dark Side.'

'Luckily, we will never have to find out,' you say, squeezing his hand and smiling. He takes your hand and brings it to his lips. He presses a kiss to it.

'I'm so glad we've decided to give us a try,' he says and reaches out to cup your face. 'You are the best thing that's ever happened to me.'

'And you are mine,' you say, touching his forehead with yours. After a moment you both move your faces and your lips join in a sweet kiss.

'I love you, [Y/N],' he whispers when you pull away.

'I love you, Anakin,' you whisper at the same time. You look at each other and laugh.

'Whatever happens next… I'm glad to have you by my side,' your boyfriend says. You hum with a nod and you both lay down. You put your head on Skywalker's chest.

'It's weird,' you say. 'For the past three years it was living from battle to battle. It was horrible, but at least I knew what's coming. And now… it's a big unknown.'

'It's definitely going to be difficult,' Anakin agrees. 'But we'll manage. We've succeeded in defeating the Sith Lord. Nothing is worse nor harder than that.'

'Except for taxes,' you point out. Skywalker's face falls.

'Except for taxes,' he agrees. 'But we'll do. Somehow…'

You hum and close your eyes. You don't want to think about it now.

'Goodnight,' you say.

'Goodnight,' your boyfriend says. You sense him looking at you with a wide smile.

'What is it?' you ask.

'I can do that every night now,' he explains, hugging you tightly. 'Until death do us part.'

'We're not married yet,' you yawn.

'Yet?' Anakin asks, grinning.

'Oh, shut up Skywalker.'

'Make me, [L/N].'

'Maybe I will.'

'I definitely wouldn't mind. But then we won't sleep at all.'

'That may be true… I love you.'

'And I love you. Forever and always.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day! I hope you enjoyed this little story. See you in the next fanfiction!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53898226/chapters/136425739

#anakin skywalker #reader #anakin x reader #anakin x you #anakin & reader #anakin & you #anakin/reader #anakin/you #star wars #the clone wars #revenge of the sith

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

Worth the Risk: Chapter I - Before

Chapter Summary: You've known Anakin ever since you were a youngling. It was hard to see one of you without the other. It's different when the Clone Wars start. But then, you're finally paired together for a mission and you're almost always together again. However, an argument after you almost die, may ruin your relationship. Or maybe it will do something completely else?

Pairing: Anakin Skywalker/Reader

Characters: Anakin Skywalker, Reader, Shaak Ti (only mentioned), Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Mace Windu, Ahsoka Tano, Rex, Jesse, Sketcher, Bunker, R2-D2

Word Count: 4338

A/N: This was supposed to be a one-shot. Once again, I'm proving myself I can't write those. Oh well. Anyway, I've got into "Star Wars" a few months ago and this is the result. I haven't watched everything yet, but I couldn't stop myself. I hope you will enjoy this. Happy reading! P.S.: The gif is not mine! Same as the Star Wars franchise. Nor you, for that matter. Oh, and I didn't know if the people on the tag list wanted to be only in my fanfictions about Aleksander Kirigan or in all my works. So, I address you guys now: if you're not into the Star Wars or this pairing, let me know in the comments and I will remove you from the tag list and won't tag you in the next chapter.

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

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

@astro-kitty-launch

Anakin Skywalker has been your best friend since you were little. When he arrived to the Jedi Temple, the rumors about him being the Chosen One quickly spread. Other younglings were a bit afraid of him or treated him as someone amazing already. You were having none of that. During your first training together, you beat him up. He may be the one to save you all, but you were here longer. He was not going to get any special treatment from you.

However, after the training was finished, you hurried to him and took him on a tour of the Jedi Temple. You didn't want to treat him like he was better than you, but you didn't want him to be your enemy either. He was a kid, like you. And you could tell he appreciated that.

Ever since that, you spent every free moment together. Everyone knew that wherever you two showed up, chaos followed. He was advancing quicker in the Order, but you were an apt student and were close behind. After the Initiate Trails you were honored to be chosen by Master Shaak Ti. She's a good mentor and you really valued everything she had to teach you.

Then, the Clone Wars started. Your Master was asked to oversee the Clone production and training. You accompanied her and also took part in some battles, sent as a Commander. Soon after, you took your Jedi Trials and the Council granted you the title of the Jedi Knight. It was time to leave your Master and become a General of the Grand Army of the Republic. Of course, Anakin has been one already for some time, having passed his trials before you.

Because of the war, you and Skywalker have been spending less time together. But wherever you two manage to meet, you always try to take the most of it. But for some reason, the Council have never asked you to go to the battle together. Until now.

*

Anakin is walking through the Jedi Temple with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda. They're discussing the new mission Skywalker has been given. He needs to free another planet from the Separatists.

'Don't worry, Master Yoda,' he says, as they exit the Temple. 'Obi-Wan and I will not fail you.'

'Go with you, Obi Wan cannot,' Yoda says, surprising them both. 'A different task, he has. Send someone else with you, we will.'

'Who?' Anakin asks, frowning. At the same moment they notice Master Mace Windu approaching with you. He's saying something to you and you nod, absolutely concentrated. Until your eyes fall on your best friend. Then, you grin. He does the same. But Obi-Wan's face falls.

'Master Yoda, are you sure about this?' he asks. 'The two of them together…'

'What is needed to save this planet, exactly is,' Yoda finishes.

'We'll be fine, Obi-Wan,' Anakin says, already heading your way. Kenobi sighs.

'This is gonna end badly,' he murmurs. 'Or at least in an explosion.'

You and Anakin meet halfway. At once you start talking strategy amatively. Windu passes you and joins other Masters, eyeing you skeptically.

'Are we sure about this?' he asks. 'There is a reason why we haven't paired them up together for a mission. They tend to be… destructive together.'

'To put it lightly,' Obi-Wan adds. But Yoda smiles.

'Trust them, we must,' he says. 'Powerful together, they are. Win the battle, they will.'

And so, an hour later you're at the docks, getting ready to board the Resolute, Anakin's Venator-class Star Destroyer. Anakin's Clone Legion, 501st, is to join you, same as yours, 98th. They greet each other and chat, waiting for you and Anakin to declare you're ready to fly. Ahsoka Tano, Skywalker's padawan, stands a bit to the side, talking with Captain Rex, one of the clones.

'Ahsoka, do me a favor and keep an eye on these two,' Obi-Wan says, glancing at you and Anakin.

'Why?' Tano asks, puzzled.

'Wherever they go together, chaos follows,' Kenobi explains and pats Rex on the shoulder. 'Good luck to you all.'

'Thank you, sir,' the Clone says, already fearing his future.

'All set?' Anakin asks, joining the group.

'We were waiting just for you,' Ahsoka answers and smiles at you, as you approach them. 'And [Y/N]. Hi!'

'Hey,' you say, grinning at the young padawan. 'Shall we?'

'Let's destroy some droids,' Skywalker says, smirking at you. You smirk back and board the ship with him.

'May the force be with you,' Obi-Wan calls after you. You and Anakin turn and salute him.

'And with you!' you say at the same time and head inside. Kenobi sighs.

'Please, be careful,' he asks.

'I'll keep an eye on them, sir,' Rex promises.

'Thank you,' Obi-Wan says. Ahsoka smiles at him and boards the ship with others. She can't wait to see you and Anakin in action together.

*

When Obi-Wan returns from his mission, you and Anakin are still away. The task is going well, but he hears there are some complications. Still, you return not long after him. The Clones from your legions are the first to get out of the Resolute. They all look weary.

'How did it go?' Kenobi, who is there to greet you, asks. The Clones look at him. Rex walks forward and brings his hands together.

'Please, sir, please, never put the two of them on a mission together again,' he begs. Obi-Wan raises his eyebrows.

'That bad?' he asks.

'They were crazy,' Jesse, a Clone from 501 says with wide eyes.

'That bad?' Obi-Wan sighs.

'It was quite fun, actually,' Ahsoka says, joining them with a small smile, also looking tired. 'But… they are something else together.'

'They're chaos, that's what they are,' Jesse mumbles. Just then you and Anakin show up. You're having a bacta patch on your forehead.

'And what happened to you?' Kenobi asks.

'Skywalker,' you answer, but don't sound angry.

'Yeah, well, it worked, so I'm not sorry,' Anakin says. You roll your eyes.

'But we're not doing it again,' you say.

'How about next time you can throw me into a swarm of droids?' Skywalker suggests. Your eyes light up. Obi-Wan's go wide.

'You did what?!' he demands from his former padawan.

'She had two lightsabers!' Anakin defends himself. You grin and decide to quickly evacuate yourself, not wanting to be berated by Kenobi as well. Ahsoka and Clones take that as their cue as well.

While you retreat, Skywalker glares at you, feeling betrayed. You wink at him and walk away gracefully. Until you hit a droid and trip over him. You can hear Anakin's laughter very clearly.

'Damn you, Skywalker,' you murmur and stand up. You stick out your tongue to Anakin and walk away.

'How can one change their personality so quickly?' Jesse asks Rex. 'On the battlefield they both have been professional, focused and very scary. And now they are…'

'Young people having fun,' Rex finishes with a small, sad smile. They observe you walking away in silence, pondering about the cruelty of the war.

A few days later the Clones from 501st and 98th legions get bad news. The Senate and Jedi Council were so impressed and satisfied with how the mission went, they want to pair you, Anakin and your legions for more missions. All Clones groan in unison at the news. Some actually cry.

However, with time it changes. Yes, you and Anakin can still be crazy, not only on the battlefield. But 501st notices that you tend to have a calming influence on Skywalker. And 98th notice that you seem to thaw around Anakin. They're used to see you calm, collected and serious. Sometimes even a bit too much.

501st Legion takes a quick liking to you, not only because you calm down their general's temper. You are fun, compassionate, kind and you are a very warm person. Sometimes, Anakin even thinks they like you more than him. He is probably very right.

98th Legion is fast to warm up to Skywalker, too. They admire his skills, intelligence and strategies. They also love his fun side and to joke around with him. And annoy you with it.

Both Legions have a chance to see more than anyone, maybe with an exception of Ahsoka, the chemistry between you and Anakin. While others see it as some sort of connection, good sync in the Force, they see it's something… more. And they're determined to see what exactly it is. The opportunity for that comes with one of the missions.

*

The Clones stand awkwardly outside the medic bay. They look at each other. No one dares to speak. They wince, hearing something clattering inside.

'So… they expect a report,' Sketcher, one of the Clones from 98th, says.

'Do you want to go in and tell them that?' Bunker, his companion, asks. Sketcher gives him a horrified look.

'None of us does,' Jesse murmurs. Just then Ahsoka, who had to take a shower because she was completely covered in slime, shows up. Everyone looks at her with hope.

'Commander, the Jedi Council expects a report,' Rex quickly says. Tano raises her eyebrows.

'Shouldn't Master Skywalker and Master [L/N] do it?' she asks. All Clones look at the door to the med bay. As on cue, Anakin's and then your voices can be heard:

You could have died!

But I didn't!

'I see your point,' Ahsoka sighs. 'I'll get right to it.'

She turns to go and contact the Council. The Clones hurry after her, no longer feeling guilty for not stepping in. Only Rex and Sketcher stay behind, ready to assist you and help if necessary.

Inside the med bay, you and Anakin are glaring at each other. You're covered in bacta patches. But you don't see why your friend is making such a fuss. You're fine. Nothing serious has happened to you.

'But you could have,' Skywalker says. You roll your eyes.

'What's your deal?' you ask, putting a hand on your hip. 'Usually, you don't hesitate to do things like that. You do even more dangerous stunts.'

'You're supposed to be more responsible one,' Anakin argues. 'Besides… you're not me.'

'I know, but what's that supposed to mean?' you ask, narrowing your eyes. Skywalker clenches and unclenches his fist.

'It's less risky when I don things like that,' he says after a tense moment. 'Dangerous things.'

'And why is that?' you ask, crossing your arms over your chest.

'Because I'm a better Jedi,' he blurts out. 'I've always progressed faster than you.'

He regrets his words the moment they leave his mouth. You look as if he's slapped you. For a long moment you stare at each other. Finally, you huff.

'You can be a really unsensitive jerk, Skywalker,' you snap and march out of the med bay.

'[Y/N], wait, I didn't-!' Anakin starts, panicked. But you push past Rex and Sketcher, and hurry away. The Clones stare after you, then look at Skywalker judgingly.

'What?' he asks. Rex sighs and Sketcher shakes his head.

'What?' Skywalker repeats, annoyed, crossing his arms. 'Come on, spit it out.'

The Clones exchange a look. Sketcher waves his hand and walks away. Anakin and Rex stare at each other. Skywalker raises his eyebrow, waiting. The Clone sighs again.

'You should have just told her you were worried, sir,' he says and the Jedi quickly opens his mouth to protest. 'You and me know she's just as good as you. You're angry with her, because you were scared. You know that, I know that, but she doesn't. So, give her time to cool down and talk about it. But calmly now. And explain your reasoning. And apologize.'

'Are you giving me orders, Rex?' Anakin asks, a bit amused.

'Just a suggestion, sir,' the Clone answers, salutes and walks away. Skywalker sighs and runs a hand through his face. He knows Rex is right. But how to talk to you?

Nevertheless, he gathers his courage, and once you're getting close to Coruscant, he searches for you. He finds you in one of the storages, checking for supplies. The furrow of your eyebrows tells him you're still angry. But he has to clear the air now, before it's too late.

'[Y/N],' he says, walking inside. 'Can we talk?'

'Talk or yell at each other?' you ask after a beat.

'Talk,' Anakin answers, walking slowly to you, and scratches the back of his neck. 'I… I owe you an apology.'

You finally look at him, raising your eyebrows at him. You clearly haven't expected that.

'I am not a better Jedi than you,' he says. 'And I have no right to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. I'm… I'm sorry.'

'I'm sorry, too,' you say after a pause, looking at him with sorrow. 'I… I shouldn't have stormed off like that. You… I… Truth is, I've always been a bit jealous of you being promoted quicker than me. Because I was in the Temple longer than you. Ever since I was a baby. I've tried to get over it, but I guess a part of me is still angry about it. But the truth is, the time spend on the training doesn't matter, but talent does. And you're a natural, Anakin. I just… I just wish you'd trust my skills as well. I may be not as good as you are, but I'm capable of doing risky things, as well.'

'I do trust your skills!' he hastily says, taking a step toward you. 'And you are as talented as I am. I just… I… You…'

'Yes?' you ask when he trails off. He gulps and looks into your eyes. His pulse speeds up. He can do it. He can.

'I was worried about you,' he confesses softly, surprising you. 'When I saw you jumping into that fire… for a moment my heart stopped. I thought… that you're not gonna come out of it. I feared I had lost you. When you emerged, I… I was so relieved. But then I became angry. For you to putting yourself in such risk and for making me so scared. I… lashed out at you and I'm sorry for it. But the thought of losing you is…'

You eye him warily, your heart beating fast. He looks at you like a kicked puppy. There's deep sadness in his eyes and… and something else you don't dare to name. Probably, if you reached out, you could read him. But you don't. And you beg him in your mind not to speak.

'It was unbearable,' he finishes softly anyway. You gulp. His eyes are begging you to say something. Your heart screams at you to answer him. But you can't.

'Well… I'm still here,' you say and smile nervously. 'Still in one piece. But I promise to be more careful. And as responsible as usual at least.'

You stare at him, expecting him to smile back. To finally get rid of this tension between you two. So everything could be back to normal. But he doesn't. He stares back at you, his eyes serious and… Oh, no. Determined.

'What if I do lose you one day?' he asks. You quickly put your guard up.

'You'll move on,' you answer, softly but sternly. He scoffs and looks at you with disbelief.

'Do you really think I can do that?' he asks. 'Could you move on if something happened to me?'

'Yes,' you answer with difficulty, forcing the tears back from your eyes.

'Seriously?' Anakin huffs, narrowing his eyes at you. You gulp, feeling a burning sensation in your throat.

'I'm not saying it would be easy,' you say. 'But I'd have to. That is the Jedi way. No attachments. Letting go of those we lost. Moving on.'

You give him a pointed look and walk past him. You press the button to open the door, but suddenly Skywalker grabs your wrist and presses the button again, closing the door. You stare at it, stunned. Your breath hitches when you feel his chest pressing into your back.

'What if we weren't Jedi?' he asks quietly, straight into your ear, causing you to shiver.

'Then… I'd mourn you,' you answer, also quietly. 'Openly. Letting everyone know how… hurt I am.'

'No, that's not the word you wanted to use,' he says, gently squeezing your wrist.

'Heartbroken,' you whisper. 'I'd be heartbroken.'

Anakin lets go of your wrist. But his hand moves to your waist, his other landing on its other side. He starts to turn you around. You panic and press the button to open the door. But it doesn't budge. You frown, confused. You can't wonder about it, however, because your eyes meet Skywalker's.

'Let me go,' you plead, for both your sakes. But he leans toward you, allowing his eyelids to drop a bit. You want to give in. Oh, you want it so much. But…

'What about Padmé?' you ask. He freezes. He looks at you with a frown.

'You've been going on about her ever since I met you,' you huff. 'And then you were reunited and… you always wanted to be on the missions that were connected to her and I always felt… how much she means to you.'

'She's just a friend,' he says, but you give him a skeptical look. 'Truly. Yes, I thought Padmé is… someone more for me. But then I met you and I realized… She was the first beautiful and kind girl I've ever met. What I felt for her was a childhood crush. Nothing more. I'm certain of it. Because what I feel for you is stronger than what I've felt for her.'

'Don't,' you say harshly, attempting to move away. 'Stop it here, Anakin.'

'No,' Skywalker says sternly, looking at you with passion. 'I've been hiding my feelings for too long. I almost lost you today and I can't… I can't continue without you knowing about them. Without knowing about yours…'

He reaches out and cups your cheek. He wipes out a stray tear you weren't even aware of. You open your mouth to protest more, but he quickly leans to you and your lips touch… and it's everything you've ever dreamt of and so much more.

You've been in love with your best friend for years. You've tried to deny and hide it. Because you are both Jedi and you also believed he has some feelings for Senator Padmé Amidala. But now he's kissing you. He's almost devouring your mouth and you just want more. You don't even realize when you put your hand behind his neck and pull him closer to you.

'[Y/N]…' he groans, deepening the kiss.

'Anakin…' you whisper and finally get enough clarity to push him away. 'We… we can't. The Jedi code…'

'Is wrong,' Skywalker says strongly and cups your face, looking at you pleadingly. 'It must be. Because how can this be wrong? Kissing you is the rightest thing I've ever done. I was made to love you, I'm sure of it. How can this be wrong?'

'Attachments lead to fear,' you say, forcing yourself to ignore what he said. 'Fear leads to hatred. Hatred leads to the Dark Side.'

'I'm certain that if I ever was tempted by the Dark Side, you'd beat that idea out of me.'

'Ha. Maybe. What if I turned to the Dark Side with you?'

'You couldn't. You're too strong for it. Too good.'

'I don't know. I've already broken so many rules for you.'

You look at him softly. His breath hitches. For the first time he can see past your walls. He can see the depth of your feelings for him. He opens his mouth to say something, but then voices destroy the moment:

What are you all doing here?

Uh… nothing! Everything is fine!

Yes, perfectly fine, General! No need to worry!

Alright… Where are Anakin and [Y/N]?

Uh…

Um…

… They're in there, aren't they?

No, General, don't!

They need to clear some things out!

The door start opening and Anakin quickly lets you go, stepping away from you. Once it's open, you're met with Obi-Wan, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. Next to him is Ahsoka, looking at you with curiosity. Behind him are the Clones, looking at you sheepishly. You huff.

'Seriously, guys?' you ask, putting hands on your hips.

'We were just trying to make you up,' Sketcher says, grinning. You roll your eyes.

'Did we at least manage that?' Jesse asks hopefully.

'We're good,' you answer and look at Anakin. 'Right?'

Skywalker nods without a word, staring you in the eyes. You turn your gaze to Obi-Wan.

'You didn't have to come and get us,' you say.

'You've been docked here for minutes and no one was getting out,' he explains. 'I was beginning to get worried.'

'Seriously?' you ask, annoyed, glaring at the Clones. They grin at you. You huff and head toward your room. Kenobi shakes his head and follows you. Ahsoka looks at her master. He snaps out of his reverie and walks away, his padawan close behind him.

Not much later he's getting his things, when Rex shows up in his room. He closes the door behind himself. Anakin raises his eyebrows at him.

'What is it?' he asks. Captain straightens up.

'I just wanted you to know, sir, that none of us is going to tell anything about it to anyone,' he says seriously. Skywalker looks at him, confused.

'About what?' he asks.

'Exactly, sir,' Rex says and gives his supervisor a pointed look. 'We also erased all the recordings from the camera in the storage room.'

Anakin's eyes go white and his face goes pale. He opens his mouth to say something, but the Clone interrupts him by saluting.

'Sir,' he says and turns to leave.

'Uh, thank you, Rex,' Skywalker quickly says. Captain turns his head and smiles.

'To be honest, sir, we all have been waiting for that for a long time,' he says and has an audacity to wink, then chuckle at the dumbfounded look on Anakin's face, and walks out.

'Those Clones,' Skywalker huffs after a moment, running a hand through his hair. He quickly gathers his things and leaves.

He finds you in the docks, talking to R2-D2. He hurries to you. You frown at his flushed cheeks.

'What's wrong?' you ask and look at him alarmed. 'Does Obi-Wan know about…?'

'No, and unless one of us says something, he won't,' Anakin denies. 'Rex and others deleted the recordings from the camera in the storage room.'

'The… camera, oh sweet Maker,' you groan, hiding your red face in your hands.

'And they won't tell anyone either,' Skywalker adds and huffs. 'Apparently they ship us.'

You let out a nervous laugh. But you uncover your face. Anakin looks at you softly.

'I meant what I said,' he says. 'I-'

'Don't,' you interrupt him, looking around. 'Not here. Besides, I got the message.'

'What about your feelings?' Skywalker says and grabs your wrist. 'I won't let you go until I hear about them. Please. I need to know.'

You could tell him you don't feel the same. You'd break his heart but maybe it would allow you two to move on. But you know he'd recognize you're lying. Especially since you kissed him back…

'It has always been you, Anakin,' you decide to say softly and look him in the eyes. 'My heart has always belonged to you.'

'Can we… give us a chance, then?' he asks hopefully, moving his hand so he could hold yours.

'I'd like nothing more,' you admit, your heart literally hurting. 'But you know we can't.'

'If I ever try to turn to the Dark Side, you have my permission to beat me out of it,' he quickly says. You snort.

'What if you already turn to it?' you question.

'I know you'll never let that happen,' he answers, grinning. You scoff and roll your eyes. Anakin takes your other hand in his and looks at you pleadingly. In the corner of your eye, you see your Legions discreetly observing you with bated breaths.

'If the Council finds out, I'm the one taking the blame,' you say after a long moment. 'You're already a controversial figure in their eyes. While I am their favorite.'

'Works for me,' Skywalker says, starting to smile.

'And you also have to let me take risks sometimes,' you insist. 'Trust in my abilities.'

'I will,' Anakin promises hastily nodding. You sigh.

'I can't believe I'm agreeing to this,' you murmur. Skywalker smirks and squeezes your hands.

'I'm that good of a kisser, huh?' he teases.

'Oh, you are,' you confirm, loosing yourself in the memory of his lips on yours… You quickly shake yourself out of it and pull your hands away.

'We will have to be careful,' you say. 'I'd like to remain a Jedi at least until the war is over. And you're needed, oh the Chosen One.'

'We will,' Anakin assures you softly, leaning toward you. 'But can I kiss you again?'

'Someone can see,' you protest.

'There are only Clones and R2, they're not going to tell,' Skywalker says. 'I saw Ahsoka walking away somewhere with Obi-Wan. Please. So I would know you're serious and this is not a dream.'

'Fine, but only one,' you give in after a moment. Anakin quickly cups your face, before you change your mind, and joins your lips for a short, but passionate kiss. He leaves you breathless when he pulls away.

'Damn you, Skywalker, you'll be the death of me,' you say weakly. Anakin chuckles and lets you go.

'I'll come to your room later and take you out on a date,' he says, winks and walks away. You blink and turn after him.

'You'll what?!' you call, but he doesn't stop. 'What have I done?'

You sigh, troubled. You know this is wrong. You should resist the temptation. But you can no longer deny yourself what you've wanted for years. Anakin Skywalker.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53898226/chapters/136425739

#anakin skywalker #reader #anakin x reader #anakin x you #anakin & reader #anakin & you #anakin/reader #anakin/you #star wars #the clone wars

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

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

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XX - An Arrow in the Quiver

Chapter Summary: It's time to face Fjerda. Who will win and who will lose? Will Ravka finally be at peace? And what will you get for everything you've done?

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

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Nikolai Lantsov, Genya Safin, Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev, Ivan, Fedyor Kaminsky, Zoya Nazyalensky, David Kostyk, Nina Zenik

Word Count: 4449

A/N: Inspired by prompt: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100611/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

Ivan and Tolya return. With a promise of an army. Like Aleksander has predicted, the people of Shu-Han are furious. Their beloved princess is 'dead' because of Fjerda and it has to pay for it. The great battle is about to happen soon.

Everyone is preparing in the ways they can. Including you. Even though you've already did a lot, you still spend days in the workshop, working on your latest project.

This is where one night David finds you. The only reason Kirigan hasn't dragged you from here is because he is at the Grand Palace, busy with another war meeting.

'You've done so much already, [Y/N],' Kostyk says quietly, but still manages to startle you. 'Go and get some rest.'

'I can't,' you huff, combing your hair with your hand. 'Not after what Nina told me about Fjerdans' work on jurda parem.'

'And that is?' David asks, raising his eyebrows. You sigh and remember your conversation with Zenik…

'Jurda parem in gaseous form?' you asked with disbelief. The Heartrender nodded, troubled.

'I wasn't dosed with it in the end, but still…' she said. 'I'm worried our Grisha will be attacked like that during the battle.'

'Everyone is to have a dose of antidote with them, so I wouldn't worry about that,' you said, pensive. 'But you brought up a good point. Gaseous form is more effective. If we had the antidote in that form on the battlefield…'

'We could save Grisha on the Fjerdans' side,' Nina said, her eyes lightning up. You nodded.

'I will think about it,' you promised. Zenik clasped your hands in hers and smiled.

'If anyone can figure it out, it's you,' she said, winking. You stared at her hands, pensive. From all the people, she's been one of the first that seemed to trust you. It puzzled you.

'Thank you,' you said quietly. 'It means a lot.'

'Hey,' the Heartrender said softly. 'I know what you're thinking. But I am the last person who should judge your actions. My lover is a Fjerdan after all.'

She smiled wryly. You thought about Matthias. He was a good man and utterly in love with Nina. But yes. He was a Fjerdan and almost as unpopular as you and Aleksander.

'The heart does what it wants, huh?' you asked, shrugging. Zenik chuckled. She sighed and nodded.

'Oh, yes,' she agreed. 'That's so true.'

'Hm, that is a good idea,' David says, already thinking. You blink, discarding the memory.

'Yeah, but so far it's just that,' you say and huff in frustration. 'I can't believe Fjerdans figured out the gaseous form of parem and I can't do the same with the antidote!'

'Well, they are a little different,' Kostyk points out. 'You're using more raw jurda.'

Instantly, you look at each other. You think of the same.

'That's it,' you say. 'And maybe if we-'

'Instead of-' the Durast says.

'And then-' you add.

'Yes, let's do it,' David says and you two get to work. Some time later, while waiting for your work to cool down, you sit and drink tea.

'I've forgiven you, by the way,' Kostyk says suddenly. 'Your betrayal, lies and manipulation. I get why you did it. Also, I see you were right. Ever since Kirigan has returned, things are finally looking up. We really needed him now. And since three years have passed, some emotions and grudges cooled down. We could put them aside and work together for Ravka.'

'Thank you,' you say after a beat. 'I… I didn't want to betray you. It hurt me. So, your forgiveness means a great deal to me.'

'You are my friend, [Y/N],' the Durast says softly. 'It may take some time, but I'll always forgive you. No matter what you'll do. And I hope this will be the same in your case.'

'I can hardly imagine you doing something so vile you'd need my forgiveness, but of course,' you chuckle. David smiles. You chat for a bit more, then continue your experiment.

When Aleksander walks in later, tired and exasperated with you, you're staring proudly at your work. At first, neither of you even notice his presence.

'We have to test it now,' Kostyk says, pensive. 'But we don't have more affected Grisha.'

'We can always drug someone and then give him an antidote,' you suggest.

'You're thinking about those two Grisha that were ogling Kirigan during the party, aren't you?' David asks. You look at him innocently.

'I'm sure someone will show up soon,' the Darkling speaks up, joining your conversation. 'We still get new Grisha hurt by the parem. So, for now you both can go to sleep.'

'Yes, sir,' Kostyk quickly says and starts cleaning up.

'If no one does, though, can we consider my suggestion?' you ask hopefully. David and Aleksander roll their eyes. You sigh and quickly help Kostyk. Once you're done, the Durast bids you farewell, and leaves. Kirigan takes your hand in his and you go to his chambers.

'So, what was that experiment about?' he asks you.

'We've managed to make the antidote in a gaseous form,' you explain and your lover looks at you, impressed. 'We just have to see if it still works.'

'If it does… it would help immensely in the battle,' the Darkling says and kisses your hand. 'Thank you, milaya. You've already done so much and yet you continue to amaze us all.'

'Well, since I'm not going to be on the battlefield, I want to be useful in another way,' you say. You enter the room, since you've reached it.

'I want to argue about that usefulness, but I'm too exhausted,' Aleksander sighs. You comb his hair with your hand. He closes his eyes, leaning into your touch, relaxing.

'How was the meeting?' you ask.

'Alina and I didn't argue, so that's a success,' he answers. 'Other than that… we still can't agree on the best course of action.'

'Well, you'll get it in the end,' you assure him. 'If not, you can always threaten the generals with me.'

'Hm, I would not like to see you entering a meeting, furious and ready to argue,' Kirigan admits and kisses you softly. 'Thank you, lapushka.'

You beam at him and answer the kiss. It takes a few minutes for you to pull apart.

'You can thank me properly after I give you a massage,' you whisper. The Darkling groans.

'Yes, please, I need it so much,' he asks. You chuckle and push him into the bathroom.

'I'm at your service,' you say teasingly. Aleksander pulls you with him, a mirth in his eyes. A lot of time passes before you finally go to sleep.

*

Everything is ready. Shu-Han's army has arrived. Your warriors feel up to the task. The antidote in a gaseous form is working and you've produced it enough, or so you hope. All of that means it's time to move out to battle.

In the morning when the armies are to set off, you help Aleksander get ready. The atmosphere is solemn, tense. You don't speak. Both of you are scared to break the silence.

'[Y/N]…' Kirigan starts when he's ready. But he trails off and sighs.

'Come back to me, okay?' you ask him. 'I don't fancy bringing you back to life a second time.'

'I'd say it's not possible now, but I know you'd find a way,' the Darkling says, smiling wryly.

'Obviously,' you huff. Aleksander chuckles. He cups your cheek. You lean into his touch, looking at him sadly. You're scared he's not going to return. He's immortal, yes. But some things still can kill him.

'It's going to be okay,' Kirigan says quietly. 'Thanks to you we're well prepared. We're going to win. And I'm not going to die. I made you a promise, didn't I?'

'You did,' you admit. 'But I… can't help it.'

'I know,' the Darkling says. 'I used to thrive in a battle. Now I despise it, because I know it makes you worried or you could get hurt. I wonder why is that, hm?'

You smile slightly, not at all sorry. Aleksander cups your other cheek and touches your forehead with his.

'I love you so hard that I softened,' he says. 'And I don't mind it one bit. I'm a happier man thanks to it.'

You lift your head and make your lips join. You kiss for a minute or so. Then, you pull away, but only slightly.

'Then go and win this, so I could be a happier woman,' you whisper. Kirigan catches your mouth for a moment longer.

'As my lady commands,' he murmurs. 'But before I go… there's something I want to ask you.'

He takes your hands in his. You look at him quizzically. He seems nervous for some reason.

'When I come back… I'd like to marry you,' he says, stunning you. 'If you'll have me, that is. Since we're both immortal now, I understand I'd be tying you to me forever. If you're not sure, need more time or you-'

You silence him with a finger on his lips. He looks at you, hopeful and scared. But to his relief you smile.

'Yes,' you say. The fearsome Darkling laughs, overjoyed. He kisses you again and again.

'Now you better win quickly,' you say when you finally stop. 'I don't want to wait long.'

'Neither do I,' Aleksander says, grinning. You join hands and leave his chambers. Ivan and Fedyor, who are happily married since last week, follow you. Soon, you're outside with the rest of the army.

'[Y/N], are you sure you're not coming?' Nikolai asks, walking to you. 'You can, if you want.'

'Oh, I'm sure,' you confirm, nodding. 'I don't want to be anywhere near a battle until I learn to control fully my amplified abilities.'

Lantsov nods in understanding. He smiles charmingly at you.

'Then keep an eye on the capital, will you?' he asks.

'Hm, I don't know,' you say playfully. 'Haven't I done enough?'

'You've done,' the King says, suddenly serious. 'You've done so much to help us win this. If we do, I know it's mostly thanks to you.'

He offers you his hand. You stare at it for a moment. Then, you grab it and you shake it.

'Good luck, moi tsar,' you say, bowing your head with respect. He nods back and goes to his horse. You bid farewell to the rest of your friends. Even David goes with others. Suddenly, Alina shows up next to you.

'[Y/N],' she greets you and becomes nervous. 'I… Can we talk?'

'What is it?' you ask, trying not to sound too much hostile.

'I want to apologise,' Starkov says after a beat. You look at her with raised eyebrows. She sighs.

'I hate it, but Aleksander's ideas were mostly spot on,' she starts. 'And he genuinely seems to have changed. I know it's thanks to you. You… were right. About so many things. Maybe even most of them.'

You stare at her. You see your silence makes her even more nervous.

'Good luck, Alina,' you finally say. 'Win this war and come back home. I honestly wish for that for you.'

'Thank you,' the Sun Summoner says quietly. She walks away. Her slumped shoulders tell you the conversation didn't go as she hoped.

'Alina!' you call after her after a moment of hesitation. She turns, a hopeful look in her eyes.

'Maybe one day I'll be able to forgive you,' you say. 'As I hope you'll forgive me. But now… it's still too soon.'

She nods her head in understanding and walks away. You watch her joining Mal. They talk and smile after a moment. You turn your head and look at Nikolai. He meets your gaze and grins.

'Best of luck,' you say.

'I have your antidote, best warriors I could hope for and a perfect equipment,' he says. 'I think we're more than ready to win this.'

'Just don't get too cocky,' you warn him.

'Don't worry, I won't let that happen,' Zoya says, showing up on her horse next to Lantsov. 'You try not to ruin the Little Palace while we're away.'

'What about the Grand Palace?' the King questions. Nazyalensky shrugs.

'I don't care, it's ugly anyway,' she says. Nikolai looks at you pleadingly.

'Look after it as well,' he asks.

'But I don't like it either,' you say. Lantsov sighs and turns to his soldiers.

'Move out!' he orders and the armies slowly head out. You manage to catch the gaze of Aleksander. You smile at each other and nod.

'Good luck,' you whisper. After everyone is gone, you turn and go back to the Little Palace. Now all you can do is wait.

*

It takes some time to reach the border with Fjerda. But the King's army finally does and a day later the battle starts. It's not pretty. Many people die. But thanks to your antidote, Zoya's excellent training, Kirigan's spot on strategy and some other things, they seem to be winning.

'Nikolai!' Zoya shouts at some point. He quickly turns to her, alarmed. But she doesn't seem to be harmed.

'If we survive this, you can ask me!' she shouts. 'You know, that certain question!'

Lantsov stares at her, stunned. Then, he grins.

'Seriously?' he asks, beaming at her. She barely manages to stop a smile forming on her face.

'Yes,' she says. 'But I want it to be public. I want to see the faces of courtiers when you do it.'

The King chuckles. Then he has to duck, because Zoya suddenly shoots flames in his direction. Behind him someone screams. He looks at his general sheepishly. She sends him an annoyed glare.

'But try to live to that moment, hm?' she asks. He salutes her and returns to the battle.

Some time later, it's over. While at first the numbers on both sides have been even, when Ravkans started using antidote on drugged Grisha on Fjerdan's side, the numbers turned. Because when they were no longer under the effect of parem, Grisha with fury turned on Fjerda. Mostly thanks to that, Ravka and Shu-Han are victorious. Well, Zoya, Aleksander and Alina attacking with enormous power helped as well.

Nikolai walks to one of Fjerdan generals to make him announce the surrender officially. He's lying on the ground, coughing out blood, Kirigan's shoe on his chest. He laughs when he sees the approaching Lantsov.

'You may have won today, false king,' he says. 'But you have nowhere to come back to.'

Dread fills Nikolai. He looks with alarm at the Darkling. His expression is grim as well. And worried.

'I knew there's too little of them,' Mal murmurs. Lantsov turns to Zoya.

'Go,' she says before he can say something. 'Alina and I will make sure it's over here. Ravka needs you to be there. Both of you.'

She looks at Aleksander. He nods at her in gratitude. The King wants to argue. But he knows Nazyalensky is right. So, he barks orders and takes some soldiers with him. Then, they speed up to Os Alta.

Which is under attack. When they first attack, you're in your room, writing a letter to your lover. But sudden commotion interrupts you. You bolt out of the room.

'We're under attack!' a panicked soldier shouts, running to you. 'Fjerda has carried out a sneak attack! They're going to be here within an hour!'

You curse under your breath. You think on your feet.

'Gather everyone we have in the throne room of Grand Palace,' you order. The soldier doesn't even question you. He just nods and rushes out.

Ten minutes later you enter the room full of soldiers and Grisha. But it's still not enough to defeat an army that's coming to get you. Especially, since most of Grisha are still learning. The rest are Durasts and Alkemi. The experienced ones are on the front.

'We're gonna die,' someone whispers.

'No, we're not,' you deny. 'We can't win, but we're not gonna die.'

'What's the difference?' someone asks.

'This Palace has been made to withstand a siege,' you say. 'All we have to do is hold on until the army returns. And I know we can do it.'

'What about people from the capital?' someone asks.

'They're being evacuated as we speak,' you answer. 'So, what do you say?'

'But we're not fighters,' a Durast says shyly.

'No, but we're clever,' you counter. 'Like I said, we don't need to win. We just have to stop them from entering the Grand Palace and Little Palace. We're going to use our talents for this. Anything we can create that can stop them, we're making it. Same goes for the rest of you. It doesn't matter how much you can control your powers at the moment. In fact, let it loose on Fjerdans. As long as we work together, we can hold them out until the return of the King. I'm certain of that. So, who's with me?'

Everyone exchanges a look. When they turn to you, their eyes are filled with determination. They nod. You're going to do it.

By the time Nikolai returns with his part of the army, there's a total chaos everywhere. But the Fjerdans are still not inside any of the palaces. In fact, some Fjerdans try to desert.

'Well, it's better than I feared,' Lantsov comments. 'Come on!'

They attack the enemy. Soon, Aleksander, the King, Fedyor and Ivan are almost at the door to the Little Palace. But suddenly, a Fjerdan shows up out of nowhere and manages to thrust his sword in Kirigan's shoulder.

'Die, Darkling!' he shrieks. The Shadow Summoner grunts in pain.

'That was stupid,' Ivan comments, absolutely calm.

'Very stupid,' Fedyor agrees, nodding, also not bothered. Nikolai opens his mouth to say something, confused, but is interrupted by a vicious battle cry. Then, something falls from the sky (or rather a windowsill but they don't know that) and lands on the enemy's back.

'Die, die, die!' you scream, stabbing (or as you'd say, aggressively poking) the soldier. Lantsov's eyes widen.

'This is why we're more scared of her than him,' Fedyor explains, motioning with his head at Kirigan. A Healer is already by his side, tending to his wound.

'I can understand that,' the King says, nodding, and returns to the battle. When it's won by Ravka, he surveys the battle field. He's surprised to find you still stabbing/aggressively poking the same soldier from before. But now he's dead and lying on his stomach on the ground.

'[Y/N],' Ivan says, walking to you. 'Leave him alone. He's been dead for some time now.'

'I'm. Venting. My. Frustration,' you growl, stabbing the guy with every word. 'You. Have. No. Idea. How. Stressful. That. Was.'

The Heartrender sighs. He wonders what to do, but then Aleksander shows up. He simply takes the dagger out of your hands, picks you up and cradles you in his arms.

'It's alright, milaya,' he murmurs and looks at Nikolai. 'It's over now.'

*

Fjerdan has been defeated and forced to sign a treaty. Shu-Han has been held responsible for their attacks and also forced to laid down their weapons. They also must stop creating more khergud and stop kidnapping Grisha. Ravka is finally at peace and united.

Nikolai decides to honour everyone that has made it possible. Which means a huge ceremony. You're terribly bored at it and mostly don't listen to the King praising people. Until he gets to Zoya. Then, you watch her joining him with a great interest.

'Zoya Nazyalensky, general of the Second Army,' Lantsov starts. 'My partner and most trusted advisor during the past years. There's no doubt you've played a huge part in our victory. This peace wouldn't be possible without you.'

You swear you can hear her murmuring 'obviously'. You smile.

'I thought you'd serve as my general for many years to come,' Nikolai goes on. 'But recently I realised there's a better position for you. If you agree to take it, Ravka has a chance to become even stronger and prouder.'

You notice her tensing. Lantsov either doesn't see it or ignores it, as he lowers himself on one knee. People start murmuring. You focus only on the couple. The King shows his general a box with a gorgeous ring inside it.

'Zoya Nazyalensky,' he says, 'will you give me the honour of becoming your husband?'

You see her lips twitching in reaction to the phrasing of the question. But she stays silent. Nikolai becomes nervous.

'Come on, Zoya, don't do this to me now,' he murmurs. Nazyalensky almost snorts.

'Yes,' she finally says, offering her hand. Lantsov quickly puts a ring on one of her fingers, before she changes her mind. People cheer and clap. You, Genya and Fedyor are probably the loudest.

Zoya goes back to her place, showing with pride her ring to those around her. The King's eyes land on the Darkling. The latter walks to the former. The room falls silent. You hold your breath.

'Before I start, how should I address you?' Nikolai whispers.

'Aleksander Kirigan,' the Shadow Summoner decides after a beat. Lantsov nods.

'Aleksander Kirigan, the Darkling, the peace advisor,' he says, louder. 'At first, I wasn't sure if this was going to work. But you held your end of the bargain. Without your help, your advice and skills, maybe none of us would be standing here today. We've been at war once. But I think we both learnt that our dreams are actually quite similar, if not the same. You've proven your loyalty to Ravka and helped me keep its people save. Which is why, in thanks for your contributions for our country, I grant you a full pardon for your past crimes. Every one of them. Including creating the Fold that has separated us for centuries.'

People murmur, astonished. You smile with tears in your eyes.

'Your most gracious, moi tsar,' Aleksander says, bowing his head.

'That was our agreement,' the King says and smiles. 'Besides, you've earned it. In fact… your old position is going to be open. Would you care to become the general of the Second Army again, after the present one becomes the Queen of Ravka?'

People gasps. There's more murmuring.

'I'd be honoured, moi-' Kirigan starts.

'Nikolai,' Lantsov interrupts him and two men share a look. After a moment of silence, the King offers his hand to your lover. The Darkling shakes it, smiling. Then, he returns to his place by your side, accompanied by clapping and cheers.

'[Y/N] [L/N],' Nikolai says, silencing everyone. You slowly make your way to him. You can't help but wonder why are you the last. It worries you a bit. But seeing a kind look Lantsov gives you, you calm down.

'Where to begin?' he asks, spreading his arms, and laughs. 'By creating the antidote to jurda parem, you've saved Grisha. All of them. When you created its gaseous form, you helped turned the tide of the battle with Fjerda. Your design of kefta and uniforms saved countless lives. And let's not forget… you've brought back to life the Darkling. Without whom the victory wouldn't be possible.'

There are no murmurs this time. People are quiet. You could hear a pin drop.

'I can't deny, your actions caught us all by surprise,' the King goes on. 'The truth is, we should have seen it all coming. Because you are extraordinary. But you've been overlooked by everyone. Invisible, even. We would have seen it all if we had just bothered to look.'

You clench your teeth. You can feel tears forming in your eyes. You have no idea why he reminds you of the years of isolation you had to endure.

'I can say I didn't know you back when my father was the king,' Nikolai continues. 'But I ignored you as well. Put you in a cell. While your only "crime" was falling in love. For that, I apologise.'

He bows his head to you. You blink, surprised. People murmur, astonished as well. Lantsov looks at you again.

'You had every reason to hate us all, hate this country and not move a finger to save it from collapsing,' he says. 'But instead, for the past years you've done what you could to make sure Ravka can rise strong and powerful. After the Fold was destroyed, you told me I can't stitch it back together on my own. That I needed Kirigan. You were right. You brought him back and you proved us all how wrong we were to ignore you and underestimate you. We can all argue who did the most to save our homeland this time. But in my eyes, there is no doubt… that the person who made it possible for our army to win… is you. [Y/N] [L/N], the Saviour of Ravka.'

You stare at him, stunned, as he falls on his knees in front of you. For you.

'[Y/N] [L/N], the Saviour of Ravka!' Zoya calls and also knees. One by one, your friends and Aleksander do the same. Even Alina and Mal.

'[Y/N] [L/N], the Saviour of Ravka!' the rest of the court shouts and every single one of them falls on their knees. You look around, stunned and with tears in your eyes. You can feel some of them rolling down your face.

No longer invisible. No longer unnoticed and underestimated. Finally seen. Finally appreciated. And… when you look at all the smiles of the people you care about… no longer alone.

You look at Nikolai. He smiles warmly at you.

'Thank you,' you whisper.

'No, [Y/N],' he says, shaking his head. 'Thank you.'

He stands up and everyone follows suit. They look at him. It's clear he's not done.

'When Kirigan will return to being the General, he won't be my peace advisor anymore,' he finally says. 'And since this position's been just created, it would be a shame to dispose of it. Would you be interested to take it?'

'On one condition,' you say. Lantsov freezes. You grin at him.

'Just kidding,' you say. 'I'd be happy to, moi tsar.'

'You'll give me a heart attack one day,' the King sighs. You laugh and bow to him. You return to Aleksander's side, accompanied by cheering and clapping. Kirigan at once takes your hands in his.

'We've done it,' he murmurs into your ear. 'We've brought peace and stability to Ravka.'

'And more importantly, we can finally be together,' you say. The grin on his face tells you that he agrees with that. He presses a kiss to your forehead and you smile. Finally, all is well.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135677767

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XIX - Brick by Brick

Chapter Summary: Kirigan has a plan that can help you end the war with Fjerda and Shu-Han. He just has to convince Nikolai it's a good idea. You struggle with the feeling of power you get from your amplifier. You try to push Aleksander away but he's not having it. Also, you mend a relationship with one of your friends.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Alina Starkov/Mal Oretsev, Zoya Nazyalensky/Nikolai Lantsov, Fedyor Kaminsky/Ivan

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Nikolai Lantsov, Genya Safin, Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev, Ivan, Fedyor Kaminsky, Zoya Nazyalensky, Tamar Kir-Bataar, Ehri Kir-Taban, Tolya Yul-Bataar

Word Count: 4491

A/N: Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100557/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100616/ moy – my (masculine object) tsar – ruler, king

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

Nikolai has truly missed Alina. And Mal. But trying to decide anything with them, Kirigan, Ehri and Zoya in the room is almost impossible. He's not sure what's worse. Starkov and Nazyalensky bickering with the princess or the Sun Summoner and her husband arguing with the Darkling. Well, not exactly that. The peace advisor is mostly amused by the scoffing he gets from the couple.

After another one of such delightful conferences, the King decides he needs a drink. So, he's not protesting when Kirigan invites him for one. They go to his chambers and there sit with Fedyor and Ivan in silence for some time.

'Anyone else is having a headache?' Kaminsky suddenly asks. Lantsov grunts in answer.

'I honestly adore Alina,' he sighs and runs a hand through his face. 'But we won't decide on anything with her attitude.'

'It's understandable she doesn't trust me,' Aleksander says, not at all bothered. 'She won't agree on my ideas, expecting betrayal.'

'But you have good ideas,' Nikolai admits reluctantly. 'Zoya is even agreeing on them. Albeit, she's not happy about it.'

'I can't remember the last time I saw her happy,' Ivan huffs. Silence falls between the men once again.

'We're not ready,' Lantsov says a few minutes later, his voice quiet. 'When the battle with Fjerda comes… they will slaughter us all. Because we can't trust each other and come to an agreement about anything.'

'Then perhaps instead of focusing on something you can't fix at the moment, try focusing on something else?' Kirigan suggests.

'My window?' the King asks. 'I still want to know how it was broken.'

'Let's just say it involved some children,' Fedyor says with an innocent smile. Nikolai decides to let it go. For now.

'I was talking about our problem with Shu-Han,' the Darkling explains. Lantsov's eyes darken.

'I told you I can't demand anything from them,' he says. 'Yes, they attacked us. But we're still at war. Ehri and I are not married yet.'

'Which is precisely why they attacked so quickly and twice,' Ivan says. 'The moment you two get married, to attack us would be attacking the Shu-Han's people's favourite princess.'

'So what? Should we get married earlier?' the King scoffs. 'Not gonna happen. We have to wait for her family, who strategically delays their arrival. No doubt they're planning another attack.'

He looks at the Shadow Summoner, expecting an idea. It startles him how quickly it has become a habit for him. And the look on his peace advisor's face unnerves him.

'We could still use Ehri's popularity among her people,' Aleksander finally says slowly. 'If Fjerda were to kill her-'

'We're not going to get Fjerda to kill her,' Nikolai protests harshly. 'Nor anyone else.'

'She doesn't have to really die,' Kirigan says. 'After all, what was their original plan? That guard put in her place was to kill you, then kill herself with a Fjerdan weapon. People would get angry, take over Ravka and the princess would live happily on some farm or something. We can still do that. Just without the part where you die.'

'Thanks, I appreciate it,' Lantsov replies with sarcasm. 'So what, you want someone to kill Ehri's double with a Fjerdan weapon?'

'No, we just need people to believe Ehri was killed in an attack made by Fjerdans,' the Darkling reveals his plan. The King stares at him. And blinks. Then again.

'You want Fjerdans to attack us?' he blurts out.

'I would never want that,' Aleksander says with venom in his voice, standing up to pour himself another glass of kvas. 'But it's only a matter of time before they do. And I'm not talking about a battle. I'm talking about a sneak attack, infiltrating the Grand Palace.'

'Firstly, why would they do that if they're planning to fight with us, which we already know they want to do?' Nikolai says, standing up as well. 'Secondly, how would they even plan to get in? The Grant Palace is secure. Same as the Little Palace.'

'Nothing is ever impenetrable,' Kirigan chuckles. 'And of course, they will try something. They don't want Shu-Han to get the antidote first, do they? Nor [Y/N].'

Lantsov thinks. He sighs and sits down again.

'Let's say it happens,' he says. 'We win, Ehri "dies", Shu-Han gets angry. What then?'

'They join forces with us against Fjerda in retaliation,' Ivan answers. That part the King likes. He knows people would get angry enough to demand from Ehri's sister to get revenge.

'That still leaves me without a wife,' he says. 'And I need one. According to everyone but me, at least. Should I make an alliance with another country?'

'You've met the candidates, I presume?' Fedyor asks. 'Is anyone… acceptable?'

Nikolai winces. It's all the answer they need.

'Think about every woman you know,' the Darkling says. 'And I mean every woman. From each country. From your own country. Otkazat'sya. Grisha. Which one would be the best queen?'

Lantsov's eyes snap to his peace advisor. They stare at each other.

'That's what this is about,' the King guesses. 'You want a Grisha on a throne of Ravka. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not going to marry you. You're not my type. And you can't give me an heir.'

'You're not my type either,' Aleksander chuckles, amused. 'I want to marry [Y/N] one day. Besides, I told you. I don't want the throne anymore.'

'Then who?' Nikolai asks, exasperated. His three companions raise their eyebrows at him.

'Who would be the best queen from all the women you know?' Kirigan repeats.

'Zoya,' Lantsov answers after a beat. 'But she won't agree. She doesn't want to rule Ravka.'

'But she wants to be by your side,' Ivan counters. The King looks at him, baffled.

'What?' he asks and laughs. 'No, no, no. She doesn't think of me like that. We're… friends. Partners. But nothing else.'

'But you wish there was,' Fedyor says quietly. Nikolai thinks about it for a moment. He quickly shakes his head.

'No, it won't work,' he says and stands up. 'Well, thank you for a lovely time, gentlemen. Unfortunately, it's time to be the King of Ravka again.'

He quickly leaves before anyone can say something. Silence fills the room for a minute. Then, the Darkling looks at his Heartrenders.

'Was it like that with me and [Y/N]?' he asks. Kaminsky winces and opens his mouth to answer delicately, but Ivan beats him to it by saying:

'Yes.'

'Hm,' Aleksander hums and sighs. 'Well, that must have been annoying. Sorry for that.'

'What now?' Fedyor asks. Kirigan walks to the window. He looks out of it, crossing his arms.

'The only thing we can,' he answers. 'We wait.'

*

For some dumb reason you can't understand, Nikolai has decided to throw a party. Yeah, there are many reasons to celebrate. His engagement (though not a happy reason for you), Aleksander's return and making peace with him, Alina's return (also not a happy reason for you)… but you still don't understand why you had to throw a party. And now, you're suffering because of all the small talks. You're pretty sure you won't be able to stop smiling. Ever.

You have enough when you catch two young Grisha staring at your lover and giggling. They're basically ogling him. Appraising him like a piece of meat.

Over my dead body.

You walk to them. You're smiling but your eyes are cold.

'Are you two seriously checking out Kirigan?' you ask. They look at you and snort.

'Oh, come on, he's cute,' one of them says. They giggle again. Your eye twitches.

'I know he's cute,' you say and lower your voice threateningly as you glare at them. 'But he's also mine.'

'Oh, please,' the other one scoffs. 'You brought him back. You created the antidote. You've served your purpose. If you think he'll still wants you after he's done using you, you're delusional.'

There was a time where you'd agree. They'd probably be saying your own thoughts out loud. But not anymore. Now you're sure about the Darkling's feelings for you.

'Let's see about that,' you say, smiling coldly at them. You turn around and march to Aleksander. You tap his shoulder and he turns. Instantly, his eyes light up and he grins.

'[Y/N]-' he starts but you don't let him finish. You grab him at the back of his neck and pull to you. You kiss him passionately in front of everyone. And you don't care at all.

'My, my,' Kirigan chuckles when you pull away. 'What was that about?'

'Staking my claim over you,' you explain, glancing over your shoulder. You see the two Grisha red with fury and embarrassment.

'Ah, I see,' the Darkling says and puts an arm around your waist. 'Can I do the same with you?'

He pulls you closer to himself and presses a kiss to your neck, closing his eyes. You smile. You're about to answer, but then you hear a loud bang and screams. You sigh.

'I hate it when you're right,' you say. Aleksander lets you go (but very slowly).

'It was obvious they're going to attack,' he says. 'And that this party is a perfect moment for it.'

'I still don't like it,' you huff. Kirigan chuckles and looks around. People are already panicking. The guards and Grisha try to calm them down. Nikolai tries to take back the control. Zoya, Alina and some others rush out. Princess Ehri is being escorted out by her guards.

'Can you go with the princess?' the Darkling murmurs to your ear.

'You don't want me anywhere near the fight again,' you sigh.

'I don't trust Ehri's guards, so I would feel better if you were with them,' Aleksander says. You raise your eyebrows at him.

'And since when do you care about her safety?' you ask, suspicious. 'What are you really after?'

'In short?' Kirigan asks and you nod. 'I want Zoya and the King to be happy, have a Grisha on a throne and I need you to be the bait to achieve it.'

'Cool,' you say after a moment, shrugging. 'But if you want me to be the bait that means you want them to attack me.'

'I perfectly trust your abilities to take down some Fjerdans,' the Darkling says, kissing the top of your head. 'And if they hurt you, they'll end up like attackers from Shu-Han in Lazlayon.'

You beam at him and hurry after the princess. You hear him chuckle as you do.

The guards and the princess are obviously not happy when you join them. They quickly change their mind when you are indeed attacked by a bunch of Fjerdans.

You're scared of the exhilarating feeling you feel when you use your powers on them. You feel powerful. Unstoppable. You totally understand now why Aleksander wanted more.

You concentrate on calcium in the bones of one of Fjerdans. You disperse it, causing all of the bones to break. The scream of agony he lets out works on you as a splash of cold water. You go pale and take a step back, your hands shaking. When did you become so cruel?

Ehri's scream wakes you up. You snap your head and extend your hands. A brick from the wall flies from it and hits the Fjerdan attacking the princess in the chest. He bends over, gasping for breath. He's then killed by one of Ehri's guards. But then they fall over as well. They must have been hurt as well.

You look around. It's over. The two others Fjerdan were killed as well. The Princess' guards sacrificed themselves for her.

You lean on the wall and slump down it. Your heart is beating fast. Your breath is uneven. Your eyes are wide. You keep hearing his scream.

Maybe a minute passes, when Nikolai, Tolya, Aleksander and Mal show up. Kirigan rushes to your side at once. Lantsov does the same with Ehri.

'Are you alright?' they ask at the same time. You shake your head. The Darkling frowns, because he doesn't see any injuries.

'I'm… fine,' the princess answers, her voice shaking. The King stares at her. Or more specifically, at the red spot on her chest. But she seems fine.

'It's not mine,' she says, seeing his gaze.

'But we can pretend it is,' Nikolai murmurs. All but Kirigan stare at him, confused. He hides a smirk.

'Excuse me?' Ehri asks.

'Princess, I know you want to marry me as much as I want you, which means not at all,' Lantsov says slowly. 'You just want to live happily on some farm or Saints know where. If we pretend you died here… you could have it.'

'Why would I want it?' she asks, confused. 'Why would you want it? Won't our marriage bring peace between our nations you so desperately seek?'

'If your people believe you had died killed Fjerdans… they will want to go to war with them,' the Darkling explains. 'They will join our forces and together we will crush them. Nothing unites more than a common enemy.'

'And then they will turn on you,' Ehri points out.

'They won't, because I still haven't held them accountable for all the attacks inside Ravka,' Nikolai says. 'After the war is won… I'll have a chat with your sister. I know how to stop Shu-Han from coming on us. So… what do you say? Do you want to live the life you've always wanted?'

The princess hesitates only a minute. When the rest of her guards arrive, she's lying on the ground, her eyes open and empty. Tolya is discreetly slowing down her pulse so the guards believe she's dead. They rage and mourn. And you watch it all with haunted eyes.

You do the same things you did with Aleksander three years ago. Genya makes one of the dead guards to look like Ehri and her body is taken back to Shu-Han. Ivan and Tolya go as well, to express their sympathy, apologise for not protecting the princess, represent Ravka at her funeral and discreetly convince people that the right move would be to join them and attack Fjerdans for murdering their princess.

You know everyone is anxious to see if this plan works. But you don't care. After Ehri is taken away from the corridor, you rush to your room and lock it. You don't let in even Kirigan which deeply worries him. He has no idea what's happened nor how to reach you.

*

When you finally come out of your room, you come across Zoya and Nikolai. You're surprised to find them taking a stroll outside at midnight. Curious and hopeful, you follow them discreetly.

'… On another note, when will you stop being angry with me?' you hear Lantsov when you're close enough to hear their conversation.

'When you will find yourself another wife,' Zoya spats. The King sighs. Nazyalensky huffs and turns to face him, causing them both to stop.

'I didn't like her either, but you needed her,' she says. 'You may have Shu-Han's support or not. But you definitely won't have an heir without her.'

'Unless I do with someone else,' Nikolai points out.

'With who?' the Grisha asks, raising her voice a little. 'You dismissed all other candidates!'

'Because the one I want as my queen and would be perfect for that role is not one of them,' Lantsov answers softly. Nazyalensky frowns. You can almost hear her trying to figure out who he means by that.

'Zoya…' the King says, taking her hands in his. 'We're an amazing duet. I know I wouldn't have been able to do most of the things I managed to do without your help.'

'Obviously,' the Grisha snorts. You roll your eyes but smile.

'I can't imagine doing it with anyone else,' Nikolai goes on. 'It took me some time… and Kirigan to point it out… but I dismissed all the candidates for one single reason. They weren't you.'

Zoya stiffens, understanding where he's going with it. He gulps, more nervous now.

'I used to think you're like a storm,' he says and chuckles. 'But I got it wrong. You are a storm. The most beautiful I've ever seen. As Sturmhond I both feared and admired storms. Dangerous and beautiful. Strong, getting what they want no matter what. Destructible and astonishingly beautiful. All of that applies to you as well.'

Nazyalensky looks away. You can swear you see her eyes shining when she blinks.

'You care about Ravka with all your heart,' Lantsov continues. 'You treat fairly both otkazat'sya and Grisha. You… you could be the most just queen this country has seen in all history. And… you'd make one man incredibly happy. If you even let me ask the question you know I want to ask.'

'I don't want the crown,' Zoya says quietly after a moment. The King smiles.

'Which is why you're the one who should have it,' he says and exhales shakily. 'I won't ask it now. Please, just think about it. And when I'll be able to ask you this without being decapitated, let me know.'

Nazyalensky lets out a huff. Nikolai kisses her hands, looking her in the eyes. Then, he lets go of her and walks away, leaving her alone, pondering.

You stare at her for a moment, debating whether you should go and talk to her. In the end you shake your head, deciding to give her time and space, and turn around. Which almost makes you bump into Aleksander.

'Shh,' he silences you and puts a finger on your lips, as you're about to yelp, startled. He takes your hand and quietly leads you away. He takes you to his chambers. You don't protest. You know it's time for you two to talk. Once inside, he lets you go and you face each other awkwardly.

'I was worried about you,' he says quietly after a minute and looks at you pleadingly. 'Tell me what's wrong, [Y/N]. I want to help you but I don't know what you need.'

'I know,' you whisper. 'I'm sorry. I just… needed to figure out what I feel and… it took me longer than I thought. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you away.'

You feel tears in your eyes. Kirigan gently wipes them away. He takes your hand and leads you to his bedroom. You both sit down on his bed.

'Tell me everything,' he says softly. You inhale shakily.

'When Fjerdans attacked us… I controlled calcium on the bones of one of them… and broke them,' you start. 'All of them. Every single one at the same time. And I enjoyed having that kind of power. But then he screamed. And I realised what I've done. What I can do with my amplified powers. And it scared me.'

'As long as you're the one in control, you won't do anything more than you want to,' the Darkling says. You look at him with despair.

'But what if I want more one day?' you ask. 'What if… I'll start enjoying hurting people? I'll want more and more power?'

'Like me?' Aleksander asks quietly, not looking at you. You gulp. You didn't want this conversation to go that way. Silence falls between you two.

'I know better than anyone what you're going through,' he finally says. 'Well, maybe Alina does. But she rejected me, my experience. My fault, I know. But you have me. I promise to help you. Guide you. And stop you if necessary.'

'But if I desire more one day, maybe you could convince me to take over Ravka, like you've wanted,' you point out. He gently caresses your cheek.

'Past tense,' he says. 'I just want you to be happy now. And if you go after power… you won't be. It will never be able to fill the holes in your heart created by cruelty.'

He cups your face and makes you look at him. The softness in his eyes almost makes you cry.

'I know I may not seem as the best person to help you with your fear,' he says. 'But I'm a different man than I was when you met me. It has made me better, loving you. Which is why I know I can help you.'

You smile sadly and throw your hands around his neck after a beat. He puts his around your waist and holds you tightly.

'I love you,' you murmur in his shoulder. 'So much.'

'And I love you, milaya,' he says. 'You're my heart… my soul… my everything.'

'Can I… stay here tonight?' you ask shyly.

'You can stay here every night,' he answers and pulls away. But you quickly kiss him, not wanting to be apart. He chuckles softly and indulges you, not minding this at all.

It's probably not a surprise that you take your bath together. Nor that he helps you change into your pyjamas and you help him to get into his. And that when you get under the covers you instantly cuddle to him.

If it were up to you, you'd spend the next day by Aleksander's side. But he has lots of things to do. Including meeting with Nikolai.

'Tell me,' Lantsov says after they discuss the matter for which they met. 'When we first talked, you said you don't want your old position, that Zoya is doing a great job. But if everything goes according to your plan and she agrees to become my queen… she won't be able to be one. Leaving the position open for you. Was that your plan from the beginning?'

'No,' Kirigan answers. 'I truly believed she would to a spending job if she kept this position. But then… I got to observe you two together. I was amused. It reminded me of me and [Y/N]. That's when it hit me. That you're in love with each other. And then my mind went spiralling. How Zoya would be a perfect queen, how great it would be to have a Grisha on a throne of Ravka… and yes, the thought of me being the general of the Second Army crossed my mind.'

'Well, if it works, we win the war and Zoya will agree to become my wife… the position is yours,' the King says after a beat.

'I appreciate the trust,' the Darkling says.

'Well,' Nikolai sighs, 'I still don't trust you completely. But for now, you're holding to your end of the bargain. And whenever I see you and [Y/N] together my heart melts. Somehow… I'm starting to see you as a true ally. Who knows, maybe one day we could be even friends.'

'I'm looking forward to that… moy tsar,' Aleksander says with a smile. Only when Kirigan leaves some time later does Lantsov realises that it's the first time he addressed him like that. And for some reason he thinks that he meant it honestly.

In the meantime, while the boys have their meeting, you have your own. While you're reading a book, Zoya suddenly barges into your room. You stare at her, surprised.

'Do you sometimes hear Elizaveta's voice?' she asks, stunning you even more.

'Sometimes,' you answer, wincing. 'It gives me a great pleasure to shut her up. I take it you're hearing Juris' voice?'

'Yes,' Zoya sighs and joins you on your sofa. 'Usually, he has some good advice. Some teasing and annoying, but it's alright. But he won't shut up since last night.'

'Why is that?' you ask, deciding not to reveal you witnessed the King's proclamation.

'Nikolai proposed to make me his queen,' she answers after a moment of silence. 'Juris thinks it's an excellent idea. He also suggests I could overthrow him later. While I'm not sure about the former, I'm definitely not going to do the latter.'

'Good to know,' you say and exhale slowly. 'If you want my opinion, you'd be a great queen. Terrifying, but just. Exactly what the people need right now. Plus… it has the perks of being married to the man you love.'

She gives you a harsh look. You answer with a knowing one. She groans and runs a hand through her hair.

'I want to deny it, but I know better than that,' she says and suddenly becomes sad. 'I accepted that I can't have him. And now I suddenly could and… I'm scared.'

'Usually, to reach great things one has to overcome fear,' you say and take her hands in yours. 'I used to believe I can't have Kirigan. Now look at me. I'm with him and I'm happy. You can be, too.'

She sighs and presses her forehead to yours. She thinks for a moment, gnawing at her lip.

'After we deal with Fjerda,' she decides. 'Now it's too soon anyway, his previous fiancée has just "died". It would be too suspicious. Then… I'll decide.'

You smile and squeeze her hands. Suddenly, she looks at you.

'I still feel betrayed by what you did,' she says. 'But I also miss you. Can we be friends again?'

'Nothing would make me happier,' you answer, grinning. Zoya sighs.

'Good, because while I like Alina more than I did when she first arrived, she gets on my nerves,' she says. 'And I can't talk about it with anyone else, because everyone adores her. Besides you.'

'Ah, I knew you had ulterior motives,' you say teasingly.

'Obviously,' she says, rolling her eyes. You look at each other and burst out laughing. Just at that moment Tamar walks in. She raises her eyebrows.

'Am I interrupting something?' she asks.

'Nothing important,' Nazyalensky answers. 'What is it?'

'Nikolai wants to see you,' the Heartrender answers.

'I'll be right there,' Zoya promises. Kir-Bataar nods, sends you a glare and leaves.

'What was that about?' your friend asks. 'I mean, she never really liked you, but it's even worse after you had brought Kirigan back.'

'Oh, that,' you say and chuckle. 'She's angry with me and with herself, because while we were traveling to the Fold she asked me why I really was there. I said I wanted to bring Aleksander back right under your noses. And she didn't believe me, thinking I'm being sarcastic. And I wasn't. I was telling the truth, knowing very well she won't believe me.'

Nazyalensky stares at you, stunned. Then she bursts out laughing again.

'Oh, Tamar must be so furious about it,' she cackles and sighs. 'Brilliant on your side, I must say.'

'Thank you,' you say, beaming. She stands up and squeezes your hand.

'I'll come by later,' she promises. 'Something tells me I'm going to need you after this meeting.'

'I'm always happy to be of service,' you say. Zoya smiles weakly and leaves. You stare at her retreating figure and smile.

Yes. She's going to be an amazing queen.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135558463

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XVIII - From Darkness into the Light

Chapter Summary: You and Aleksander finally find a moment to yourselves, during which he reveals to you what he already has to Nikolai. He also has a confrontation with his mother, who still believes he has ill intents. And at long last, Alina and Mal arrive to Os Alta.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Alina Starkov/Mal Oretsev

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Nikolai Lantsov, Genya Safin, Baghra, Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev

Word Count: 4252

A/N: Smut alert. If you don't like this or are underage, please, don't read from "'Yes', he says and goes down on you." to "'That was… wow,' you breathe out when Aleksander pulls out.". Enjoy! Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100549/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100511/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100510/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

Your heart is beating like crazy. Standing in the Darkling's chambers, you keep thinking about what has just happened. The Apparat and Yuri. The knife. People declaring you a Saint. Nikolai's promise…

Bring me Alina Starkov.

… Why?

Oh, I don't want her dead. We need her to win this. And besides… we have a long overdue… chat…

For a moment you thought he wouldn't agree. But he sent Tolya to get Alina and Mal at once. You can't wait for this meeting.

You shake your head. Now it's not time for this. You look at the door. And at that moment Kirigan walks in. He stops and for a moment you simply stare at each other.

'[Y/N],' he breathes out finally and rushes to you. He cups your face and kisses you like a man starved. You gasp and answer with the same fervour, tangling your fingers in his hair, which earns you a groan.

'Aleksander…' you sigh. He grunts and presses you closer to himself.

'Finally,' he murmurs. 'Finally, alone. It was driving me crazy. They didn't give us a single moment to ourselves in Lazlayon.'

'Well, they still don't trust us,' you remind him, playing with his hair. 'They feared we would be plotting. Or start a riot.'

'Or make out instead of working,' the Darkling hums. 'Because that what would have happened if they had let us be alone. I'd have been kissing you senseless and you wouldn't have been able to work on the antidote.'

'Well… seems like you have to make up for all the time we've lost,' you say, a mischievous glint in your eyes. Aleksander chuckles and presses a few kisses to your neck. Your breath hitches.

'Tell me what you want, milaya,' he almost purrs. 'I'm at your command. Whatever you need, I'll give you.'

'I want…' you start slowly, your hands going slowly down, until they reach his pants. He gasps when you push them inside and find his manhood.

'I want this… in here,' you finish, taking his hand and leading it to your core. 'I need it there. Please. I've waited enough.'

'You don't have to plead for it, lapushka,' Kirigan says, his voice husky. 'I'll give it to you there whenever you need it. I just waited for you to be ready.'

'I am now,' you whisper and kiss his jaw. 'Take me… Aleksander.'

In a moment, you find yourself in his arms. He barges into his bedroom and basically throws you on his bed. He stares at you with lust, quickly undressing himself. You get rid of your clothes as well.

'Mine,' he growls as he looms over you. 'All mine.'

'Yours,' you murmur, tracing his chest with your fingers, and look him in the eyes. 'And you're mine.'

'Yes,' Kirigan confirms, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. 'Completely, utterly yours. As long as you'll have me.'

'Even forever?' you ask cheekily. But he becomes serious. He looks at you and gulps. You frown, confused at this sudden change in his mood.

'It may be more possible than you think,' he says quietly, staring at your amplifier. You touch it, slowly understanding.

'I'm… immortal now?' you ask with disbelief. Aleksander nods.

'I can feel it,' he says. 'Thanks to my nichevoy'a. They connected us. And… I can't exactly explain it… but I know you… you're like me now.'

'So…' you say slowly, 'unless I am killed… I won't be forced to leave you in the end? I won't leave you alone?'

The Darkling's heart melts. That is what is your first thought after he told you that you're immortal? He truly doesn't deserve you.

'Unless I'll drive you away,' he answers. You laugh.

'Never,' you say, shaking your head, and smile brilliantly at him. 'Good. I'm really glad, then.'

'Being immortal is not easy,' he warns you. 'You will watch everyone you care about wither and die.'

'But I won't be alone,' you say and entwine your fingers together. 'Neither will you. Not anymore. And immortality is not so scary if you have someone to share it with, right?'

The gaze of absolute adoration and devotion he gives you, causes you to blush furiously. He kisses you harshly, groaning into your lips. Before you can response, he pulls away.

'Yes', he says and goes down on you. You gasp and your eyes go wide.

'Aleksander!' you groan, bucking your hips. He pins them down. He devours you as if you were last meal. His lips and fingers know exactly where to press and how. He licks all your wetness, but ironically, the more he licks the more it leaks from you. His fingers stretch you, prepare you for him. You whine when you can't take it anymore.

'A little bit more, my love,' Kirigan says softly and you cry out when he pushes another finger in. 'That's it. Are you close?'

You nod, panting. He continues his ministrations for a moment longer. And when you feel you're about to cross the edge… he pulls out. You exhale shakily and look at him.

He stares at you for a moment, admiring your sweating face, your dilated pupils. He sees the desire in them. For him. All of that is for him. He's no longer alone. And he never will be.

'I love you,' he says softly. You smile at him. He sees tears glistening in your eyes. His heart clenches with guilt. He definitely should have told you about his feelings sooner.

'I love you as I've never loved anyone,' he declares, his voice serious. You cup his cheek and he leans into it.

'And I love you,' you say. He smiles at you and positions himself at your entrance. You both moan when he finally pushes in. He waits a moment, giving you time to adjust, and then starts moving. Slowly, at first. But he speeds up. Faster and faster.

'Aleksander!' you moan, throwing your head back. He groans and starts kneading your breasts. You gasp and push them into his hands, needing more.

'[Y/N],' he says in awe and joins your lips again. You put your hand on his nape and pull him towards you, wanting him closer. Wanting to become one with him.

His moves become sloppier. But he holds on. He doesn't want to end it yet. So, he slows down, which makes you whine in frustration. He can't help but chuckle.

'Something's wrong, moya milaya?' he asks teasingly. You glare at him and buckle your hips. He gasps. You smirk.

'Little vixen,' he growls and sucks on your nipple. He bites it gently. You cry out, your toes curling.

'Please…' you whisper. Aleksander would want to prolong it, to make you truly enjoy it. To treat you like you deserve. But at this moment he's relieved you're so close. He's been holding back for so long it hurts him to continue doing it.

'Together, my love,' he murmurs and speeds up again. You're both moaning and panting now. And finally, you reach peak at the same time, groaning each other's names.

'That was… wow,' you breathe out when Aleksander pulls out. He lays next to you, huffing.

'Yes… wow,' he agrees. You turn to look at him. He's staring at the ceiling, his expression pensive.

'What are you thinking about already?' you ask. He smiles wryly and looks at you.

'I love you,' he says, causing you to blink in confusion. 'And I'm happy. This feels… strange. I can't help but waiting for something bad to happen… and to lose you.'

'I'm here,' you whisper, joining your hands. 'And I'm not going anywhere. I promise.'

He smiles at you and kisses your knuckles. You shift a bit to be able to touch his forehead with yours.

'You promise?' he asks, forcing his voice not to crack.

'As long as you'll have me,' you answer sincerely. He grins.

'Forever, then,' he says.

'Forever it is,' you agree. Aleksander kisses your forehead and embraces you. You both close your eyes, content. And at peace.

*

Next day, you're in the workshop. Nothing surprising nor new. But this time, since the world already knows he's alive or at least everyone in Os Alta, Kirigan is there with you. Normally, you'd be happy to spend more time together. But the way he looks at you… is terribly distracting. And others glancing at you two doesn't help it.

'Remember what you said last night?' you finally ask, having enough.

'Which part?' the Darkling asks.

'About me not being able to work because of you,' you remind him, sending him a pointed look. He has an audacity to grin.

'I remember saying you wouldn't be able to work if we were alone, because I'd be kissing you senseless,' he says, causing you to blush. 'Neither of the conditions are fulfilled, so I don't see a problem.'

You force yourself not to look at others. You can't bear to stand their gazes.

'It appears all you have to do is to stare at me to distract me,' you say, causing him to smirk. 'Don't you have work to do? Or something?'

Before he can answer, Nikolai walks in. He locates you and marches straight to you.

'Perfect, I was looking for you two,' he says and clasps his hand behind his back. '[Y/N]-'

'You want to ask about my kefta,' you guess and hand him one of the papers on the table. 'Here is the design for it for other Grisha. And here… for uniforms of the army.'

You hand him another paper. Lantsov studies it, utterly fascinated.

'Amazing,' he murmurs. 'And what exactly does it repel?'

'Anything sharp that it's thrown at it,' you answer, shrugging. The King looks at you.

'Tell me more,' he urges you. You chuckle and shake your head.

'You do not want me to start talking about my projects,' you say. 'I can talk about it for hours. Just ask this one here.'

You point with your head at Aleksander. But he smiles.

'I'm afraid I'm a bad example, as I enjoy listening to you talking about things that are passionate for you,' he says. You blush again.

'And I really want to know how it works, it sounds fascinating,' Nikolai insists and looks at Kirigan. 'But first… would you mind checking on Grisha training? Zoya said she'd like to hear your thoughts about how they're doing.'

'Really?' the Darkling asks, raising his eyebrows.

'Well, not exactly, but I know that's what she meant,' Lantsov admits.

'Very well,' Aleksander agrees and walks to you. He presses a kiss to the top of your head and looks at your face, humming.

'What?' you ask, too late realising you're walking into a trap.

'You have lips,' he says, confusing you. 'And I have lips. Interesting…'

'Indeed,' you agree, not able to stop a smile forming on your face. 'We should test if they're compatible later.'

'Later,' Kirigan agrees, grinning, and walks away. You risk a look at the King, red as a tomato. But he's smiling.

'So, the kefta?' he asks, saving you from your embarrassment. 'What if Tamar throws her axe at it?'

While you're explaining your design to Nikolai, the Darkling hurries to the training ground with a spring in his step. Until he senses a familiar presence. He stops with a sigh. He waits a beat.

'Come out,' he says. 'I know you're here… mother.'

Baghra comes out of the shadows. She stares at her son grimly.

'What is your goal in all of this?' she demands. Aleksander scoffs and spreads his arms.

'I've missed you as well, mother,' he replies sarcastically. 'I've been well, thank you for asking. Well, besides the time I was dead.'

'You and only you are responsible for your death,' the old woman says, walking closer to him.

'I'm well aware,' Kirigan says. 'But I'm here now.'

'Yes,' Baghra says. 'What for?'

'Everything I want, I told to the King already. I don't have to explain myself to you.'

'Oh, but he can't see so clearly through your lies as I can. So? What are you really after? And what else do you want from that poor girl?'

'She is what I want. Nothing else matters but her. Now, excuse me. But our king has given me an assignment.'

He turns and attempts to walk away. But his mother grasps his wrist tightly. He tenses. Just like he was a child. But he isn't one anymore. He turns to her with a glare. She answers with one of her own.

'What is it in her that doesn't allow you to let her finally go?' she asks. He scoffs. He leans down, looming over Baghra.

'She's a mess of gorgeous chaos,' he says quietly, 'and you can see it in her eyes. She is… everything I've always wanted. And I warn you, mother… try to take her away from me… and I will feel no remorse in getting rid of you.'

'Do you really expect me to believe that you'll just let go of centuries of plotting for one girl?' the old woman scoffs. The glare she receives almost makes her shiver.

'After everything she's been through for me?' he asks. 'Yes.'

'What do you know what that girl has been through?' Baghra asks, getting back her confidence. But once again, the look in her son's eyes makes her freeze.

'I know they've informed you about… visions of me… that [Y/N] had,' he says slowly after a moment and she nods, confirming it. 'My nichevoy'a connected us. I was dead, yes. But thanks to a part of me being alive in Nikolai Lantsov, I was still here in a way. All the time I was by [Y/N]'s side. Yes, she could only see me at nights and not always. Because if I were to show myself to her every time that she fell asleep, I think it would have broken us both. But I was there. I watched her, sitting in that cell. I watched her losing herself. I watched her spirit slowly dying. I watched her being completely alone, scared and just barely alive.'

With every sentence he raises his voice and it becomes more passionate. Baghra's eyes go wide. She takes a step back against her own will. Aleksander pulls back, regaining his composure.

'So, don't question me what do I know about her sacrifices,' he says. 'Because I saw it. Every moment alone. Every moment she lied and manipulated, just so she could bring me back. I'm well aware of it all. I know that I don't deserve her. But I will gladly create another Fold if someone will try to take her from me. No matter who they'll be. And yes. If she doesn't want to rule by my side, if she just wants to have a peaceful life together with people she cares about, then damn it all, I'll give it to her. Because I'll choose her happiness over mine every time. And what's more, I know that with her by my side, it will be mine happiness as well.'

His mother stares at him, stunned. He challenges her with his gaze for a moment. When she doesn't say anything, he turns and walks away abruptly without a goodbye. She stares after him until he disappears behind a corner. Then… she smiles slightly.

'Maybe there's still hope for you,' she says softly, 'you stupid boy.'

*

Genya basically runs through the corridors of the Little Palace the moment she hears Tolya is back. She throws the door outside open and almost jumps down the stairs, then throws her arms around her dear friend.

'Genya!' Alina laughs, hugging her back. 'Oh, how I've missed you!'

'And I you, in case you haven't notice,' Safin says. Alina laughs again and the girls pull away from each other. They look at one another, noticing all the changes.

'How are… things?' Starkov asks hesitantly. Genya's good mood immediately dampens.

'They're… good,' she answers. 'At least for now. Hello, Mal.'

'Genya,' Oretsev greets her, nodding politely. Genya exhales slowly.

'Do you want to unpack first or do you want to get over it?' she asks. 'I know Nikolai is anxious to see you both, but you must be tired, so I'm sure he'll understand if you want to rest.'

'I'm afraid I won't be able to relax until I… see him,' Alina sighs. Safin nods in understanding and heads toward the Grand Palace.

'They have a meeting now,' she explains. 'Nikolai was informed you're getting closer and he thought it would be better if he was present during your meeting.'

'I think it's for the best,' Starkov agrees. 'If we're really supposed to work together, it wouldn't be good if we tore each other's throat right away.'

'Quite so,' Genya confirms. Two women chat with each other, excited to hear what the other has to say. Inside the Grand Palace, they meet Nikolai on their way to his chambers.

'Thought I heard your beautiful voice,' he says with a dazzling smile. 'Don't worry, he's still in my chambers. We're having a break. Wonderful to see you.'

'And you,' Alina says, hugging Lantsov tightly. 'You look well.'

'Thank you,' the King chuckles and pulls away. 'I definitely feel better than for the past months. Our dear Mal didn't want to start from meeting with him?'

'No, he's right-' Alina starts with a frown, turning. Her heart stops when she doesn't see her husband. She looks with panic at Genya.

'He was right behind us,' she says. But Safin gives her a troubled look. Because honestly, she can't be certain if Mal has followed them at all.

In the meantime, you finish the last batch of the antidote for today. You put it away and wipe the sweat from your forehead. You sense someone looking at you, so you look up. You freeze, seeing no other than Mal Oretsev.

'Here I am,' he says, spreading his arms. You raise your eyebrows.

'I can see that,' you say and clean your station, not giving him attention. He frowns and walks to you.

'I know you're the one that demanded Alina's presence here,' he says. 'And I understand why. You want revenge for her killing Kirigan. But if you want to kill someone, let it be me. I was supposed to die that day anyway.'

'Who says I want to kill anyone?' you ask, looking at him. He stares at you, surprised. You scoff and walk around the table. You face him and cross your arms.

'I wanted Alina here, because I know we're going to need her in the coming battle… or battles,' you say and shrug. 'True, maybe I want to take revenge on her. But I don't want anyone to die.'

'Then how are you going to take it?' Oretsev asks. 'Revenge, I mean. What are you going to do?'

'That's the most beautiful part,' you say and smirk. 'I don't have to do anything.'

'What is that supposed to mean?' Mal asks, frowning. You touch his chest and then poke it.

'She's already doing it for me,' you say. 'I knew it the moment you walked in her and asked me to kill you. You're missing it, don't you? Being the amplifier?'

Oretsev tenses. Oh, you've hit a nerve.

'You have nothing now,' you say quietly. 'Nothing but her. But it's not enough, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself. Your tracker's abilities were your greatest joy and source of pride. And she took it away. She took it away and didn't even allow you to leave, to finally get peace. What's more, to bring you back, she did exactly the thing she said she wouldn't. She used merzost.'

Mal takes a step back. He looks at you sharply, with a hint of surprise. You chuckle.

'Oh, yes, I know how she did that,' you confirm. 'I sensed it that day. And I wanted to tear her apart. For condemning Aleksander for his use of merzost and then doing the exact same thing. The difference? He wanted an army to fight with the king, so Grisha could finally be safe. And she did it so she didn't have to sacrifice anything. But there's always a price. And I'm gladly going to watch her pay hers.'

You stare at each other grimly for a moment. Then, you walk past him and head to the door. But before you can reach it, you hear hurried footsteps and a moment later Alina shows up in the threshold, panting. She glares at you and brings her hands together.

'Don't you dare hurt him,' she growls. You snort.

'I have no intention of hurting either of you,' you say, surprising Starkov. You walk slowly to her. You eye each other.

'Don't you want to take revenge of me for killing him?' Alina spats.

'Like I've just told your dear husband… congratulations by the way… of course, I want you to suffer for what you've put me through,' you answer and lean to her ear. 'But I don't have to do a thing to get what I want. You're already doing it for me.'

The Sun Summoner pulls away sharply. She looks at you with confusion, warily.

'And what am I doing?' she snarls.

'You're living,' you answer, stunning her even more. 'You're living and time doesn't touch you. Contrary to him. He's mortal. And you're not. One day you're going to lose him and you'll see exactly what I felt. Loneliness. Pain.'

'It will still take years,' Alina says angrily. 'Until then I may die very well myself. And you won't see me suffering from losing Mal.'

'True,' you agree, shrugging. 'But until then I'm going to satisfy myself with what's happening to your soul.'

'I beg your pardon?' Starkov asks harshly. Just then Nikolai and Genya finally catch up, both of them panting. They both freeze when they see yours and Alina's stand down.

'A few years ago, you'd have begged me not to touch him,' you say. 'And now? Now your first response, even though I was steps ahead of him, was to threaten me. Does that remind you of anyone?'

The Sun Summoner stiffens. You grin at her.

'I'm really going to enjoy watching you fall into his footsteps, while he finally gets the happiness he's longed for,' you say and wink. 'It was good to see you, Alina, Mal. I can't wait to work with you.'

You walk toward the door, leaving stunned Starkov behind you. Lantsov and Safin let you pass, watching you silently. No one says a word, until they no longer hear your footsteps.

'She's changed,' the Sun Summoner says quietly.

'Well, she's spent two and a half years in a cell,' the King sighs.

'Besides… who of us can tell we've actually known her before?' Genya sighs. Mal joins his wife and grabs her hand.

'Well, at least I think she was telling the truth about not wanting to kill us,' he says. Alina turns on him quickly.

'What were you thinking coming here on your own?' she scoffs. He cups her cheek.

'That I don't want you to die,' he answers simply. She stares at him for a moment. Then, she sighs and leans her forehead on his.

'I guess we should see him now?' she asks quietly. He nods. They join hands again and follow Nikolai and Genya. They expect to find Kirigan in Lantsov's chambers, but they find him outside the Little Palace, surrounded by little Grisha. They're hurling a question after question at him, and he tries to answer them all, laughing. Not far away you stand, smiling softly.

'Miss Starkov,' Aleksander says when he notices you. Children Grisha quickly fall silent, then scatter away. Alina separates from the group and faces the Darkling, her fists clenched. It's so weird seeing his face again, hearing his voice. She wasn't aware he still has such a hold on her.

'I'm truly glad to see you well,' he says and glances behind her. 'And my cousin as well. I'd apologise for everything but I know you won't believe I'm sincere.'

'No, I won't,' the Sun Summoner confirms harshly. Kirigan smiles wryly. He extends his hand to her.

'Can I at least hope we can put our differences aside and work together for the good of Ravka and all that we hold dear?' he asks. Alina eyes his hand for a moment, before she finally shakes it.

'For all that we care about,' she agrees. He smiles at her and she shivers. He lets go of her hand. Nikolai joins them and claps their shoulders.

'Now that we have this over with,' he says, 'I need you back, Kirigan, for our meeting.'

'Of course,' Aleksander says, his voice smooth. Lantsov looks at the Sun Summoner.

'You and Mal take all the time you need to rest,' he says. Alina nods. She watches the King and his peace advisor walking away, already immersed in a conversation. She turns her gaze away and it falls on you.

'See you tomorrow,' you say, noticing her look, and walk away. Genya and Mal join Alina.

'It's going to be hard, isn't it?' Oretsev asks. 'Working with them?'

'For now, it hasn't been bad,' Genya answers. 'But neither of us killed Kirigan, so…'

'Let's just hope they will keep their word,' the Sun Summoner says grimly. 'But if they try anything… I will kill them both this time.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135403246

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XVII - Moving Heaven and Earth

Chapter Summary: You fulfill your promise to Nikolai and complete an antidote to jurda parem in Lazlayon. But it gets an unwanted attention from your enemies. To protect you and the recipe, you head back to Os Alta. But someone is already waiting there for you.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Nikolai Lantsov/Zoya Nazyalensky, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Zoya Nazyalensky, Nikolai Lantsov, Yuri Vedenen, Fedyor Kaminsky, Ivan, Genya Safin, David Kostyk, Tolya Yul-Bataar, Isaak Andreyev, Tamar Kir-Bataar, the Apparat

Word Count: 3818

A/N: Inspired by prompt: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090591501/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

You're back in Lazlayon, where you work furiously on the antidote. Aleksander has, of course, insisted on coming with you. He'll not be parted from you ever again. Ever. There are, however, some conditions about his presence there.

While Nikolai has agreed to give Kirigan the position he wants, he and his friends have concluded it's better to keep him hidden and under observation. They want to prepare the people for his return first. The Darkling is not happy about it, but he concedes. For now. He knows, after all, they're going to need him sooner than they think. And hope.

One day, the first sample of the antidote is finally ready. All that you need is to test it on someone. Just then, Nina arrives in Lazlayon along with her companions and some women Grisha that are under the effect of jurda parem.

You go outside to tell Nikolai about what you think is a success. You were told he's there. You stop, seeing him talking to Nina and two other Grisha you don't know. There's also a Fjerdan with them for some reason. Not bound. So maybe an ally? You don't care about that at the moment. You care about a huddled group of women that look terrible.

'Are they under the effect of jurda parem?' you ask, letting others know about your presence. Nikolai, Nina and the three people look at you.

'Yes,' Nina confirms grimly. 'How's your work on the antidote going?'

Instead of answering her, you march toward the women. There was a time where you would hesitate. But you're another person now. So, you tap one woman. She looks at you with suspicion.

'Pardon me,' you say, reaching into a small box in your hand. 'Say "ah".'

'Huh?' she asks, confused. The moment her mouth opens, you quickly put your fingers in it. Her eyes go wide. You take your fingers out.

'Swallow, please,' you say. She doesn't want to, but has no choice. Her body suddenly starts shaking and she gasps.

'What did you do?!' Nina demands, rushing to the poor woman. You feel someone grabbing you and pulling you away.

'Helped her,' you answer calmly. A moment passes and something changes in the woman's appearance. No one can tell exactly what it is, but she looks healthier. She looks at you with surprise.

'I… I don't feel it,' she says, stunned. 'The need to… take it.'

'You should also lose your enhanced abilities,' you explain. 'But we should wait before testing it. Sorry for giving this to you in such a way.'

She shakes her head, understanding. You turn to Nikolai. He's stunned as well. He looks at you hopefully.

'We should keep her under observation to see if there are any side effects,' you tell him.

'You can make more in the meantime,' Nina suggests.

'If you get me jurda, then sure,' you say. 'And I'm going to need a lot of it. More of it goes into an antidote that into the drug.'

'It's going to be a problem, then,' Nikolai sighs. 'Since I made a deal with Kerch, that is going on a war with Novyi Zem, which has the most of it.'

'Just bring me some of it,' you say. 'It'll be enough.'

'You just said the opposite,' the Fjerdan, confused, says. You look at him curiously.

'And you are…?' you ask.

'Matthias Helvar,' the man introduces himself.

'He's with me,' Nina quickly says. You shrug and smile.

'Get me as much jurda as you can and I'll get us even more,' you say mysteriously and go back to your workshop.

A few days later a crate of raw jurda is brought to you. Your eyes light up at the sight. You quickly order to have it taken outside. There, Zoya and David watch as you take the seeds of jurda and plant it.

'It will take time before it will grow,' Nazyalensky points out. 'Anyway, I don't think it has proper conditions for it.'

'You forget about something,' you say and touch your neck. Your friends frown. You simply press your hands to the ground and concentrate. A moment later the plant grows rapidly until it's blooming. You tell someone to gather what you need and you plant the seeds. You repeat the process over and over again.

'That is… a bit terrifying,' David says, stunned. 'And she doesn't look tired at all.'

'But she will get us what we need,' Zoya says. 'Gather whoever is available. They will plant the seeds. So she could focus only on growing them.'

Kostyk quickly hurries away. Nazyalensky looks at you. You're lifting your hands off the ground, as you've just bloomed the next portion of flowers.

'Impressive,' your friend says. You smile at her. Your eyes land on the building.

'Where's Aleksander?' you ask.

'At the meeting with Nikolai,' Zoya answers. 'As always, these days. I have to admit, he has a point in some matters. And good ideas.'

'And when he'll be able to stop hiding?' you ask.

'As soon as we locate the Apparat,' Nazyalensky answers grimly. 'The rat can make a riot because of the Darkling's resurrection and us working with him.'

You hum and return to growing more jurda for the antidote. Zoya observes you for a moment longer. When David returns with others, she turns and walks inside the building to let Nikolai know about the process. When she does that, she can see Kirigan smiling with pride in his eyes. It annoys her. Because with every day she starts to see your point more. That they need both you and the Darkling to save Grisha and win the war. And she hates it.

*

Some time later, you're working on another portion of the antidote, when suddenly there's a loud explosion. Then you hear screams, shouts and sound of running. You look with confusion at David.

'That wasn't us,' you say. 'So… who blew something up? And more importantly, why they didn't invite us do help them?'

'Let's better check,' Kostyk says. Every Durast and Alkemi that are in workshops hurry up. The source of the commotion is outside, so you rush there. You stop on top of the stairs, stunned. You're under attack.

'What in the names of Saints?' David asks, stunned. You see a small army fighting with your Grisha. Khergud attacking from above.

'Shu-Han,' you say. 'How did they find this place?'

'It doesn't matter now,' Nikolai says, hurrying past you. 'For now, we need to stop them from getting inside.'

But then you see more of them showing up. The King curses.

'We don't have enough men,' David says, showing up. 'Most of our soldiers are in the Grand Palace or looking for Grisha affected by jurda parem. Because it was supposed to be a secret lab!'

'I know!' Lantsov scoffs. 'I have no idea how they found us.'

He looks at the battle, gnawing at his lip. His face becomes grim. He looks at you and you already know whatever he's about to say, he's not happy about it.

'We need Kirigan,' he declares, causing Kostyk to sharply inhale. 'Only he has enough power to stop it. Zoya is away. And maybe, if we're lucky, his sudden appearance will scare them enough.'

'Are you sure this is a good idea?' David asks nervously. 'People are not ready for it. We aren't ready.'

'We have no choice,' Nikolai says grimly and looks at you. 'Go and get him. Tell Tolya it's time to get out of the shadows.'

You nod once and sprint back inside. You suspect what you're to say to the Heartrender is some password. So Tolya would know that these are really the King orders and not you trying to deceive him. You applaud to their smartness and speed up.

In his chambers, Aleksander argues with Tolya. He wants to go outside and help. The Heartrender is against it, obviously.

'You can hear very well it doesn't sound like we're winning,' the Darkling growls, losing patience. 'We're losing. I can change that.'

'You know very well you can't show up yet,' Tolya says, irritated.

'If things continue going the way they are, there will be no people to show up to,' Kirigan barks.

'And why do you care about that so much?' Yul-Bataar asks, crossing his arms.

'Contrary to your belief, I care about Grisha,' Aleksander says, clenching his fists. 'Besides… why do you think they are here? At that time?'

Tolya frowns. Kirigan scoffs.

'We finally have an antidote to jurda parem,' he explains. 'We can finally deal with the innocent Grisha they and Fjerda sends at us that are under the influence of it.'

'They're here for it,' the Heartrender says, going pale.

'And for the person that knows how to create it,' the Darkling adds. Yul-Bataar stares at him.

'So, it's about the girl,' he says and scoffs. 'Not about Grisha, but the only person who wants to be by your side from their own free will.'

'Both reasons are why I want to get out of here,' Aleksander says through gritted teeth. 'We need-'

He's interrupted by a loud explosion. It must be close, because the ground shakes and they have to hold on to things so not to fall. They look at each other. Before Tolya can react, Kirigan bolts out of the room. The Heartrender scoffs and hurries after him.

They're forced to stop at some point because of rumbles on the ground. There's a hole in the wall and another one in the ceiling. But what causes the Darkling's heart to stop, is a hand sticking out of the rubbles. An arm in a purple kefta with grey and black embroidery.

'No…' Aleksander says, horrified, and throws himself at the rubbles. He quickly moves them away. He's not even aware Tolya is helping him. Nor that there are also more hands, as Ivan and Fedyor also have showed up after hearing the explosion.

'[Y/N],' Kirigan says, his voice shaking, as he finally can take your body out of the mess. There are scratches on your face and some bruises are also forming already. But you're breathing. You're alive. And suddenly, your eyes flutter open.

'[Y/N]?' the Darkling asks, anxious. You smile slightly at him. Your eyes find Yul-Bataar.

'Nikolai says… that it's time… to get out… of the shadows…' you whisper and lose consciousness. Tolya's shoulders slump.

'What does that mean?' Fedyor asks. Yul-Bataar looks at Kirigan.

'That it's time to show the world you're alive,' he explains.

'Good, because there's nothing that could stop me now,' Aleksander says, his voice low. 'Fedyor, take her to the Healers.'

'Yes, sir,' Kaminsky says, his face serious. Kirigan stands up slowly, the look in his eyes absolutely murderous.

'Don't worry, [Y/N],' he says. 'They will pay for this. All of them.'

*

Nikolai kills another enemy and looks around with a grim face. It's not looking good. But for some reason, the soldiers are not trying to kill every one they see, but they clearly are trying to get inside. For what, Lantsov has no idea. He managed to hear a fragment of a conversation between them. He only managed to hear something about 'finding the girl'. But what girl? Ehri? But she's in the Grand Palace. Alina? Zoya?

He gets his answer when everything is covered in the darkness out of the blue. He instantly looks at the entrance to the building. There stands Kirigan, the look of absolute fury on his face.

'Someone did something to [Y/N],' David guesses, showing up by Lantsov's side. 'Very bad move.'

These, who recognise the Darkling, stop fighting. There are looks of fear and surprise. And also, some of awe.

Kirigan sends his shadows to attack soldiers from Shu-Han. Everyone now know who he is. The King's soldiers quickly scatter. Ivan shows up by Nikolai's side and grabs his arm. He pulls him away.

'What are you-?' Lantsov starts. But he doesn't finish. He doesn't have to. Because he sees Aleksander bringing his hands together and forming the Cut. With an angry roar, he sends it at their enemies, cutting them in two parts. They don't even feel it.

Silence falls. Kirigan straightens up, breathing heavily. Others slowly turn to face him.

'The Darkling…'

'It's the Darkling…'

'He's here…'

'He's alive…'

To Nikolai's astonishment and horror, some Grisha fall on their knees, staring at the Shadow Summoner with stunned expressions. But what shocks Lantsov even more, is that Kirigan just glances at them and marches back into the building with Tolya at his heels.

'You know, I expected some grand speech at his first public appearance,' the King says after a beat.

'He has other things on his mind,' Ivan explains, finally releasing Nikolai.

'[Y/N]?' David asks with worry. The Heartrender clenches his jaw.

'They blew up a hole in a wall,' he explains. 'We found her in the rubbles.'

Lantsov curses and runs a hand through his hair. Kostyk rushes back inside, not waiting for anyone.

'She didn't look too bad,' Ivan says.

'Let's see how much she got hit, then,' the King says and glances at still stunned people. 'And after that we have to do some damage control.'

The Heartrender nods. They hurry after David. They reach an infirmary. To their relief, you're already sitting on a table with an amused expression on your face. You're surrounded by Fedyor, Aleksander, Tolya, David and Tamar.

'I'm telling you, I'm fine,' you say, exasperated, and notice two new guests. 'Ah, maybe you can talk some sense into them. You see I'm fine, right?'

'I'll have to ask a specialist to say that,' Nikolai says, reaching your group.

'She's fine,' a passing Healer says. 'She managed to protect herself from more serious hits.'

'See?' you ask with triumph.

'You still need rest, milaya,' Kirigan insists. Lantsov nods.

'I agree,' he concurs. 'We can't afford to lose you now, [Y/N]. Or drop dead from exhaustion.'

You huff and cross your arms. But you don't argue anymore. You allow Fedyor and Ivan fuss around you a bit.

The King catches the looks of the Darkling, David and Tolya one by one. They follow him out of the room.

'How is the mood outside?' the Heartrender asks.

'Hard to say,' Nikolai sighs. 'Everyone is mostly shocked. Some Grisha kneeled. But for now, no one has started a riot.'

'So… what now?' David asks hesitantly. Lantsov and Kirigan look at each other. Aleksander calmly puts his hands behind his back. The King thinks for a moment.

'We're coming back to Os Alta,' he finally decides. 'All of us. The rumours are about to spread anyway. We must control the narrative.'

'Are you sure the people are ready?' Tolya asks doubtfully.

'I don't think they'll ever be, to be honest,' Nikolai answers after a pause. 'We've been just putting away the inevitable in time.'

'What about the Apparat?' Aleksander asks. 'We still haven't found him.'

'He will show up the moment we arrive to the capital,' Lantsov answers. 'I'm sure of it.'

'And then?' David asks. 'What do we do?'

'We'll put Yuri to good use,' Kirigan suggests. 'Let them argue publicly.'

'I don't want another civil war,' the King protests.

'There won't be,' the Darkling says with a disturbing smile. 'Some people will side with the Apparat, but not enough to cause a riot.'

'How can you be so sure?' Tolya scoffs. The Shadow Summoner looks at him.

'Because I've just stopped an attack of Shu-Han,' he answers. 'For months there have been miracles that people believe were my doing.'

'But they weren't,' David reminds him.

'They don't need to know it,' Kirigan argues. 'And sometimes manipulation of the people is necessary if you want to keep this country save, Your Majesty. And since the three Saints are dead… no one will tell on us.'

'Let's say I agree,' Nikolai says glumly. 'What else?'

'Well, I've been resurrected, haven't I?' the Darkling asks, shrugging. 'It's both fascinating and terrifying for the people. And they all adore you. If they see you with me, assuring them we've made peace for the good of Ravka, they will calm down. Ah. There's also one more thing.'

'The antidote,' Lantsov immediately guesses. 'Yes. We have to make it known we can make it.'

'They will come to steal it,' David points out. 'Or destroy it.'

'They've already did,' Tolya sighs. 'At least that's what we suspect with Kirigan.'

'I've heard Shu-Han soldiers talking about "finding the girl",' the King says, understanding. 'They were talking about [Y/N].'

'Somehow they've found out she's the one who created it,' David says, going pale.

'Which makes her and you our most valuable assets,' Nikolai says, looking at Aleksander. 'They will expect you two to travel together. Which is why you have to arrive in Os Alta separately. You can handle yourself and she'll have the best protection. I swear.'

'She can handle herself, too,' the Darkling says calmly. 'Unless a wall falls on her, that is. So, send Ivan with her. He's very protective of her. More than of me.'

Lantsov nods, agreeing to this. He smiles wryly at his companions.

'Shall we then?' he asks. 'Better to arrive before the Apparat. I'd like to keep the crown for a while longer.'

*

The journey to Os Alta is not boring only thanks to Ivan. He keeps you entertained thanks to telling you all about his life with Fedyor during the last three years. You're glad to hear they've been happy. They also plan to get married. They waited with that for you and Aleksander, which makes your heart melt.

'Everything alright in there?' Isaak, who's been assigned to you as well and is riding on a horse next to you, asks as you get close to the capital.

'We can't wait to get out of this coach, but other than that we're good,' you answer. 'Do you have any messages about others?'

'Just that they were attacked on the way but easily subdued the attackers,' the soldier answers and chuckles. 'Apparently, they were surprised not to find you with the Darkling.'

'Who would have thought that Lantsov was right about that,' Ivan murmurs.

'He's not an idiot, contrary to your belief,' you say, rolling your eyes. 'And yes, that plan was brilliant. I trust everyone got out of it alright?'

'No serious injuries nor worse,' Isaak confirms. You exhale with relief.

'Good,' you say. 'Now the worst part. Convincing people we mean no harm.'

'Luckily, the party is to start without us,' Ivan comments. 'Maybe they will finish without us as well?'

'I doubt that,' you chuckle. 'Thank you, Isaak.'

'Milady,' the soldier says, nodding his head respectfully to you and disappears from your view. Ivan looks at you curiously.

'I saved his life, remember?' you ask. The Heartrender nods, understanding now.

Some time later you arrive in Os Alta. People are on the streets. The mood varies. You see shocked faces. Stunned. Angry. Overjoyed. People are praying. Crying. But no one is shouting.

'It's quiet,' you murmur. Ivan nods, noticing it as well. You quickly find out the reason. In front of the Grand Palace two groups are facing each other. Followers of the Apparat and followers of Yuri. In the middle of them are Nikolai, Aleksander and others. Lantsov doesn't look happy. Kirigan is calm and collected as always.

'Looks like they got here in time,' Ivan says. 'Do you think we'll make it worse?'

You don't answer him. You listen to the argument with a sour mood, as you pass the people. All eyes are on you and Ivan, as you step out of the coach.

'And here's a creator of the miracle!' Yuri cries, causing you to wince. '[Y/N] [L/N], the most powerful Durast, has brought the Starless Saint back to us!'

People murmur, astonished. Some also angry. You ignore them and join your friends.

'How we're doing?' you murmur.

'It varies from moment to moment,' Genya sighs. 'I'm not convinced about this plan of yours.'

'It will be fine,' Nikolai assures her, forcing a smile. It drops, the moment the Apparat points an accusatory finger at you.

'I've warned you, Your Majesty!' he shouts. 'I told you releasing her will do Ravka no good! She broke the rules of life and brought the enemy of Ravka back among us!'

'I wasn't thrilled about it at first either,' Lantsov says loudly. 'But after calm conversations we came to an agreement. We need them both to make Ravka safe and secure.'

'They've corrupted you!' Apparat cries. 'You no longer deserve to be our leader! You've been seduced by power and that Durast girl!'

'I beg your pardon?' you ask, astonished. 'I did what now?'

People murmur. You can see that some agree. You must do something and fast.

However, you're not the one who does that something. One of the followers of the Apparat pulls out a knife. People scream and pull away.

'Die, witch!' he shouts and throws it at you. No one has time to react. It lodges itself in your chest. People scream and gasp. You look at the knife and then at the monk.

'Do you need this back or…?' you ask. Silence falls. Everyone stares at you in shock.

'You're asking if you can keep the knife in your rib cage?' Nikolai asks slowly.

'Yes, it's very… homey,' you confirm.

'It's a fucking knife!' Zoya scoffs. You pull out the knife easily, causing people to gasp, and show it to her.

'Look how pretty it is!' you say.

'Sankta!' someone cries. You look at the crows, surprised.

'Sorry?' you ask. People look at you with awe.

'She resurrected the Darkling and now didn't die herself,' someone says. 'A true Sankta.'

'Now hold on just a minute,' you say, panicked. But people look at you tears in their eyes. They fall on their knees, saying:

'Sankta. Sankta [Y/N].'

'No, I'm not!' you protest. 'It's… It's just my kefta-'

'Don't, lapushka,' Aleksander says, grabbing your arm. 'Let them believe it. Look at them. And now look at the Apparat.'

You do as he says. You see how people look at you with joy. And Apparat is nervous. It's clear he's lost today.

'I know you don't like it, [Y/N],' Nikolai says quietly. 'But for now, let them believe you're their Saint.'

You stare at him with horror. But when you look at the people again, you know he's right. They're ready to defend you from the Apparat. As longs as you're on the King's side, they will support him. And the Darkling as well.

'Fine, but under one condition,' you say.

'Name it,' Lantsov agrees quickly. But when you turn to him, he regrets his decision. There's that unnerving look in your eyes again. And his blood runs cold, when you say:

'Bring me Alina Starkov.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135301627

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XVI - The Darkest Hour

Chapter Summary: So you and Aleksander could live and be free, Nikolai must convince his friends that they need you. But first, Kirigan must convince the King you two can be trusted. Before that, however, him and you must finally talk about your past… and future.

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

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Zoya Nazyalensky, Nikolai Lantsov, Yuri Vedenen, Fedyor Kaminsky, Ivan, Baghra, Genya Safin, David Kostyk, Tolya Yul-Bataar, Tamar Kir-Bataar

Word Count: 4535

A/N: Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100544/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786919/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100614/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

Everyone is arguing. Aleksander watches it all with amusement. They want him dead again. Nikolai tries to persuade them they can't kill him, at least not now. The Shu girl, probably the real princess, slowly pales and her eyes go wide. She must have come to realisation who he is.

'Are you really not going to kill him?' she blurts out, silencing everyone. 'He's too dangerous for everyone!'

'We do that now, we're all dead,' Lantsov says calmly and points with his head at you. 'See her? She's managed to knock out your assassin. Without even touching her. A moment earlier, she pulled a dagger out of her hands. I'd like to point out that at that moment her hands were sill bound, like they are now. And around us is a lot of solid objects, meaning a lot of weapons for her. No, thank you.'

'Then kill her first!' the princes says. The Darkling's eyes darken. If she dares to touch you…

'Then he will cut us in half,' Zoya huffs. 'And don't even suggest killing them at the same time. It won't work either.'

'So… what?' Genya asks, her voice shaking a bit. 'You really want us to work with him?'

The King stares grimly at Kirigan. He's very not happy about it.

'We need him for what's to come,' he answers. 'As we need [Y/N].'

Tolya and Tamar want to protest more. But at that moment someone knocks on the door. Genya hurries to see who it is. A moment later she returns… with Baghra. The old woman stops dead in her tracks, shocked to see her son alive. Aleksander smiles.

'Hello, mother,' he greets her. 'Did you miss me?'

Baghra stares at him in silence for a moment. Then, she turns her eyes to you.

'Foolish girl,' she scoffs. 'What have you done?'

You just smile slightly at her with a hint of sadness in your eyes. Baghra turns to the King. They start talking quietly. Kirigan rolls his eyes. Oh, how he loves his mother's plotting. Suddenly, she walks to you.

'Show me,' she says. You stare at her for a moment. Then, your bonds fall. Genya gasps. Tamar and Tolya grab their weapons. David and Zoya look at you with wide eyes. The princess shrieks.

'Easy,' Nikolai says, completely calm. You slowly raise your hands and unbutton your kefta a bit. You reveal your necklace from Elizaveta's bees to Baghra. She traces it with her fingers.

'I hate to say it… but now you may have a chance against Fjerda and Shu-Han,' Baghra says, turning to Nikolai. Others open their mouth to protest, but Lantsov stops them with their hands.

'Let's resume this in the morning,' he decides. 'We're all tired and on edge because of everything that's happened today.'

'Are we locking them up?' Zoya asks, looking at Kirigan with hope. The King sighs.

'We lock Yuri up, the pilgrims will riot,' he says. 'We lock [Y/N] up, everyone will know something is up. We lock Kirigan up, someone will discover him and everyone will panic. So, for now the monk is still my guest… just under guard. [Y/N] will get a guest room in the Little Palace. And Kirigan-'

'Can have his old room, also under guard,' Nazyalensky interrupts him.

'Zoya-' Nikolai starts.

'I won't be able to sleep there tonight anyway,' the Squaller says, narrowing her eyes at Aleksander.

'I missed you as well, Zoya,' the Darkling says.

'Don't talk to me,' Nazyalensky growls. Her eyes for a second turn into a dragon's. Aleksander wonders whether yours will turn into a bee's eyes if you're angry. He glances at you and judging by the expression on your face you're also wondering about it and the idea doesn't make you happy.

'Let's retire to beds,' Lantsov decides. Zoya grabs the monk and leaves with him. He keeps glancing worshipful glances over his shoulder at the Darkling. He winces but quickly puts on his mask, as Tolya walks to him to grab him and lead him away as well. Kirigan turns his head and sees you being taken away by Tamar. On the corridor, you're taken in opposite directions. You stare at each other sadly, not happy you're being separated again.

In his chambers, the Darkling is allowed a quick bath and then is locked in his bedroom. He looks around. Zoya redecorated it, which isn't a surprise. He sits up with a sigh. He wonders whether you're alright. He has so much to tell you. But they're clearly doing everything not to allow you to have a conversation.

He thinks how to get a moment alone with you, when suddenly he hears something. He stands up in high alert. Someone is in his secret tunnel. He quickly walks to it. He brandishes a knife he has acquired and the moment the hidden door opens, he presses it to the neck of the person that appears.

'A knife?' you ask, raising your eyebrows. 'Are you flirting with me?'

You smile at each other, amused. Aleksander pulls the knife away and takes a step back.

'How did you find this tunnel?' he asks, curious. You walk in and press a finger to your lips. Then, you touch the walls and focus. After a moment you pull away with a smile.

'Now they're soundproof,' you declare and walk to the bed. 'No one will interrupt us. And Fedyor told me about it. He and Ivan are here. They will walk through front door tomorrow. We'll just have to make sure they're not arrested.'

Kirigan nods in agreement. He opens his mouth to say something, but stops, seeing that you cross your arms and look away. You're no longer smiling. Your jaw is clenched. Ah, yes. It's time to talk seriously.

'I owe you an apology,' he starts quietly.

'For?' you ask, your voice emotionless.

'Many things,' the Darkling admits. 'Leaving you drugged in that tent is the first one.'

'It really hurt me,' you say.

'It kept you alive.'

'Or it caused your death.'

'Perhaps. We will never know. I'm also sorry for leaving you alone. Making you live in a cell for two and a half years.'

You bite your lip. You want to deny that it wasn't that bad. But you were starting to go crazy in there. Thank Saints for jurda parem requiring your help to create an antidote for it.

'I'm also sorry for neglecting you and focusing on Miss Starkov,' Aleksander goes on. 'For making you feel I'm just using you. For making you bend your morals, break your rules. For making you go against people you care about. Again and again, and again. For making you deceive and manipulate them. For making you do all of that on your own.'

While he's talking, he slowly approaches you. Your walls crumble with every word. You're barely holding it together when Kirigan gently cups your cheek.

'Do you want me to continue?' he asks quietly. You close your eyes.

'Yes,' you whisper, your voice shaking. 'Please, keep talking. I love the sound of your voice.'

I missed your voice. So much…

'You've been so brave, milaya,' the Darkling murmurs, pressing his forehead to yours. 'I'm certain no one else would've been able to accomplish what you have. And I know that our future is uncertain… but I promise you, no matter what, I'll always choose you. You are what matters most to me. I will not rest until you tell me you are happy and feel safe.'

You smile slightly. This is what you want. But how far is he going to go to achieve that? What will you lose? And does it still matter to you? After everything you've been through to get to this moment?

'Just stay,' you whisper. 'Then I'll be happy and safe.'

'Does it mean I'm forgiven?' Aleksander asks with hope. 'Or that at least you can find it in your heart to forgive me one day?'

You open your eyes. Your gaze meets his vulnerable one. You caress his cheek. He leans into your touch, having missed this as much as you have.

'I'm not going to lie,' you start, 'I've suffered and mostly because of you. But after everything, I'd still pick you. If someone years ago had told me what's going to happen, I'd still have made the same choices. So, yes, you are forgiven. Because I love you. And because still, even when you were dead, you were with me when I was alone.'

Kirigan smiles brightly at you. You can't help but do the same. Honestly, you'd do all of that again for that smile alone.

'I truly do not deserve you,' he says. 'And yet I know you're exactly what I've always needed.'

He presses his lips to your forehead. You almost whimper. Saints, how you missed his lips.

'I let you love me,' he says. 'I let you take care of me. I let you do things to me no one was allowed to do before. It scared me. But now I just feel joy. I love you, [Y/N]. I'm yours completely.'

That does it. You can't take it anymore and start crying. The Darkling quickly kisses the tears away. You've longed so hear those words for years. Yes, you heard them once. But he died right after, so that doesn't count. Now he's alive and he's going to be. You're finally at peace.

'Tell me what you need from me, lapushka,' he murmurs. 'How can I make it feel better? At least for tonight?'

'Can you… just hold me?' you ask sheepishly. 'I want… more… just not tonight. Tonight, I just want to be held by you. To feel you're really with me. And that you're not going anywhere.'

'Of course, my love,' Aleksander says and takes your hands in his. 'Come here.'

He leads you to bed. You both get under the covers. Then, he puts his arms around you and presses you to himself tightly. You put a hand on his chest and close your eyes. You sigh, contended.

'I love you, too,' you murmur just before you fall asleep. Kirigan smiles. He's about to reply, but sleep takes him. After all, he feels at peace with you by his side as well.

*

Next day, Nikolai is ready to face the Darkling and you. He walks through the corridors of the Little Palace with Zoya. First, he wants to have a quick conversation with you about your freedom, so they head to the room you're staying in. Tamar nods her head once they approach.

'Everything's fine,' she reports, unlocking the door. 'She's been there all night. Her heartbeat was like a clock.'

But the moment she opens the door, Zoya realises something is amiss at once. She walks to the bed and takes off the covers, ignoring protests from the King. All is quiet once they're off. Because instead of your body, there are pillows.

'You were guarding an empty room,' Nazyalensky growls.

'But… the heartbeat,' Tamar says, confused. The Squaller marches past her, joining Lantsov who's already hurrying to Kirigan's chambers. Tolya stands up at alert, seeing they fast approach.

'Is he there?' Zoya demands. Tolya looks at her, puzzled.

'Yes,' he confirms. 'Still asleep, judging by his heartbeat.'

Nazyalensky scoffs. Nikolai lets Tolya know to open the door. The Heartrender does and they all freeze at what they see.

You and Aleksander are exactly like you've fallen asleep. Cuddling and at peace. Zoya, Tolya and Tamar stare at it with disbelief, while Lantsov's look softens.

'You hear that, too?' Tolya whispers to his sister. She nods.

'What?' Nazyalensky snaps.

'Their heartbeats,' Tamar explains. 'They-'

'Beat as one,' Tolya finishes. 'I've never experienced something like that. Now, when I focus, I hear there are two. But all night it seemed to me it's just one.'

At that moment, your eyes open. You notice your audience and attempt to untangle yourself. But Kirigan grunts and presses you closer to himself. You're fighting with yourself not to smile.

'Idiot, wake up,' you say, poking his forehead. 'I was right those three hours ago and should've left. Now we have very worried guests.'

'Did they think we've escaped?' the Darkling murmurs. You glance at fuming Zoya.

'Pretty much,' you confirm. Aleksander sighs but lets you go. You both sit up.

'Good morning,' Kirigan greets your guests, amused at their expressions. If looks could kill, Zoya would murder him.

'I'm guessing you slept well?' Nikolai politely asks.

'Very, yes,' the Darkling confirms. The King nods and turns to you.

'[Y/N], dear, would you be so kind and return to your room now?' he asks. 'Get refreshed and then come to my chambers?'

'Just use normal corridors this time, please,' Zoya sighs. Lantsov turns to her.

'But since no one knows about the Darkling, people may assume you two have an affair, seeing her walking from your chambers,' he points out. Nazyalensky thinks for a moment, then shrugs.

'Eh. Wouldn't be a terrible rumour,' she decides. Your eyes meet and you both smile slightly. You nod at the King, letting him know it's not a problem.

'Wonderful,' he says and looks at Kirigan. 'Once you're dressed, I'd like to have a chat with you. In my office.'

'Very well,' Aleksander agrees. Nikolai nods, satisfied, and turns to leave with others.

'One question,' Tamar says and looks at you. 'How I was able to hear a heartbeat for all night?'

You freeze. Oh. You haven't thought about the possibility of her listening for your heartbeat through the night. You and Kirigan exchange a confused look, wondering how was it possible in that case. Then, it hits you.

'Fedyor or Ivan?' the Darkling asks. You hum.

'Hard to say,' you say. 'I can't imagine Ivan sleeping in the secret corridor all night. Fedyor, though… I can totally see it.'

'But Ivan would probably chop of his hand for you,' Aleksander points out. You think about it and shrug. Then, you look at the stunned group.

'Oh, yes, Fedyor and Ivan will be coming today,' you inform them. 'But they will use front door this time.'

'This time?' Zoya repeats and sighs. 'No, I don't want to know.'

She turns and leaves. Others follow suit. Tolya stops Lantsov once the door closes behind them.

'That's it?' he asks quietly. 'You're just letting this slide? They were supposed to stay in their rooms.'

'Tolya, my friend,' Nikolai says, glancing at the door. 'They could have easily slaughter us all at night. But what did they do? They cuddled. All night. If that's not love, I don't know what is.'

He starts walking away. The Heartrender looks after him, puzzled.

'What that has to do with anything?' he asks.

'Everything,' Lantsov calls and goes back to the Grand Palace. There, in his office, he waits. Until finally, the Darkling walks in. Tolya sneaked him in, unnoticed by anyone.

'I'm surprised Zoya allowed you to speak with me without her present,' Aleksander says, amused.

'Oh, believe me, she protested a lot,' the King says and points a chair to Kirigan. The Shadow Summoner sits down. Two men asses each other for a moment.

'So,' Nikolai finally says. 'I think it's safe to say we both need each other. I need your experience to protect Ravka from the coming threat. And you need me not to have the whole country turned against you.'

'I believe that's the case, yes,' Aleksander agrees.

'But what's your goal in all of this?' Lantsov asks. 'Hm? What do you want? The crown? You won't get it.'

'I know,' Kirigan says. 'I no longer want it.'

The King gives him a sceptic look. He's not bothered by it.

'So, what do you want in return for your help?' Nikolai asks after a pause.

'A full pardon,' the Darkling answers. 'And a position as your… let say… peace advisor?'

Lantsov stares at him blankly. He answers with a calm gaze.

'Not your old position?' the King asks.

'Zoya is doing a great job,' Aleksander answers. 'It wouldn't be smart to make her lose it. But I will not be helping you just under a threat of being thrown into jail or killed. Or from a lower position than I had. I did some terrible things, yes. But I've built the Second Army from the scratch. Offered Grisha a home when they had none. This is the work of my life. I won't let it being taken away from me.'

'So, it's still about the power, then,' Nikolai sighs. Kirigan gives him a look he can't decipher.

'Not only,' he says. Lantsov quickly understands.

'[Y/N],' he guesses. 'What's her place in all of this?'

'She's the reason I don't want your throne anymore,' the Darkling explains. 'She doesn't want to be a queen. And she believes you're the best king this country can hope for at the moment.'

'You really love her,' Nikolai says after a beat. Aleksander's gaze becomes serious.

'More than you could possibly understand,' he says and looks away. 'She's stood by me even when I hurt her. Because of me she was in jail. And yet she brought me back. How can I risk the possibility of really losing her? I may be the one everyone fears. But truly, she's the one pulling my strings. Whatever she wants me to do, I will.'

'That's actually very good to know,' Lantsov says. 'But how can I trust her? She's been manipulating us all for months. Which is very impressive, by the way.'

'Yes, I take full responsibility for every darkness in her,' Kirigan says. 'But you can trust her. Her main goal is to keep me alive, yes. And to be with me. But she wants this… alliance… to work the most of us all. She doesn't want another civil war. And as a proof of her good will… I'm sure she'll be very happy to remove… your roommate.'

He gives a pointed look. The King freezes.

'She already tri- Oh,' he starts and then chuckles dryly. 'But she didn't want that to work back then. She wanted me to go to the Fold with her.'

The Darkling confirms, nodding. Nikolai sighs, massaging his temples.

'I am never underestimating her again,' he declares. 'But I'm still not fully convinced. Let's say we do this. We win and keep Ravka safe. You have that position and one day I die. My successors keep you. But what happens when [Y/N], who, let's be honest, is the only reason you're not taking over the power, dies one day? She's a Grisha, yes. She'll live longer than a human. But still not as long as you.'

To his surprise, the Shadow Summoner smiles. There's a glint in his eyes that make Lantsov shiver.

'You've witnessed how powerful she is,' Kirigan says and the King nods slowly. 'Now imagine how powerful she's become with her new amplifier. The more powerful Grisha, the longer their lives are. And on top of that, it's not just any amplifier. It's an amplifier made of someone who was immortal.'

Nikolai's eyes go wide. He shakes his head slowly in disbelief.

'She's immortal,' he understands. 'And so is-'

'Zoya?' Aleksander asks and shrugs. 'I can't be sure, but I assume she is. She's the most powerful Squaller I've ever seen. Well, not only a Squaller now. But I am sure with [Y/N]. My nichevoy'a have connected us. I feel it. So, tell me. Why would I risk lose the one thing I've wanted the most, even more than Grisha's safety?'

'I feel I should ask what if the long life will change her and she'll want power, but I know [Y/N] enough to know she's not a person who would ever want the throne,' Nikolai says. 'I mean, unless one of my future successors is a tyrant. Then feel free to make them abdicate.'

'Gladly,' Kirigan promises. Silence falls between the men. Finally, Lantsov nods.

'Alright,' he says. 'We have a deal. But one sign of betrayal and your life will end for good.'

'I accept,' the Darkling agrees. The men shake hands.

'Now, how about we make sure you won't turn into a monster during your wedding night?' Aleksander asks. Nikolai looks at him grimly. Somehow, he's not surprised he already knows about his engagement with Princess Ehri.

*

When Kirigan and Lantsov enter the King's chambers, they're surprised by a cheerful atmosphere and laughter. The source of such relaxation? Fedyor, who's sitting between you and Genya, and tells a story with a grin on his face.

Behind you stands Ivan. Serious, but with a hint of smile on his face. Near the door stand Zoya, Tolya and Tamar. Nazyalensky has problems with keeping a straight face as well. In the room are also present David and Baghra. They're sitting by a window, both lost deep in thought. However, everyone stands at attention at the entrance of the two men.

'We've come to an understanding,' the King declares and everyone visibly relaxes. 'We can now plot the fall of our enemies. But first, I would like our darling [Y/N] to help me deal with a certain… pest problem.'

You look at Aleksander. He nods slightly. You hear Tamar scoff before you can move.

'She already tried,' she points out.

'I doubt she actually did, since she wanted us to go to the Fold,' Zoya reminds her. Now everyone looks at you, curious.

'But can you really do it?' Tolya asks, eyeing you sceptically.

'Of course,' you say confidently. 'I healed Kirigan from merzost, didn't I?'

Everyone looks at you, stunned. They all assumed you didn't manage to even try.

'Oh, please,' you scoff. 'He's been brought back to the same state he was before he died. Well, except for the wound that killed him. Does he look like he's about to kick the bucket? Again?'

'[Y/N],' the Darkling scolds you gently, but he barely restrains his amusement.

'Fine, fine,' you grunt and look at Nikolai. 'Take a seat.'

Lantsov sits down on a chair tentatively. He eyes you as you stand up and walk to him. You take out the alexandrite from your pocket and take a place opposite to your king.

'What are you going to do?' he asks. You show him the stone.

'This stone has a purifying and renewing powers,' you explain. 'It balances all levels of life. It brings strength, when needed most. And also good luck, good fortune, love.'

'What is it?' Nikolai asks, observing how the stone changes colour. Your mouth twitches.

'Alexandrite,' you answer. Lantsov huffs a laugh.

'Quite fitting,' he says.

'Quite,' you agree with a small smile. The King nods.

'Do I need to… do something?' he asks, trying to hide out nervous he is.

'Take it and clench your hand around it,' you say, passing him the stone. 'Then close your eyes.'

Nikolai takes the alexandrite and clenches his hand around it. Then you take his hand in your hands. You focus completely on the crystal and use your powers to manipulate it.

Lantsov groans. He feels the monster in him moving, protesting.

'Hush,' you murmur, your eyes also closed. 'It's alright. It's going to be over soon.'

The King is stunned, feeling the creature calming down. He groans, feeling something pressing on his chest. He feels he's about to collapse.

Zoya, Tolya, Tamar and Genya stand up, alarmed, seeing Nikolai in pain. They want to rush to his side. To everyone's surprise, it is Baghra's voice that stops them:

'Wait. It's working.'

And true to her words, the monster pours from Lantsov's body. It groans. It focuses its eyes on each person in the room. Until they land on you.

You don't even open your eyes. You lift one hand. The matter from which the creature is made swirls around your fingers. You seem to be spinning it on one. The monster becomes less solid and more shadow. It flies in your direction. Until, finally, it is completely absorbed by the stone.

The King takes in a deep breath. He opens his eyes wide, surprised to suddenly feel so well and… free. He doesn't feel the monster in him anymore. He looks at you, amazed.

You let go of his hand. He opens it and is stunned to see the alexandrite is completely black. He looks at you with awe.

'You've actually done it,' he says and chuckles with disbelief. You smile and slowly stand up. At once, Ivan and Fedyor are at your side. You stop and raise your eyebrows at them.

'Last time you passed out,' Kaminsky reminds you.

'I've grown stronger since then, haven't I?' you ask and move back to your former place. 'But I need to rest, though.'

'Thank you, [Y/N],' Nikolai says seriously. 'Truly.'

'I owed you at least that,' you say.

'Is it really gone?' Zoya asks. You throw the stone at her.

'See for yourself,' you answer. Others gather around the stone and look at it with curiosity.

'Remarkable,' Baghra comments. You smile, always proud to get a praise from her.

'Okay,' Nazyalensky says. 'I can believe [Y/N]'s intentions are true. But how do we know we can trust him?'

She points her finger at Aleksander. He looks at her with amusement. Honestly, it's so funny how they all huff and hiss at him. Like little angry kittens.

'If he tries to betray you, I'll kill him personally and he knows it,' you answer. Everyone but Nikolai look at you, stunned.

'I do?' Kirigan asks, raising his eyebrows. You freeze. You put a finger to your chin, pondering.

'That must have been a normal dream, then, not you coming to me in my sleep,' you conclude. The Darkling smirks.

'Oh, really?' he asks. 'What other dreams you had about me?'

'No, don't,' Ivan and Fedyor say at the same time. You and Aleksander look at them with confusion.

'If you two start flirting, it will never end,' Kaminsky explains grimly.

'Or it will in a way none of us want to see,' Ivan adds. You feel heat rushing to your cheeks.

'Okay… now that we have it behind us,' Genya says, trying to defuse the sexual tension, 'what's our next move?'

'There's too many things we have to deal with,' Tolya says grimly.

'How about we start with an antidote for jurda parem?' you suggest.

'How long do you think you need to make it work?' Nikolai asks, massaging his temples. You look at him, a glint in your eyes.

'Give me a week,' you answer. Everyone but Aleksander, Ivan and Fedyor looks at you, surprised.

'To find out how to make it?' David asks.

'To create it,' you clarify. 'I know how to make it. I just need all ingredients.'

'How long have you had it figured out?' Lantsov asks after a beat. You shrug.

'A month or so before we set to the Fold?' you ask. Silence falls. The King shakes his head.

'You wouldn't be interested in becoming my spy, would you?' he asks. You grin.

'No, but thank you for the offer,' you answer. 'So. When can I leave for Lazlayon?'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135178732

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XV - Shades of the Past

Chapter Summary: On your way to Os Alta, you reminiscence about what happened after Aleksander died. Once you reach the capital, you search for your friends to plan your next moves. But instead you find something unexpected.

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

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Zoya Nazyalensky, Nikolai Lantsov, Yuri Vedenen, Fedyor Kaminsky, Ivan, Baghra, Isaak Andreyev, Genya Safin, David Kostyk, Tolya Yul-Bataar, Tamar Kir-Bataar

Word Count: 4936

A/N: This is the last chapter that has excerpts from "King of Scars". I haven't read "Rule of Wolves" yet, so from now on it will be fully my imagination. Enjoy!

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

You sat in a tent, guarded by one Heartrender. He was eyeing you with open hostility and was on his guard. Not that it mattered to you. Neither his opinion nor his vigilance. You were not intending to escape anyway.

Out of the blue, the Grisha fell on the ground and started snoring. You stared at him, dumbfounded. The flaps of the tent moved aside and you saw two familiar faces, one of them grinning at you.

'Fedyor? Ivan?' you asked, stunned. They walked inside and headed your way.

'You're really fast on a horse when you want to,' Kaminsky said and reached for your bonds. 'We were too late to stop them from taking you, but your rescue is here now.'

'No,' you protested sharply, pulling your hands out of Heartrenders reach. They looked at you with confusion. You exhaled shakily.

'I'm exactly where I want to be,' you explained, which got you doubtful looks. 'Well, at least where I need to be.'

'[Y/N]...' Fedyor says softly. 'Don't give up on your life. Nor punish yourself for his choices. He wouldn't want that.'

'I'm not,' you assured them and looked at them with determination. 'If… When I'm taken to the tent he's held in, can you knock out the guard and join me there?'

'Are we going to steal his body?' Ivan asked, interested. You smiled and answered:

'Something like that, yes. Oh, and find some dead body that looks similar to him.'

Not long after you were taken to the tent in which Aleksander's body is being guarded, so no one would attempt what you're about to. For a moment you stared at his peaceful face. Your heart broke once more.

Then the guard that was with you fell asleep on a chair he's sitting on. You didn't even turn when Fedyor and Ivan walked in, dragging a body with them.

'I'm really surprised no one paid any attention to us,' Kaminsky comments, once they drop the body next to you.

'We acted like we belonged, so why would they?' Ivan asked. His lover shrugs and they both look at Kirigan's body. Silence fell. You caressed his cheek gently.

'So… what exactly are we going to do?' Ivan finally asks.

'How are your tailoring skills?' you questioned. The Heartrenders exchange a surprised look.

'Um… we weren't exactly taught that,' Fedyor admitted. 'We just know the basics.'

'It's enough,' you said. 'We just need it to hold until the funeral.'

The Heartrenders didn't ask more questions for now and got to work. Once the fake body was ready, you prepared it: combed hair, folded hands on chest…

'And what about…?' Ivan asked, looking at the Darkling's body that was now lying on the ground. You kneeled by it.

'We're going to hide it in the sands of the Fold,' you said. 'Make sure no one comes in too early. I'm not sure how long it will take.'

You took a moment to look one last time for Saints know how long at his face. You put your hands on his chest and did what you could to make sure the body will preserve for a long time. You pressed a kiss to his forehead and pressed your palms to the ground. Slowly, his body sank in the ground. You asked the earth, stones, sands to take it and keep it safe in the place he died. Once you were done, you were sweating and breathing heavily.

'Was there a point in all of this?' Ivan asked. 'Or we just don't want him to burn?'

'We're going to bring him back,' you explained after a moment, surprising both men. 'He's not completely gone. Some of his power is still in this world. It's enough to make him alive again. We just have to wait for an opportune moment.'

'How long?' Fedyor asked.

'As long as it's needed,' you answered.

'And where did his power preserve?' Ivan questioned.

'In Nikolai Lantsov,' you revealed, once again shocking the men. They had more questions but your time was up. You made plans. They were to stay hidden, keep a close eye on the Fold, until you were going to be free and knew how to bring Aleksander back.

Once every detail was settled, the Heartrenders hugged you goodbye, not really wanting to leave you to be locked in a cell. But they went and woke up the guard.

He did it slowly, but once he realised that he must have fallen asleep, he sat up with alarm. His eyes found you, standing by the Darkling's body, looking at him with amusement. He blushed and looked down. You shook your head and did the finishing touches on 'Kirigan's' body. All that was left was to burn it.

That night you fell asleep in the tent. But you dream of another tent. You're standing in the middle of the place you had spent your last sweet moments with him. You could feel him behind you, staring at you.

'Is it a nice dream or will it turn into a nightmare soon?' you asked.

'What if I told you that it's not a dream at all?' the Darkling asked. You heard him walking slowly toward you.

'I'm not stupid, I know it is,' you said. 'You're dead, Aleksander. I held you when you died.'

'You also know a part of me is still alive,' he said, his breath tickling your neck. 'You felt it. And you decided to preserve my body in hopes of bringing me back. I'm grateful for that. And aware I don't deserve you.'

'No, you don't,' you agreed. 'But I still want only you. I'm scared.'

He hugged you from behind. You closed your eyes, biting your lips so as not to whimper. It felt so real.

'I know, milaya,' he whispered. 'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But please, hold on. Be brave. And once we're reunited, I will never leave you. I swear. I'll keep you safe and make you happy. Please, believe me.'

'And what then?' you asked. 'I bring you back and what will you do?'

'Whatever I must to keep you, Grisha and this country safe,' he answered after a pause. You shook your head with a bitter smile.

'Even after you died… you'll never change,' you said and pulled away from his embrace.

'What would you want me to do?' Kirigan asked. You thought for a moment.

'I would want to live in peace with others by your side,' you finally said. 'And if not, I'd like to leave all of this behind and just spend the rest of my life with you. Not fighting. Just living.'

'I don't know if I can do it,' the Darkling said after a moment. You smiled sadly.

'I know,' you whispered. 'But that's okay. I'll still bring you back and stay by your side. Until I can't anymore.'

'Milaya…' he said, his voice heartbroken. He hated to see you so hurt. Hated to be the reason you're in pain. He reached out with his hand to you, but eventually he let it drop.

'Why won't you look at me?' he asked.

'Because it would hurt too much,' you answered after a moment, your voice shaking. 'Seeing you alive, moving, with your eyes open. And knowing that when I wake up… it won't be real.'

'[Y/N]-' Aleksander said, reaching to you again, with tears in his eyes. But before he could finish, the dream was over. You opened your eyes and found yourself back in that other tent. Alone once more.

*

You were sitting on a cold floor, your knees pushed to the chest, spread and bound hands around them. Your eyes were focused on the ceiling above. Not that you could see much with so little light. Time no longer existed for you. It was just this – an empty cell, loneliness, silence…

Suddenly, there was a sound of coming footsteps. A little more light. Someone unlocking the door. More footsteps. The door closing again and retreating footsteps. A sigh.

'Something interesting up there?' Baghra asked.

'A crack in the ceiling,' you answered. 'A spider about to eat a fly. He moved in here yesterday and already ate three flies. I especially like him for eating this one. It annoyed me to no end. Go Herbert.'

'You named a spider,' Baghra said flatly.

'I must do something not to go mad,' you pointed out and finally looked at her. She looked at you with sadness that deepened when she took a good look on you.

Your cheeks were hollow. It was hard to see in this light, but she could tell your skin was yellow. There were dark circles under your eyes. Your mouth was dry and cracked. You were so thin you could be mistaken for a skeleton. Your hair was tangled and matte. But your eyes were the worst. Empty. With no spark whatsoever.

'You could escape,' Baghra said after a moment of silence. You tilted your head curiously.

'And then what?' you asked.

'Live a life,' the old women answered. 'You wouldn't be hunted. I would see to that. You could have a chance at something. And not this. You're a shadow of your former self.'

'Well, I can't use my powers,' you snarled, moving your bound hands. 'Also, I get enough food and water to be alive. And there's also very little light here. What do you expect? That I flourish here?'

'Then escape and find a reason to live,' Baghra said sternly but then her look softened. 'It's what he would want.'

You stiffened and your look hardened. You narrowed your eyes.

'I'm not here because I believe that's something he would want or wouldn't want,' you spat. 'Doing what he wanted got me here in the first place. I'm done with that. Not only because he's- I don't want to escape and live in hiding.'

'Surely it would be better than this,' the old woman argued.

'Why do you care?' you snapped. She looked at you sadly.

'Because I blame myself for not warning you about him sooner,' she answered.

'I was lost long before you could have warned me,' you said after a moment and turned your head. 'Leave me. I'm sure you have better things to do.'

She stared at you in silence. Finally, she sighed and stood up. A minute or so later you heard her leaving and the cell locking again. Less light again.

You became tired. You're not sure whether it was night or not, but because you couldn't use your powers, you're often tired and slept a lot. So, you turned to lay on your side and closed your eyes. You weren't even aware you're already dreaming, until you heard a voice:

'She's right, you know. I don't want this. I've never wanted this for you.'

You didn't react. Even in your sleep you're tired.

'Please, [Y/N],' Aleksander begged you. 'Get out of here. Live a life you should have.'

Your eyes snapped open. You sat up and sent him a glare. Months ago, you had stopped resisting and looking at him no longer hurt so much.

'You don't believe in me anymore?' you asked angrily. 'You don't think I'm brave. I'm not giving up. I'll endure in here as long as I have to until you're back.'

'You don't know how much longer it may take,' Kirigan said. 'It may very well take years. Decades.'

'I will sit in here even a century,' you argued fiercely. 'Even if it makes me go crazy. Because I don't want to walk in this world if you're not in it.'

The Darkling looked at you intensely. There still was a hint of sadness in his eyes, but you saw something else. Pride.

'That's my girl,' he whispered and cupped your cheek. 'Hold on to that anger. Hold to that anger that's always burnt in your soul. It will keep you alive and sane in here. But if you ever decide to escape, know that I'd understand. You've already suffered too much because of me.'

'I would suffer more,' you said, touching his hand on your face. You couldn't exactly feel it. Not like you did in the waking world. But it's still nice.

'I really don't deserve you,' Aleksander said after a beat. 'I'm sorry, lapushka.'

'Just come back to me,' you whispered. 'And don't stop coming.'

'I can't stop,' Kirigan confessed. 'It hurts both of us but I miss you so much.'

'I miss you too,' you said, tears falling from your eyes. 'So much…'

Aleksander kissed the tears away. You shivered.

'Hold on, [Y/N],' he pleaded. 'But don't punish yourself more. Please, milaya, don't lose yourself completely. If not for yourself, then do it for me.'

'I'll try,' you promised. Kirigan pressed his forehead to yours.

'That's all I ask, my love,' he said, his voice fading. 'That's all I ask…'

You opened your eyes. You're lying on the floor and there's no one there with you. You felt a ping of sadness.

But then you sat up, your eyes filled with resolve. You looked at your bonds. You can't touch your hands to use your powers. But Baghra believed you can free yourself and you're sure others also agreed it's possible. Because you're a Durast. And your bonds were made of solid things. And aren't they an extending of your hands?

The lock clicked. You smirked and let it drop on the floor. You massaged your sore wrists and looked around the cell. First, you touch the floor and make the stones a bit warmer. Not enough for others to detect, but for you not to feel cold. Then, you looked up and concentrated on the crack in the ceiling. Not to mend it, but make it bigger for your spider friend, so he could hide and sleep.

You used your powers for a bit more, until you put the bonds on your hands again and locked them again. Just in time, as a moment later a guard came in with food. He glanced at you, making sure the bonds are intact and walked away. But if he had looked closer, he would have noticed your skin is more grey than yellow. And that there's an amused, wicked glint in your eyes.

*

Two and half years. And finally, you were free. After they got you out, you cleaned yourself and dressed in new clothes. Or maybe your old ones? You indented to fix your kefta from Aleksander and then wear it again. For now, it would have to do.

You spent the rest of the day in a workshop, using your powers and avoiding the looks of others. It took you a little time to regain a better look and strength.

Few nights later, once you're looking like your old self again and using your powers brings you joy and more strength, you find yourself in Aleksander's old chambers in your dream. You're sitting by the table you had used to drink teas by. Kirigan was sitting opposite to you, smiling at you.

'I may hate what jurda parem does to Grisha, but it did make one good thing,' he said. 'It got you out of that cell. I can't tell you how happy that makes me, milaya.'

'I told you not to worry,' you said, smirking, and lifted a cup to your lips. 'Now I can bring you back.'

'Let's celebrate your freedom first,' the Darkling said, shaking your head. You shrugged but you two drink tea for a moment in silence, enjoying your company.

'How are you going to go about it?' Aleksander finally asked a moment later.

'I'm going to wait a bit, so not to arouse suspicions,' you answered. 'Then, I will make nichevo in Nikolai show itself. Then I will wait. In the meantime, I will be visiting the Fold once in two months. Making sure your body is safe and in good condition. And make them believe I'm grieving. That's the easiest part, since I am.'

You put your cup on the saucer. Kirigan looked at you softly and with guilt.

'Soon, my darling,' he promised. 'We're close. Soon we can be together. I can't wait to hold you in my arms.'

You sent him a small smile. You pondered your next moves.

'You're not alone in this,' the Darkling said, making you look at him curiously. 'I have followers. People who believe I should be made a Saint-'

'Oh, as if your ego isn't big enough already,' you sighed, wincing.

'I just need one of them to enter the Grand Palace,' Aleksander said, giving you a look. 'When they do, I want you to go outside. Once you see Zoya and those twins, follow them and stop nichevo from attacking them. They have to see you can control it. Only then Lantsov will decide to take you with them to the Fold.'

'Okay, but why that someone has to enter the palace?' you asked, confused.

'I need that someone who is helping me, believe they're the ones trying to bring me back.'

'Who are you talking about?'

'You'll see once the ritual starts. The one I told you about. Now, I need only a fragment of my power to separate itself from the King and nichevo. Once you see it does, you can do with that person whatever you want. I'm telling you that because I don't think you'll like them.'

'Now, that's reassuring.'

Kirigan stood up. He walked to you and kneeled in front of you. You took your hands and kissed them.

'Please, don't lose hope in me, milaya,' he pleaded. 'I promise you that this plan will make us rulers of this country.'

'You know it's not what I want,' you said after a moment quietly. Before the Darkling could answer, you woke up.

Next time you dreamt of him was three months later. You were back to perfect health and once again wearing your kefta from him. You also had already been to the place his body is hidden under the sands.

'The twins don't trust me,' you said, walking with Aleksander through the garden of the Little Palace. 'I can't blame them. Especially since they're right.'

'But others seem to trust you,' Kirigan pointed out. You were quiet for a moment.

'David really wants to believe things are like they used to be,' you finally said. 'Zoya wants the same. Genya is a bit hesitant but she's trying for her husband. Oh, I was really glad to hear they're married. I was rooting for them for so long. But anyway. Nikolai is seeing how hard I'm working on jurda parem. Thankfully, he has no idea I actually am much closer to finding the antidote. It is frustrating, to be honest. I have to work slower on it, because once I'm finished and I stay, everyone will look more closely at me, preventing me from bringing you back. Ugh!'

'Patience, milaya,' the Darkling said, linking your arms. 'We're close. You successfully walk past the twins to release the King from his bonds once in a while. And you control it perfectly, so he wouldn't actually hurt anyone. I was scared, at first. How well you controlled my nichevoy'a. But now I'm happy with that obedience.'

'So am I,' you murmured. 'I don't want anyone to get hurt. Which reminds me… once you're back… what will you do with Nikolai and others?'

'That depends what they will do,' Aleksander answered. You stopped walking. Kirigan stopped as well because of that and raised his eyebrows at you. Yours are furrowed.

'You can't fix this country without Nikolai,' you pointed out. 'Just like he can't without you. Fjerda and Shu-Han are getting bolder. You need each other to make Ravka strong again. And he won't work with you if you hurt others. I won't stand by you.'

The last words, quieter than the rest, stunned Kirigan. And startled as well. In that moment he realised that he could lose everything but not you.

'I promise not to hurt them in any way,' he said after a moment. 'I… Once you bring me back, I'll even allow them to tie me up, so they would feel safe.'

'Really?' you asked, surprised. The Darkling nodded and cupped your face.

'After I'm alive once again, you're all that matters, lapushka,' he said. 'You are my everything. I can't lose you.'

You smiled softly and he responded in kind. He pressed his lips to yours.

'I can't wait to actually kiss you,' he whispered.

'Soon,' you murmured. 'And then you may kiss me as many times as you want.'

'You may regret saying that,' Aleksander chuckled. You shook your head.

'Never,' you denied. 'I love when you kiss me. Although… I slowly start to forget how it feels.'

'I'm going to make sure you'll never forget once I'm back,' Kirigan said after a moment.

'I can't wait…' you whispered. You blinked and he was gone. You were back in your bed, no longer feeling his hands on your face. But you knew that in a few months that was going to change.

*

Zoya's voice pulls you out of your memories. You focus your eyes on the present. You are back in Os Alta, about to enter the palace. Before you've entered the city, the Squaller's bound Nikolai's hands and has attached ropes to the bridles of everyone's horses but hers, so you would all look like prisoners. As she has led you through the lower town, you saw no mourning banners, no flags flown at half-mast. Either the King was less popular than you all thought or somehow Genya and David have managed to keep his disappearance a secret.

'Welcome home, Commander,' a guard on duty says to Zoya and the gates swing open. Inside you find out that there is some big party happening. Lantsov and his general are clearly surprised and talk with each other with hushed voices. They come to a decision about something and look at you.

'Even if asleep, I don't want to leave the two of them alone,' Nazyalensky murmurs. You raise eyebrows. Asleep?

'[Y/N] will come with me,' Nikolai decides after a beat. 'It will also be an insurance. If he wakes up, he won't try anything stupid knowing she's with me. Am I right?'

Aleksander glares at him in answer. The amusement that was flickering in his eyes on the way here is gone now. Zoya checks the bonds on him and Yuri. Then they give them Genya's sleeping concoction and stash them behind a hedge. You want to protest, but your mouth is still gagged.

You split up. Nikolai ungags you, but makes you walk in front of him, so if someone comes across you, won't see your bound hands. You two make way along the southern flank of the palace, keeping to the shadows. You glimpse a movement in the conservatory. Lantsov wants to keep going, but you stop suddenly, making him walk into you and hiss.

'There's two of you?' you ask with wide eyes. The King follows your gaze and freezes. Amid the fruit trees and fountains of the conservatory is a man looking exactly like him. For a moment you stare at him in stunned silence. You watch as he's pacing, talking rapidly. Then you notice a very pretty girl from Shu-Han wearing an expensive assemble.

'Is he… declaring his love?' Lantsov asks, horrified.

'It looks like it,' you admit, nodding. 'Want me to step in and stop it?'

The King hesitates. He clearly doesn't want this to happen, whatever is happening. He can't interrupt it, because it would cause an uproar. But if you walk in… but how can he trust you?

At that moment the false Nikolai takes the girl in his arms. She tilts her head, her eyes sliding closed, her lips parted. That's when you see a dagger in her hands.

You don't think. You focus on the weapon. It suddenly springs from her hand and edges itself into the tree. Her eyes go wide and her faces pales. The false King turns, surprised by the noise. His eyes widen as well at the sight of the dagger.

'Damn it, locked!' Lantsov curses, trying to open the door. His double is slowly backing away from the girl, who's crying for some reason.

'Easy-peasy,' you say and the door is unlocked. The King doesn't wait for you, just rushes inside. The couple turns at the sounds of his footsteps. They're both shocked to see him. But the girl quickly recovers and takes a fighting stance.

She starts fighting with Nikolai and is surprisingly good. Somehow, she manages to get a hold of the dagger. She tries to stab Lantsov with it. Suddenly, she stiffens. Her eyes roll back and she slumps on the floor. A tree branch is levitating behind her but quickly drops as well.

'Are you alright?' you ask, helping Nikolai up. While he was fighting, you got rid of your bonds, walked inside, separated a branch from a tree and flew it at the girl's head.

'Yeah, thanks,' Lantsov says, nodding his head. You both look at his double that looks like he's about to faint.

'Your Majesty?' he asks, his voice shaking. Nikolai narrows his eyes.

'And you are…?' he asks.

'Isaak, sir,' poor guy answers. The King beams.

'Isaak! So, my plan worked!' he says and looks at you as if expecting praise. You blink.

'What plan?' you ask. 'He's not your secret twin then?'

'What? No, no, no,' Lantsov denies and quickly tells you of the plan in which Genya was supposed to tailor someone to look like Nikolai and act like him in case he was needed but unavailable.

'Ah, so that's why there were no riots,' you say, nodding in understanding.

'Exactly,' the King confirms and looks at Isaak. 'Except for you being almost murdered, is everything going well?'

'Um…' the guy starts. But he doesn't get to finish, as suddenly you hear rushed footsteps. A moment later Genya, David, Tamar and Tolya are inside, and everyone is shouting. Then, Zoya barges in, silencing everyone with a thunderclap. Your friends demand to know if you all are really you. Nazyalensky says a story from her past and everyone calms down. Genya hugs her, Tolya clasps Nikolai's arm and lifts him off his feet, David hugs you awkwardly and Tamar checks on the unconscious girl.

'Where the hell have you been?' Tolya asks.

'It's a long story,' Nikolai answers and demands to be put down.

'What happened here?' Zoya asks and looks at you. Her eyes narrow at your unbound hands.

'The dagger is Fjerdan,' says Tolya, eyeing the dagger that lies next to the girl.

'Maybe so,' Lantsov agrees. 'But it was wielded by a Shu girl.'

'What do you mean?' Tamar asks. 'She was attacked, too.'

'Yes, by me, because she tried to kill Nikolai,' you explain. 'And earlier she tried to kill the other Nikolai.'

'So, the Shu are trying to frame Fjerda?' asks Tolya.

'But why?' David asks. Nikolai stares at the girl for a moment, his face grim.

'Get me fresh clothes,' he finally says. 'I'll return to the party to close out the festivities. I want to have a word with Hiram Schenck. He's the highest-ranking member of the Kerch Merchant Council here, yes?'

'Yes,' Genya confirms. 'But he isn't happy with you.'

'He's about to be,' Lantsov says. 'For a time. Take the girl to Healers. She's about to have at least a large bump on the back of her head.'

'Not sorry,' you say, shrugging.

'She's a Shu princess,' Tamar says.

'Still not sorry,' you say after a beat.

'Bring the Shu delegation to me in my father's rooms in one hour's time,' the King finishes.

'What if Princess Ehri's guards raise the alarm?' asks Genya.

'They won't,' Zoya answers. 'Not until they know their plan has succeeded and the king is dead.'

'Then long live the king,' Nikolai says and looks at you with apology in his eyes. 'I'm sorry, [Y/N] you really helped out, but…'

'I understand,' you say, smiling sadly. You put your hands behind your back and offer them to Nikolai.

'What's going on?' David asks, confused.

'Later,' Lantsov sighs, sounding tired. He secures the bonds again. You're taken to the antechamber. There, Zoya gives you Genya's concoction. You're out in a moment.

When you wake up, startled, Yuri and Aleksander are with you. Zoya is the one who wakes you all up. She brings Yuri out first, then you. You see the same people as before, only now Nikolai is in different clothes and there was also another Shu girl. Judging by their looks, they still have no idea why you're bound. Then, Nazyalensky brings Aleksander.

'Who-?' David starts asking. But Zoya tugs at the rope and Kirigan steps fully into the light. His hood falls back. Genya gasps, edging away, her hand flying to the patch that covers her lost eye.

'No,' she says. 'It can't be. No.'

Nikolai places a steadying hand on her shoulder. Tamar steps in front of her as if to shield her.

'Impossible,' she says.

'Improbable,' Lantsov corrects her softly. Tolya looks furious. Tamar has her axes drawn back. Genya has her hands pressed to her mouth. David glances at you with hurt and betrayal in his eyes. It's really hard not to hang your head with shame.

'So many of my old friends, gathered in one place,' says Aleksander. 'It's good to be home.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135027145

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XIV - A Diamond Is Forever

Chapter Summary: The Saints explain the situation to you. Nikolai trains to once and for all get rid of the monster inside him. You and Zoya train as well, but to become better Grisha. Or maybe even something more. But when the ritual finally takes place, not everything goes according to plan. Well. It depends whose plan…

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Nikolai Lantsov/Zoya Nazyalensky

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Zoya Nazyalensky, Nikolai Lantsov, Yuri Vedenen, Sankt Juris, Sankta Elizaveta, Sankt Grigori

Word Count: 5464

A/N: This chapter contains excerpts from "King of Scars". Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798509/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089792244/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

The sands carry you toward the palace. The closer you are to it, the more in awe and impressed you are. If the circumstances were different, you'd probably be glad for the opportunity to see such a novel architecture. Alas, right now you're more focused on wondering whether you're actually going to get out of this alive.

You finish your journey in a circular room. Sands become stone underneath your feet, while table and chairs emerge from it. You sit down and demand answers. While everyone talks, you only listen and ponder about what you find out.

Three Saints tell you they've been trapped here for four hundred years because of the Darkling. This place, a version of the Shadow Fold, has always been sacred. And they, woven into the fabric of the world in a way no other Grisha are, were drawn to it when Kirigan created his masterpiece. They cannot leave this place nor assume physical form anywhere but here. They believed it would end with Aleksander's death. But it didn't, because his powers live on in Nikolai.

The King questions why bring him here and not kill him during the battle if they need him dead. But it turns out they don't want him dead. One, they don't wish to destabilise Ravka. Two, the power might survive. It must be burnt out of Lantsov. Obisbaya.

'Congratulations, Yuri,' Nikolai says. 'Looks like you do get to put me on a pyre.'

'Pyre?' asks Grigori.

'No pyre,' denies Elizaveta. 'The thorn wood is older than all of us, older than the first magic. It is the wood from which the first altars were made and from which the walls of the Little Palace were constructed. I can raise it from the roots that survive beneath the Fold to begin the ritual, but then it will be up to you to summon the monster from inside and slay it.'

'You created those miracles,' you realise, speaking up for the first time. 'The bridge, the roses, the earthquake, the bleeding statues, the black disk, all of them, to bring us here.'

'The Age of Saints,' Yuri declares. 'Just as he promised.'

'Our power can still reach beyond the limits of the Fold, but only in places where we are still worshipped,' Elizaveta explains. You notice that her vine that is around the monk's shoulders curls a bit more tightly. You frown at that, ignoring the exchange between Juris and Zoya.

Nikolai says that the monster doesn't follow his orders. The Saints tell him he must teach it to do so, otherwise during the ritual the thorns will burn him inside out. It is dangerous and there is no guarantee the King will survive. But if he does, the life will return to the Fold, he'll be free and so will the Saints. But for them it means they're going to lose their powers, become mortal. However, after such a long life this is what they want.

'You will want to discuss it,' says Grigori. 'But make your choices quickly. Merzost is unpredictable and every day the monster inside you takes firmer hold.'

'There is nothing to discuss,' Nikolai denies. 'When do we begin?'

And so for the next weeks he trains with Elizaveta calling the monster and sending him away. They use Zoya for it. The Saint puts her in danger and the King has to change into the creature to save her. In time, he becomes better and better at it.

When they're not training with Elizaveta, the Squaller has her own training with Juris. He teaches her how to gain more power. True power of Grisha. How to become the storm instead of just summoning it. And when you sometimes observe their fights, you're amazed how it looks and how more powerful your friend already is.

'You'd like that as well, wouldn't you?' you hear next to you during one of your secret observations. You turn and see Elizaveta and her bees. She smiles kindly at you.

'It's alright,' she says. 'I saw the way you look at the palace, when you take a stroll around it. With a childlike wonder. And a mind of a Durast, desperate to learn how it was made. How to recreate it.'

'Sometimes I can't stop my mind from analysing things,' you say, shrugging. The Saint smiles and starts walking. She motions for you to follow her. You feel a bit weird around her, but you still go after her.

'You're already more powerful than an average Durast,' Elizaveta says after a moment. 'Mostly thanks to him, isn't it? He opened the door for you. And it's hard to close such doors once you open them.'

'He showed me I was meant for more,' you say after a beat. 'I might have made some wrong decisions in his name, but I will never regret making them, if only because thanks to all that I understood this.'

'And because you cared about him,' the Saint says and hums. 'It's alright. I can understand that, since I've met him.'

'I shouldn't be surprised you crossed paths, since you've both lived for hundreds of years,' you say after a pause. 'What was he like then?'

'Arrogant. Idealistic. Beautiful. I met him many times throughout the years and he adopted many guises to hide his true self. But the faces he chose were always lovely. He was vain.'

'Rather smart. People value beauty. They can't help but respond to it. But that's not why I followed him. I did it because he saw me. The real me. And he helped me see her, too.'

'And now, as you watch Juris and Zoya, you see there's still more for you to achieve, to have.'

'Isn't that the way of life? Shouldn't a person always learn, always aspire to be someone greater?'

Elizaveta smiles. She nods.

'Perhaps,' she agrees and thinks for a moment. 'Perhaps… It would be only fair if I showed you how you can become more, since your friend is being taught by Juris, don't you think?'

Your eyes light up. You're not a fool, you suspect it's a trap, that the Saint has some ulterior motive for it. But you're also not stupid enough not to take this opportunity.

'Are we going to fight as well?' you ask.

'Not at first,' Elizaveta says, shaking her head. 'But we may get to that part. First, you need to understand this: you must open the door. Stop thinking what you can make of something and become it instead. When your mind is free, the door to the making at the heart of the world opens. And you'd be able to do things Grisha can only dream of.'

'Well,' you say after a pause. 'Good think I have no problem in trying to think differently than I usually do.'

And so, you start your own training. When Elizaveta is not helping Nikolai, she's helping you. You quickly see the change in you and your powers. Sand changes into a solid rock at your mere thought and the other way around. You almost feel sad that your goal is to get out of here and say goodbyes to the Saints. Who knows what you could learn if you had more time?

*

The time has come for the ritual. You, Nikolai, Yuri and Zoya arrive at the place where it all started. But to your surprise only Elizaveta is there from the Saints. You find it suspicious, so once she calls the wood to the surface, you slip away and return to the palace. But the moment you enter it, walls surround you from all sides and the rock underneath you become an amber liquid that starts to rise.

'I knew not to trust her,' you sigh. The liquid rises, becoming more solid when it touches your skin. Soon, it reaches your waist.

'I did not survive two and a half years in prison, to go down like that,' you growl and bring your hands together. You frown and the liquid freezes. It tries to resist your will, but you're angry. It withdraws and the walls disappear. You drop your hands.

'You shouldn't have offered to teach me, Sankta,' you snort and hurry to Juris cavern. But once you reach it, you stop dead in your tracks.

The Saint is lying on the ground, dead. Zoya is kneeling beside him, mourning. Her kefta is torn. She's holding something in her hands.

'Zoya,' you call, rushing to your friend, whose head shots up at your voice. 'What happened?'

'Where did you go?' she asks, eyeing your clothes that are still covered with the amber liquid. 'You disappeared suddenly…'

'I went to find Juris and Grigori,' you explain. 'Once I got back here…'

You point at your clothes. The Squaller scoffs.

'She's given Juris fuel,' she explains. 'Only their own power can destroy them. His flames burnt him from the inside. He was almost dead when I reached him.'

You look at her hands. You see now she's holding his scales. You understand what happened.

'Didn't he condemn amplifiers?' you ask.

'Only if we don't give something in return,' Zoya answers. You glance at her torn kefta. Ah.

'May I?' you ask, extending your hand. Your friend eyes it for a moment. Finally, she gently passes you the scales. You take them and let them guide you.

You feel the shape they want to take. A crown. You smile. Juris, pushy to the last moment. But you know Zoya won't like it. Instead, you convince the scales to form two cuffs.

Once you're done, your friend offers you her hands. You put the cuffs around her wrists and seal them together. You see the change in Zoya immediately. You take a step back and wait for her to come back. When she does, she looks at you.

'What is Elizaveta trying to do?' you ask. 'And what happened to Nikolai?'

'He… he won,' the Squaller says slowly. 'And he almost destroyed the monster. But she stopped him. She never wanted him to get rid of it, get rid of the Fold. She wanted to… bring him back.'

'Who?' you ask, blinking. Your friend looks you in the eyes. You see hesitance in hers. And you understand. Your shoulders slump.

'Kirigan,' you whisper. 'She wants to leave the Fold, bound to him. But his body-'

'She saved it,' Zoya laughs bitterly. 'Switched it somehow, like we did with Alina. I don't understand exactly what she's trying to do, I can only guess from seeing his body. Nikolai is trying to fight back. Last time I saw him, he was attacking Yuri, who was apparently colluding with Elizaveta all this time. They both try to bring him back.'

She looks at you, tense. She's clearly wondering on which side you will stand this time. You look at her and once again offer her your hand.

'Over our dead bodies,' you say, your eyes burning. After a moment, Zoya smiles and takes your hand. You help her up.

'So,' you say. 'How are we going to get back there?'

You fly there on the storm of Zoya's creation. You don't scream. But you want to. Even more when you see Grigori trying to keep Elizaveta and Yuri away from Nikolai and his shadow self. Elizaveta's thorns stab Grigori, who keeps shifting, again and again. But the insects she unleashes are the one that cause him the real harm, slowly devouring him.

Finally, he shudders and collapses. Elizaveta shouts in triumph and descends upon the pinned bodies of Nikolai and the monster, both of them held in place by the wines of the thorn wood. But Zoya, who's been training with Juris to bend the borders of Grisha's orders, sends a gout of flame at the Saint, who rears back in surprise. You stand side by side, facing amused Elizaveta.

'I thought you were wise enough to run, Zoya,' she says. 'You're too late. The Darkling's spirit will soon re-enter his body. There's no reason for you to be a casualty of this battle. And you, [Y/N], should not try to stop this. Didn't his death break you?'

'Our king lies bleeding,' the Squaller says, as you glare at the Saint. 'We are his subjects and his soldiers, and we come to fight for him.'

'You are Grisha, Zoya Nazyalensky, [Y/N] [L/N],' Elizaveta says. 'You need be subject to no one and nothing.'

'Subjects to no one but you? The Darkling?' the Squaller asks. Elizaveta laughs.

'We will not be rulers,' she says. 'We will be gods. If it's a crown you want, take it. Sit the Ravkan throne. We will hold dominion over the world.'

'We saw his body on the pyre,' Nazyalensky says. 'We watched him burn.'

'I stole him from the sands of the Fold and left a facsimile in his place,' the Saint explains. 'It was well within my power.'

Zoya keeps her talking. You, in the meantime, slowly and discreetly use your powers. The sands move under your command, bringing the bier on which the Darkling's preserved body rested. In the corner of your eye, you see Yuri taking out a glowing thorn from the creature's chest. You'll deal with him later.

Zoya reveals her amplifier and starts fighting with Elizaveta. You're close, but not quite there. But that's alright. Zoya can move the rest of the way.

'I have the advantage of eternity,' you hear the Saint say. You whistle, letting your friend know it's time.

'I'll settle for the advantage of surprise,' Nazyalensky says. She raises the sands for cover and let herself plummet in a flash toward the Darkling's body. You move the torn wood out of her way. After a second, she lifts her arms.

'No!' cries Elizaveta. The Squaller thrusts her arm down and lightning flow in a precise, ear-splitting crack. It strikes the bier in a blaze of sparks and blooming flame. You see a shadow emerge from the fire, as if trying to flee the heat.

'What have you done?' the Saint screams. She hurtles at Kirigan as the thorn wood tries to lift him to safety. But Zoya makes the wood collapse on itself, burning it. Stalks twist around hers and your ankles. She burns them and you force them away.

Elizaveta tries to retrieve what's left of Aleksander's body. Zoya attacks Yuri and takes the glowing thorn from his hand. She immobilizes him with sands and rushes to Nikolai. You turn your attention to the Saint.

'It's too late, Elizaveta,' you say, walking toward her. 'You can't save the body.'

'How could you?!' she shrieks, turning to face you, her form shifting from bees to meadow to woman. 'Weren't you loyal to him?! Didn't you care for him?! Don't tell me you don't wish for him to come back!'

You don't answer her. You just look at her with pain and grief in your eyes. Thorns rise and try to pierce you but you stop them with your hands. The Saint snarls.

'You were an apt pupil, but I haven't passed you most of my knowledge,' she says. Vines quickly surround your body. Elizaveta flies at you and stops mere inches from your face.

'All of our training was just to keep you occupied so you wouldn't find his body,' she hisses. 'You're not a match for me. Maybe you would be if you weren't so lost, so broken. You're simply too fragile to face me and win.'

'Oh, but that's the irony,' you say and look at her with fire in your eyes. 'Broken people are not fragile.'

You have only a second. You use it to make the vines let go of you and grab Elizaveta. She gasps, surprised, and tries to change into bees. Part of her manages that, but her chest doesn't. Not in time to dodge the thorn you force to rise and thrust itself into her heart. Just as another one, guided by Elizaveta, pierces your chest.

Her eyes go wide. Bees fall onto the sands. You grit your teeth, trying not to cry out from pain. You feel blood soaking your kefta. You lean to the Saint's face and stare into her eyes that are losing light.

'Don't worry,' you say quietly. 'In a way, you'll get your wish.'

You snatch the bees that were a part of her and let them guide you. They change shape. And the moment Elizaveta dies, you make a necklace bind itself with your neck and you feel no pain, your wound already healed.

The Saint's power and strength flows through you. You open the door. You feel her past, her life trying to overwhelm and kill you. You surrender yourself, share your own life with her. Finally, she draws back, defeated. And you fall on the sands, letting out a soft sigh.

*

Nikolai is first to wake up. He sees you lying on your face in front of impaled body of Elizaveta that slowly turns to ashes. Same as the palace and Grigori's body. Zoya is lying not far from him, so he goes to check on her first. Once she comes to, they walk to Yuri, who's fainted. They consider what to do with him, when they feel the ground shake underneath them.

'What now?!' Zoya growls, grabbing Nikolai's arm to support her. The King turns his head, looking for you to see if you're in danger of falling into the sands. He finds you. But not fighting for your life.

You're on your knees, your palms pressed to the ground. You're causing the ground to shake.

'[Y/N]?!' Nazyalensky shouts, surprised. You don't even look at her, focused on whatever it is you're doing. And they see what it is a moment later, when something rises from the sands.

'Oh, you've gotta be kidding me,' Zoya scoffs. 'How many more are there?!'

Nikolai stares, stunned, at another bier with the Darkling's perfectly preserved body.

'All is not lost then!' Yuri, who's come to, cries in relief.

'Over my dead body,' Nazyalensky snarls and throws herself at you. She lands on you, causing you to fall and tumble down the sand dune you were on. You land on your back and she on top of you. Your eyes meet. Yours, calm but with a hint of guilt. Hers, full of anger and betrayal. For a moment none of you moves. Until a familiar voice says:

'Touch her and I'll break your neck.'

Your heart skips a beat. Zoya freezes, her eyes widening. She lifts her head and her face pales. You see in her eyes fear and disbelief. You almost hear her thoughts, begging for this to be a nightmare. Shocked, she slips from your body and stares ahead numbly.

You sit up. For a moment you stay still, fearing this is a dream. Finally, you slowly turn. You almost cry out in relief. You only feel tears filling your eyes. You still think this is not real.

But no, he really is there. Aleksander. Alive. Standing on the sand dune and staring at you softly with a small smile. You see his hand twitching, as if he wants to reach out to you.

'No,' Zoya murmurs next to you. 'It can't be true.'

You use that she's still in shock (and Nikolai probably as well) and jump to your feet. You throw yourself at Kirigan. You manage to notice his face relaxing in relief, before you land in his arms that enwrap you tightly. Safe. You're finally safe. And whole. No longer broken.

'Moya milaya,' the Darkling whispers in your ear and you almost whimper. 'It's alright. I'm here. I'm with you and I swear I will never leave you. Not again.'

His voice is shaking a bit and only thanks to his words you realise you're crying. You don't force yourself to stop. You just hold his kefta tighter and press yourself closer to him. You inhale his scent. Saints, how you missed it. How you missed him…

Suddenly, you feel him stiffen. You pull slightly away and turn your head. Nikolai is now standing next to Zoya, his revolvers in his hands. The Squaller's hands are shaking, but she brings them together. Their eyes are filled with determination. They're weak, tired. Nikolai is wounded. But they're still ready to fight the Darkling. And you if necessary.

You almost feel shadows shifting around you. Aleksander gets ready to defend you. You quickly grab his hands and look at him.

'No,' you say sternly. 'You promised.'

He stares at you for a moment. Finally, he relents. He sighs and shadows back away. He looks at Nikolai and Zoya. He smirks and spreads his hands, showing them his palms.

'I imagine you'd like to tie me up now,' he says. 'I won't resist, I promise. I do not wish to fight you.'

The King and his general narrow their eyes with suspicion. They talk with hushed voices. The conversation becomes heated. Finally, the Squaller huffs and crosses her arms, glaring at Kirigan. Lantsov puts on his calm mask and looks at you two grimly.

You, the Darkling and Yuri are bound and gagged. You think you walk for hours until finally you find shelter in some farmer's shed. The night has fallen while you were still walking. You fall asleep quickly and have no dreams, you're just so exhausted.

Before dawn, Zoya sets out for Kribirsk. She's not happy to leave Nikolai alone with you three, but the King is too weak to be the one to travel. So, she leaves and Lantsov turns to you.

'Alright,' he says after a minute of staring at you. He walks to you and gently lifts you to your feet. He leads you to the door.

'I won't harm her,' he says. You turn your head and see Aleksander staring at the King with his eyes narrowed, his body stiff. He looks you in the eyes. You nod, so he relaxes.

Nikolai takes you to a nearby plum orchard. You can see he's uncomfortable and you honestly can't blame him for what he's been through. He finds some stool and sits you on it. Then, he steps a bit away from you and stares at you with his arms crossed and a grim expression.

'I have many questions,' he says after a long moment.

'I can imagine,' you say quietly. He opens and closes his mouth a few times. He sighs, frustrated, and runs a hand through his hair.

'I have to admit, you're a brilliant actress,' he finally says. 'We all've been fooled by your act of feeling guilty.'

'That was not an act,' you protest. 'I am feeling guilty for everything I've done. Same as betraying your trust. I just don't regret it.'

'I can understand a Saint stealing the body from under our noses,' he says after a beat. 'But how did you do it? It was guarded all the time.'

'Oh, Nikolai,' you sigh. 'You gave me an opportunity yourself, don't you remember?'

His blood runs cold as he remembers your request to prepare the Darkling's body for his final journey. You looked so sad and vulnerable… he couldn't say 'no' to you. He curses under his breath. He brought this on himself. Didn't Baghra warned them, when she, Alina and Mal returned from Morozova's workshop?

Don't underestimate her. She may look meek, small and weak… but there is a reason she got his attention.

Nikolai assumed that after the Darkling's death, you have no reason to be their enemy. The conversation he had with you strengthen that belief. He clearly was a fool. He honestly didn't think you'd steal the body to bring Kirigan back. But…

'I remember you were guarded all the time,' he says, frowning. You smile wryly.

'Oh, that poor guard really never told you he… fell asleep… on duty?' you ask. The King blinks.

'What did you do?' he asks.

'Me?' you ask innocently and shrug. 'Nothing. At least not to him. All I did, was hiding Kirigan's body in the sands, preserved it.'

'You had help,' Nikolai guesses. 'I guess not his worshippers. They haven't existed yet back then. Someone from his army. Who- Oh. Right. We've never caught them.'

'Ivan and Fedyor,' you confirm, smiling softly. 'They got into my tent pretty soon after I was put there. They wanted to rescue me. But I told them I was exactly where I needed to be and asked them to get into the tent with the Darkling's body when I'll be taken there. They didn't want to leave me, bless them, but they did what I asked. They slowed the guard's heartbeat enough to put him to sleep. They found a dead man looking close enough like Kirigan that with their poor Tailors' skills they managed to make him look exactly like him. It wasn't supposed to be for long after all. Just enough to be burnt. I didn't anticipate Elizaveta stealing that body, though. Still, either she forgot how he looked like or Tailor powers work differently on dead bodies, or Fedyor and Ivan are better at it than I thought.'

The King wants to bang his head on a tree in front of him. Repeatedly.

'So, you weren't working with Elizaveta?' he asks. You scoff.

'I killed her, remember?' you ask. 'And she tried to kill me. No, we weren't working together. We weren't aware we have the same goal. More or less. I knew someone else is working to bring him back, but I wasn't aware who.'

'Did you have vision as well?' Lantsov asks doubtfully. Your look softens and you look away.

'I'm not sure I'd call it visions,' you say after a pause and Nikolai raises his eyebrows at the use of plural form. 'I… dreamt of him. I'm not sure how much of it was just normal dreams and how much was him talking to me. I will have to discuss that with him. But yes, during one such dream he told me about someone else trying to bring him back.'

'Did he tell you to kill her as well?' Nikolai asks. 'Because I'm sure she'd be a powerful ally for him.'

'He just told me to let the events unfold during the ritual and once at least a fragment of his power with separate itself from you I can do what I please,' you answer and your eyes darken. 'You may think of me what you like, but I care for Ravka. I didn't want Elizaveta to bring terror and fear to it. Nor I couldn't allow her to kill you. You're a great king, Nikolai. I believe you can fix this country. But not alone.'

'You told me that before,' Lantsov sighs, remembering your conversation in the tent. 'And since we're going to be at war… I'm going to need every resource I can have. The question is… is he going to help or fight with us?'

'I didn't bring him back so he could start another civil war. And he knows it. If he as much as tries to hurt any of you and take your crown… he loses me.'

'Forgive me, but why exactly am I to believe you're that important to him that he won't risk losing you? I mean, I know he confessed his feelings before he died- Oh. Oh.'

He snorts and shakes his head. They were so stupid.

'It appears our mistake was to assume that since he said it with his last breath, you were friends until the end,' he says and looks you in the eyes. 'But you weren't, were you?'

'We've been much more since David's escape,' you admit and sadness flashes in your eyes. 'But while I confessed my feelings, he did only admit them just before he died. But I knew he cared about me more than for a friend. I had some doubts, of course. Maybe I still do. But you can be sure that even if he does risk losing me, I also promised to kill him personally if he hurts any of you. He knows I won't hesitate. Not after everything I've lived through.'

Lantsov shivers at the look in your eyes. Nope. Never underestimating you again. Ever.

'One thing I don't get,' he admits. 'How did you even know it's possible to bring him back? I mean, you didn't know a nichevo hurt me back then.'

You smile. And Nikolai finds that smile very unsettling.

'Point your revolver at me,' you say. The King's eyes widen.

'I beg your pardon?' he asks, dumbfounded.

'Just point it,' you encourage him. 'Then I'll explain. Do it.'

He eyes you with suspicion. Finally, he sighs. He sure hopes so the Darkling won't come barging out of this shed and attacks him for pointing his revolver at you. But he grabs his revolver and starts raising it… but finds himself unable to make it go higher, to point it at you.

The monster that's still inside him snarls and causes him physical pain, stopping him from as much as pointing his revolver at you. He drops his head, exhaling shakily. He looks at you, stunned.

'Why?' he demands.

'I'm sure Baghra, Mal and Alina told you I could control nichevoy'a,' you say and he nods. 'Do you know why? When he created his first, he did it because I was being taken away by a Volcra. He created it to save me. And while he was their master and they protected him at all cost… protecting me came first. That's why they listened to me, even when my life was in danger. We became connected. So, when I saw Alina getting Mal back after he died and I felt this awful anger… I felt one nichevo ready for my command. I didn't know where it was back then. But when you walked into that tent… I knew somehow a part of it is in you. And that I could use it in some way to bring him back. My dream later that night confirmed it.'

Ready for my command…

Nikolai's face goes pale when realisation downs on him. You smile sadly at him.

'First time it took control… it was short after you were released from your cell,' he says. 'You were the one who caused it. You were doing it all this time.'

'Except for the last time,' you correct him. 'That was Elizaveta by Yuri. You know, so she thought she's the one pulling all the strings. That night I was supposed to just came across Zoya, Tolya and Tamar and follow them. To show I can control the monster, so you would take me with you to the Fold.'

The King stares at you speechless. He shakes his head.

'You've been very patient, I give you that,' he says. 'I mean… you couldn't have known we would ask for your help with jurda parem two and a half years after we had locked you up.'

'No,' you admit. 'But I knew you'd need my help for something sooner or later. And I was ready to wait a lot longer. Mind you, I'm glad I didn't have to. I fear I would eventually go mad in there.'

You twist a bit, starting to feel uncomfortable. Your necklace from Elizaveta shines in the sun. Nikolay eyes it.

'I picked a very wrong place for a conversation, didn't I?' he asks. 'If you wanted to, you could break out of your bonds and attack me with trees, couldn't you?'

'Not necessarily in that order, but yes,' you confirm. Lantsov sighs and massages his temples.

'What do you want?' he asks. 'In return for your and the Darkling's help in fixing Ravka, keeping our enemies at bay.'

'The same thing I've always wanted,' you answer. 'Him. I want a life with him. Peaceful. With no one threatening us, no wars, no fights, no deaths.'

'And how can you be sure he wants the same?' Nikolai asks. You stare at him with sadness.

'I'm not,' you admit. 'I just have to hope… that I'm enough.'

For a moment, Lantsov feels a need to hug you. But then he reminds himself how you played them all. He settles for a compassionate look.

'You, him and Yuri are going to be taken as prisoners back to Os Alta,' he decides after a moment of silence. 'Then… with others we'll decide what to do next.'

'As long as he's safe and alive, I'm at your service… your majesty,' you say, bowing your head.

'Can you say the same about him?' he asks. You smile slightly.

'He'll behave,' you say and look him in the eyes. 'You have my word.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134901757

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XIII - A Leap in the Dark

Chapter Summary: Time passes and you continue working on an antidote for jurda parem. But when one night you see something that was supposed to be kept a secret from you, you're pulled away from it. You travel once more to the place where Aleksander died, but this time with more companions. There you witness something extraordinary that may change everything you all know.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader

Characters: Reader, Zoya Nazyalensky, Nikolai Lantsov, Tolya Yul-Bataar, Yuri Vedenen, Tamar Kit-Bataar, Sankt Juris, Sankta Elizaveta, Sankt Grigori

Word Count: 4713

A/N: This chapter contains plot and excerpts from "King of Scars".

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

For some time now, David has been mostly busy with his new project. Sometimes, you can see he wants to talk to you about it and ask for your opinion. But you are allowed to work on only one thing. Which is nearly perfected. Thanks to you and Alkemi, with whom you have to work with, even though they whisper behind your back.

One day, Nikolai comes to your laboratory in Lazlayon. That's where you're working now. In an underground facility. You just love it.

'How can I help you, Your Highness?' you ask, not looking up from your work.

'You could give me an antidote, but I know you're doing the best you can,' Lantsov answers, stopping next to your table. 'Did you miss me, [L/N]?'

'My heart was dying from longing,' you reply sarcastically.

'Then it's a good thing I'm taking you back to Os Alta,' the King says. You look up at him, interested.

'Back to my cell?' you ask.

'Of course not,' Nikolay huffs. 'You'll live in your old room, as promised.'

'Why do you want me there?' you ask. Lantsov looks at you.

'I need David by my side,' he finally replies. 'And he made me promise I won't leave you here without him.'

'Sweet David,' you say, smiling softly. 'Very well, Your Highness. I shall go and pack.'

'And Zoya said you rarely follow orders,' the King says, as you clean your table. You snort.

'Only the stupid ones,' you say. Nikolai stares at you for a moment. Finally, he nods and walks away.

Together with Tolya, he brings you, David and Nadia back to the capital using an underground tunnel. There you work as usual. And take some breaks. Saints know you need them. Of course, you spend them alone. Kostyk and Zoya are always busy, and no one else is willing to be in your presence. Still, it's nothing new. It's always been like that. The only other person who wanted to be around you was… Aleksander. But now he's gone.

One day, you're walking through the corridor, when you almost bump into someone. A monk. But in black robes for some reason.

'I am so sorry,' you apologise to him. The man opens his mouth to probably accept your apology… but then his eyes fall on your kefta. Your last present from your General.

'You're [Y/N] [L/N],' he whispers in… awe? What a weird man.

'And you are…?' you ask, frowning. But before he can answer, Tolya, who's been here with him as well, takes him away. Thanks to you looking at them as they leave, you see the worried look the Heartrender casts your way.

'Hm,' you hum and go on your way. But you change your original course. You start eavesdropping. And you find out the monk is the leader of a new cult. They want to make your beloved a Saint. You almost laugh when you hear that. The Darkling? A Saint? Oh, you loved him, still do, but you know better than anyone that he was no saint. You spare no more thoughts to this cult.

At night, you sneak out for a ride. You still love the darkness and find comfort in it. Which you don't find this time, as you see Tolya, Tamar (Tolya's twin, also a Heartrender) and Zoya hurrying away somewhere. You don't hesitate. You're tired of secrets. You follow them until you reach Balakirev.

On the main square they split up. Tolya and Tamar enter a building. Zoya stays in the shadows. You hide in another ones. After a moment, the Squaller suddenly uses her powers to bring herself on top of a bell tower. You raise your eyebrows, surprised at her stupidity. But you're worried about your friend. So, you hurry to her, but use the stairs.

You hear her shouts and toiling of a bell. You speed up. You throw open the door to the bell tower.

'Zoya!' you shout, rushing forward, but then you stop, shocked. Holding the Squaller is something that looks closely like a nichevo. Nazyalensky looks at you with panic. The creature raises her higher.

'Let her go!' you cry, running to them. But then the monster freezes, so you stop again as well. It looks at you for a moment. Then… it lets Zoya go. She falls on the ground with a grunt.

'What-' you start, but you're cut off, when the monster seems to transform. Shadows disappear. It falls on the ground but no longer looking like a nichevo. It's a man a with golden hair. Bleeding and unconscious. But you still recognise him. Nikolai.

You stare at Zoya in shock, not even registering Tolya and Tamar showing up behind you. Your former friend is looking at you with wide eyes, her face pale. You were clearly not supposed to know this secret.

'What are you doing here?' Tolya asks harshly. You don't turn, just still stare at Zoya.

'I was sneaking out when I saw you leaving, so I followed you instead,' you explain, your voice flat. 'You've been acting suspicious and since I'm kept in the dark, I wanted to finally learn something. I didn't expect that, though. By how organised you seemed, I'm guessing it's not the first time.'

They don't answer. You exhale shakily.

'How?' you ask. 'I mean… Was he even hurt by one of them?'

'Just before the Darkling died,' Tamar answers. 'It left him with a wound.'

'Poisoned him with merzost,' you say quietly. Zoya perks up at that.

'Did you find a way to save him?' she asks. 'Did you find a way to get rid of it from his body?'

You look at her. Aleksander had no visible scars. During the fight they haven't even realised he's healed. You could lie… but what for?

'I did,' you admit but shake your head. 'But I don't think it will work here. Kirigan wasn't changing into a nichevo. Merzost was feeding on his body. I could… try, but I don't think it is going to help.'

'Try at least,' Tamar says. You bite your lip. You sigh and walk to Nikolai. You take out an alexandrite from your pocket. You kneel by the King's side and put the stone in his hand. You clasp it and close your eyes. You focus. You try to reach for merzost in Lantsov.

There. You try to grab it. But it slips away from you. You try again and again. Suddenly, there's a hand on your shoulder, shaking you harshly. You blink and look up. You see Zoya's wide eyes.

'You were shaking and your nose is bleeding,' she explains, her own voice shaking.

'I couldn't grab it,' you explain after a beat. Then, your eyes roll back and you fall on the ground. The Squaller's alarmed shouts are the last thing you hear before sleep takes you in its hold.

*

The next day, Nikolai finds you in a garden. You're looking at flowers, but there's no admiration in your eyes. Just the same look the King always sees when he talks to you. With no light in your eyes.

'I'm sorry,' you say after he stares at you for a moment. He shakes his head.

'You tried your best,' he says and stands next to you. 'Do you have any idea what's happening to me?'

'Merzost is… complicated,' you say. 'I've studied Morozova's journal but most of it was gibberish. And I've never really had a chance to study nichevoy'a. What's happening to you is different than Kirigan's pollution. It was killing him, while I think it's trying…'

'To take control of me,' Nikolay finishes when you trail off. You nod.

'Has it been happening since you were attacked?' you ask after a beat. Lantsov sighs.

'No,' he denies, shaking his head. 'Is started a few months ago. Coincidentally, around the same time "the miracles" started happening.'

'Bridge from bones etc.?' you ask and the King nods. 'You think they're connected.'

'To each other… and to the Darkling,' he confirms, his expression grim. Your eyes snap to him.

'When I turn… I seem to be always heading toward the Fold,' he explains. 'Same as the miracles. Do you know the story of Sankt Feliks?'

You look at him, surprised at this sudden change of topic. You nod slowly.

'Apparently, the place where he died was a holy place,' Nikolai says. 'Men came there to be purified.'

'The obisbaya,' you whisper. 'The Ritual of the Burning Thorn. I read about it. I don't remember the details. Is it what will you try to do?'

'I think it is my only hope,' Lantsov confirms. 'I plan to go to that place, visiting the miracles sites on my way there.'

'And where is… there?' you ask, but you already suspect the answer. He's silent for a moment.

'The Fold,' he finally answers. 'The centre of it.'

'Where he created the Fold,' you say. 'And then died. Maybe it all is really connected. I understand why you want to check it, though. What I don't understand… is that monk I saw yesterday. Why is he here?'

'I didn't want the Apparat to start a battle between his men and Yuri's pilgrims,' Nikolai explains. 'He's my guest. And now he will accompany me to the Fold. I learnt about the ritual from him. He needs to gets me the details of it. With Tolya.'

'What does he want in return?' you ask. The King's mouth twitch upward.

'He wants the Darkling to be made a saint,' he answers. 'He wants me to support it.'

'He's a fool,' you say after a beat. 'I loved him, but he definitely wasn't a saint. He didn't care about otkazat'sya. He received too much hatred from them. You're not going to fulfil his wish, are you?'

'He needs to believe I consider it,' Nikolai says. 'I do understand him a bit. The Darkling was a presence that drew people in. He needs an ideal to believe in.'

You hum. You look at the flowers again. The King observes you.

'I'd like you to come with us as well,' he says. You frown at him.

'What?' you ask. 'Why?'

'Because you stopped me from killing Zoya last night,' Nikolai answers. 'It listened to you. I have some precautions always taken at night. But if they fail, like they did last night… I want to be certain I am stopped before I hurt someone. And since it listened to you…'

You stare at each other for a long moment. You finally nod after a moment.

'Alright,' you agree. 'But let's hope it won't come to it.'

'Obviously,' Lantsov agrees, grinning, but then his look softens. 'Thank you, [Y/N]. Truly.'

'Don't thank me yet,' you say. 'I may kill that monk if he will annoy me too much.'

'I think Zoya would help you hide the body, so no one would ever find out,' the King says. Your lips twitch slightly. You turn your head back to the flowers. Taking his cue, Nikolai bids you farewell and walks away, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

When you set out, at first you travel with Tolya and Yuri in the coach, helping them deciphering the texts about the ritual. But after a day of getting awed glances from the monk, you threaten Nikolai that you'll leave if he doesn't let you travel on a horse.

You're not a fool, you know the couch was offered to you not because they need your help with those texts, but because they want as little people as possible to see you, the Darkling's most trusted Grisha. But seeing the fury in your eyes, the King relents. Under the condition you'll wear your old kefta. After glancing at Yuri, who's looking at you as if planning to start campaigning for you to become a saint as well, you agree.

At evenings, when you arrive at local noblemen's houses, you spend little time with everyone, not wanting anyone to realise who you are. You don't want Lantsov to have troubles because of you. Luckily, no one pays you much attention.

In towns you visit, you watch Nikolai using his charm on people, helping them. They love him. And he cares about them. You see that. Part of you wishes that Aleksander saw that young Lantsov can be a good king. You wish they had worked together, instead of fighting. You imagine they'd be unstoppable together and would accomplish great things. Like actually fix Ravka and win the war.

In Aden, you split from the group. You are nervous about entering the Fold. True, you've done it a few times in the past months, but this feels different. Zoya has noticed your state earlier and asked you about it. After a moment of silence, you answered her that it feels like you're going to say your final goodbye and you're not sure if you're ready. You saw the sympathy in her eyes and you suspect that's the reason they let you leave their side.

However, a scream causes you to turn around and hurry back. It's day, so you're surprised that Nikolai has turned, as they tell you he's always done it at night. But it's not the creature that has attacked them.

Khergud. Biologically augmented Shu Han soldiers designed to capture Grisha. Created by Fabrikators dosed with jurda parem, khergud are constructed from the bodies of those who have died. They are heavily modified, the most notable addition being rapid-beat wings made of metal and canvas, as well as increased senses and a layer of metal skin.

Metal.

You find your companions. You see Tamar and Tolya under some net. Nikolai is fighting with one khergud. Zoya is nowhere to be found.

You bring your hands together and focus. You see her widening her eyes in surprise. She's lifted in the air but not by her wings.

'Find Zoya!' you shout to the King, who's already noticed you running to them. Lantsov doesn't need to be told twice.

Your opponent is fighting back. But you're one with metals in her body. You control her now. And you make her stay still, as you slit her throat. Once she falls on the ground, dead, you help the twins.

In the meantime, Zoya saves herself using lightning, but falls. Nikolai changes into the monster and saves her, but she has no idea he's in control, so she shocks him as well. They fall but Zoya cushions their fall. The King is himself again.

Yuri is shocked as well. Nikolai promises to explain everything to him and asks him to keep silent. While they wake up the monk that was their guide and was hit during the attack, you focus on metals around you. But you don't feel more khergud.

Later, when they explain things to Yuri, you're not with them. You want to study the bodies of khergud. They're hidden now from the villagers, you don't want to spread panic after all, but it's not a problem for you. However, you don't find anything useful. Nothing you wouldn't already knew.

'The monk placated?' you ask Tamar when you return. You meet her in front of your room. She's going to watch you, no doubt.

'For now,' she answers, eyeing you. 'Why are you really here?'

You pause. You know the twins don't trust you. And they will not believe anything you say.

'I am planning to bring the Darkling back right under your noses,' you say flatly. Tamar glares at you. She almost growls. You scoff.

'I do care about this country, Tamar,' you say. 'And I believe Nikolai is a good king. I want to help.'

You walk past her and enter the room. You exhale slowly and prepare for bed. But you don't sleep. You can't. Not when you're so close to the Fold. You're in for yet another sleepless night.

*

You enter the Fold in disguises. You travel on the skiff you've built years ago. Other Durasts have repaired it after it was destroyed when the Darkling attempted to take Alina's power. They did good. You're proud of them.

You're on deck the whole time, staring ahead. You're to meet with pilgrims. You're not sure you can do it. To see people who worship a man you love. They think of him as the Starless Saint. To you he's just Aleksander.

'What is that?' you suddenly hear Nikolai ask. You frown and look at the sight ahead.

'A lake?' Zoya asks.

'No,' Yuri denies. 'A miracle.'

'If I pointed to a leaky faucet, you'd say it was a miracle,' Zoya says, annoyed. You barely manage to stop a smile forming on your lips. You focus on the dark mass. It is a gleaming black disk of stone, at least a mile across, perfectly round and shiny as a mirror. Around it are tents and shelters. The pilgrims.

'This is the place where the Starless One fell,' says Yuri with reverence. You don't hear more. Your mind recreates the scene. Aleksander on the ground. You on your knees. His last words to you. His lifeless look.

You turn sharply and march away, fighting back the tears and trying to calm down your breathing. You stop on the other end of the skiff. You're not ready. You can't say goodbye yet.

A moment later you turn. You watch Nikolai and Zoya leaving. You're glad you don't have to go yet. You don't want to face the pilgrims. The Squaller clearly didn't want either, as she returns fuming. You observe her, worried. A moment later Tolya and Tamar jump from the skiff. You walk to the remained three.

Zoya twists her wrist. You feel the change in the air. She sands shift, forming familiar and unfamiliar people. Wind howls. You look around with worry. The pilgrims are panicking down there. Nikolai tries to stop Zoya. Finally, she lets the sand drop.

You take a step toward her, but then you feel weird. A wave of dizziness strikes you. The world seems to flicker and warp. You fall hard on the floor, feeling like you're about to throw up. Others seem to have the same problems. Yuri does throw up.

'What just happened?' Zoya asks, pushing to her feet. 'Why-'

She stops, seeing that somehow everyone is gone. And everything, too, even the tents. The sky is different as well. No longer blue but a grey twilight.

'Where are Tolya and Tamar?' Nikolai asks.

'Where are they?' Yuri asks. 'What happened to them? What did you do?'

'I didn't do anything!' Zoya protests. 'It was a little storm. No one was in any danger.'

'Perhaps we are gone?' you suggest. But you have no idea how and where.

'Am I having some kind of episode?' Nikolai asks, staring into the distance. 'Or are you seeing this too?'

You turn. Above you looms a palace from sand. Or maybe more like a city. You marvel at the sight in front of you.

'Whoever did this, is a genius,' you say in awe. 'How-'

You're interrupted by a shriek. You look around, alarmed. Volcra?

'It's a miracle,' says Yuri, falling on his knees. Another shrieks. Dark shapes seem to break from the palace and move toward you at incredible speed.

'It's not a miracle,' Nikolai says, reaching for his revolvers. 'It's a trap.'

Bees. You see bees. And… something. Something that change shape. And also… a dragon. You finally went mad, then.

'Zoya, say something spiteful,' Nikolai pleads.

'Why?' Zoya asks faintly.

'Because I'm fairly certain I'm hallucinating and in my dreams you're much nicer,' the King explains.

'You're an idiot, Nikolai,' the Squaller says.

'Not your best work.'

'I'm sorry I can't deliver better wordplay right now. I seem to be paralysed with fear.'

'Okay… let's not panic and think,' you say, albeit also fearfully.

'Do something!' Zoya says to Nikolai.

'Like what?' the King asks.

'You have guns!' the Squaller points out.

'I'm not going to shoot at bees,' he protests.

'It would be hard,' you agree.

'Then shoot at that thing,' Zoya says. Nikolai opens fire at the grotesque. His bullets struck its shifting body. But they are absorbed in its body, then emerge a second later.

Above you, the dragon roars and spreads its wings. It fires flames at you. Luckily, Zoya creates a dome of air over your heads in time. But you still feal the heat. The dragon stops and shrikes.

'I think it's safe to say we're outgunned,' says Nikolai.

'Lay down your arms,' the grotesque says in a chorus of voices.

'You first,' you murmur.

'In a moment,' replies Nikolai. 'I'm finding them very reassuring right now. Yuri, get off your damned knees and at least try to look like you can fight.'

'Or at least defend yourself,' you add. 'Because certainly no one is in a mood to fight and look after you.'

'You don't understand,' Yuri says, his eyes full of tears.

'That is entirely correct, and I hate not understanding,' you say and threaten your enemies with your fist. 'Who are you?! What do you want?! Where are we?! And how did we get here?!'

'[Y/N], do try not to piss them off,' Nikolai says nervously. You look at him, fuming.

'Oh, and they can piss me off?' you huff.

'I'm going to raise the sands again,' says Zoya. 'If I bring a big enough storm, we'll have cover to get… somewhere. You'll need to work the sails. I won't be able to control the storm and direct the skiff.'

'Do it,' Nikolai says. He opens fire, trying to lend Zoya cover as she sweeps her arms forward and the sands rise with a whoosh. It forces the creatures back, giving you and Lantsov time to seize the lines, releasing the sail. The canvas snaps, filling the air, driving you toward what you all hope are the borders of the Fold.

Suddenly the ground beneath you seems to buckle. The skiff lists precariously starboard as one of its runners is peeled away from the sand. Zoya and Yuri lose their footing, but the Squaller does not falter and keeps the winds in motion. You and Nikolai try to use the storm to right the skiff. But it's like the sands are alive and the skiff tilts higher.

'We're going over!' you shout with alarm. You land in an unceremonious heap. The King somehow manages to quickly gather himself up and rolls you all to safety. But the skiff thumps harmlessly down to its other side and the sands instantly calm.

Shapes emerge out of the sand – a regiment of sand soldiers. Without faces but with detailed uniforms. Zoya raises her hands and sends a fierce gust of wind slamming into them, but they stand solid and unmoving.

'What are they?' she asks. The soldiers keep coming.

'I think we're being shown just how overmatched we are,' Lantsov says.

'By whom?' you ask. The sand soldiers take a step as one. You, Nikolai and Zoya stand back-to-back, surrounded. Next to you, Yuri remains on his knees, his face filled with a kind of manic elation.

'I don't know how to fight this,' the Squaller says. 'Is it the part where we die well?'

'No, this is the part where the king of Ravka surrenders himself and the love we never had lives on in ballads and songs,' Lantsov denies. You look at him, surprised.

'Nikolai,' snaps Zoya, 'don't you dare.'

'Give me another option, Nazyalensky. One of us needs to survive this,' the King says and lowers his voice. 'Get back to the capital and rally the Grisha.'

'I don't like this plan,' you say. Nikolai ignores you. He tosses his revolvers to the sand and raises his hands.

'I'm not sure who I'm surrendering to-' he starts. The dragon interrupts him, turning sharply in the air and diving for you.

'Zoya, [Y/N], get down!' Lantsov shouts, lunging at you two.

'Like hell,' your friend mutters. She knocks you and the King into the sands, bracing before him with her feet planted and her arms raised.

The dragon unleashes its fire and Nazyalensky lets loose the storm. For a moment they seem to be evenly matched. Then, she manages to take the air out of the creature's lungs. Lantsov lunges for his guns, ready to seize the opportunity, but the dragon releases a deafening roar. Another flames leave its mouth, this time blue, brighter and hotter.

'Zoya!' you and Nikolai shout, but the Squaller has already fisted her hands and raised them again, driving an icy wind against the dragon's onslaught. She screams, struggling to fight back. Next to you, Lantsov opens fire on the dragon, but the bullets melt before they even come near the creature's scales because of the temperature of the fire.

And then your friend collapses. The storm ends. You and Nikolai hurry to her, both of you relieved she's still alive. The dragon withdraws its fire. It hovers in the air, watching.

'Zoya,' you say softly, as the King takes her in his arms. The dragon lands before you, folding its wings. You put yourself in front of your friends, though you're terrified.

'Stay back,' you say, bringing your hands together. You have no idea how you could fight it. It would probably turn you to ashes, before your control of metal in its body could hurt it.

'The Durast girl,' says the dragon, causing you to widen your eyes. 'The traitor. The light in the darkness. And the boy king. The war hero. The prince with a demon curled inside his heart.'

'Saints,' you whisper, shocked it can talk. The dragon seems to laugh, as it leans forward.

'If I wanted to harm her, she would be ashes, girl,' it says. 'So would you all.'

'Then what, this was your version of a warm greeting?' you scoff. It rumbles with laugh again.

'I wanted to see what she could do,' it explains. Just then Zoya releases a howl of pure anguish. You and Nikolai stare at her, surprised.

'What is it?' he asks, looking for any wounds. But she casts him off, scrabbling in the sand, another wail of rage and pain tearing from her chest.

'For Saints' sake, Zoya, what's wrong?' you ask. She snatches up something that glints in her hand and clutch it to her chest, sobbing. It takes the King a moment to force her fingers open. Cradled in her palm, you see the broken halves of her silver cuff. Her amplifier shattered.

'No,' she sobs. 'No.'

'Yes,' hisses the dragon. You glare at him, but then look softly at your friend. You can try to mend it… but it may be even beyond your abilities.

'Juris, stop this,' says a woman, emerging from between the rows of soldiers. She wears a dress of blooming roses that blossom and die in curling vines around her body. Her golden hair is a buzzing mass of bees that swarm and cluster around her face.

'You got your battle,' she says to the dragon. 'They know what they are facing.'

'The first bit of excitement we've had in years, Elizaveta, and you seem determined to deny me my fun,' the creature says. 'Very well.'

It heaves its shoulders in a shrug and shifts and shrinks, becoming a towering man in finely wrought chainmail that glitters like black scales. The sand soldiers part to reveal the grotesque, his body still shifting and changing, now covered in eyes.

'What is it?' Nikolai demands, as your mouth forms an 'o' from shock. 'Who are you?'

'Do the people not pray for Saints?' asks the man called Juris, looking at you with amusement.

'At last,' weeps Yuri, steel kneeling. 'At last.'

'Come,' says Elizaveta, extending a hand. 'We will explain all.'

You and Nikolai understand at the same time. Sankta Lizabeta, who was martyred in a field of roses. Sankt Juris, who-

'So,' you say. 'I was right with the "Saints".'

'You slew the dragon,' the King says to Juris. 'It's… it's all in all of the stories.'

'Sometimes the stories are rough on the details,' says Juris with a gleaming smile. 'Come, boy king, Durast girl. It's time we talked.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134809147

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XII - Holding Out an Olive Branch

Chapter Summary: You wake up and discover Aleksander is gone. You hurry to the Fold, determined to help him, save him or die with him. Will you get there in time? And what do the results mean for you?

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky, Mal Oretsev/Alina Starkov, Genya Safin/David Kostyk

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Ivan, Fedyor Kaminsky, Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev, Inej Ghafa, Zoya Nazyalensky, Nina Zenik, Nikolai Lantsov, Genya Safin, David Kostyk, Baghra, Tolya Yul-Bataar

Word Count: 4333

A/N: This chapter contains plot and dialogues from episode eight of season two. Also, we're get into the story from the King of Scars. Not much taken in this chapter, but later on I'm going to take some fragments from the book. Enjoy! https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089684638/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798515/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786937/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

When you wake up, you don't open your eyes at first. You lay in it, remembering with a smile the events of last night. You reach to the other side of the bed but you don't find Aleksander with your hand. You frown at the feeling of very cold sheets. You move your hand and suddenly feel a piece of paper.

You sit up abruptly. You grab the letter and scan it quickly with your eyes. Your face goes pale and your heart stops.

'Damn it, Aleksander!' you curse and spring out of the bed. You quickly dress yourself. For a moment you can't find your kefta. You finally notice it, but when you unfold it, you see it's not yours. You freeze for a moment. In some places, grey embroidery turns to black. In another situation, you'd be touched by it, appreciate it and maybe even cry a bit. But now you just put it on and gather your things.

You take a peek outside. In the letter Kirigan mentions that Fedyor and Ivan will look after you. You understand it as making sure you won't run. So, you look for them. You see them with their backs to you and a few feet away, talking quietly.

You quietly sneak away past them to the horses. You prepare yours and mount it. You direct him toward the Fold and urge him forward. It neighs, and galops away.

Ivan and Fedyor's head snap toward the sound. They're eyes go wide at the sight of you riding away. They sprint toward their horses.

'General will kill us!' Fedyor says, cursing under his breath, as they mount their horses.

'If he'll me merciful,' Ivan says gloomily and they ride after you.

But you're riding faster than you've ever had. Your heart beats faster, when you see the Fold is closer. Aleksander has spread it again. You bite your lip, fully believing nichevoy'a will protect you from the Volcras, and ride into the Fold.

You don't have to worry about the monsters of the Unsea long, though. Suddenly, everything is covered in blinding light. When you can see again, you're no longer surrounded with darkness. The Fold is gone. While part of you is glad, you're mostly concerned with what that means for the Darkling. You ride faster, praying to the Saints to arrive in time.

In the middle of the Unsea, Aleksander and Alina face each other. Starkov won, but Mal sacrificed himself, so she could destroy the Fold. Kirigan is wounded, but he still wants to join forces with the Sun Summoner. But when she pushes him away, nichevo attacks her, and doesn't listen to the Darkling ordering it to stop. Inej, the female thief from Ketterdam you've met, throws a sword made by Sankta Neyar at it, destroying it. It's the only thing that can do it and it's been acquired it with great difficulty.

'You can't control them, can you?' Alina asks. 'You can't control any of it.'

She's on her knees. Aleksander is already standing. He offers her his hand. She stares at it.

'I thought I could control it all… once,' he says. 'Find peace. And for a moment… I swear I did.'

He closes his eyes with a soft smile. Memories of you flash in his mind. Your smile. Your laugh. Your teas. Your kisses. The nights you've spent together.

Suddenly, he feels terrible pain in his abdomen. He coughs out blood and opens his eyes. He looks down. The sword is lodged in him, held by Alina's hands.

'Without me… know they will come for you,' he says. She stares at him angrily.

'Let them come,' she says and pulls out the sword with the grunt. Kirigan gasps and falls backward. A moment later Starkov shows up in his vision, blocking out the sun.

At that moment, you arrive. Your heart drops at the sight of General on the ground and Alina above him.

'No,' you whisper, dismounting. 'Saints, no, please!'

You run to them. Alina hears you or sees you, because she looks up. She tenses and gets ready to fight, but you ignore her and fall on your knees next to your lover. He groans as you touch him.

'Hey, hey, hey, hey. Shhh,' you say gently, as you scoop him up in your arms.

Saints, no, please, no…

'… [Y/N]… you're here?' Aleksander asks, trying to focus on you. You manage to laugh, tears in your eyes.

'Yeah. Yeah, of course I'm here,' you say. 'Now don't talk.'

There's so much blood…

'It h- it hurts,' he cries out.

'I know, darling,' you say, brushing the hair from his forehead. 'But don't talk. And don't move, either.'

No, no, no…

'H-hey, [Y/N]?' Kirigan asks. His breaths are rattling.

'Yeah?' you ask.

Stay awake…

'I-' he says and coughs. 'I love you.'

His eyes close. You freeze. You finally heard those words. But he… he's gone.

'No…' you sob. You whine, your shoulders shaking, as you press your head to his chest. You clench his kefta tight, begging him to come back to you.

You're not even aware you have an audience. Zoya and Inej are standing not far, looking at you sadly. You're only pulled back to reality after hearing a relieved laugh.

You lift your head up. You see Alina hugging Mal. The tracker is alive. A Heartrender, Nina, is next to them. Did she save him? But no, she's shocked as well. You focus on Alina… and feel it.

You feel anger. She killed Aleksander for using merzost to save Grisha. And now she's used it to save her lover? What a hypocrite…

You feel something burning inside, begging to get out. The moment you realise what it is, you calm down. You look up and meet Zoya's hesitant look calmly. Everything is gonna to be different now.

*

You don't know how you return out of the Fold. Or what used to be it. You get to an old camp at Kribirsk. You meet the rest of Alina's army there. Including Prince Nikolay. Your eyes meet, but he quickly looks away, finding something unnerving in your look.

You're taken away to a tent. On your way out, you didn't allow anyone to take you from Aleksander's body. Now you hesitate only for a moment.

You sit on a chair, your hands spread and bound. After what feels like hours, Nikolay enters the tent. You don't look at him.

'Baghra claims these bonds won't stop you,' he says after a moment and walks toward you. 'That if you want, you can break them free. You don't need to touch your hands for that.'

'And why would I do that?' you ask, your voice flat. The Prince… or maybe the King, just not crowned yet, sits on a chair opposite to you. You still don't look at him.

'To run away,' he answers. You focus your gaze on him. Once again, something in your eyes disturbs him.

'Where?' you ask.

'Anywhere you want,' he answers, shrugging. You smile bitterly.

'And what would I do?' you ask. 'I used to think I can use my powers to help others. To make this world a better place. How would I do that on the endless run?'

Tears glisten in your eyes. You hastily look away. Nikolay observes you in silence. He knows you were on Kirigan's side. But he can't imagine you approved everything he did. Others told him that as well.

'Are you going to kill me?' you ask.

'Do you want me to?' he asks. 'And that is a serious question. Do you want to die?'

'No,' you answer after a moment. 'I… I've done some things I'm not proud of. I need to atone for them. My death wouldn't do that. I'd be just running away from responsibility for my actions.'

'Did you really love him this much that you didn't hesitate to break your own rules?' Nikolay asks quietly. You look at him.

'I do,' you confirm. He almost shivers under your gaze. He looks down.

'You'll be a prisoner until…' he says but doesn't finish the thought. Until you atone? Until they decide you're not really a villain?

'You weren't with others,' he says instead and looks at you again. 'And you weren't with Kirigan in the Fold from the beginning. If you had been, you'd have stopped Alina from killing him. So, where were you? Why weren't you there?'

'Because he didn't want me to,' you answer after a beat. 'He was protecting me, since I'm not much of a fighter. He didn't want me to get hurt. And he also… didn't want me to bend my morals even more. He already believes… believed… that he had ruined me enough.'

Your look softens. You clench your fists.

'I'm not trying to minimalize what's he done,' you say. 'He committed hideous crimes. But he… he cared. There was goodness in his heart.'

Silence falls. This time you don't try to hide tears in your eyes.

'You know this is my third time in this camp?' you say. 'The first time was when I created my skiff. The second time when… we crossed the Fold that day.'

'Did you know what he's planning?' Nikolay asks.

'I figured it out,' you admit. 'I didn't approve of it, though. And I'm glad the Fold is gone. I didn't believe controlling it would make Grisha safe. Just as now I don't believe it being gone will do it.'

'It won't be easy,' the King says, easily getting back his confidence. 'But the country is united once again. We can do it.'

'The land maybe is reunited, but not its people. It won't be that easy. You lost what could unite them. Because it's easier to unite against a common enemy than under the kind ruler.'

'You think Alina made a mistake killing the Darkling.'

'You know my opinion on that matter. But yes. He could have been someone that could help you stitch this country back together.'

'If you didn't believe in neither controlling the Fold nor destroying him… what did you believe in?'

'Him.'

Silence falls again. Nikolay observes you, thinking how to break certain news to you.

'We have to burn him,' he finally says and you stiffen. 'Will you let us?'

'I know how dangerous it would be to simply bury him,' you say softly and then look at him with a hard gaze. 'But I have one condition. Or rather… request.'

'What is it?' the King asks, actually curious.

'Let me prepare him for it,' you answer and your lip trembles. 'Let me… say goodbye properly.'

Nikolay thinks about it carefully. But finally… he nods.

'I will send someone for you,' he says, standing up. 'But after you're done, your being tied again and in Os Alta you're going to be put in a cell.'

You nod in agreement. The King looks at you for a moment longer, then leaves.

You're not sure how much time pass until it's time of the ceremony. For the burning of the Darkling and the Sun Summoner, which is obviously attended by many people. Because officially, Alina Starkov has died while destroying the Fold. She chose a simple life with her Tracker. You can't really blame her. It's what you would want with Aleksander.

You glare at her. She's here, disguised, of course. But she wanted to see it. See him being burned. And herself. So, since you're present as well, you glare at her, angry that she can get to live the life you want.

You turn your head, not wanting to explode. You glance at your guards and look at his body. In the corner of your eye, you see Nikolay giving the signal. You watch as the Inferni summon the fire to ignite the stake. People around you call Alina's name. No one calls his. Because not many knew it.

'Aleksander,' you whisper. Suddenly, you feel arms around you. Zoya, your friend, who's not sure how to treat you now, puts her head on yours.

'It's over, [Y/N],' she says softly, with a dose of compassion, you think.

'No, you're wrong,' you say quietly, your eyes not leaving the pyre. 'It has just begun.'

*

Two years and a half have passed since the civil war in Ravka. Nikolay is still trying to stitch his country back together. He has help, of course. But some things only he can do. One of them isn't the new threat to Grisha. To deal with that he needs all the help he can get.

Jurda parem. The drug that modifies Grisha's power by changing their perception of the world in an opposite and unnatural direction. It is extremely addictive to them, and rapidly weakens the body of the user. Many want to use this to their advantage. Fjerda. Shu-Han. It seems only Ravka wants this drug out of the market and to save Grisha. But even though they now have the son of the creator of the drug, they're still not closer to finding an andidotum.

Nikolay sits with his Grisha Triumvirate – Genya, Zoya and David – and they have a brainstorm. The Durast is trying hard, but so far, he's getting nowhere.

'It is frustrating,' Zoya sighs, after yet another dismissed idea. 'Why did Bo Yul-Bayur have to die?'

'I'm sure he didn't just decide to die and leave us all in this mess,' Genya says grimly, but suddenly frowns. 'David? I know that look. You have an idea.'

'Well…' the Durast starts but closes his eyes. 'I'm not sure.'

'Share with us, David,' Nikolay encourages him. 'Surely it's not worse than Zoya's idea to set Fjerda and Shu-Han on fire.'

'I still think it's our best option,' Zoya says, raising her head haughtily. She is ignored.

'I have tried many things with that drug to find an antidote,' David says. 'I am skilled… but there is someone whose mind is far brighter than me… who may think of a solution.'

'There is no one smarter than you,' Genya says, squeezing the hand of her husband.

'There is one person,' Kostyk disagrees, staring Nikolay in the eyes. The King slumps in his chair. He closes his eyes and pinches his nose.

'You can't think…' Genya starts, realising what the Durast means as well. 'She won't agree.'

'She cares about Grisha,' David argues softly. 'And she's not… She helped you escape.'

'She's spent two years and a half locked in a cell,' Safin argues. 'She couldn't use her powers. Don't you think that changed her?'

'Surely,' Kostyk agrees. 'But not enough not to help.'

'Can she really find a way we haven't found?' Nikolay interrupts them.

'We've all been surprised by how powerful she really is,' Zoya speaks up. 'All but one.'

An hour later Nikolay knocks on the door to Baghra's hut. He comes in after the invitation. The old woman is sitting in her armchair. She looks at him.

'Do what do I owe the pleasure of the King himself to visit me?' she asks with sarcasm.

'I need to talk to you about our problem,' Lantsov explains, sitting on a chair.

'Jurda parem,' Baghra says and spits. 'Another abomination. Are the Durast and Alkemi any closer to finding an antidote?'

'No,' Nikolay denies and exhales. 'But David believes someone else may think of something.'

'[Y/N],' Baghra immediately guesses and nods. 'She has a unique brain. One of the reasons he was so drawn to her. Yes, if anyone can find a cure, it's her.'

'Will she do it, though?' the King asks. The old woman is silent for a moment.

'Yes,' she finally answers. 'Her heart hasn't changed. She still would do anything to keep Grisha save.'

'But what will it cost us?' Lantsov asks. Baghra smiles.

'You have to ask her about it,' she answers. 'But don't worry. Without my son, she's not your enemy.'

Another hour later, you hear footsteps coming your way. You know it's not Baghra, who's visiting you quite often, as they don't sound like hers. You look, curious, at the door to your cell and a moment later you see a guard and… Zoya.

'Have you come to kill me?' you ask.

'No,' your former friend simply denies and nods at the guard. He unlocks and opens the door to your cell. The Squaller walks inside and he closes the door behind her, but doesn't lock it. Then, he leaves. Zoya sits on a chair usually occupied by Baghra. She crosses her legs and looks at you.

You're sitting on a chair. You're thin, almost all skin and bone. Your complexion is grey. There are dark circles under your eyes. Your hair is matte. You look like a ghost.

'Then why are you here?' you ask. Nazyalensky sighs… and tells you everything about jurda parem. By the end of her story, you're frowning.

'That is… I've always known Fjerdans are bastards but what they did to those Grisha…' you say and shake your head. 'Still… I don't know why you have come to me.'

'We need to find an antidote,' Zoya explains. 'And you're the brightest person we know.'

'I'm not a Alkemi, though,' you say, frowning. 'And since Bo Yul-Bayur was one… you need another one to create an antidote for his work.'

'We don't have an Alkemi smart enough, apparently,' the Squaller says. 'And since you're a Durast-'

'It's not the same. We have completely different abilities.'

'Maybe. But you're still the smartest person I know. If you can't figure it out, no one can.'

You look away. You think about it in silence.

'Please, [Y/N],' Nazyalensky says quietly. 'David believes in you. So does Baghra. And… I do, too.'

'Trying to use my sentiment, well played,' you say.

'I'm not trying to manipulate you,' Zoya snaps. 'I'm not-'

She stops herself. She goes pale. You close your eyes.

'I still find it funny,' you say quietly. 'He manipulated everyone. I was manipulated by everyone but him.'

'I know he said with his last breath he loved you…' the Squaller says slowly, '… but he still didn't deserve you.'

'Perhaps,' you concede. Silence falls between you two again.

'Fine,' you finally say. 'I can try at least.'

'What do you want in return?' Zoya, who's relieved but also wary, asks. You look at her with a frown.

'I care about Grisha, too, you know,' you say. 'I want them to be safe as much as you all do. But since I can ask for something… there's one thing I want.'

*

A few months have passed since you've been officially pardoned and released from prison. It felt nice to return to your old room and not to have your hands bound. But other Grisha, obviously, don't trust you and look at you with disdain. You ignore them.

Together with David and other Materialki you try to find an antidote for jurda parem. It's not going well. One day, you even throw a mortar at the wall. David stares at it with wide eyes. You exhale slowly and run a hand through your hair.

'You know, I think it was simpler with the skiff,' you say.

'It is complex,' Kostyk says. 'Give yourself time. We're getting there.'

'And how much of that time I have?' you ask. 'The only reason I'm out of the cell is because you believed I can figure something out. When does Nikolay's patience runs out and I go back there?'

'It won't happen,' the Durast promises. You smile sadly at him. He decides to take your mind of this.

'Did you think what will you do after we find an antidote?' he asks. 'Will you… stay?'

'I am not welcome here,' you say after a beat. 'I… I don't know what I am going to do. They say, "follow your heart", but if your heart is in a million pieces, which piece do you follow?'

You blink away the tears. David looks at you with sorrow.

'You know… I miss him sometimes, too,' he admits and you look at him with interest. 'He… had something about him. A charisma. He drew us all in. We felt safe, needed. I believe that he actually cared and wanted to make Ravka better. Or at least better for Grisha. I don't think he was evil. He… just lived too long.'

'Sometimes I think so, too, ' you agree quietly. 'But then I think we didn't have enough time.'

'Did he… tell you he loved you?' Kostyk asks hesitantly.

'They were his last words,' you answer after a beat. 'For weeks I wondered whether he feels what I feel. And when I finally got a confirmation… I couldn't even be happy about it.'

You look down. The Durast wants to reach to you and squeeze your hand. But while you work, joke and spend time together… you're not as close as you used to be. He still wants to comfort you somehow.

'I'm sure you hear others gossiping,' he says after a moment. 'That he didn't and was just manipulating you. I don't believe it. He truly cared about you. I saw it. When he was dragging you away from workshop, so you could rest, for example. He was also more relaxed around you… more cheerful. And yes, it was friendship at first. But at some point, I noticed that he was looking at you differently than he used to.'

You smile at him, grateful for his words. But he's not done yet.

'When he was leading me to the workshop in the mansion,' he continues, 'he said you're there and you're definitely going to be happy to see me. He… he seemed so happy he can brighten your day. He always was like that with you.'

'If you won't stop, I'm really going to cry,' you chuckle, trying really not to break down. 'Thank you, though.'

David nods. You go for the mortar you've thrown and return to work. Your fellow Durast observes you.

'I think, though, that you deserve more,' he says after a moment. You look at him, curious.

'You deserve to be someone's priority,' he explains. 'And while there's no doubt Kirigan loved you… he cared more about the Fold and power.'

'Thank you, David,' you say. 'I… I think I really needed to hear all that you said. About… him… and me as well.'

Just then Tolya Yul-Bataar shows up at the door. He looks at you grimly.

'Speaking of,' you say and pack your things. 'See you in a week.'

'Until next week,' Kostyk says, nodding. You smile at him and leave with grumpy Tolya. You go outside and mount your horses. You set off immediately.

A few days later you reach your destination. You ride through an open space that used to be the Fold for so many centuries. Finally, you stop and dismount. Tolya stays with the horses and you continue on foot for a moment longer. At last, you stop and stare at the ground.

This is your price for helping with an antidote. Every two months, you're to travel here with someone, not always Tolya. To the place where Aleksander died. It's your way to deal with grief. At first, you wanted to come here every month. But since travelling there and back takes about a week, you agreed for two months. You're relieved Nikolay agreed at all.

'So, here I am again,' you start. 'Missing you the same way I did three years ago. I told you, didn't I? That I would never forget you. Three years it's probably not much for you, since you've lived hundreds of years. But I know you'd want me to move on by now. I don't think that's ever going to happen. You'd probably be frustrated by that.'

You exhale slowly. You can hear Tolya pacing behind you, but still giving you some privacy. You know he wishes to go back already.

'To be honest, I'm a bit frustrated, too,' you admit and your lip trembles. 'You were never supposed to mean this much to me. I was never supposed to fall so hard. But you know what? I did and that's the truth. That's what keeps me holding on, because it hurts like hell to let you go.'

Tears stream down your face. You don't stop them this time. You sniffle.

'It's hard without you,' you whisper. 'I feel lost. I don't know what to do. I wish you took me with you that day. Maybe then everything would be different.'

You fall silent. You think of what else to say, as you remember your last moments together. You saved him from merzost. But he died anyway. Still… at least you had that one last night. You smile at the memory.

'I don't know what will I do in the future,' you finally say. 'But I will find an antidote for jurda parem. And protect the Grisha. Because that's what you'd want. You'd want them to be safe and healthy. Mind you, you'd probably want to rip Fjerdans apart for what they're doing.'

You chuckle. Then, you kneel and press your hand to the sand. You focus on the ground beneath it for a moment, remembering how you held Kirigan in that spot three years ago. Your heart breaks, when you remember how he fought for his breath. But he still tried to hold on, wanting to at least tell you how he really feels.

'Until next time, Aleksander,' you whisper and stand up. You turn and return to Tolya. He fails to mask his relief that it's finally time to go. You almost roll your eyes, but you understand that most feel uneasy here. You don't. Not anymore.

'Done?' Tolya asks.

'Yes,' you confirm, mounting your horse. The Heartrender does the same.

'We can go back,' you say and you look at the place where the Darkling gave his last breath. 'I'm done here for today.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134689462

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XI - Like an Emerald by Day and Like a Ruby by Night

Chapter Summary: Though angry at first, Aleksander calms down and takes you somewhere you've wanted to go for years. When you come back you start working on a cure for him. Can you save him in time for his fight with Alina?

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Ivan, Fruzsi, Vladim Gulav, Fedyor Kaminsky

Word Count: 4353

A/N: This chapter contains a bit of plot and a dialogue from episode seven of season two. Smut alert! If you don't like it or are underage, please, don't read from "You undress each other." to "After a few minutes, your lover pulls out of you gently and stands up.". Enjoy! Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798517/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798512/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798539/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786955/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794942/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089792241/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090191272/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089795875/ moya – my (feminine object)

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

You and Aleksander ride in silence for some time. Finally, you have to stop to give horses a break. You glance at your lover nervously. His lips are pressed together tightly and his face is grim. He's angry. That's sure. You hesitate whether you should try to explain yourself now or let him cool down first. But you decide he may not cool down at all, and you don't want to argue with him with others present. Again.

'So,' you say after clearing your throat, 'you found the note, then?'

'What note?' Kirigan asks, turning to you with a frown. You blink.

'The one I left on the bed,' you answer, confused. 'If you haven't found it, then how did you know where I am?'

Aleksander stares at you for a moment. He exhales slowly, as he remembers the moment he found out you're gone…

He was in his room, looking over reports. Suddenly, there's a knock and Fedyor walked in after an invitation. Kirigan's really glad to have him back by his side.

'Forgive me, General,' the Heartrender said, smiling slightly. 'But we can't find [Y/N] anywhere. We wondered whether she's with you.'

'She's gone again?' Aleksander sighed. 'She's not here. Who was the last to see her?'

'Actually… no one saw her today yet,' Fedyor answered nervously. 'Vladim was confused by her absence in the workshop, so we started looking for her. There's no sign of her anywhere.'

The Darkling froze. He hadn't seen you today either. When he had woken up, the other side of his bed, the one you had slept on that night, had been cold. He got lost in his head for a moment, remembering the moments before you had gone to sleep. His heart skipped a beat. General cursed in his mind, sure the Heartrender picked up on it.

'Search the whole mansion and the woods,' he barked, throwing the papers on the table. 'I want her found.'

'Yes, General,' Fedyor said, bowing his head slightly. He hurried out of the room, scared of the consequences if they wouldn't find you.

But they didn't. Kirigan was furious. And terrified. He paced around his room nervously, trying to figure out where you could have gone or how to find you.

He stopped. A thought had occurred to him. The moment it did, a nichevo formed in front of him. They looked at each other.

'Can you find her?' Aleksander asked. It felt weird to address it like that, not giving it orders. But to his surprise, nichevo turned into shadows and passed through the window. It materialised there again. Kirigan grabbed his cloak and hurried outside.

'Take me to her,' he ordered, mounting his horse. He rode after nichevo, only stopping to give the horse short breaks.

Suddenly, the nichevo stopped and disappeared. Kirigan dismounted and lead the horse quietly. His heart skipped a beat, seeing your horse. He left his horse there as well and looked around.

Just then, his mother and that tracked came out of some secret place. He stopped in the shadows and listened in. His smile grew the more he heard. According to his mother, the tracker is an amplifier. The Firebird.

'Your nichevo found me,' you say quietly. 'And Mal is the Firebird.'

Aleksander nods. You're both silent for a moment. Neither of you knows what to think about your connection with his nichevoy'a. And that they listen to you apparently.

'What were you thinking?' Kirigan asks, suddenly angry again. 'Why did you leave on your own? And what were you doing there anyway? Whatever that place was.'

'It was Morozova's workshop,' you explain, surprising your lover. 'And you would have known why I went there, alone, if you had found the note on my bed.'

The Darkling exhales slowly, looking up. He'll have their heads for not looking through your room thoroughly.

'Since I haven't… why were you there?' he asks, looking at you again. 'I guess you went alone without telling anyone about it, so no one would have stopped you.'

'Yes,' you confirm. 'And I went there to find a cure for you.'

Aleksander stares at you, stunned. You play with your hair nervously.

'I managed to figure out the place of his workshop from his journal and some books about him I read back in the Little Palace,' you explain. 'From the journal you gave me, I've managed to decipher that he too had similar problems after using merzost. He didn't explain how he had dealt with them in in, but I understood that he did explain it somewhere.'

'You decided to go to a place you believed there may be more journals,' Kirigan guesses. You nod. Your lover sighs, running a hand through his face.

'I appreciate you going this far for me, but I… I don't want to lose you in the process,' he says and looks at you softly. 'It's not worth it. I… I don't want to live at the expense of your life. I wouldn't want it.'

You look at him with tears in your eyes. He has some in his as well. You cup his cheek and he leans into your touch.

'While meeting Alina, Baghra and Mal was unexpected and maybe a bit dangerous,' you say, earning a scoff from Aleksander, 'it gave us what we needed. You found out the real identity of the Firebird… and I found a way to cure you.'

The Darkling stares at you, stunned. You let go of his cheek and reach behind your kefta. You pull out a worn-out journal.

'It's also a scrabbling of a mad-man, albeit not so much,' you say. 'He describes his first pollution with merzost and how he dealt with it. It's all fascinating, really- But you don't want to listen about that. Anyway, I know a way to cure you. Well, more or less. I know what I need, but I have to decipher how to do it.'

'What do you need?' Kirigan asks after a moment. You shake your head.

'It's in my things at the mansion,' you say dismissively. 'I'll explain everything to you once I figure out how exactly I can save you.'

'You are…' Aleksander says, shaking his head at the loss of words. He cups your face and kisses your lips. You gasp and then moan into the kiss. You pull away after a minute, dazed.

'Shall we come back?' you whisper, eager to get to work. The Darkling hesitates.

'Actually… I've had this idea for some time,' he says and looks you in the eyes. 'You know what village is nearby.'

Your eyes darken. You nod after a moment.

'I know you didn't want to come back on your own,' Kirigan says. 'Would… would you like to go there with me?'

You wonder about it. You consider all pros and cons. Finally, you look with determination at Aleksander and answer:

'Yes.'

*

Your whole body is tense as you ride into the village you were born in. You don't even know if it looks the same. You barely remember it. You look at the villagers, not recognising anyone. They all look at you nervously, intimidated by your keftas. Especially Aleksander's. They know who he is, what's done and what he can do.

'I don't even remember which house was mine,' you admit, once you and Kirigan dismount.

'Let's ask someone, then,' he proposes. 'There's someone.'

He points with his head at an older woman, who stares at you with no fear in her eyes. You approach her with a gentle smile on your face.

'Hello,' you greet her. 'I'm looking for Iryna [L/N].'

Sadness clouds her face. She points with her finger silently. You look where she's pointing and your heart drops. It's a graveyard.

'When?' you ask quietly.

'Two winters ago,' the woman answers and looks at you. 'You're her daughter, aren't you? Little [Y/N].'

'Yeah,' you confirm. You feel Aleksander's hand on your shoulder.

'I'm sorry for your loss,' the woman says with sorrow. 'She never forgot you, you know. She wanted to visit you many times. But her husband never allowed her.'

She spits on the ground. Her face grimaces in anger.

'He didn't even wait a month before he married another one,' she says and scoffs. 'We wouldn't be surprised if he had killed your mother. To marry a younger one. And now he has a little girl with her, too. Poor child.'

'Thank you,' you say numbly and start walking toward the graveyard. Kirigan follows you.

'I'm sorry,' he says quietly, squeezing your hand, but you don't answer. 'Do you want me to come with you… or do you prefer it to do it on your own?'

'On my own, I think,' you answer after a moment. Your lover stops you and presses a kiss to your forehead.

'I'll wait for you,' he whispers and lets you go. You enter the graveyard alone. It doesn't take you long to find your mother's grave. The stones lead you to it. It's simple. With just her name and dates of life. You stare at it in silence.

'I'm sorry, Mother,' you say finally. 'I should have been braver and come here. Save you from him. I hope, though, you're happy now. Wherever you are. And don't worry, Mother. Your daughter is a soldier.'

In the meantime, Aleksander walks around the village, searching. He finally finds the house he's looking for. Your old home.

'Katarina?! Is that you?!' he hears a gruffy voice. 'Bring me my kvas!'

'I think it's hardly a way to talk to one's wife,' Kirigan says, stepping out from the shadows into the main room. The man sitting on a chair goes pale. He's fat, almost completely bald and very dirty.

'The Darkling…' he whispers and falls on his knees. 'Please, don't hurt me! I beg you!'

'You know, ever since I've heard about you, I've wondered whether I should kill you,' Kirigan says, walking slowly toward the man. 'You see, you've treated someone dear to me very poorly. You were horrible to her. And yet, if it wasn't for your greed, I would have never met her. But today I found out you may have killed her mother, whom she loved very much. Now, tell me… and don't lie… did you kill your first wife?'

Your father shivers. He stars at the Darkling, absolutely terrified. He pees himself when he sees shadows moving menacingly behind him. He starts blabbing incoherently.

'Aleksander,' a voice startles both men. Kirigan turns and sees you in the doorway. You look at him, your face wet from tears, but then your eyes fall on your father.

'[Y/N],' he says, stunned. 'Saints… you look just like your good-for-nothing mother.'

Your eyes harden. You slowly start walking toward him. Too late he realises he's made a mistake.

'My mother was a Saint,' you growl. 'You are good-for-nothing. Tell me, are you already terrorising your second daughter for being a woman?'

Your father looks down, scared. You scoff. Of course, he does.

'What should I do with him, lapushka?' Aleksander asks, standing next to you. He's absolutely ready to punish this man for everything he's done to you and your mother.

'Nothing,' you answer. Both men look at you with surprise. But then your father starts choking. After a moment his eyes fall on your hands. Your fists are clenched.

'I didn't want to kill you,' you say, crouching in front of him, because he's on the floor now. 'I just wanted to save my mother from you. She wouldn't want me to do it. But she's gone. And while some would probably say that I should be a bigger person and forgive you for everything you've done to me and my mother… I won't. Because I have a right to feel angry. I have a right to hate you for what you've put us through. Others would have said letting you live is a worse punishment. No. You'd just live your life like you did before I showed up. But death? Death is final. You're afraid of not existing anymore. And when you're dead… you can't hurt anyone else.'

Your father's eyes bulge out. He gurgles. He tries to say something. But then blood spurts from his mouth and nose. He falls on the floor, his eyes staring at the wall. You stand down.

'It appears you've spent too much time with me,' Aleksander says after a moment of stunned silence. You turn to him. Your lip wobbles. Seeing what's happening, Kirigan quickly gathers you in his arms. The moment he does, you start crying. He holds you tight, allowing you to let it all out.

You're interrupted a few minutes later, by a woman walking in. She gasps at the sight of your father's dead body. You pull away from Aleksander and look at her pale and bruised face.

'He won't hurt you anymore,' you say and her eyes snap to you. 'You're free.'

You take Kirigan's hand and lead him out. The woman falls back, staring at you with wide eyes. She watches you as you leave her house.

No one stops you from reaching your horses. You mount them and head back to the woods.

'We're coming back?' you ask.

'Yes,' Aleksander confirms and looks at you with worry. 'Are you alright?'

'Yes,' you confirm and give him a determined look. 'I really am. It… it hurts but I barely remember her anyway. And while I couldn't save her, her death motivates me even more to save the only other person this important to me.'

'Just not the expense of yourself,' Aleksander insists. You smile beautifully at him.

'Oh, don't worry, I don't intend to sacrifice myself,' you assure him. 'I still haven't kissed nor had sex with you as much as I'd like.'

You wink at him and ride away, leaving him baffled and flustered behind you. But he chuckles and rides after you quickly. He's so glad you're finally his.

*

Once you're back in the mansion, you hurry to the workshop to work on Morozova's journal. You ignore everyone who wants to greet you with relief and start working. There's no time to lose. You know Aleksander is going to face Alina soon. And he needs to be in full strength to do that.

Hours later, Kirigan, Fedyor, Ivan and Vladim watch you engross with work from behind the door. Earlier, the Darkling have told him about what happened in Morozova's workshop and in the village you were from.

'I can't believe she's acting as if nothing happened,' Fedyor whispers. 'The girl has just found out her father murdered her mother and then killed him herself. And she doesn't seem bothered at all!'

'She's strong,' Aleksander says quietly.

'She's strong, but she's exhausted,' Ivan points out. Kirigan looks at your face closely. He can see the Heartrender is right. You have dark circles under your eyes and you keep blinking. You rub your eyes every now and then, desperately trying to stop yourself from yawning.

'I have an idea,' the Darkling says. 'Leave.'

Three men look at him, then nod. It's hard to pull you away from your work, but Kirigan is the one who actually manages it sometimes. So, they leave and he enters the workshop.

'It's late,' he speaks up and you glance at him. 'Leave this for today. Come to bed. You need sleep.'

'I don't need to go to bed,' you deny, as he stands behind you. 'I'm not tired. I'll be fine.'

'But darling, I'll be so lonely without you,' Aleksander purrs, putting his head on your shoulder and grabbing your waist. 'Come curl in my arms, so I can feel whole again.'

'O-oh. Well,' you say, flustered, but then frown. 'Hold on. Are you trying to seduce me into healthy sleeping patterns?'

'Is it working?' Kirigan asks after a pause. You laugh and turn to face him. You shake your head.

'Alright, you won,' you say. He grins at you and picks you up. You let out a yelp.

'Hey, I can walk!' you protest. 'Put me down!'

'No, you can always change your mind,' the Darkling says. You laugh as he carries you to his bedroom. You take a quick bath and then Kirigan goes. When he returns, you're already fast asleep on his bed. He looks at you fondly, and caresses your cheek.

'Moya milaya,' he says quietly and looks at you with sadness. 'Even if we can't be together in the end, I'm glad that you were a part of my life.'

Next day, you all set out for Keramzin. You set up a camp nearby Alina and Mal's old orphanage. Inside his tent, the Darkling is plotting his next move, when you suddenly walk inside, your look a bit wild.

'I have it,' you declare. 'I can save you. Come here.'

You walk to him. Determined. You reach out for him, but he grabs your hand. You look at him, surprised. He looks at you seriously.

'Explain to me what you're going to do, first,' he says. You sigh but oblige and say:

'Many crystals have healing, cleansing and purifying abilities. Morozova tested many of them, using his Durast powers to amplify that and use them to drove the merzost from his body. It worked better or worse, but one crystal was perfect for this purpose and he used it every time after he used merzost since then.'

'Which stone?' Aleksander asks. Your lips twitch.

'Alexandrite,' you answer, baffling your lover. 'Quite fitting, don't you think? It has a purifying and renewing powers. It balances all levels of life. It brings strength, when needed most. And also good luck, good fortune… love. So, I'd say it's quite perfect for helping you, wouldn't you agree?'

'Where can we find it?' Kirigan asks. You reach inside your kefta and take out a small crystal. It seems to be changing colour when you move it around.

'It has an ability to display a change of colour… which is called an alexandrite effect… dependent upon the nature of ambient lighting,' you explain and smile slightly. 'And I have it with me, because it reminds me of you. You renew my power, always try to balance my life. You bring me strength, make me feel loved. And you can also change, depending on the circumstances.'

Aleksander looks at you softly. He reaches out and caress your cheek. You lean into his touch.

'May I?' you ask. The Darkling hesitates.

'Will it hurt you?' he asks.

'Don't you believe in me?' you ask, your look serious. Kirigan sighs and relents. He nods and sits down when you point him to a chair.

'Close your eyes,' you ask him. He does so and for a moment you observe him. Then, you shake yourself off and take his hand. You place alexandrite on his palm and clench it around it. Then you take his hand in your hands and close your eyes. You focus completely on the crystal and use your powers to manipulate it.

Aleksander groans, feeling merzost moving in him. He doesn't open his eyes nor pulls away. He trusts you. Even though it hurts. But you gently caress his hand with your finger, soothing him.

You're so focused on your work, you don't even notice when Ivan, Fruzsi, Fedyor and Vladim burst in, alarmed by wind flopping General's tent around. They stare at you two with wide eyes. Black substance is leaving the Darkling's body and is absorbed by the alexandrite in his hand.

A moment later he takes in a deep breath. He opens his eyes wide, surprised to suddenly feel so well and… free. He looks at you, amazed.

You let go of his hand. He opens it and is stunned to see the alexandrite is completely black. He looks at you with awe.

'I've done it,' you whisper with a wide smile and Aleksander's eyes go wide when blood dribbles from your nose. 'I've saved you.'

Your eyes roll back and you fall forward into Kirigan's arms. He catches you and checks for your pulse, panicked.

'Get me a Healer!' he orders, knowing about others' presence. 'Now!'

Fedyor rushes out, while Ivan walks to check on you. When you wake up some time later, you're lying in the Darkling's bed by his side. His eyes are glued to you.

'How are you feeling?' he asks you. You stretch.

'Better,' you answer. 'But I'm going to lay down a bit more. And you?'

'I haven't felt this good in weeks,' he replies and you beam at him. 'But you nearly exhausted yourself completely. Lapushka, never do that again. Please. I was so scared.'

You caress his cheek. He gives you a sad look.

'It was a bit harder than I assumed,' you admit. 'It's just… there was so much chaos inside you.'

'I felt it,' Kirigan says, nodding. 'And in the middle of my chaos there was you. You really saved me, [Y/N].'

You smile at him bashfully and he kisses you. The kiss becomes more passionate with every second. You moan into it, pulling him closer to yourself.

'I need you,' Aleksander whispers in your mouth. Your answer is taking off his kefta. But you freeze when you notice something. His kefta no longer has golden embroidery. But purple and grey. You look at Kirigan's face, stunned. He stares at you softly.

'I ordered to have it made after Miss Starkov attacked me,' he explains. 'I should have done it sooner, to be honest.'

'I didn't expect you to wear my colours at all,' you admit, caressing his face. He leans into your touch, closes his eyes and smiles.

'The whole world is going to hell and we have blood on our hands, but once you touch my face, I am clean of all my sins,' he says. You chuckle, blushing furiously.

'Let me show you how much you mean to me,' the Darkling says, opening his eyes. You undress each other. Your lips barely come apart.

'Aleksander, please…' you whisper. Your lover starts kissing your neck, as his fingers prepare your entrance for him. Soon you're gasping and moaning. You're not far behind, as your fingers find his hardness and you stroke it gently. He grunts and pants, joining your lips once again.

'Tell me you need me, lapushka,' he pleads. You cup his face and look him in the eyes.

'I need you,' you say. Kirigan attaches his lips to your neck. He kisses and sucks it, making you gasp. But it quickly turns into a moan, when he finally enters you.

'You feel so good, ' your lover groans, thrusting in and out. You'd answer him, but his actions have made you currently speechless. You answer him with moving your hips instead. He moans and moves faster. He puts his hands on your breasts and massages them, causing you to moan as well.

'Aleksander…' you whisper. His name falling from your lips urges him on. He thrusts harder. You don't complain. You put your arms around him and press him closer to you.

'[Y/N]…' he says and starts repeating your name like a prayer. You do the same with his. Eventually, you both scream each other's names as you reach your peaks.

After a few minutes, your lover pulls out of you gently and stands up. He cleans you both, then walks to the table. Your eyes never leave him, taking the sight of him with pleasure.

'Here,' Kirigan says, handing you a cup of water. You both drink and he gets back to bed with you.

'We're going to attack soon, aren't we?' you ask. The Darkling is silent for a moment.

'Yes,' he finally confirms.

'Did you send anyone after Mal?' you ask hesitantly.

'He's not to be touched by anyone by me,' Kirigan answers. You sigh.

'And how do you know he hasn't already sacrificed himself to amplify her?' you ask.

'I believe she would die before allowing that to happen,' Aleksander answers. You think about it for a moment, then shrug.

'You're probably right,' you say.

'Of course, I am,' Kirigan says. 'Because I'd rather die than allow you to sacrifice yourself for me. You have a place in my heart no one else could ever have.'

You smile and stifle a yawn. Kirigan kisses your temple.

'Sleep, moya milaya,' he says. 'You're safe here.'

You nod and close your eyes. In a moment you're asleep. Aleksander caresses your cheek and stands up. He dresses himself and puts a note on his side of the bed. He looks at you with sadness. He kisses your forehead.

'Forgive me, [Y/N],' he says quietly. 'I only ever thought there were two types of love: the kind you'd kill for and the kind you'd die for. But you, my darling… you were the kind of love I'd live for. Forgive me.'

You don't even stir. Aleksander moves away and leaves the tent. Outside everyone is already ready to march out. Kirigan walks to Vladim and hands him a vial.

'Are you sure this will work?' he asks.

'Absolutely, General,' Vladim confirms. 'She'll be asleep for hours. Nothing will wake her.'

The Darkling nods with satisfaction. He turns to Fedyor and Ivan.

'Guard her with your lives,' he orders.

'Yes, General,' Fedyor says, both of Heartrenders nodding. Kirigan nods. A moment later Grisha leave to attack their enemies.

'He's sure he's going to win,' Kaminsky says to his lover. 'And yet he acts as if he wasn't to see [Y/N] again. Makes her stay here, as if he was to die in that fight.'

'He believes she's not going to forgive him that,' Ivan says. Fedyor scoffs.

'She'd forgive him genocide,' he says. 'Oh, wait. She did.'

'But this is breaking her trust, it's different,' Ivan argues. His beloved says nothing to that. He glances behind himself at General's tent.

'She's not going to be happy when she wakes up,' he says.

'No,' Ivan agrees and sighs. 'No, she won't.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134553829

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter X - Red as a Ruby

Chapter Summary: You see Genya for the first time since she's tried to escape. It causes you to argue again with Aleksander, which leads to a surprising revelation. Kirigan has another one after he finally confronts Alina after the events in the Fold. What else? Oh, you find a lead on a cure for the Darkling.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky, Alina Starkov/Mal Oretsev

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Ivan, Fruzsi, Genya, Baghra, Vladim Gulav, Fedyor Kaminsky, Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev

Word Count: 4144

A/N: This chapter contains some plot and dialogues from episodes four, five and six of season two. Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794820/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794836/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794968/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798500/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

After changing into fresh clothes, you hurry to the workshop. You try not to think about what happened last night. Because while you're happy with what happened, the fact Aleksander didn't say he loves you is worrying you. You can't get it out of your mind.

You enter the workshop and immediately feel a ping in your heart. Not seeing David here pains you. Now it's just Vladim here, Baghra and-

Morozova's journal falls from your hands and hits the floor with a thud. You stare at Genya in a cage with shock. You walk slowly toward her. She's sitting on the floor, chained, so she has to raise her head to look you in the eyes. You barely manage not to gasp at her face. It's covered with scars. Black scars. Same as the ones on your back. But since there are no Volcras here…

'This is how he treats those that were loyal to him,' Baghra speaks up. 'Do you think he would treat you any different if you were in her place?'

Genya looks down. Ashamed. She's ashamed. Because she-

Your look hardens. The cages hiss. Baghra and Genya have to move away from them because they become hot to the touch. They look at you with surprise.

'Excuse me,' you say, turn on your heel and march away. A moment later you burst into Aleksander's room. Besides him Fruzsi, Ivan and a few others are here. They all look at you.

'Get out,' you say harshly. Grisha take one look at your face and hurry away. Kirigan raises his eyebrows at that.

'Is everyone more afraid of you than me now?' he asks and looks at a report in his hands.

'For some reason they believe I'm your second in command,' you explain. Aleksander smiles slightly.

'I'm glad I didn't have to spell it out for them,' he says. 'Now, what brings you here?'

'Genya,' you spat. Kirigan freezes. He sighs after a second.

'What about her?' he asks. You look at him with disbelief.

'What did you do to her?' you ask.

'I didn't do anything to her,' Aleksander denies. You grit your teeth. You have enough of his half-truths.

'Let me rephrase it,' you say. 'What did your nichevo'ya did on your order?'

'Stopped her from running away,' Aleksander answers. You scoff.

'You hurt her,' you say. 'And she- Why? Why, Aleksander?'

'She's a traitor and a useful lesson for others who might consider crossing me,' Kirigan answers, finally looking up at you. He stares at you calmly. You shake your head.

'She served you loyally since she was a child, endured years of abuse on your orders, and you reduce her… to an example?' you ask.

'What else was I supposed to do?' Kirigan asks, narrowing his eyes. 'Let her go?'

'Yes,' you answer after a minute. 'After everything she's done for you, you should have let her go.'

'So she could join our enemies and tell them our secrets?' General scoffs. 'I don't think so.'

'Then you shouldn't have hurt her like this at least! You can't lead by fear alone, Aleksander. You used to know that. You inspired other Grisha. Helped them. Cared for them. And now? I'm not surprised Genya and David wanted to leave. They didn't see the kind of man they used to admire. And what you did to Genya proves they were right.'

'Maybe this is who I'm really am. Did you think of that?'

'No, it's not. I know it's not. It's a part of you, yes. But the man we used to know is still inside you. Just buried. You have to bring him to the surface. For all our sakes. And you can start with releasing Genya. And Baghra. Let them go. Show everyone you're still that compassionate man.'

'And made them think I'm weak? I think not.'

He stares at you coldly. But his fists are clenched. He's as much angry as you are. You glare at each other for a moment.

'Then maybe I should do it,' you finally say and turn on your heel.

'[Y/N], don't you dare!' Aleksander says and rushes after you. He grabs your elbow… and suddenly nichevo springs between you two, forcing him to back away in fright. You both stare with shock at the creature that is growling at Kirigan and hovering over him.

It hits you after a minute. General created it to save you from Volcras. To keep you safe. And while he is their creator and they're bound to protect him… their primary objective is still to save you. Even from Kirigan himself.

For a moment you feel the power you've gained from it. You could do so much with nichevo'ya at your command. And judging by the terrified look Aleksander gives you, he's well aware of it as well. It causes you to let go of that thought. Of power.

'I'm going to free them and let them go,' you say quietly but sternly. 'End of discussion.'

You turn and march away. Nichevo disappears. Kirigan touches his chest, terrified about what it means.

You enter the workshop a few minutes later. Vladim is not here. Good, because you don't want to explain this to him. You simply march to the cages and open them with your powers. Two women stare at you in shock, which only becomes bigger after you release them from their bonds.

'He… he's letting us go?' Genya asks with disbelief. You look at her.

'I am,' you correct her and take a step back. 'Now go. Quickly.'

Baghra and Genya hesitantly leave their cages. Once out, the Tailor throws her arms around your neck and hugs you. You embrace her back.

'Come with us,' she whispers in your ear. 'Run away with us.'

'I can't,' you answer softly. You pull away.

'He will hurt you for this,' Genya says. You smile slightly.

'He can't,' you deny. Women frown at you. You motion at the door.

'Go,' you hurry them. The Tailor walks to the door. Baghra looks at you sadly.

'He doesn't deserve your loyalty,' she says.

'Maybe not,' you agree. 'But he's all I have. I have… no one.'

Baghra shakes her head at you. She squeezes your hand and follows Genya.

'Thank you,' the Tailor says at the door. You nod at her and you watch the two women disappear. You hug yourself and sigh. You can't help but wonder… have you just made a mistake?

*

You're working at the workshop. Only Vladim is here with you. He keeps sending you nervous glances. What you've done is already being discussed around the mansion. Yet no one dares to confront you about it.

At some point, Aleksander enters the room. He stares at you but you don't even look up from Morozova's journal. He puts his hands behind his back.

'Leave us,' he orders Vladim, his voice emotionless. The Alkemi wastes no time and hurries out of the room, not keen to be in the middle of it. But he joins others who are listening in outside the door.

Kirigan walks slowly toward you. You still ignore him. Even when he's right in front of you. It's funny. That's exactly how you met. He was standing in front of your table and you were ignoring him. Only then Fedyor was with him as well. You feel a ping of sadness. You have no idea where the Heartrender is. It is even more painful for Ivan, of course.

'When we first met, I had no idea you would be this important to me,' Aleksander, who's also been thinking about your first meeting, says. The words cause you to look up in surprise. You two just argued and he says that? He smiles slightly, satisfied to get your attention.

'Which is why I hate to be at odds with you,' he adds. You eye him warily. You sigh after a moment and look away.

'I hate it, too,' you agree. 'And I… I'd go into the fire for you. For the last weeks I've crossed the line of my morality. But what you did to Genya, who's been so loyal to you and tried to leave because she couldn't cross the line… that was too much for me.'

'I understand that,' Kirigan says, nodding. 'You've already done so many things against your beliefs. I appreciate that. And I'm sorry you have to do this. But… you were right about Genya. I shouldn't have done that to her. Not after all she's suffered for me.'

You look at him, baffled. You don't think he's ever admitted to be wrong. And with what!

'You've always been my peace,' Aleksander says, caressing your cheek. 'Every decision I make after talking about it with you is a right one. And now… I'm falling more and more into the darkness inside me. You're the one who's pulling me away, reminding me who I really am.'

He presses his forehead to yours and closes his eyes. After a second of surprise, you close yours as well, relaxing.

'You are the part of me that I will always need,' Kirigan whispers, his voice a bit shaky. 'And after our argument… I was afraid you may have enough. And leave me. I don't know what would happen to me if you left.'

'Good think I'm not planning to go, then,' you say and cup his face, both of you opening your eyes. 'I promise to always be by your side. Or under you. Or on top.'

Aleksander laughs. You grin. You love to make him do that so much.

'I'd love to test that now,' he murmurs, leaning to your face. 'But I'm afraid it would be too much to everyone outside the door.'

'Yes, that's true,' you agree. 'Can I get a kiss, though?'

Instead of answering, he cups your face and kisses you. You sigh and answer the kiss hungrily. Saints, how you adore kissing him. It was so worth the wait. But it ends much too soon to your disappointment.

'I should go,' Aleksander whispers. 'Before I'll have you on that table.'

'I wouldn't mind,' you assure him. Kirigan looks at you darkly and forces himself to pull away.

'Maybe another time,' he promises and clears his throat. 'So… we're good.'

You nod. He smiles at you, relieved, and kisses you one last time. Then, he turns and leaves. Everyone outside pretends they've been just walking past. When Aleksander leaves, they look inside and are relieved to see you smiling.

Some time later, you get a wonderful news. Thanks to Prince Vasily inviting his 'noble' friends to an engagement party of his brother, Nikolay, and Alina (something you believe to be a sham), you now know where they all are hiding.

You're to stay behind. You want to go, but Ivan and Aleksander convince you that while you can protect yourself and they wouldn't have survived without you in the Fold, you're still not much of a fighter. Seeing their point, you agree to wait, albeit nervously.

You're relieved when they finally come back. But Kirigan just stops to briefly to kiss your cheek as a greeting, and shuts himself in his room. You look at Ivan with raised eyebrows.

'I take not everything went as he wanted?' you guess.

'We did manage to kill the King and Prince Vasily,' Ivan answers, causing you to look at him with wide eyes. 'But Prince Nikolay, Starkov and others have escaped. But there's also other small success.'

Just then a familiar face joins you from outside. You brighten up.

'Fedyor!' you say and crash your friend in a hug. He chuckles and embraces you back.

'It's good to see you alive and well, too, [Y/N],' he says and pulls away. You frown, seeing a hint of sadness and fear in his eyes.

'You weren't a prisoner, were you?' you ask quietly. Fedyor shakes his head slightly and glances at Ivan. You understand. Like you, he's here for the person he loves. You share a knowing look.

'[Y/N],' Fruzsi says, joining you. 'I'd like to give report to General.'

'You don't need my permission for it,' you say, puzzled. Ivan sighs.

'You're second in command, meaning you should be there as well,' he explains.

'Oh! Right, let's go,' you say and turn to the door. You knock on it.

'General,' Fruzsi calls.

'What?' you hear a sharp response. You two exchange a look and enter with two Heartrenders.

'Our scouts found no sign of the Sun Summoner, nor Prince Nikolai's group,' Fruzsi reports.

'So keep looking,' Aleksander says, not turning to you. He pours himself a drink. The four of you exchange a look.

'Sir, we've nearly rid Ravka of the Royal line and have Prince Nikolai on the run,' Ivan says. 'We'd diminish him further by shifting our efforts towards dismantling what is left of the First Army and their encampments.'

'It would be the more strategic move,' Fedyor agrees.

'Except that the Little Prince and his caravan are with my Sun Summoner,' Kirigan says, finally turning to you, and you hear nichevo snarling, then see them forming behind him. 'Alina Starkov is worth more than any army. So at the risk of sounding repetitive... find her.'

Fruzsi, Ivan and Fedyor glance nervously at the nichevo. They leave. You stare calmly at the creature. It seems to become smaller under your gaze. You turn to follow others.

'[Y/N], wait, please,' Aleksander stops you. You wait for Fedyor to close the door. The moment he does, you feel a hand grabbing yours.

'I only need Alina's power now,' Kirigan says, squeezing your hand. 'Please, believe me. That's all that is about.'

'I trust you,' you say and look at him to give him a sad smile. 'But I can't help feeling insecure when you talk about her.'

Aleksander cups your cheek and looks you in the eyes sincerely. You lean into his touch.

'You're the one I want by my side,' he says. 'I swear. And I promise to spend as much time as I need to help you beat your insecurities. Because you're the one thing I have left. I… I talked with Alina. She said that I didn't want her to destroy the Fold because that's the last thing I had left. She's wrong. I have you to lose as well. But I won't. I swear this to you.'

He leans down and gives you a kiss. You melt into it. When you pull away, you're both panting.

'Spend the night with me?' Aleksander asks. You nod and take a step back. You stare at each other for a moment longer, then you leave his chambers. And your heart does feel a bit lighter.

Later, you're working in the workshop, alone this time, when you hear it. A scream. Aleksander's scream. You freeze, at first, but then you bolt to his chambers. You don't see anyone on the corridors, probably no one else have heard it. You burst in and freeze again, surprised and very confused.

Kirigan's engulfed in his shadows. He looks as if someone is forcing his right hand down. But then he suddenly raises, but as if fighting with someone over it, and then it almost seems as if he is pushing someone away from him. The shadows disappear. He stands in place, panting and shaking.

'Aleksander?' you ask hesitantly. His eyes snap to you. He takes a step forward but then collapses. You thrust yourself to him and manage to slow down his sudden fall.

'[Y/N]…' he gasps. He grabs your kefta, holds on to it, and buries his face in your neck.

'You… only you… only you… I'm sorry…' he babbles. 'I'm so sorry… only you… all I have… you…'

You sit on the ground, stunned. You understand nothing of it. But you hold Aleksander close to yourself and comfort him. You want to be his shelter as he has been yours. He calms down after a moment and tells you what happened.

There's a connection between him and Alina. He's been showing himself to her as a projection. A moment ago, she's done the same for the first time. She tried to make him believe she starts to understand what he's been telling her, but in reality, she tried to destroy that bond, by removing the fragment of the Stag from his hand. She failed. He pushed her away.

'I didn't trust her,' he says, his look haunted. 'Nor fell for her flirt. You're the one I want. But still… it made me understand she will never willingly join our cause.'

You squeeze his arm comfortingly. You know how much he wanted her to join you, understand you. Finally realising that she doesn't agree with his methods… it really has hurt him.

A few minutes later Fruzsi, Ivan and Fedyor walk in. Aleksander has called for them. Now he's sitting by his desk, his back to them, with you having a hand on his shoulder.

'General?' Ivan asks.

'Take down the First Army encampments,' Kirigan orders. They're surprised by this change of heart. But also pleased (well, maybe beside Fedyor).

'Understood,' Fruzsi says, satisfied. 'We will refocus our efforts.'

'And what of the Sun Summoner?' Fedyor asks, his expression grim.

'The whole world will hear it… when I make her scream,' Aleksander answers through gritted teeth, while putting his hand on yours that is on his shoulder. You eye it. It looks worse because of Alina. Earlier you've wondered about- But no. You're ready to do anything to save him. Even something you've ben conflicted about before. But not anymore. Because you can't lose him either.

*

Thanks to Morozova's journal, you've found your way to his old workshop. You haven't told anyone about your plans, but you did leave a note explaining them on the bed. You doubt anyone would read it, though. You suspect they will panic and start looking for you frantically. Well, you did inform them in a way. The only way that guaranteed no one would stop you.

You pass a room with two coffins and enter the workshop. Your eyes light up at all the notebooks, journals, papers, writings on the walls… You immediately start looking through everything, hoping to find a cure for Aleksander. You're so focused on it, you only notice that you're not alone, when someone gasps.

You look up, alarmed. You stiffen, seeing stunned Alina, Mal and Baghra. But Starkov's look quickly hardens.

'Where is he?' she demands. You blink.

'I want to ask "who", but I feel you mean Aleksander,' you say. 'Well, he's not here.'

'Then how did you enter here?' Mal asks, puzzled. You look down, nervous.

'I… may have stolen a bit of his blood,' you admit guiltily. You almost feel Baghra's gaze on you.

'You've deciphered it,' she guesses. 'Morozova's journal.'

You're silent for a moment. You sigh and look at them.

'Some of it,' you confirm. 'I still don't understand most of it. But I did understood how to enter this workshop.

'And how did you find this place?' Baghra asks, putting their lantern away. Your gaze falls on a basket full of rare metals in the corner. The Shadow Summoner scoffs.

'Of course,' she says. 'He always bragged about his booty. Very rare. Rare enough for you to feel it if you knew more or less where to look for it.'

'But why did you come without him?' Alina asks. 'Surely, he would like to find out where to look for the Firebird.'

'I'm not here to find a clue about that amplifier,' you say, frowning. 'You can have it, for all I care. Hells, you can tear down the Fold and I wouldn't be bothered.'

Alina and Mal stare at you, surprised. Baghra just assesses you calmly. They start to talk quietly with each other. You ignore them. You only focus on them again, when Baghra says:

'Follow me. You, stay. Start sorting through his journals for any mention of the Firebird.'

She leaves and Mal follows her. Alina glances at you, then runs after them. But she returns after a moment. She eyes you warily and starts doing what you are.

'Why are you here, then?' she asks. 'If not for the Firebird?'

'Find a way to save him,' you answer. 'How are David and Genya?'

'Fine,' Alina answers after a moment, surprised, but then gets angry. 'If after what Kirigan did to Genya she can be fine.'

'For your information, we argued about it after I saw what he did,' you say, rolling your eyes. Alina is silent for a moment.

'Baghra and Genya did mention you're the one who let them out,' she admits. 'Which is why I don't understand why you're still on his side. Why after everything he's done, everyone he's killed, what he did to Genya-'

'He regrets it,' you interrupt her. 'He agreed he shouldn't have done that to her. Not after all she did for him.'

Alina stares at you, shocked. Your look softens.

'He's not as evil as you make him to be,' you say quietly and return to your search.

'You have a good heart, [Y/N],' Starkov says after a beat. 'You felt for me, when he tore me away from Mal and talked with him on my behalf. You are not someone who would commit horrors that all of Aleksander's follower do.'

'Who we are and who we need to be to survive are two different things,' you say flatly. Alina scoffs.

'You don't need to,' she insists, annoyed. 'If you'd stayed that day on the skiff, you'd be welcomed in the Spinning Wheel. Among other Grisha. Because they are. Nikolay is going to be the King now. He believes we can live together. He can make Ravka whole.'

You chuckle, amused at her naïve dreams. You don't think this country can ever be mended. It's too late for that. Not that you care.

'So can Aleksander,' you say.

'With terror and murder?' Starkov scoffs. 'He won't rule for long. You know it. You know fear is not enough. So, why are you-'

'Damn it, Alina, how many times?' you snap. 'I'm in love with him! That's why I don't hesitate to bend my morals. And don't you dare judging me for this, because I'm pretty sure you'd bend yours for Mal.'

'But does he love you back?' Starkov asks, her voice low. 'Or does he even know you're here?'

You stiffen and your heart skips a beat. Because he still hasn't said it. You clench your jaw.

'Not unless he read a note I left,' you answer, skimming through a journal in your hands. You freeze a second later. Your eyes quickly scan the words on the pages. Your heart skips a beat again.

'Alina!' you hear Mal's panicked voice at that exact moment. You and Starkov look at each other, surprised.

'Okay, maybe he read it after all,' you say, surprised, and snap the journal shut. 'How about we save Mal? You care for him and I'd hate to see what you're capable of if he's hurt. Or dead.'

You both hurry outside. You stop dead in your tracks. Mal is on the ground. Baghra is standing in front of him, preparing a Cut. Facing them is Aleksander, desperately trying to stop his nichevo'ya from attacking his mother. One is holding him back and the other is about to throw itself on Baghra.

'No!' Alina screams, already summoning light.

'Stop!' you shout at the same time, panicked. And just like that, the nichevo that was about to attack Baghra… stops. Everyone stares in stunned silence, as it turns its head toward you. You shake your head. Both nichevo'ya disappear.

Baghra, Alina and Mal stare at you in shock. You use their confusion and hurry to Kirigan. You grab his shoulder and drag him toward the horses.

'Come on, we've got what we needed,' you urge him.

'Indeed,' Aleksander says, his eyes on Mal. The tracker gulps, staring back. Kirigan smiles slightly and follows you to the horses. You mount them quickly. You glance at Alina. You share a sad look, both of you regretting that you're on the opposite sides. She wants to say something, but you already ride away with Aleksander.

'What was that?' Mal asks, turning to Baghra. 'Why it listened to her, while it didn't listen to Kirigan?'

Baghra is silent. In her mind she replays the last time she saw you.

'He will hurt you for this.'

'He can't.'

'That's why he let us go,' Baghra whispers, understanding slowly. Mal and Alina look at her, confused. Old woman chuckles.

'A bit more time… and it won't be Aleksander calling all the shots,' she says and sighs sadly. 'But the question is, whether we have that much time.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134444428

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter IX - A Night to Remember

Chapter Summary: You confront Aleksander about your feelings. No turning back now. Either you gain what you really want… or lose everything you have.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Ivan, Fruzsi

Word Count: 4224

A/N: This episode contains little plot and I think one dialogue of episode three of season two. Smut alert! If you don't like reading such scenes or are underage, please, don't read from: "You don't even notice when your kefta is gone." to "'Saints…' you gasp, when Kirigan slowly pulls out a few minutes later.". Enjoy! Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794862/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786859/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089792224/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786911/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798522/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786956/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090026888/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089792489/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786906/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786855/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794943/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786927/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786924/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089935991/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089795188/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786912/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794946/ moi sol ye tselai – my sun and stars milaya – sweet girl lapushka – darling, honey, sweetie

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

It's night when you return to the mansion. Fruzsi greets you with a relieved look on her face. You're suspicious. Was she worried about you? Why? What does she want?

'Thank Saints,' she exclaims, rushing to you. 'We feared you betrayed us like David and Genya.'

'I'm sorry?' you ask, stunned. You look at her with wide eyes. Her face falls.

'Not long after you left, David and Genya disappeared,' she reports. 'General managed to bring Genya back, but David… he has escaped.'

'But… why?' you ask, still not quite believing it.

'We're not sure,' Fruzsi answers and looks at you nervously. '[Y/N]… please tell me you hid somewhere Morozova's journal. It's gone and Vladim didn't see you take it… so he assumed David left with it.'

'No, I have it with me,' you answer. But you're sure that if you had left it, David would have taken it. And with it a chance to save Aleksander… No, you can't think about it.

'Thank Saints,' Fruzsi sighs and again looks at you nervously. 'Could you tell this to General? We… I already told him that David had probably taken the journal. He's… not left his room since.'

'Why me?' you ask, puzzled. Ivan snorts. You glance behind you at him.

'So far you're the only one who was brave enough to argue with him,' he explains. 'And survive.'

'Baghra did, too,' you add.

'Baghra is Baghra,' Ivan says, shrugging. 'Besides, she's in a cage. You're not. And you're also second in command.'

'I still don't accept it,' you murmur and sigh. 'But fine. I will… talk to him.'

Fruzsi exhales, relieved. Ivan's lips twitch upward. Oh, bastard is satisfied.

'You can use this moment to make up,' he says. You glare at him and march inside. You stop outside Kirigan's room. You're suddenly nervous.

'How was it?' you sigh. '"You only live once"?'

You knock on the door. No answer. You roll your eyes and try open the door. It's locked. Irritated, you push them open with your powers and walk inside.

Aleksander is standing with his back to you, next to his table. Things that used to be on it are now on the floor. You raise your eyebrows, unimpressed.

'Is there a lock you can't open?' Kirigan asks, sounding tired.

'Haven't met one yet,' you answer, shrugging. General turns to you.

'I thought you're gone as well,' he says after a beat.

'Do you really have that little faith in me?' you scoff. 'I made you a promise, remember?'

'Our last conversation didn't exactly end on a high note,' Aleksander points out. You slowly walk toward him.

'Friends argue sometimes, did you know?' you ask. 'It happens. Especially, when they're both annoyed or irritated. And we were at the time.'

Kirigan hums. Silence falls between you two. You hesitate.

'I've heard about Genya and David,' you say quietly. General's look darkens.

'I'm disappointed,' he says. 'I've always had an affinity for them. And they- Doesn't matter. What matters is-'

He stops and looks at you. You think you see hope in his eyes.

'Morozova's journal,' he says. 'Did David…?'

'Do you really think I'd leave probably the only way to save you just laying around?' you ask and reach into your pocket. You take out Morozova's journal. Aleksander exhales shakily with relief.

'As always reliable,' he says and smiles faintly at you. 'Thank you, [Y/N].'

You frown. You see something in his eyes. Something that you've thought you'd never see.

'You really were afraid,' you whisper. Kirigan flinches. He opens his mouth to deny. But in the end, he sighs and sits down on his bed. He hides his head in his hands.

'Aleksander…' you say softly and walk to him. You sit down next to him and touch his arm gently.

'I'm terrified,' he says and raises his head slightly. 'I'm always terrified. I act like I know what I'm doing, but the truth is I don't.'

You don't really know what to say to that. So, you decide to just squeeze his arm. He turns his head and smiles at you.

'That's why I'm glad to have a friend like you,' he says. 'I can always count on you. You're my constant in life. No matter what, you're always my best friend.'

'Yeah… about that,' you chuckle nervously. 'Can we talk?'

But it's like he doesn't hear you. And you don't know how to say it. So, as usual, you focus on Kirigan. He looks really tired now. Maybe there's a chance you could… talk some sense into him?

'Aleksander… aren't you tired?' you ask quietly. 'Of always fighting? Always sacrificing? You've been protecting us for a really long time. Maybe it's time for someone else to take upon that role and for you to… rest and… do what you really want. What do you want, Aleksander?'

'I want-' Kirigan starts after a moment but then stops. He tears his fingers through his hair.

'Never mind what I want,' he says and lowers his voice. 'What do you want? I know you hate all of that. Your morals are not happy. You went to war with yourself for me. And I know you promised to stay by my side and that you're ready to ruin yourself million times. But why? What is in it for you? What do you want?'

'You,' you answer after a moment, a defeated look in your eyes.

Always you.

'What?' General asks, stunned, his head snapping toward you. He looks at you with wide eyes. You exhale slowly. You said 'a', you might as well say 'b'. So, you cup his face.

'I want you,' you repeat, staring him straight in the eyes. 'All of you. Your flaws. Your mistakes. Your imperfections. I want you and only you.'

Aleksander looks at you, stunned. If you'd press your hand to his chest, you could feel how fast his heart is beating. He's glad you're not doing that.

'What do you mean by that… exactly?' he demands. You gulp.

'I look at you and I just love you,' you say, feeling tears gathering in your eyes. 'And it terrifies me. It terrifies me what I would do for you.'

You gulp. You know it's true. You keep crossing the line. For him.

'But at the same time… I've never been happier then since I've become your friend,' you add. 'So much, in fact, that my stomach drops when I think of anyone else having you.'

Kirigan stares at you, stunned. His eyes are glistening as well. He can't believe what he hears. He doesn't want to believe it.

'Why me?' he whispers. You look at him like he was the dumbest person in the world. Which, at the moment, you believe to be the case.

'Because you saw me when I was invisible,' you answer. 'You saw what no one else did. You helped me get out of my shell and show everyone, including myself, who I really am.'

The Darkling stares at you for a moment. Then, he harshly pushes your hands away and stands up abruptly. He paces the room furiously. You observe him calmly. What else do you have to lose?

'You can't love me,' he insists. 'Not me. I… I've done terrible things. Things I know you don't approve of. You should be scared of me, not claim that you love me. Why would you- Why aren't you scared of me? Why do you care for me?'

He stops pacing and looks at you. His eyes demand an answer from you. You see he's trying to be harsh. But you see behind his façade. You can see in his look he really wants to know why. He needs it.

'I'm not scared of you, because I know you'd never hurt me,' you say, slowly standing up, then walk to him. 'You used merzost to save me from a Volcra. I don't believe you'd hurt me after that. And… I care for you for many reasons. Because how you make me feel safe and valued. How you smile whenever it's just the two of us. How you care about Grisha and for Ravka, in a way. How right it feels to be held by you. I love your laugh, your sense of humour… the way we can talk for hours and still don't have enough. You… you're it. I just know it.'

Aleksander's nose flares. He tries to put on his mask. But you've already learnt to look past it. You know it's just a defence mechanism.

'You should leave,' he says, actually surprising you. 'You should… leave this place… and forget about me. I'm not worth of… someone so kind and good loving me. So go. Leave and live your life how you should be before our paths crossed. You deserve someone better than me.'

He points his finger at the door. For a minute you stare at each other in silence.

'What if I never forget you?' you ask, causing him to flinch. 'What if, all my life, when I meet someone new, I can never fall for them, because they aren't you?'

He stares at you, stunned. You take a step forward, your faces now inches apart.

'You showed me that I can be cared for, even though everyone else tried to show me no one could ever love me,' you say. 'You fought my battles for me and protected me when someone was hurting me. You comforted me when I was at my worst. You didn't push away when I was closing myself in. You pushed through my walls and became my friend. No one ever did that. I know you're not exactly a good person. Maybe I deserve someone else, but I always wanted you. And no matter who you are and what you did… you deserve to be loved.'

Kirigan stares at you in shock, opening and closing his mouth. When he doesn't say anything for a longer moment, you hang your head, defeated, and head toward the door, desperately trying not to burst into tears. At least not while you're still in his room. But a hand grasping your arm stops you.

'You can't just touch my soul and leave,' Kirigan says, calmness back in his voice. You look up at him, surprised. Yes, he's composed again. But the mask is gone now. He looks at you in a way you've never seen him looking at you. You can't exactly describe it.

'And… how did I touch it?' you ask hesitantly, now your voice breaking. 'How do I make you feel? Tell me the truth, please.'

'The truth?' Aleksander asks and runs a hand through his hair. 'I like you. A lot. You make me happy. You make me laugh. You're smart. You're different. You're a little crazy and awkward, and your smile alone can make my day.'

You stare at him, stunned. He looks at you softly.

'Truth is, I didn't expect to get this attached to you,' he admits. You feel tears welling up in your eyes. Kirigan cups your face and dries the corners of your eyes.

'Why?' you whisper. He ponders his answer for a moment.

'At first, I was drawn to your power,' he starts slowly. 'Then… I started enjoy your company. I couldn't understand it. Why you made me feel… at peace. Good. I know now. You find goodness in others. And when it's not there, you create it. That's what you did with me. You made me want to be better. To protect you. To care for you. You reminded me why I'm doing this all, when I was losing the will to fight. So that all Grisha could be safe. So you could be safe.'

He takes your hand and places it on his heart. You inhale sharply, feeling how fast his heart is beating.

'I don't know when nor how… but you grabbed my heart, took it and I know I can never get it back,' he says. 'Not in the way it was before. Moi sol ye tselai. That's who you are to me. Who you've always been.'

Okay, that's it. You can't stop them now. Your tears are falling like a broken dam. Aleksander leans down… and kisses them away. Which causes you to start sobbing. He takes you in his arms and embraces you tightly.

'Sh… milaya,' he whispers. 'I have you. I finally have you and I'll never let you go.'

'Finally?' you whisper. He hugs you tighter.

'I tried to fight it,' he says. 'When I realised what I feel for you. I tried to deny it, to insist we're just friends. No matter how much it hurt or broke my heart. I tried to make Alina love me, trust me, when all the time I wish it was you in her place. But I told myself it's impossible. So, I cared for you from afar. Making sure you're safe. And whenever you weren't, I was going mad from fear. Because losing you… I believe it would finally kill me. I can no longer live without you, lapushka.'

His voice shakes a bit. You wonder whether he's crying as well. Or he's close to and is stopping himself. But your face is pressed into his kefta, so you can't see.

'Can I kiss you?' he whispers suddenly. Your heart beats like crazy. You pull away slightly, to be able to look at his face. Your eyes meet.

'Yes,' you answer, breathless. In a second, Aleksander cups your face and his lips meet yours. You gasp, surprised, and answer the kiss. You've often dreamed of kissing him. But reality is far better. When he finally pulls away, you're dazed. And he's breathing heavily.

'Far better than my dreams,' he chuckles. You blush and look down at his kefta. His black kefta with golden embroidery.

'Better than kissing Alina?' you ask before you can stop yourself. You can't help it. Jealousy and insecurity take you over again.

'Why do you think we kissed?' Kirigan asks after a moment. You look up at him and roll your eyes.

'I'm not an idiot, Aleksander,' you say. 'I know you were with Alina in your chambers when I came to tell you about the attack on Marie. And I know why you were there.'

'Hey,' he says, grasping your arms tightly. 'Nothing happened, do you hear me? Nothing happened except for kissing.'

'Because I interrupted,' you say grimly. General tilts your chin up.

'Yes,' he admits. 'And believe me when I say that a part of me was glad you did. Because when I was kissing her… and it was not better than with you… I wished I was kissing you. Holding you. Doing… more with you. And then you showed up… I was both elated and… I felt guilty. I couldn't understand why. We weren't together. But I felt… like I was betraying you. So, I was relieved I have to leave.'

'Maybe if you'd stayed, everything would be different now. Maybe Alina would be yours. And you two would change the world.'

'Perhaps. But… we wouldn't have that conversation. I'm glad we did. Because while I thought Alina is my equal… my heart is choosing you. Over and over again. It tells me to kiss you senseless. Ravish you. Make you mine.'

'What's stopping you, then?'

Aleksander freezes. He looks at you with wide eyes. You stare back at him calmly, even though your heart is beating like crazy. You're scared, yes. But you want it. Want him.

'Are you sure?' Kirigan says, his voice low. You kiss him softly.

'I want to make you mine as well,' you whisper. In a moment Aleksander pulls you closer to himself, causing you to gasp, and kisses you. It's more passionate and rougher than your first kiss. But you don't mind. You answer in the same manner. You don't even notice when your kefta is gone. You only do when you feel Kirigan taking off your shirt.

'Your shirt has to go, but you can stay,' he informs you. You laugh and help him take it off of you.

'How generous of you,' you say, amused, and reach for his kefta. 'But in that case, I want you naked as well.'

You undress each other. You stare at Aleksander's naked body in awe. You see him smirking at you, satisfied with your reaction. But then his eyes roam over you and they turn black with lust.

'I need you,' he says quietly. You take a step forward.

'I'm yours,' you declare. Your lips meet in a kiss again. Your hands are all over each other. Kirigan leads you to his bed and you lay down on it, him on top of you. He caresses your body, kissing it from your face and going down. You gasp and whimper under him.

'I've wanted this for so long,' he groans, as he starts licking your womanhood. Your eyes go wide and your body jerks, as you gasp. You moan and close your eyes, when his fingers start preparing you.

'Does it feel good?' Kirigan asks, his voice low.

'More…' you whisper. 'I need more. Please. Please, Aleksander.'

'In a moment, milaya,' your lover says, kissing your inner thigh. 'I need you to be ready for me. I don't want to hurt you.'

A few minutes later you're a panting and moaning mess. Your face is red, eyes dark with lust, lips parted. But to Aleksander you're beautiful.

'Perfect,' he whispers, looking at you in awe, and positions his member at your entrance. 'Do you still want it?'

'If you stop now, I'm going to make you anaemic,' you declare, glaring at him. He laughs and slowly enters you. You gasp and he groans. He gives you a moment to adjust. Then, he starts moving. It's nothing you've ever felt before. You put your arms around him and hold on tight.

'You feel so good, [Y/N],' Kirigan groans after a moment, kissing your face, especially your lips. 'As if you were made for me.'

'I was,' you gasp. 'I'm pretty sure I was. Oh… Saints… Aleksander… yes…'

'Say my name again,' your lover demands, his look darkening. You start repeating his name like a prayer. It spurs him on. He speeds up. You arch your back. He thrusts a few more times and when he hits just the right spot, you both reach your high, moaning each other's names.

'Saints…' you gasp, when Kirigan slowly pulls out a few minutes later. 'So much better than my dreams.'

Aleksander chuckles. He looks at you with mirth.

'Did you dream about it often?' he asks.

'Not really,' you admit, surprising him. 'I have a terrible sleeping schedule.'

'True, we must do something about it,' Kirigan agrees. He gets up, but only to grab a wet cloth to wash you both. When he's done, he pulls the covers over you. He puts his arms around you and pulls you to himself.

'Sleep, [Y/N],' he murmurs in your hair and kisses your head. 'I'll be here when you wake up.'

You weren't even that sleepy a moment ago. But now… you close your eyes and almost immediately fall asleep. With a happy smile on your face.

*

When Aleksander wakes up, you're cuddling to him. He smiles. He didn't dream to wish for this to happen. Yet here you are. In his arms. Feeling what he feels. Maybe his plans were ruined. But at least it got him to this. Perhaps it was worth it.

He's about to press a kiss to your forehead, when a familiar feeling rises in his throat. He quickly untangles himself from you and falls from the bed. He manages to reach his desk when a cough shakes his body. He can't stop. Soon, he feels the black substance on his hand that covers his mouth. It overflows.

The moment the attack stops, a handkerchief appears in front of his face. He stares at it, puzzled. He follows the hand that holds it and finds it's attached to you. You're leaning over him, as he's fallen on his knees, your other hand holding covers around your body, and looking at him with worry.

'Thank you,' he says after a moment and takes the handkerchief. He wipes his mouth and then his hand. He stands up with your help.

'I'm sorry,' he says. 'I didn't mean to wake you.'

'I was already awake,' you say, shaking your head. 'I just… It felt nice. Being in your arms.'

You blush and Aleksander smiles. He puts a strand of loose hair behind your ear.

'I enjoyed having you in my arms as well,' he says. You smile. You take his hand and lead him back to bed. You make him sit down and then lower yourself on his lap. He stares at you in awe, as you cup his face and kiss him.

'Is it… okay?' you whisper, shy.

'More than okay,' he assures you, grabbing your hips. 'Whenever you feel like kissing me, just do it.'

You smile at that and kiss him again. He moans into the kiss and falls on his back. You start kissing his jaw.

'If you continue… we will not leave this room tonight,' he says after a moment, his voice strained.

'I don't see how that would be bad,' you say, smirking, but roll off of him. He reaches for you and pulls you to himself.

'Someone would come in, worried, and would see us naked and very busy,' Kirigan says. You freeze.

'Saints, no,' you whisper, horrified. Your lover laughs. He caresses your arm. He looks at you a moment later and sees you're deep in thought.

'What's on your mind?' he asks. You hum.

'Just thinking,' you say and look up at him. 'Funny how it all turned out. I think… meeting you was fate. Becoming your friend was a choice. But… falling in love with you was beyond my control.'

Aleksander smiles and pecks your lips. He nuzzles your nose.

'I may hate your father for how he treated you, but I'm glad he brought you to the Little Palace,' he says.

'My father is not something I want to talk about while in bed with you,' you sigh.

'Oh? And what would you rather talk about?' your lover asks, grinning. 'How absolutely perfect you were last night? How I wish to kiss and mark every inch of your body?'

You blush and bite your lip. While what he says it's a bit embarrassing, you really want that. Saints, you want that so much.

'Don't bite your lip, I want to do that,' Aleksander says quietly, leaning to your face. You let go of your lip, but a moment later it's between Kirigan's teeth. You're about to kiss again… when there's a knock on the door.

'Way to ruin a moment,' you murmur, glumly.

'I know,' Kirigan says, irritated. He quickly gets up and puts on his pants. He walks to the door and opens it slightly. Outside, he sees a troubled Fruzsi.

'What is it?' he asks, annoyed she interrupted a thing he's wanted for so long to happen.

'Forgive me, General,' Fruzsi apologies. 'But we can't find [Y/N] anywhere. It appears she's not slept in her room last night. And last time we saw her, she was heading here-'

'She's fine,' Aleksander cuts her off. 'No need to worry.'

Fruzsi stares at him. Then, she glances behind him. She clears her throat.

'I see,' she says. 'I apologise again.'

She bows her head and leaves. Kirigan closes the door behind her and turns to you. He's disappointed to see you're already dressing.

'Going so soon?' he asks, walking slowly toward you.

'Busy day,' you answer. 'I have to find a way to help you.'

Aleksander stops. He watches you as you finish dressing up.

'Don't do it at the expense of yourself,' he asks you. You walk to him with a smile.

'I won't,' you promise and kiss him one more time. 'I'll see you later.'

You walk toward the door, but Kirigan's hand on your wrist stops you. You glance at it, then at his face, confused.

'You know you're mine now, yes?' he asks. 'And I'm yours. We're together.'

You smile brightly at him and nod. He smiles back and lets you go. You leave his room and head toward the workshop. You turn the corner and almost shriek, scared, as you almost walk right into Ivan.

'Are you trying to kill me?' you ask, glaring at him.

'Is it true?' he asks instead of answering. 'Did you spend the night with General?'

'Don't you dare saying "I told you so",' you say, blushing furiously. Ivan smirks.

'So, he said it, then?' he asks. 'That he loves you back.'

You open your mouth to confirm, but stop yourself. You freeze. You replay your conversation from last night in your head. Your heart starts beating faster, causing Ivan to frown. Because Aleksander didn't say it. He said all those wonderful things, but he didn't say those three little words. He… he said he likes you. But… does it mean he loves you?

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could.

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134301133

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter VIII - Shadow of Your Former Self

Chapter Summary: The events in the Fold has started a civil war. Kirigan rescues persecuted Grisha and takes them into his army. You're as always by his side, but your heart is torn. The time has come to make a decision.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Genya Safin/David Kostyk

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Ivan, Genya Safin, Vladim Gulav, Baghra, David Kostyk

Word Count: 3879

A/N: This chapter contains some plot and dialogues from episodes one, two and three of season two. Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786922/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089797728/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089794864/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089802379/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089786921/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089796654/ nichevo'ya – nothings

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

Hunted. That's what Grisha are after the events of the Fold. They had to run from the Little Palace. Some were captured. Some killed. Your heart burns with fury for the death of your sisters and brothers. You know it's all because of what Aleksander has done. But they did nothing wrong. They didn't deserve it.

Soldiers from the First Army have captured another Grisha and have put them in cages near the Fold. They want to let Volcras eat them. But just when they are about to do it… they hear a growl. They stop their laughter. One of them drops dead.

They're scared now. Even more when a head of one of them is thrown out of the Fold and rolls to the feet of their leader. A moment later a shadowy figure leaves the Unsea. They start shooting at the creature. It just advances on them. They run, screaming. But there's no escape.

No one has noticed, when three hooded figures have showed up at the other end of the alley between the cages. They throw back their hoods, revealing Kirigan, Ivan… and you.

'I have returned,' General says loudly to shocked Grisha and smiles. 'And I've made some new friends.'

His two shadow monsters show up behind you three, then disappear. You relax instantly. They still make you feel uneasy.

'So… this again?' Aleksander asks and takes a few steps forward. 'Locking us up… in cages.'

He looks back at you. You bring your hands together and focus. There's a click and all cages are opened. Another click and the chains bounding the Grisha unlock as well.

'I shall have to overthrow the King now,' Kirigan states calmly. Grisha slowly get out of their cages, still not believing they're free nor that their General is alive. You first notice a familiar face.

'Genya,' you say, relieved to see a friendly face. You and Aleksander walk to her. She's still in her cage.

'Am I glad to see you,' the Darkling says. You glance at him.

'We both are,' you correct him.

'You survived,' Genya says, shocked, staring at Kirigan.

'Of course I did,' he says. 'When have I ever not? But I am famished.'

He walks away from Genya's cage. He turns to his Grisha.

'I think I'll head into town,' he says loudly. 'Dispose of the First Army there and cook up some dinner. If anyone… cares to join me.'

He extends his hand to Genya. She stares at him, fighting with herself. But in the end, she leaves her cage and walks to him.

'Follow,' Kirigan says and starts walking.

'As long as it's not Ivan that's cooking,' you say, following him, same as others.

'It wasn't that bad,' the Heartrender protests.

'As long as I'm with you, you will never enter a kitchen,' you promise him. Aleksander snorts under his breath. Your heart skips a beat.

'She does have a point,' Kirigan admits. 'It was one of the worst meals I've ever had.'

Ivan can't say anything back to his General. You send him a smug smile. He glares at you, but his expression quickly clears, when you suddenly feel a hand grabbing your own. You turn your head and see Aleksander holding your hand.

'I hope you don't mind,' he says softly. You shake your head. His grip on you tightens. For a moment it allows you to believe there's something between you two. That he cares about you like you do about him. But you know he's simply protective over you ever since you've saved him and almost died because of that. Not that because… you're together.

'Why can't I be your girl?' you whisper.

'What did you say?' Aleksander asks. You shake your head and smile at him.

'Nothing,' you lie. 'Nothing at all.'

Like Kirigan said, you dispose of the First Army in town and eat something. Then you return to the hideout you've found some time ago. A splendid mansion. General has gotten you your own room to your surprise. Close to his. You force your heart to stop dreaming about any romantic reasons for it.

You're staring at the flames roaring in your fireplace, when there's a knock on the door. You sit up straight, surprised.

'Come in,' you call. The door opens and Genya walks in. She looks much cleaner and better. You smile softly at the Tailor kefta on her. You know how much she's wanted to wear one, to feel like one of the Grisha.

'Genya,' you say softly. 'Are you feeling better?'

'I am,' the Tailor says, walking slowly into the room. 'Thank you.'

'What can I do for you?' you ask. The Tailor walks to you.

'General has told me to come to you,' she explains. You freeze.

'I would have preferred you to rest first,' you say and force a smile. 'Honestly, Genya. You deserve it.'

'He and Ivan have already told me,' the Tailor says. 'About Volcra attacking you and hurting you in the Fold.'

'Yes,' you say, wincing. 'Being on Volcra's mercy is not something pleasant.'

'Then I'm even more grateful for the rescue,' Genya says. 'Let me pay you back. Show me.'

You hesitate. Finally, you relent. You take off your kefta and shirt. You turn to Genya slowly. You hear her taking in a breath sharply. A moment later her fingers trace the scars on your back.

'Ivan did his best,' you say quietly. 'But he could only do so much.'

'He definitely has no future as a Tailor,' Genya murmurs and you crack a smile. Soon you feel her powers working on you. Your scars tingle. You close your eyes, feeling them becoming smaller… but not disappearing.

'I'm sorry,' Genya says, a bit surprised. 'That's all I can-'

She stops when you stand up abruptly. You walk to the mirror and turn slightly to be able to see your back. The scares are smaller and paler. But not gone.

'Thank you,' you say and turn to Genya with a smile. 'Truly.'

She nods and hesitates. But you pay her no more attention, focusing on your scars again. You suspect why they can't be gone completely. But you don't want to say it out loud.

Genya leaves the room. You almost don't notice it. You touch the mirror. You feel it vibrate under your touch. You look at your scars and feel anger. Anger because no matter what you do, you always end up hurt.

The mirror cracks. You jump back from it, startled. You stare at it for a moment, then turn around. You could easily fix it. But why? Let it be damaged. Just like you are.

*

Another day starts. You're not sure how many have passed now ever since you left the Fold. Your scars are now paler thanks to Genya, but the damage is still here. Damage… and change. Something has changed in you. You can feel it. But you can't tell what.

'May I come in?' a voice wakes up you from your thoughts. 'I apologise for the intrusion.'

You look at the door and see Aleksander standing hesitantly inside them. You smile slightly.

'You're back,' you say.

'Last night,' he says, walking into the room. 'You've noticed I'm gone, then.'

'Well… yes,' you answer. 'Where were you?'

'To collect something,' Kirigan answers. 'Which is actually why I'm here. I didn't want you to know, but you're the best Durast I have and apparently Ivan is more terrified of you than me for some reason-'

'Well, everyone knows you can kill them at any moment,' you interrupt. 'And you never know when I aggressively may start poking someone with a dagger.'

He laughs. Your heart skips a beat. You still love being one responsible for it.

'I admit that's true,' he says. 'Anyway, since he's more afraid of you than me, he'll tell you anyway. Ever since I've created my nichevo'ya, I.. Their creation has left me plagued by cough, headaches that pierce behind the eyes like hot daggers.'

'A cough that has you spitting out a black substance,' you say quietly. Kirigan looks at you with a sharp look. You scoff.

'I'm not blind, Aleksander,' you say. 'Or deaf. I have a room right next to you. And before we got here, I have been travelling by your side for days. You've tried to be discreet, at least from me, for some reason, but I saw it. I just waited for you to come to me with this.'

'Forgive me,' Kirigan says after a beat. 'I didn't want you to worry.'

You give him a look. He barely stops himself from smiling.

'Well, that went just splendidly,' you scoff and look down sadly. 'I'm sorry. You've created them to save me and-'

'If I were to do it again, I would,' he interrupts you.

'Well, obviously,' you say, rolling your eyes. 'They're a great asset.'

'And they saved you from the Volcras,' Aleksander says strongly. 'That's why.'

You look at him, eyeing him warily. He caresses your face.

'Why are you telling me this now?' you ask quietly. He exhales slowly and takes a step back.

'I believe this problem uniquely suited to your analytical brain,' he says and hands you some book. It's a diary. You look at it casually. Suddenly, it hits you what it is.

'Is this...' you start, stunned and in awe.

'I always thought them to be the scribblings of an unstable mind,' Aleksander says. 'He went mad, apparently. Morozova. But I thought perhaps you might be able to extract a solution for that which ails me.'

'Something to assuage the unwanted effects of merzost,' you say, nodding, and Kirigan hums. 'They're always with you, aren't they?'

'Always,' General confirms. 'And as you've probably already noticed, they only seem to make themselves apparent when I'm under threat.'

You wince, remembering what they can do. You always feel odd whenever they show up. You can't really describe it.

'And… how are you?' Aleksander asks slowly, hesitantly. You blink at him.

'Me? Fine,' you answer, puzzled. Kirigan looks at something behind you.

'Show me,' he says softly. Ah. Not behind you. At your back.

'I don't think-' you start.

'[Y/N],' General says, a bit more harshly. 'Show me.'

You gulp and turn around. You take off your kefta with shaking hands and then your shirt. Your heart is beating fast. You can't help it. You're basically half naked in the presence of Aleksander. But he's seeing your back and is also gently tracing the scars that make you feel odd almost all the time.

'I'm sorry,' he apologises quietly with a bit of an anguish. 'It seems I've ruined you in more than one way.'

'For you I would ruin myself a million little times,' you say. Kirigan's hand freezes. After a moment he takes it back. You clothe yourself back and turn to him. He caresses your cheek.

'You're too good for me,' he says. 'Too pure.'

'Remember what I told you about your thorns?' you ask. Aleksander smile. You smile back.

'And you still stand by it?' he asks. You look at him softly.

'Always,' you answer.

'I can't possibly express how much it means to me,' the Darkling says after a moment.

'Hm… you can always give me more journals,' you say teasingly.

'I take it you're obsessed with him, his history and his work,' General sighs.

'Hey, he's the greatest Durast that we've heard off,' you say and think. 'Well, along with Sankta Neyar.'

Kirigan chuckles and shakes his head. He looks at you fondly.

'What am I to do with you?' he asks. You grin at him. But he suddenly becomes serious.

'Anyway, I should also like to know if you discover anything that pertains to the connection between amplifier and amplified,' Aleksander says. 'For instance, if... Alina had survived… might I be able to feel it?'

Your heart stops. You try to calm down and be rational.

'Uh... Well, like I already told you, the bridge that I built between you and Alina had no precedent,' you say and grab his hand gently. 'I... I see a fragment still remains to infect you.'

'I don't blame you, [Y/N],' Kirigan says quietly. 'So, you don't either.'

You nod. Aleksander exhales slowly and smiles.

'I won't keep you anymore,' he says. 'I'll come by later.'

You nod. General squeezes your shoulder and leaves. You stare after him. Only after the door closes after him, you let your tears flow.

*

You enter the workshop in the mansion, fully expecting to find there only Vladim – an Alkemi you've recently rescued. He's a bit odd, but a nice company. You do find him there, but you also find Baghra. In a cage. You stop dead in your tracks. The old woman turns her head and her eyes fall on you. There's sadness in them.

'I told you to run while you can,' she says. You gulp. Because while you still stand firm by what you've said then, that you'd never betray Aleksander, you also now that maybe running away would be the best option for you.

'Why should have she?' Vladim asks. 'She's now General's second in command.'

'Yes, exactly,' you say absentmindedly. You blink when you realise what the Alkemi has just said. You turn to him with a frown.

'I'm sorry… I'm who?' you ask. Vladim looks at you with surprise and slight embarrassment.

'We… we all assumed you are,' he says and starts mumbling. 'With the next best room being yours, always being with General, him seeking out your advice… we all assumed that's why. Well, I've heard Fruzsi had something against it but otherwise than that…'

'Fruzsi?' you ask and wince. 'She's here? Oh, Saints…'

You haven't seen much of the Tidemaker, but whenever you did, it was not pleasant. She's been always looking down on you, even though you both were sold by your families. But she was a Summoner and you were a Materialki. Not that it matters to you, but to her obviously it does.

'Anyway, if anyone's second in command, it's Ivan,' you argue and notice a familiar kefta passing the door to the workshop. 'Ivan!'

You hurry out of the room. The Heartrender stops a few feet away, hearing your voice. He turns to you.

'[Y/N],' he greets you. 'Something the matter?'

'You're the second in command now, aren't you?' you ask, a bit hopefully.

'No, you are,' Ivan answers without missing a beat with a deadpan expression. He turns and resumes walking. You stand frozen for a minute. Then, you return to the workshop.

'Great,' you murmur. 'Just great.'

You sigh and take out Morozova's diary from your pocket. Baghra immediately scowls.

'Don't read it,' she barks. 'Nothing good will come out of it. Destroy it.'

You slowly raise your eyes at her. She frowns at the look you give her.

'I'm not going to destroy it until I save him,' you say. 'And I will do it.'

Like it was back in the Little Palace, you spend most of your time in the next days in the workshop. The text in a diary is a blabbering of a mad man, which frustrates you. Because you see some genius in those words as well. So, trying to decipher it, you basically live in the workshop. That's where Aleksander finds you, when he brings some news.

'I have a surprise for you,' he says, entering the room. You're sitting by a table, your elbows on the table and your hands buried in your hair.

'Resurrected Morozova so I could learn all his secrets and then kill him for writing in such way?' you ask. Kirigan chuckles.

'Sadly, no, but I think you'll enjoy it anyway,' he answers and invites someone in. You finally look up and freeze when you see David walking in. He smiles nervously at you.

'David!' you exclaim and rush to your friend. You embrace each other tightly.

'It's good to see you, [Y/N],' he says and pulls away. You grin at him.

'Likewise,' you say and laugh. 'I'm so happy you're safe. And here. I need your help.'

And just like that you pull David into your work. You don't see General looking at you with a satisfied smile. Nor Baghra glaring at him with a scowl.

With Kostyk's help you slowly start to get through Morozova's writings. Now you both spend time in the workshop, analysing his words. One day you are interrupted by Aleksander bursting into the room, Vladim and Ivan close on his heels.

'You're going to tell me where to find the Firebird,' he says, pointing his finger at Baghra, while he marches to her.

'You want to use that as leverage?' the old woman scoffs. 'Get the Little Saint to come to you? No, no, no. Stupid boy.'

'It's the last piece that she needs,' Aleksander says.

'She has the Sea Whip?' Baghra asks, surprised. 'How do you know?'

'Scouts say that she's here in East Ravka after a failed attempt in the Fold with two amplifiers. Tell me what you know of the third. Please.'

'I know nothing of the Firebird. But I do know that if the girl locates it before you do, she'll be a force to be reckoned with. If she offers protection, Grisha will follow her, fear her. You want them to fear you.'

'Fear is a powerful ally.'

'You're the one who's afraid, Aleksander. Same as you were as a boy.'

Kirigan's eye twitches. You and David exchange a worried look.

'[Y/N], get out,' General suddenly orders, his voice emotionless.

'What?' you ask, surprised, blinking. Aleksander turns his head slightly toward you.

'Leave,' he says and looks you in the eyes. 'Please. I don't want you to see this.'

You frown. He turns his head to confused Baghra, fully expecting you to obey. A few weeks ago, you probably would. But you're not who you used to be.

'No,' you say. David and Vladim look at you with surprise. Ivan raises his eyebrows at you. Baghra looks at you with fright. Kirigan tenses.

'No?' he repeats, his voice cold. But you know him. You know he'd never hurt you. Not after he used merzost to save you. So, you stand up and cross the room to him.

'No,' you confirm and place yourself between him and the cage. 'This is my workshop. So, if anyone's going to leave it, it's you.'

Ivan has no idea whether to be impressed, amused or think you've gone mad. Vladim and David have no such dilemma, they fear for your life.

'Stay out of it, girl,' Baghra barks, not wanting you to suffer because of her.

'As your general-' Aleksander starts through gritted teeth.

'Second Army no longer exists,' you interrupt him, stunning him. 'So, technically, you're no longer my general. And as long as you're planning to hurt Baghra, I don't want you here.'

'And if I disagree?' Kirigan asks, annoyed and a bit amused. You know you can't harm him. Not only is your power not much for him, but his shadow monsters protect him.

So, you don't answer him. You stare him right in the eyes, as a lock on Baghra's bonds moves slightly. The Darkling's face pales. You may not be strong enough to protect his mother from him. But she's more than capable of doing it herself.

'Leave, Aleksander,' you say quietly, moving the lock back in its place. 'Please.'

You stare at each other for a moment. Then, Kirigan leaves the room furiously, slamming the door shut behind him.

'Stupid girl,' Baghra whispers behind you. 'You shouldn't have done that.'

'Just be glad I did,' you say grimly and walk back to the table. You slump down next to David.

'I think that was the first time we've argued,' you say. 'Also… Saints, I've just stood up to the Darkling.'

'To be honest, we've already thought you're dead,' Vladim admits. You look at him.

'Thanks, Vladim,' you say, offended, and look nervously at the door. 'I may need to stay out of his way for the time, though.'

'That may be wise,' Ivan agrees. You sigh and get up after a moment.

'I need some air,' you declare and leave the room. The Heartrender follows you.

'I'm not going to run away,' you snap.

'I know that,' Ivan says calmly. 'But General ordered me to be by your side whenever you leave the mansion.'

You roll your eyes but don't stop him from going with you. A moment later you're walking in the woods surrounding the mansion. You're deep in your thoughts, thinking about Aleksander.

'You're worried about him,' Ivan says at some point. 'How he's changed since… the Fold.'

'Of course, I am,' you say softly. The Heartrender looks at you.

'We both know he matters the world to you,' he says. 'So, why are you afraid to tell him that?'

You look at him, stunned. He looks calmly at you. You sigh.

'It's not that simple,' you say. 'Anyway, I'm not the only one having a crush on General.'

'Except it's not a crush in your case,' Ivan points out. 'And you're not attracted to him for the reason other girls… and some men… are. Are you?'

'No,' you admit quietly and sigh. 'I didn't love him for the way he looked… but for the way he looked at me.'

'Loved?' Ivan asks, alarmed at your use of the past tense. You're silent for a moment.

'I don't know anymore,' you admit. 'He's… different. Different from the man I… have fallen for. And yet… It's hard to wait for something you know might never happen. But it's harder to give up when you know it's everything you want.'

'So, just tell him,' Ivan insists.

'It's clear he doesn't feel the same,' you scoff. 'Not when there's his Saint running around.'

The Heartrender stops. You do the same and turn to him, confused.

'You're so afraid to tell people how you feel, because you fear rejection, so you bury it deep inside yourself, where it only destroys you more,' he says, stunning you. 'Tell him. If he feels the same… your wish will come true. And if he doesn't and there's no chance he ever will… you'll free yourself.'

He resumes walking, not waiting for you. You blink away the tears. You wonder about what he said. Maybe he's right? Perhaps you should confront Aleksander about your feelings? If he rejects you… he'll break your heart, but you'll also know there's no point in waiting. You'd be free. Maybe… you'd be strong enough to leave and be truthful to what you believe in.

You look up to the sky. It's getting dark. Your favourite part of the day. You close your eyes and clear your head. When you open them again, they're filled with determination. You will do it. You can. You're strong.

You resume walking, catching up to Ivan. He glances at you and sees the look in your eyes. He smiles slightly. Perhaps he finally got to you. And just in time, because if he has to watch you two being miserable for a day longer, he'll actually literally break someone's heart.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could.

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134181928

#aleksander kirigan #aleksander morovoza #the darkling #general kirigan #reader #aleksander kirigan x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling x reader #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan/reader #aleksander morozova/reader #the darkling/reader #general kirigan/reader #aleksander kirigan & reader #aleksander morozova & reader #the darkling & reader #general kirigan & reader #aleksander kirigan x you #aleksander morozova x you #the darkling x you #general kirigan x you #aleksander kirigan/you #aleksander morozova/you #the darkling/you #general kirigan/you #aleksander kirigan & you #aleksander morozova & you #the darkling & you #general kirigan & you #shadow and bone

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter VII - Crystal Clear

Chapter Summary: Kirigan reveals his plans to the world. He tries to use his and Alina's powers to bring the world to his heel. Things don't exactly go as he planned. What will you choose? Your morals… or your heart?

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Alina Starkov/Mal Oretsev

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Ivan, Zoya Nazyalensky, Alina Starkov, Jesper Fahey, Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Feliks

Word Count: 3861

A/N: This chapter contains plot and dialogues from eight episode of season one. Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089797846/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089958427/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090332681/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798508/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089798536/

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

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

You shiver, looking at the Fold around you. You wonder why you were so stupid to come here voluntarily. Oh, yes. Your idiot. Aleksander, who is currently standing next to you is the reason.

'Can you feel them?' he asks after you pass the fifth mark.

'No heartbeats yet, sir,' Ivan, to whom the question was directed at, answers. He's holding his hands together, acting as your radar against the Volcras. You really hope you won't encounter them. But you don't count on it.

Of course, at that moment you hear them growling. You glance nervously at Aleksander.

'They're coming,' Alina says.

'Yes,' Kirigan confirms.

'I should just tear this down now,' Starkov says.

'And what can you really do on your own?' General asks, putting his right hand on his chest. The hand with the amplifier. Both you and Alina look at it, then at Kirigan.

'Besides, it would be a monumental waste of power,' he says, glancing behind you at other passengers.

'[Y/N],' Alina says quietly, looking at you pleadingly. You glance at her and look at Aleksander.

'You want to show off, don't you?' you murmur under your breath to him.

'No, I want to demonstrate our power,' Kirigan denies.

'That's the same,' you argue. 'Also- Oh. Zlatan.'

'Smart girl,' General praises you. You think about what's going to happen.

'I hate this plan,' you say after a moment.

'I told you not to come,' Aleksander says. You elbow him on the side. Discreetly. But so it would still hurt.

A few moments later you can hear Volcra's screeching becoming louder and closer. You glance nervously at Ivan.

'Do something,' Alina pleads Kirigan urgently. He doesn't, so she brings her hands together.

'No,' Aleksander stops her, putting a hand on her shoulder. 'Remember who's driving.'

A burst of light comes out of Alina. It creates a protective tunnel around you, all the way to the end of the Fold. Kirigan lets go of Starkov and her shoulders slump. Ivan drops his hands as well. He doesn't have to search for Volcras anymore.

'Your power is mine now,' General says to Starkov.

'Okay, I feel a bit safer,' you murmur. But around you people are whispering, wondering what is the meaning of this. For a moment you sail in peace.

'Why this half measure?' Alina asks Aleksander at some point. 'Why just… carve a tunnel? You have me. You have this. Destroy the Fold. You said we could.'

'And why would we destroy the Fold?' Kirigan asks. 'It's the greatest weapon that we've got.'

Alina looks at him, betrayed. She tries to catch your eyes. But you're too busy looking at the Unsea with unease to notice this.

Finally, you can see Novokribirsk and people waiting for you there. General Zlatan and his men. You stop just at the end of the tunnel.

'Why have we stopped?' one of the diplomats asks.

'One more demonstration,' Aleksander says, turning to others. 'You've seen what the Sun Summoner can do. Now bear witness to what I can do… with her power.'

People send him confused glances. Alina tries to move, but can't. Kirigan walks to her.

'Whatever it is you want me to do, I won't do it,' she hisses.

'You've done your part,' General says, facing the end of the Fold. 'Now I shall do mine.'

He brings his hands together and concentrates. The air whooshes as… the Fold expands. You watch with horror as the people in Novokribirsk run with panic, screaming. Zoya shows up next to you, shocked and horrified as well, and grabs your hand. You squeeze it.

'What have you done?' Alina asks. She concentrates and raises her hand, using her power to create a protective barrier around the city.

'No, you don't,' Kirigan says, turning to her. He grabs her hand and forces it down. Alina grunts and falls on her knees and her barrier disappears, leaving only the one around your skiff. Aleksander crouches in front of her grabs her shoulder.

'They are traitors who tried to kill you,' he says. 'This is retribution.'

Starkov pulls herself from his grasp and falls back. She stares at General with disbelief. He looks at you and other Grisha. Zoya takes a few steps back, shocked, and bumps into Feliks. She walks around him, turning her back to you. Kirigan looks you in the eyes. Your heart cries for all those people… but you give him a slight nod. You're with him till the end. You can see the relief in his eyes. He quickly masks it, though, and stands up to face the diplomats again.

'Today, we redraw all the maps,' he says, walking around the skiff. 'With the power of the Sun Summoner at my command, I control the Fold. And its monsters. I can move it to any border I like. Engulf any harbour. Consume any city. Take what you have seen back to your home countries. Tell the Fjerdans. Tell the Shu Han. There will be no more war with Ravka. All countries will answer to us. For who would oppose us now?'

He gets his answer very quickly, because suddenly Mal pushes his way through the people, shooting at the guards. You want to put yourself in front of Aleksander, but Ivan grabs your shoulder tightly.

'Mal!' Alina shouts. The tracker fires again. Kirigan nods at Ivan. The Heartrender lets you go. He brings his hands together and takes control of Mal's body, forcing him to fall.

'Mal,' Starkov pants, panicked, trying to crawl to him.

'Keep him alive,' Aleksander says. 'He could be useful to us.'

'Alina,' Mal grunts. Kirigan nods at you. You bring your hands together and focus on Mal's gun that lies on the deck. It stirs, then flies in the air. You throw it overboard.

'Focus,' Aleksander says harshly to Alina, forcing her up on her knees. 'You put your attention on the light that's keeping us all safe, or your friend dies now.'

Starkov looks up and sees the barrier going down. She focuses, glaring at Aleksander, and spreads her arms. She raises them and with that the barrier becomes brighter and goes up again. Once she's done it, she collapses again, while the Darkling gets up.

'General Kirigan, this will only turn the world against you and all Grisha,' the diplomat from before says, bravely stepping forward. 'You'll be seen not as a saviour, but a heretic.'

'She does have a point,' you say quietly. Aleksander glares at you. You stare at him calmly. He ignores you and looks at Ivan.

'Don't-' you start, understanding what's he about to do. Same as the diplomats' guards, as they cock their guns and point them at you three, standing protectively in front of the diplomats. But Ivan stands in front of Aleksander… and stops everyone's hearts. They fall on the deck with groans.

'Shame,' Kirigan says, standing next to Ivan and looking at the dead. 'I'll have to give that speech again now.'

You almost scoff. You stare at the dead people and wonder how low have you fallen. And how lower you're going to.

But your thoughts are interrupted by the skiff moving. You all look up. Aleksander walks toward the main sail.

'Zoya?' he calls but she doesn't react. 'Zoya!'

Suddenly, a gunshot is heard and Ivan falls to the side. You quickly notice the two thieves from Ketterdam. When the first one fires the second shot, you turn the bullet around. They both have to duck.

Too late you notice the third thief. She throws her dagger. You can't bring your hands together in time. So, you jump in front of Aleksander. You gasp when the blade lands in your chest.

'No!' you hear Kirigan scream behind you. You calmly stare back at the shocked woman. You grab her dagger and pull it out of your chest with a grunt. You throw it on the deck. There's no blood on it.

'New kefta,' you explain. 'Still have to do something about it being so heavy… hence while I was grunting so much if anyone's wondering… but it appears it efficiently protects against sharp things being thrown at you.'

You turn to Aleksander. You're not sure whether he's more relieved or angry. He decides on the second one, apparently, because he brings his hands together and covers you all in shadows.

'You stay in the dark,' he says. You look around nervously, hearing the Volcras. Soon the first attacks Zoya, causing her to fall a bit.

'Zoya!' you cry her name and rush forward a bit. You watch how the thief tries to protect herself and the Squaller. And how the second one saves her.

Suddenly, someone stumbles on you and you fall on the railing. You turn your head and see Alina standing, Ivan on the ground and Aleksander trying to regain his balance. His amplifier falls in front of you on the deck. Oh. When did that happen?

'Your first words to me were, "What are you?"' Alina says to Kirigan, who's cradling his injured hand, and brings her hands together. 'This is what I am.'

She spreads her hands and light bursts from her. Far brighter than ever before. You can't help but watch with awe as she forces the Fold back from you.

'Beautiful,' you whisper and immediately look at Aleksander. He takes out the dagger from his hand.

'How do you claim such power?' he asks, his voice strained from pain because of the wound. 'I am the one who killed the Stag.'

'I didn’t understand before, but I do now,' Alina answers. 'You cannot claim what was not given to you. The Stag chose me.'

She brings her hands together again. Aleksander stands up.

'You chose to betray our people,' he says with venom. 'I was trying to save us.'

He raises his hand. But before he can do anything, Mal throws himself at him, causing them both to fall overboard.

'No!' you and Alina cry out, bending over the railing. You worry for Kirigan, she for her tracker.

'Mal!' she shouts.

'Aleksander!' you shout at the same time. The men stand up and start fighting. You think how to safely get down there, when Alina's eyes suddenly go wide and blood runs from her nose. She grabs her chest and turns around. You do the same and see Ivan with his hand outstretched toward Starkov.

'How dare you?' he asks her, as she groans in pain and falls on her knees. 'He gave you everything. Remember your place.'

The light arounds you go out. You look up in panic.

'Ivan, stop,' you say. 'Stop or-'

You're interrupted by another gunshot. Ivan falls to the side and Alina on the ground, out. The Heartrender starts fighting with the first thief. It ends with the rogue shooting Ivan again… causing your friend to fall overboard.

'Ivan!' you shriek.

'Still couldn't shoot the pretty face,' the thief sighs. 'I've got to stop doing that.'

He turns to you. You eye each other.

'Are you with us or against us?' he asks, pointing his gun at you. 'Come on, don't tell me you approve all of that.'

He's right. You don't. For a brief moment you consider joining the people trying to stop this madness. But that would mean betraying your best friend. And without him… you're alone.

'What did I tell you?' you ask quietly, clasping your hands together. The man groans, as the gun in his hand becomes incredibly hot. He drops it and waves his hand around. When he looks up, you're standing on the railing.

'Okay, what are you-' he starts but you jump and don't hear the end of the sentence. You fall on the sand with a grunt. You lift yourself up just to see Volcra attacking Aleksander. Your heart stops.

Mal turns around, ready to run back on the skiff, but freezes, seeing you getting up. Your eyes meet.

'Help Alina,' you say. 'She needs you.'

You start running toward Aleksander. Mal is about to stop you, but decides against it. It's not like you have a chance against a Volcra. So, he leaves you behind to die and runs to the skiff.

*

He can't go down like this. Not by Volcras that are his creations. But no matter how hard he tries he can't control them. The Volcra opens its mouth to bite his face… and shrieks in pain.

Aleksander's eyes go wide, as the monster falls from him on the sand, revealing you. Your hands are brought together and you're glaring at the monster with fury in your eyes.

'Not. My. Best. Friend,' you say through gritted teeth. The Volcra shrieks again and blood spurts from its mouth. It doesn't move again. Kirigan stares at you with shock.

'[Y/N],' he says, stunned. He reaches his hand to you. You're about to grasp it… but you suddenly gasp and you freeze, your eyes going wide. You're raised in the air and it turns out another Volcra has attacked you from behind.

'No!' General screams, grabbing your hand in panic. 'No, not her! Leave her! Take me! Please!'

Tears form in your eyes at those words. You smile sadly at your best friend and gasp, when the Volcra's claws dig into your back.

'Aleksander…' you gasp. 'Let go…'

No. Never. Not you. The only one that's stayed with him until the end. There must be a way to save you. He'll do anything.

Anything.

Pain seizes him, as he feels merzost feeding on his body. He watches, stunned, as a creature of shadows seems to be leaving his body. It groans and throws itself on the Volcra. It kills it before it can screech.

You fall down limply, unconscious. Kirigan, who's let go of your hand when the creature threw itself at the Volcra, thrusts himself forward to catch you. But the creature is faster. It catches you and gently lowers you down. It hands you to Aleksander.

'[Y/N],' he says, shaking you gently. '[Y/N], please. Come back to me.'

'General!' he hears. He looks up and sees Ivan trying to get to them. A Volcra is chasing him.

'Kill it,' Aleksander orders. Another creature forms itself from him and quickly kills the Volcra, allowing the stunned Heartrender to reach them. He falls on his knees and looks at you.

'Help her,' Kirigan orders. 'Now. I need her.'

Ivan brings his hands together, trying to find the source of the problem. He feels the wounds on your back and tries to heal them as best as he can. You grunt and stir. Your eyes flutter open. General exhales with utmost relief.

'Aleksander…' you whisper.

'I'm here,' Kirigan says softly and scoops you up in his arms. 'Let's get you out of here.'

He and Ivan walk. The Heartrender checks on you every now and then. But you seem to come back slowly to yourself.

Finally, you stumble out of the Fold. You all exhale deeply. Aleksander turns his head.

'Follow,' he barks and starts walking. His two shadow creatures get out of the Fold and follow you three, growling. You look at them with wide eyes. Somehow you didn't notice them in the Unsea. Maybe because they seem to be made from the same substance as it.

'What did you do?' you ask in a horrified whisper. Kirigan doesn't answer. He just takes you away from the Fold.

Some time later you're all huddled in front of the fire. It's night. You're exhausted and scared. Because everything is going to be different now. There's no way you can just come back to the Little Palace as if nothing happened back in the Fold.

'I'll take first watch,' Ivan grunts and gets up. He walks away from you two. For a moment, you and General sit in silence.

'It was very foolish what you did,' Aleksander finally says. 'You could have died.'

'So could have you,' you retort. 'But I guess you'd create that… creatures to save yourself. But I couldn't know that.'

'I didn't either,' Kirigan says. 'Thank you.'

'Right back at you,' you say. You tear your gaze from the fire and look at him. He has a haunted look in his eyes.

'I thought I can finally end this,' he says. 'That we could finally be safe. I had… everything, all that power. And now… no Sun Summoner. No army. No way of transport. Nothing.'

You look at him with pain in your eyes. You reach out to him and grasp his hand tightly. He looks up at you. Your eyes meet.

'You have me,' you say. 'Until every star in the galaxy dies… you have me.'

Aleksander looks at you closely. He turns his hand to be able to answer your grasp.

'You could have stayed,' he says quietly. 'With them. The only thing you did against them was saving me. You didn't agree with what I did. Miss Starkov knew that. If you stayed… you'd be safe.'

His eyes urge you to say something. But you stay quiet. Because you know he's right.

'And now?' he asks and scoffs. 'You're going to be hunted if they find out you're alive. You already almost died because of your decision to jump. You risked so much for me. Why would you do such a thing?'

You turn your head to the side. In the corner of your eye you see Ivan trying very hard not to listen in to your conversation. But he still looks at you, giving you a pointed look. Urging you to tell him. Your heart skips a beat.

'We do terrible things for the people we love,' you say, your voice void of any emotions. You notice Ivan stiffening, waiting with anticipation for General's answer. You turn your face to look at your best friend. He's looking at you with a frown.

'I don't deserve such a loyal friend,' he finally says. Your heart breaks. You almost hear Ivan groaning in frustration. You look down, not wanting Aleksander to see how much his answer hurt you.

'I almost betrayed you,' you admit. 'On the skiff. Before I jumped. I was horrified by everything that's happened today. My moral part wanted me to indeed stay. I went to war with myself. For you.'

'You shouldn't have,' Kirigan says. 'I… I've done terrible things. For the Grisha, yes, but like you said, things that horrify you. You shouldn't follow someone who's done them.'

'Aren't we all sinners?' you ask, looking at him again with a small smile.

'I doubt any sin you've committed makes you doomed enough to force you to stay with me,' Aleksander says.

'Well, it's a good thing then I don't need to be forced, right?'

'Leave. I mean it. It's not too late for you. But if you stay… you may do things you don't want to do.'

'You're risking everything for all of us. Let someone risk the same for you.'

Kirigan frowns at you. You're still a puzzle he can't figure out. His heart is moved by your words and actions. He quickly shuts it up.

'We should sleep,' he says after a minute. 'Ivan won't wake us up later just because we didn't get enough sleep.'

'No, he won't,' you agree, a bit amused, with a sad smile. Aleksander lays down with his back turned to both of you. Your face falls. Sadness flashes in your eyes.

'[Y/N]-' Ivan starts when he's sure exhausted General is asleep.

'Don't,' you interrupt him. 'I don't need your pity.'

'You know it's not a pity,' the Heartrender says softly.

'Just… please,' you say, blinking away the tears. 'I can't allow myself to be weak today.'

'You're anything but weak,' Ivan says after a moment. You don't say anything to that. You lay down, your back to Kirigan, and close your eyes. Almost immediately you fall asleep.

An hour later Aleksander is woken up by a scream. He sits up straight, thinking they're under attack. He looks around with a wide look in his eyes, calling for his creatures.

'Wake up!' he hears Ivan's voice. He turns his head and sees the Heartrender shaking you. You're trashing around on the ground, tears streaming down your face, whimpering.

'[Y/N],' Aleksander says and throws himself at you. '[Y/N], wake up. It's just a bad dream. You're safe. You-'

He's interrupted by a fist meeting his nose. He falls backward, bewildered. He touches his bleeding nose with wide eyes.

But at least you're awake. You sit up with wide eyes, breathing heavily.

'W-what?' you ask, looking around in confusion.

'You had a bad dream,' Ivan explains, caressing your back soothingly. 'We had to wake you up.'

'O-oh… thank you,' you say. Your eyes fall on Kirigan. They go wide when you see what you've done to him.

'Saints… General, I'm so sorry,' you say and attempt to reach out to him. Ivan stops you and goes himself to fix Kirigan. The wounded grunts. The Heartrender is not a Healer after all.

'Aleksander,' General says. Ivan freezes. You frown. Kirigan looks at you.

'I don't think there's any point to sticking to formalities,' he says. 'Not in your case.'

'And what makes me so special?' you ask quietly.

'You're my best friend,' Aleksander answers. 'My most trusted Grisha.'

'Now you're hurting Ivan's feelings,' you say.

'I'm alright,' the Heartrender quickly says. You glare at him.

'Ivan is close behind you,' Kirigan says and looks at you. 'So, from now on, even when we're not alone, you address me by my name. If anyone's earned that right, it's you. Understood?'

'Alright,' you concede and look at him with guilt. 'I am still sorry for your nose.'

'It's fine,' Kirigan says and pauses. 'But tell me… what did you dream about?'

Your eyes darken. You dreamt about you not getting to him in time. You saw him being taken away. Dying. You shiver.

'Volcras,' that's all you say. Aleksander nods.

'I imagine almost dying by their claws is nightmare triggering,' he says.

'Yes,' you say and look at Ivan. 'I'm not going to be able to fall asleep for some time. Go get some rest.'

'Forgive me, but I'm too tired to protest,' Ivan says and goes to lay down.

'Are you going to be okay?' Aleksander asks softly.

'Sleep,' you say. 'I won't let you when it's your turn, just because you didn't get enough sleep.'

Kirigan cracks a smile and lays down. He's exhausted, too. Soon both men are asleep. You hug yourself, as you sit in the place Ivan's been not long ago.

You think about your future. It's going to be so much different than you life until now. You're going to fight, you know it. Probably with people you were living with. Alina. Zoya. Maybe Fedyor, David, Genya… This whole country is going to be now against you.

But it's alright. They haven't shown you much kindness before. Only Aleksander did. Ivan in some way, too. So, if someone's going to hurt them, especially Kirigan… you're going to make them bleed on the inside. Every one of them.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could.

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/134069857

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