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thebadgerclan · 2 years

Text

Abandoned

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Alina Starkov

Summary: He won’t leave her...

A/N: This is a canon divergence from chapter 14/15 of Shadow and Bone, but if you’ve seen the show, you’ll still understand what’s going on

Aleksander climbed the stairs to Alina’s room, his heart beating quickly in his chest. He’d asked if he could come to her tonight, and while he hadn’t said yes, she certainly hadn’t said no. It played into his plans to make Alina trust him, yes, but Aleksander couldn’t deny her beauty, her charm, the innate draw he felt to her. He desired her, but if she said no, he would leave her be, no matter how much he might want her.

But as Aleksander approached Alina’s door, he was overcome with an odd sense that something was amiss. He knocked on the door, and when there was no answer after several minutes, Aleksander opened the door. Any semblance of desire he felt withered at the sight that met him: Alina was knelt on the floor, her head in her hands, sobbing. “Alina,” he said, kneeling at her side. “Alina, what’s the matter? What happened? Are you hurt?”

His mind was spinning with possibilities of what had happened; she’d been stabbed, cut, shot, hurt and left to die. She lifted her head, her face a mask of pure agony, and Aleksander couldn’t help himself; he took her face in his hands, scanning her for any injuries. He felt her power brushing against his, strong and vibrant, and there was no blood, she didn’t shy from his touch, so Aleksander discerned she was unharmed, at least physically.

“Alina,” he said, and she opened her eyes, looking at him. “Tell me what has happened.” “Mal,” she managed before letting out another sob. The tracker, Aleksander realized, her tracker. The one she’d been writing to since she arrived, the one she pined over, the one who had found the stag. “I saw him, and he…he said such horrible things about me! About us! He called me a cosseted little princess, he said you own me.”

Rage flared in Aleksander’s chest, but he tamped it down, forcing himself to remain calm for Alina. “Oh milaya,” he said, pulling her into her arms. Alina was desperate for comfort, for reassurance, and she sobbed into his chest. “Shh, let it all out, Alina. I’m here, I’m right here.” She cried for a moment, letting her sorrow envelope her before speaking again. “He left me,” she croaked. “I told him to go, but he left. The Mal I knew would’ve tried to talk it out, but he just turned and left.”

“I know, Alina, I know.” Aleksander stroked her hair, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I can’t imagine how torn up you’re feeling, but I need you to hear me when I say this. I am here, and I will never leave you. Whatever happens, I am by your side until the very end. As your friend, as your general, as anything you want me to be.” It was all he could bring himself to say on the topic when Alina was hurting, but he needed her to know to offer stood. If she wanted him, he was hers.

Alina sniffled, wiping her nose on the sleeve of her kefta. “I’m sorry,” she said. “This isn’t why you came here tonight, to see me crying over some ass.” Aleksander shook his head. “No, but I don’t mind. Nothing is expected of you, Alina, nothing will ever be expected of you.” Alina managed a weak smile. “Even when I tear down the fold?” He paused, cupping her cheek tenderly.

Now wasn’t the time to explain his true plans, not when Alina was so distraught, but he would. He would make her see that Ravka needed a change, and this was the only way to accomplish it. “Not even then,” he said. “But I have good news on that front.” Alina cocked her head as she wiped her tears, and Aleksander smiled. “What do you mean?” “My men have found Morozova’s Stag,” he said. “We head North in two days’ time.”

Alina gaped, and to Aleksander’s delight, she smiled. “Really?” “Really,” he confirmed, shifting her in his lap. “When you have it, you will be unstoppable. Like I said, you and I are going to change the world.” She smiled wider before leaning in and kissing him, taking Aleksander by surprise. He allowed her to deepen the kiss as she saw fit, resting his hands on her waist.

For nearly a half hour, they sat on the floor in each other’s arms, trading soft, tender kisses. Alina eventually rose and changed into a nightgown, finding Aleksander stripped to his boxers when she emerged from behind her dressing screen. “If you don’t want me to stay, I can go,” he said, and Alina smiled, lifting the covers of the bed. “No, I want you to stay.” Aleksander climbed into bed at her side, pulling her into his arms. Alina fell asleep snuggled into his chest, any thoughts of Mal far from her mind.

#darklina #aleksander morozova x alina starkov #aleksander x alina #the darkling x alina #general kirigan x alina #shadow and bone fanfiction

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amiramorozova · 2 years

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Dual Summoner and the Darkling -Princess verison- pt. 9

After the fete a few days had passed, my days consisted of either walking around the little palace, horse riding or secretly planning to take me away from both palaces. Aleksander had gone today to talk to them about the whole marriage at seventeen talk. I was to be Ravka's savior but the General's wife as I walked to the chair and sat down brushing my hair. I started to see Amira not Princess Amira the longer I was here.

I see me, not some princess that was adopted. I thought

There was a knock as I looked at the door "Come in." I said as Genya walked in. "Saints, you're not going to be ready." Genya said as she went over and started to help me. I was wondering what she was talking about as we looked at each other in the mirror. "Wait for what?" I asked as she looked at me in the mirror. "The General has sealed the deal for your wedding to be next year and he asked to take you with him while he's gone for the week." Genya said as I was surprised. I thought about it knowing, unlike Genya I was pure in the eyes of the people, even if they didn't I hadn't done anything beforehand. "Genya..Do you think that perhaps.." I started

Genya looked at me, I think she knew what I was considering "You think General Kirigan will try to steal your first kiss?" Genya asked as I looked at her in the mirror while she did her tailor small science. "Is it impossible to be thinking such things? The idea of a first kiss at the wedding in front of everyone doesn't appeal to me." I admitted

For a while Genya seemed quiet at the idea of it, she couldn't say for sure what was going on. "I suppose it is possible, but he would probably try to put you both in a romantic setting away from prying eyes." Genya said as I smiled a little thinking about the idea. "I suppose that is fair but I don't really have a ring to even show for the marriage." I pointed out as she laughed a bit as she was finishing up. "He's got everything planned out, trust him Amira." Genya said

If we become the King and Queen of Ravka, I can make life better for Genya. I thought as one perk of having a right to the throne.

When Genya was done I smiled as she got my Kefta as she brought it over, then she started to pick up my necklace for the royals but I put my hand up. "No, I think it's time for a at home necklace." I said as I got in the drawer and I pulled out the family crest of my birth family putting it on. "I am a Silina, even if the others don't know. I'm not a Lanstov." I said as Genya noticed my confidence. She started to leave before coming back with a light bag of things for the trip. "The General wants you to pack light, he will take care of the rest and it's already taken care of ." Genya said

He had a good point, I'll never be free until this marriage happens..perhaps I shouldn't be so cruel to him. He is trying to fix the fold...fix his mistake. I thought

"What are my arrangements going to be while we're out?" I asked as I was making sure I didn't take anything of overly value to have stolen. "The General is going to insist you share a tent with him, he's got two bed cots prepared so that you're securely protected." Genya said as I looked at her wondering if she as joking but she didn't crack a smile once. I just had to take it in stride here.

After packing light, I was led out there to where everyone else was and I saw him waiting with his carriage. I had no use for formalities but Ivan opened the door and he offered his hand to me. I took it as he led me on and helped me with the light bag as we got in. I was going to sit across from him but when Ivan and Fedyor got in and sat across from me that's when I realized he was sitting by me.

"What an honor it is, but I notice you did not wear any of your royal jewels." Fedyor said as I smiled knowing why. I pulled out the necklace I did have "Because I am embracing who I truly am. I am a De La Rosa and Silina not really a Lanstov." I said as Fedyor looked surprised. "It is true, she is adopted. But that still makes her my Grisha soulmate Fedyor." Aleksander said as he adjusted me some and put his arm around me to hold me close.

should you be doing this? I thought

It felt like hours before we made it as Fedyor and Ivan got out first then Aleksander let me go out. As I got out of the carriage and looked around I saw Grisha setting up his tent as he got out after me. Some of the Grisha there looked at us and I swear they wondered who I was. Without my jewels I was just Amira, an unknown Grisha. Yet as I was in my own thoughts I heard a familiar voice and my heard turned quickly. "Nico.." I said as I looked

Nicolas Stark, a connection to my past as a Grisha girl who had once lived in the village. Back then we were only kids but there was just this familiar sense of knowing. Despite hearing Aleks say to stay close I ended up marching right over ignoring Fedyor and Ivan as I had a goal. "Nicolas Stark" I said as he stopped talking with his fellow first army and looked at me. At first he seemed confused as if he didn't recognize me and I faltered infront of him.

"Do I know you Miss?" Nicolas asked as I felt hurt he didn't recognize me. "Amira..we used to run around in a field together as kids before...before I was...adopted" I said as he looked at me and listened intently to my words. The realization was a relief to me as I laughed a bit "Nico, I swear you didn't forget me. Did you?" I asked but before he could answer I felt the shadows coming.

"Soldier, I see Moya Tsarevna seems to know you." Aleksander said as I crossed my arms. "We're old friends, before I became Moya Tsarevna" I retorted as he looked at me. For the first time since the courting I thought I felt my heart skip a beat knowing he was my freedom still...this was freedom in some way. "Yes, General." Nicolas said

"Your name and rank?" General asked as I didn't know what he wanted from me and knowing about my friend. "Nicolas Stark, tracker." Nicolas said as Aleksander seemed interested in that. "Amira is to be kept a close eye on, she dislikes my right hand Grisha so perhaps you would keep an eye on her while she's with me." Aleksander said as Nico nod in agreement.

Aleksander left me with Nico as he showed me around, but people just saw me as a Grisha. "So what is with you and the General? You arrived with him in his carriage?" Nico asked while showing me around. "He's my Grisha soulmate and he's planning to marry me next year." I admitted as Nico got infront of me as he looked at me getting infront of me as he noticed I was not kidding. "So that's it..you'll be a General's wife." Nico said as I sighed as I walked away and he followed. "I have to or I will never be free. DO things like this." I told him

Nico just nod as he showed me around

TagList: @lifeisingrey, @houseoftoomanyfandoms, @mizelophsun11, @budugu

#Dual Summoner Amira #Dual Summoner and the Darkling -princess version-#Amira Silina #aleksander morovoza #general kirigan #darkling #darkling x oc #Team Darkling #the darkling #shadow and bone #shadow and bone fanfiction #Grishaverse #shadow summoner #sunsummoner #tidemaker #original story #ben barnes #princess amira

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inknopewetrust · 3 years

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Calamity // The Darkling x Fem!Reader

Summary: Aleksander has always been protective of you, but an unfortunate event with another male Grisha leaves him showing his true feelings.

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Tide-Maker!Fem!Reader (Shadow and Bone)

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: Language, Injuries, sexual references/implications, sexist language.

Quick Links: Masterlist // Request Guidelines

The forests beyond Os Alta and The Little Palace were beautiful. Their varying greens and colors during the midsummer season were a welcome change from the saddened dreariness of winter. With the arrival of warmer weather, a clearance needs to occur in the land beyond to ensure all training grounds were no danger to the people lucky enough to train there.

A new school of Grisha was arriving in a week's time, leaving you in charge of agitated, sweating Grisha trying to quickly clear the land.

"Remember! Every tree fallen and limb needs to be removed. I don't want a crying child running with blood down their leg through the palace halls because one of you forgot to clean it up!"

You swore you heard their angered groans and grumbles as you reminded them of what they had been assigned to do.

Across the grounds in Os Alta, the stables and circular training grounds were also being fixed in preparation, though they surely caught better breaks and less consequence because those in charge of those groups were spineless. You weren't even sure they had even seen The Fold for themselves; assigned to the palace from day one just to remain to appease whichever King or Queen ruled that year. Upon your arrival to the palace nearly ten years prior, you had seen The Fold a handful of times, but your specialities lay elsewhere amongst Grisha.

You weren't like them. Any of them, really. From a young age, you had discovered that you were blessed with the gift of summoning water, or tides. Tide-Makers functioned differently from other Grisha, but yours fell into a particularly curious range. Where someone like Aleksander was able to use his abilities as a Shadow Summoner at any moment, you required a closeness to the source of your abilities. Being stowed away in Os Alta, your abilities were quite useless. Though, your mind and keen eye for strategy let you become a close asset to the General–who had almost taken you on as a "right-hand-woman" to the cause.

It helped that he had inkling you were immortal. You hadn't aged a day since he met you and surely it was overdue that another powerful Grisha joined the two who remained after a couple of centuries.

Because of this, Aleksander trusted your command to oversee the Grisha who trained at The Little Palace, as well as the preparation. As the years went by, other Grisha caught on to the difference of treatment. Today, on a particularly warm and disgusting day of clearing, all hot-headed thoughts had come to head.

Walking the gravel, you could feel the stones underneath the soles of your black boots. It was comforting, in a way. Once you had trained there and now an entirely new generation of students would follow the same trails, battle the same courses, and respect the land you had a decade prior. Observing the Grisha around you, the job they had been doing thus far was quite good. Slow, but good.

"Hey! Why don't you come give us a hand!" You ignored the first call from a sweating man sawing a piece of fallen tree.

Aleksander had made it clear that these "clearing efforts" were not to be completed with their abilities. Doing manual labor for the cause would garner some strength these Grisha needed to be sent to the front lines. A war was raging and some of these souls would never return once sent. So, you continued walking. Eye contact with you was consistently ignored and avoided, your steps feeling heavier the further you went on the trail as the calls from angered men sawing on trees grew louder.

"Come on! You're doing nothing to help us!"

"Afraid to get your pretty hands dirty?"

"Is this work too difficult for you? Who even put you in charge?"

Those men knew nothing. They hadn't seen battle, seen death and destruction of what it means to be a Grisha in land that hates them. They grew up knowing that they'd be sent here when the time came and be protected in a world where anywhere else, they'd be killed for something they couldn't control. But instead, they heckled you, their leader at the moment. Pushing down their comments, you continued on and believed it was an insecurity for them to see a woman in charge.

"She's just a dumb bitch."

Your ears weren't amused by that.

"Yeah. She probably fucks the General to get out of work."

"Ah, an 'eye for an eye.' She must be good too for the General to keep her around this long."

"She's nothing special. Just look at her! Can't even use her powers out here."

Your walking had ceased with the second comment. Were you going to entertain their assumptions about you? No. Pettiness did not win wars or gain favors. If Aleksander heard what they had been saying he would have had their heads in an instant, but you were not him. You were nothing like Aleksander and that's why he put you in a command position. The workers around the group of three men had stopped whatever they had been doing and watched the scene unfold.

"I hear a lot of talking for men who should be doing work."

You mentally scolded yourself for sounding like a schoolteacher. It sounded ridiculous and of course, they laughed and dropped their tools.

"Now you show an interest in us? How about it love, pick up the saw and show us that you can help us."

"It's Captain, not love. My job isn't to do the work you're assigned. If you'd rather clean the bathrooms, I can have that arranged."

"Maybe we can work out some kind of deal, love."

One of the men, a burly, masculine man who smelled of oil and pine jumped over the fallen tree and into your line of sight. He was no longer wearing the red kefta he had been given, his undershirt soaked of a stench spreading further and further into the air. He had an orange beard, his fiery red hair nothing compared to the summer heat or sun. The heartrender looked as though he belonged in a child's lumberjack fairytale, not just beyond the walls of The Little Palace and its glamour.

"I'm not in the business of making deals. Get back to your position or I'll have you removed from the site." You held no prisoners against men like him.

"Now, I hear you are, Captain L/n. Are we just a little too below your status to trade a job for a job?"

"I will not ask again. Go back to your station or I will have you removed." You stared at him as he stared back. His green eyes envious with a fury belonging to a man who had privilege his entire life. Being a Grisha didn't mean favors for favors. It didn't mean escaping a physical job that occurred once or twice a year because it wasn't favorable. He was hot-headed, full of himself, and had no idea what would happen to him if he stepped out of bounds.

"What are you going to do if I don't? Can't do anything without water, right?"

You stepped away from him and motioned to two guards who had been assigned to follow you during tasks such as these. While the reality of threats was low, every ranking official within the Grishan army had at least two who accompanied them at most times. Today was no different, although they were more than alert regarding the situation at hand.

"This man is being reassigned to the stables. Let the Lieutenent in charge know what happened and he can assign where he sees fit." The guard you had talked to nodded his head and along with the other, guestured to take the arms of the disgruntled man who simply snickered and shook his head.

"Do you see this!?" He shouted to his fellow Grisha's in the forest.

"The General's whore isn't willing to prove her abilities. These are the people they put in charge? Women with no powers?"

No one replied to him, staring at his outburst as disrespectful and rude. You let out a dry laugh and turned, getting ready to walk away when suddenly that heavy feeling you felt prior was real; a sensation of pulling, dragging you down with a near stop of your heart. You could hear the yells, the scramble of people around you as some ran past you, to the trees, toward the man who had been undermining you.

Formulating words was non-existent. You could barely focus on the ground as your knees gave out and your eyes strained to see the dirt below you. The stones digging into your hands, your nose bleeding from the force.

"Ma'am! Ma'am! Someone get help!"

The voices were muddled.

"Stop him! What are you doing!? Stop him!"

You let out a choking noise that alerted you to the arms trying to lay you down; the body you felt outside of falling against the stones with a thud and a pair of hands and body positioned itself behind your head, trying to get you to focus.

"Can you hear me, Captain? Someone went to go get help!"

The pain was subsiding slowly, but your brain wasn't catching up as fast. The woman's face was becoming clearer, its fogginess becoming less with every second. The woman was speaking to someone position at your side and another at your feet.

"Hold her hand. Keep her steady please."

"Do it! I don't care if she's your Captain, just do it!"

Someone grabbed your hand and ran another over the top of it. It was comforting, like home.

"She can barely keep her eyes open. What do we do?"

"I don't know, I do-"

Their conversation stopped and you felt the one holding your hand grip it tighter than before. The light lessened around you, the sun disappearing for moments before the women around you nearly scattered when it returned. Moments in time were mushed together the longer you were unable to tell person from person, hand from hand, and second from hour.

A hand cradling your face and their own head invaded that growing, reappearance of the sun. It's gentle hold different from the other three that had surrounded you prior, a delicate touch against your face as their thumb caressed the space between your nose and chin.

"Y/n, I need to get to you the palace. Can you hear me?"

You could hear, you could barely see, but you could talk very little. You could feel the blood still trickling out of your nose, its metallic taste between your lips unwelcome as it continued to drip down your chin and neck and onto your kefta.

"I-I can-can't s-si-sit u-up." Your words were jumbled into a mumble of words they could hopefully piece together. Your vision continued to clear, and their nodding head was obvious, the dark hair on their head was more defined and you realized it was Aleksander who had arrived quickly (or what you believed to be) to your aid.

"I've got you, alright? I've got you."

Just as your vision was ready to clear, the world disappeared to black and your presence in their world had gone dark.

The world returned to you at nightfall. Without waking with a start, your eyes slowly adjusted to the dimness of the room around you to show a familiar sight. Your room was just as you had left it that morning. Not a single piece of clothing or furniture out of place, an order to the space that only you could control. Your toes felt the cool, silk sheets and your head relaxed against your pillow with a sigh. In an attempt to move, your chest tightened, and a groan escaped your lips absentmindedly, immediately awaking the one sitting in front of the sitting space beside the fireplace that hadn't been lit.

Within a few steps, Aleksander appeared beside your bed, kneeling down and grabbing your hand.

"You shouldn't move. The healer said you had a collapsed lung, and it will be sore for the next few days."

His sudden appearance hadn't startled you in the slightest. For as long as you had known him, Aleksander had always attempted to shield you from the judgement of others and the criticisms of having appointed you. The Grishan Army hadn't had a woman yet in power and many of the men were against it. But Aleksander had the final say and while he tried to create a bubble, it was bound to burst at the most opportune moment.

"I just want to sit up." You told him without moving again. He nodded understandingly and slowly, but surely, helped you into a sitting position in your bed. The candlelight on your beside table illuminating his face with a fine yellow glow that made him appear more at peace than he truly was. Your concentration fell onto that face, his reading of you pulling out the questions you wanted to ask, though couldn't find the right words.

"You do not have to worry about that man again." So, he killed him. "One of your Squaller's came running into the palace rambling about an accident. It took two minutes to get the information out of her before we knew what happened."

"I turned my back on him. I shouldn't have done that."

"He shouldn't have tried to kill you."

"Mhm." You could barely keep your eyes open even with the nearly 12 hours of sleep you had already gotten.

"How long have I been out?"

"Since this afternoon. It's already Tuesday, so you've missed quite a bit." You could hear the teasing in his voice that he only allowed very few to hear. Aleksander may have been a hard-shell to crack at first, but you melted it with little effort on your part.

"Ah, please tell me those trees have been cleared?"

"It'll be a few days before any of them get back to work." Your sigh held heavily in the air. The clearing had just become another issue on your already full plate, the injury not helping maintain the image you want.

"I do believe most of them are far more concerned with how you are faring. You should have seen their faces when I brought you back here." Aleksander returned to his standing position before scooting your legs over under the covers and sitting next to you, one of his arms resting on the other side of the legs he had just moved.

Your relationship had always teetered on the line of friendship or lovers. His protection appeared to be kind-hearted, but you had seen this in men before. He scared away any suitors, he allowed you to see a side of him no one else had, he told you of the past in complete trust. The two of you had moments where a line was almost blurred. A hand lingering too long, a kiss on the cheek that was a little too close to the mouth, a feeling bubbling in your stomachs when either was around. The implications of the men earlier that previous day had eaten at you, knowing you wanted something more, but Aleksander may have been hesitant to move forward.

You didn't want a relationship to scream "special treatment" and he didn't want a relationship to make you appear less than capable of leading an army of Grisha.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Aleksander's voice was soothing, calm against the calamity of the incident. Against the backdrop of your dark room, he appeared in the way you had imagined him in your own company. Slightly disheveled, kefta gone and forgotten, relaxed and content with the sight in front of him.

"Just thinking of the words they spoke. Men can be cruel."

"They can."

"Do you believe I am incapable of doing my job?"

A part of Aleksander couldn't fathom why you'd believe he'd think that, though he understood the sentiment. It was what he had feared. The prejudice of others and their rigid ideas of society couldn't be avoided even in the walls and world he had created long ago. Finally, Aleksander had found someone who he believed to be an equal, who now found themselves at the end of a skewer of public opinion.

"There is no one more capable to be a Captain. I would leave you the entire army if I could."

"Those men would never listen to me."

"I listen to you, and if I listen, they'll listen too."

"Maybe one day."

Aleksander could see the disappointment, the constant words that belittled you into something you weren't. None of those men would have said anything to him–far too terrified of his power and persona to try. Aleksander protected you because without the water, you were at a disadvantaged and often feared that pride would interfere with your protection. That was what the guards were for, what the position was partly for. He trusted and believed in you, but did not want his own emotions and feelings implying that was the reason why.

"One day they will. It will take time, but they will." You nodded without truly agreeing, though he moved on anyway.

"Do you need anything?"

"Sleep... a remedy for this migrane that I'm currently sporting." A small smile cracked itself onto your face to which he returned with a nod.

"I'll see what they can do, though they said sleep would be the best thing for you."

"Isn't there some privilege between the injured and healers? Since when did you become my caretaker?" You meant it as a joke; Aleksander saw it as an opening.

"I'll take care of you for as long as you'll let me."

Aleksander took the opportunity to use his spare hand to grab the one closest to his body. His fingers traced the skin on the back before slipping his hand into yours, the fit perfect against your palm and unlike the feeling earlier, your heart skipped a few beats. The look in his eyes was kind, a warmth unfounded without a deeper feeling inside. The emotion that made a heart hypothetically swell or a mind to turn fuzzy against all conflict and horrors.

"I can't have these people thinking I'm receiving special treatment, Aleksander."

"Let them believe what they want. Their opinion means nothing to me." He moved closer, his hand beside your legs surging forward beside your hip. The thumb barely brushing your body that had been covered by the light-colored duvet of your bed.

"And it means a lot to me."

"No one has to know, Y/n... I-" Rarely Aleksander was at a loss for words. His proximity and feelings were clouding his words when all he could think about was the sight of your slightly dried lips and the butterflies that threatened to explode out of his own stomach. Even the toughest of men were no match for love.

"–I want to protect you, even if you don't need it. You've consumed my thoughts; my mind is taken with the reflection of you. Despite being beside me, I think of you and how you fare, whether or not you agree with the decisions I've made. No one else's words matter if you do not agree, your choices and voice I hold above all else."

"Aleksa-"

"I love you. I do. I've loved you for many years and I will not let my soldiers think less of you because of that."

Unlike Aleksander, you were not at a loss for words. Your mind had been concise and made up long ago regarding your feelings. There was always something there, though your want, nay, need, for acceptance was far too imposing to deal with anything else. So, you admired him from a far and allowed a friendship to form in its place. Though at some point, that friendship would indeed either crumble or evolve into more and you were far from disappointed that it was the latter.

"I love you, Aleksander. I always have."

"I promise you that it will get better, my love. You will be a great leader and Grisha and enemy alike will respect you for it."

Aleksander had moved his one hand that had been holding your own to gently hold your neck. Keeping in mind your injury, he wasn't going to treat you like a child's toy or a lesser person because he was elated inside that he finally revealed his truth and could act on it. His actions were calculated, cautious, and smooth. His thumb gently caressed your jaw, his eyes watching you, gauging a reaction. With the slightest nod of your head, he lowered his own to yours and softly your lips met. He did not mind that they had been chapped from lack of water, he did not mind that you were slightly dirty from laying on the floor. You were his and he was yours, no matter the circumstance or event at play.

The hand at your hip softly held you in place, your mouths moving with a harmony partners in life and love had. One day, Aleksander would make that thought a fact.

When he broke away, Aleksander rested his forehead against yours. You knew at that moment that whatever doubts you had about your ability to lead, they would eventually subside, and all would be well. The war would rage, but you would have respect. You would have the trust of the one man you wanted and that was enough.

"Get some sleep, Y/n. When you wake, we have an army to run and then when you're fully healed, I'll show you how much I love you."

Darkling Master Tag (CLOSED);

@mrs-brekker15 @aleksanderblack @mizelophsun11 @aleksanderwh0r3

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clairecrive · 3 years

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hiii! um i had a request if that’s alright? umm a darkling x tidemaker!reader where the reader slowly grows more and more jealous of alina until she finally snaps and tries to leave with another tidemaker to train with master tidemakers for the kings army but then darkling stops her. with a happy ending please 🥺🥺

Where your heart is

A/n; this took a life of its own but I'm still not too sure about it even though I had lots of fun writing it. Hope you'll like it, 🌻x

Word count: 2.4K +

Warnings: angst, darklina, jelousy

Tags: @blackst0nes7077 , @thefictionalgemini , @louweasleymalfoy , @jupiterandbutterflies , @for-bebbanburg , @tarkanelima-blog , @pansysgirlfriend , @acciorudolphx , @kaqua , @hannaxmaria , @vintagebitc , @deardiarystuff, @emmaev , @aleksanderwh0r3 , @hazelrose14, @crowssixof , @qhbr2013 , @odetostep , @strawb3rrydr3ss , @lizzie-he4rts , @korol-lantsov , @shadow4ndbone, @subjecta13-thefangirl , @mriddlemethis , @secretsthathauntus , @carnationworld (tag list form)

SHADOW AND BONE MASTERLIST

He was her mentor. He was the only one who could help her through the discovery and understanding of her powers. That's why he was spending so much time with her. No other reason.

At least that's what you've been telling yourself over and over in hope that you'd start believing it. So far, you had no success. And this had been going on since the day Alina had arrived at the Little Palace a month ago so you didn't harbour any hopes that it'll start working.

But what could you do?

He was spending every waking moment between his War room and the training grounds with Alina. You could see the allure that she had to have in his eyes.

He had been waiting for her for a long time, after all. You couldn't even be mad at him for investing his energies to help her harness her powers since she was the key to Ravka freedom. And, to be fair, Alina wasn't that bad.

Sure, you had to get through many layers of snarky remarks and dry humour that most of the times felt a lot like rudeness rather than humour. But she wasn't that bad. Not when there were people like Zoya walking around.

But the days without seeing him, with just a passing glance or a touch of his hand on your back were taking their toll on you. You missed him.

You had gone from seeing him every day to not seeing him at all.

You had tried to talk to him about it but he.was.always.busy. Or with Alina. You weren't proud to admit it, and you probably never will out loud, but a certain green monster had taken residence on your shoulders.

You were taking your usual stroll around the gardens when you spotted him outside the Palace's main entrance. Hurrying your steps, you called his name to catch his attention.

"Aleksander!"

Fortunately, he heard you and turned to see who was calling him. There were few people who knew his name and there was no chance in hell it would be Baghra. His lips morphed in a small smile as he watched you approaching with a sprint in your steps.

"Hey, I'm so glad I've caught you, it's been ages since I've-" you stopped when you saw Alina's approaching figure. Your eyes darted from her to Aleksander in front of you and you've finally noticed the two horses.

He wasn't wearing his cloak and of course, where Alina was Aleksander followed. Your lips thinned in a line as you rolled your shoulders back. You knew that Aleksander had noticed your expression change but you hadn't had centuries of practice to scholar your features into betraying nothing. But you forced yourself to at least keep up the appearances with Alina.

You gave her a smile when she stood before you complimenting her hair.

"Genya's handiwork," she simply said as it was enough to explain everything.

"Well, I'm going to leave you to your outing," you said hoping they couldn't notice the strain in your smile. Turning around, you retraced your steps to where you had been standing before and where you should have stayed all this time.

It was clear now- what other signs did he need to give you? Swallowing the lump in your throat, you forced yourself to not let the tears fall. You could feel his eyes on you until the sounds of hooves hitting the gravel told you that they were gone.

However much it hurt you to see again and again the proof that you were losing him, there was still a part of you that told you that this was just a phase. A temporary arrangement, given Aleksander's plans for Ravka. You just had to bite the bullet until it was all over.

And so, with renowned hope, you decided that you were going to talk to him. Even if you had to wait for him for hours or meet him at the brink of dawn, you had to do it. You needed to know where his heart was and from that, you could decide where to go.

However, to your luck, today was the day of the Winter Fete. Everyone, including you, was going to be super busy with finalizing the last minute details and rehearsals. Every Grisha had a role in tonight demonstration even though the star of the whole night was, of course, the Sun Summoner.

Since you were a tidemaker, your manifestation was scheduled before Alina's grand entrance. You and the other tidemakers had prepared a light show, along with Alina, to use water to reflect and amplify Alina's light so as to create a beautiful play of light.

The whole ordeal ended in time for Alina to get back inside the Palace and get on stage and for everyone else to get inside too to witness her exhibition. You followed along with everyone else but alas, you really wished you hadn't.

Aleksander had eyes only for Alina, he never looked away from her even when the light got blinding for everyone else in the room. And you couldn't blame him- Alina was literally glowing. She looked amazing in that black kefta and the symbolism of the colour wasn't lost on you.

You had been a fool, that's what you were. It was painfully obvious how whipped Aleksander was for Alina. Each of those signs was a painful blow to your heart and faith in him. His outings with her, her black kefta, the smile she sent his way and how enthralled he was by her.

Shaking your head, you fought to keep your composure. You had lost him, you realized. You had to accept the fact that it was over. Whatever you had, it had come to an end. The moment it did, was lost on you but you knew it had to coincide with the moment he had met Alina.

As if to confirm your inward musings, Alina and Aleksander walked out of the room, her under his arm.

Well, it was settled then. You couldn't stay here anymore. It was one thing to break up and grow apart but it was a whole other thing to watch him being in love with someone else.

You had to go. That was certain.

Nodding to yourself, you took your final decision just as they walked past you. Aleksander's eyes met yours briefly, just long enough for you to send him a teary glare.

This was the last time you were going to see him and as much as you could feel your heart breaking, you knew that it was something you had to do. They walked out of the room and you wasted no time in leaving as well.

However, before going to your room to pack the few belongings you had, there was somewhere else you needed to go first.

The wind blew harshly on your face, the salt of the sea breeze mixing with that of your tears. Alone on the dock, you allowed yourself to cry. To finally let out everything you had been keeping under lock and key for so very long.

You tried to comfort yourself by reassuring yourself that this was the right choice. The best choice. To stay in a place where you had never truly felt at home, where every nook and cranny reminded you of what you had and what you had lost- of the fact that you hadn't been enough. That your love hadn't been enough for him to stick around, to choose you over a girl he had known for about a day. Everything you had shared, the months spent together in intimacy under his sheets or under the comfort of your favourite tree.

Vanished. Erased. Worthless.

You allowed yourself to feel every ounce of pain his dismissing behaviour had caused you because as soon as you boarded, you were going to leave all of this behind. You were sailing towards your future, towards a new land full of opportunities and new people. Somewhere where you could start fresh.

You heard someone shout the name of the ship you had to be on and knew that the moment had come. Here you were about to step into your new life.

Heaving a sigh, you threw a last look in the Little Palace direction, at what-or rather- who you were leaving behind. Turning around, you gathered your kefta closer to your body to shield you from the harsh weather. As you were about to move, a hand clamping on your back, stopped you.

You winced, not expecting the contact since you thought you were the only one on the dock. Turning around, you were met with a familiar pair of onyx eyes.

"What are you doing?" he asked, an edge on his voice that you couldn't figure out if it was surprise, betrayal or boredom.

"I could ask you the same thing, General." Taking a step back, his hand fell from your shoulder as you put some distance between you. Standing so close to him just as you were about to bid him goodbye forever felt like a cruel joke on destiny's part.

"So this is what you do? Leave in the middle of the night without telling anyone?"

"Those who needed to be, have been rightly notified of my departure. I don't see how this concerns you, though."

"You don't see-" he huffed out, a humourless laugh leaving him," how, in the name of all saints, don't you see how this concerns me?"

"This is the first time you've spoken to me in months, Aleksander so please spare me this bullshit. I've got it, alright?" Raising your hands you took yet another step away from him. "There's no need for you to be here and pretend anymore. Go back to your party and your Grisha and your girl."

"You're my girl," he stated somehow still calmly.

"No, I'm not," you scoffed, "and you've done a fine job proving that these past few months."

"I know I've been neglecting you, but what's a few months when we have a lifetime together in front of us?" he conceded taking a step towards you as his arms widened as if to show you the length of time you'd be spending together.

"It's everything, Aleks," you snapped as your emotions got the best of you, "seeing you getting cosy with Alina every day realising that the more time passed the less you were mine was excruciating and I'm done. I'm going away and I'm leaving all of this behind."

"You can't go."

"Watch me," you quipped as you turned around. Challenging you was not the best way for him to go about this. He knew better than anyone who proudful you could be.

"You cannot go," he... begged? the tone of his voice was so weird coming from him that had you pivot immediately. "You cannot leave. You cannot leave me."

You stood there, hair blowing everywhere for the harsh wind, just staring at him. You'd never seen him so emotional. Yes, you'd shared some intimate moments but he'd never been quite this open about his feelings. The sight of his teary eyes was so unfamiliar that made your brain short-circuiting.

Taking a shaky breath, Aleksander took a step in your direction, getting closer to you but still not close yet.

"Everything that I've ever done has been for a sole purpose, y/n, you know it. And you have to believe me, Alina plays a role in this as well."

"I know she does, it's obvious to everyone. It just has become painfully obvious to me tonight just how important she's come to mean to you." You shrugged as you looked away. Admitting this while also looking him in the eyes was an impossible feat.

"She may as well be the Sun Summoner, but you're my solnishko, y/n." He murmured softly as he took another step, this time getting close enough to you to reach for your hands.

"Sweet talking isn't going to change anything, Aleksander. I saw how you looked at her, I saw her wearing your colours. Do you take me for a fool?"

"Of course not," he disagreed vehemently, "but it's as I've told you, my dear, please believe me. Every action had its purpose which was not hurting you or expressing my love for Alina." He insisted, his hands squeezing yours. His eyes flickered between you and you spotted hopefulness as well as sincerity in them. Which made you hesitate.

Could it be...?

"But why didn't you tell me so, then? Why cutting me out dry without a word?" you uttered, afraid to believe him, afraid to let your heart hope again.

"It has been a play, solnishko. Ever since Alina has stepped foot inside the Little Palace, all eyes have been on us. I had a part to play and so did she. Unfortunately, I couldn't risk it." He explained, his eyes taking in your features, noting how hesitant you still were.

"I swear, my love, you should hear her. The only thing she can talk about it's her childhood best friend who seems so boring, I can't see what she sees in him." He added smiling hoping to lighten the mood. And as a matter of fact, he was rewarded with your giggles.

"Really?"

"I'd never lie to you," he murmured solemnly, his head tilting down toward yours. You met him halfway, your nose bumping softly with his.

"You better never start, Sasha," you warned lightly as he gave you an Eskimo kiss, his hands reaching up to hold your cheeks.

"Never," he promised on your lips. His trailed over yours softly before tilting his head to the side and letting them finally touch.

It has been so long since you've last shared a kiss that you'd almost forgotten how it felt like. How soft his lips were, how voracious he could be, how he always tasted of something sweet.

You gasped as his tongue trailed over your lower lip giving him the desired opportunity to sneak in and meet your tongue. Moaning, you moved your lips with his, hands sneaking through his hair to hold him close. The kiss came to a stop when you both were out of breath. He didn't get far away though as he rested his forehead on yours.

"The captain is going to be really mad at me." You murmured as you heard another shout coming from the end of the dock.

"Let me deal with him," he reassured you before giving you another small kiss. With that, he stepped away and headed over to where your ship was anchored.

You stood there, your fingers touching your lips, still in trance after what happened. So, you had never lost him. He had always been yours.

The realisation made you smile and as you watched his cape blowing in the wind you felt reassured. You knew he had plans but those were never the problem. You could bear seeing him with Alina if you knew that you were the only one in his heart and bed. And it seemed that you weren't the only one who wanted to keep it this way.

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sellyoursoulforagoodfic · 2 years

Text

Orphan of Shadows Chapter 10

Kaz Brekker x ShadowSummoner!Reader

Word Count: 1398

Summary: The Encounter and the Fold

You heard the murmurs of their voices before you saw them; the tones of each of their voices were instantly recognizable even in your groggy state and even if you couldn’t make out exactly what they were saying until you burst into the street right behind Kaz.

Aleksander’s eyes flicked to yours, only showing mild surprise at your presence before honing back in on Kaz. “You should have stayed in Ketterdam, Mr. Brekker.” You had no idea what the gathering darkness in front of his hands was, but instinct told you that it wouldn’t be good if it touched you or Kaz.

Fortunately, Kaz had a backup plan that he deployed at the exact right moment while frantically shouting, “RUN!” at you.

When the light of his flashbomb blanketed the street like Alina just showed back up, you made sure to dart down an adjacent alleyway, only to have your entire body freeze up when the Darkling’s little heartrender guard rounded the corner.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he informed you, voice sounding rough with pain, pain that you assumed originated from the bleeding wound on his head that presumably one of the other Crows had given him.

You heard Kirigan say your name, but since you couldn’t move a single muscle, you couldn’t exactly see the disappointed expression he was giving you until he stepped in front of you. “I suspected that your timing was a bit too . . . perfect when you arrived at the Little Palace. A rogue grisha that knows her way around Ravka would be quite useful on that silly little endeavor to kidnap my Sun Summoner. What did they offer you, hmm? And what exactly did you do to help them? How did they get across the Fold?”

Suddenly, you found yourself in control of your head, presumably so you could answer. Your jaw clenched before you forced the words, “You assume I’m being paid,” out just to be contrary. “Maybe I did it for kicks.”

He snarled a little, his handsome face contorting into something ugly and rage-filled. “Tell me . . .” His posture straightened, becoming the feared Black General before your eyes and sending a spark of fear down your spine. “Or my friend will make certain they never see you again, and I would hate to be forced to make such a decision. Especially regarding someone I went through the trouble of saving.”

“If you have your way, they won’t see me again anyway, but be that as it may, I have no intention of staying in this saintsforsaken country past nexxt week. So if you don’t mind . . .”

Your shadow slithered away from your feet and skirted unseen along the ground until it lunged for the Heartrender’s face and blinded him. “General!” he shrieked in alarm.

As soon as you were free of his grip, you were running. Gracelessly, you flung a hand behind you to shield yourself from the grasping shadows that were surely spilling from Kirigan’s fingertips. “You’ll have to do better than that!” you taunted on the same breath as a laugh. Truly getting away would be difficult for sure, but then again, you already had a history of escaping this specific man.

It felt like hours later when you finally saw your friends slink out of their various hidey-holes and walk past yours. You were exhausted--overuse of your powers to stay hidden in plain sight was sending you headed straight down the road to passing out--but still you held onto consciousness long enough to call, “Hey, guys,” and hear Kaz’s relieved, “Oh, thank fuck,” before you felt yourself pitching forward into the dirt.

You woke up on the back of a farm trailer, judging by the hay, with the sounds of Jesper and Inej conversing with an unfamiliar voice. Under your fingertips on the wooden trailer, your shadow’s presence tingled, reminding you of what transpired in the period before you lost consciousness.

A gentle knock against your boot kept you from jolting upright. Instead, your eyes slid open and immediately landed on Kaz. He offered no words, but you could see the relief seep into his features in the way the creasing around his eyes lessened. They didn’t go away--they never did--but the skin smoothing out even a little made him look more like his actual age. And made him look all the more handsome.

“Where are we going?” you asked, words slurred slightly as the exhaustion of the last few days reminded you that it had finally caught up to you.

“Home,” he replied simply. “She got away from us. We failed.”

“Because of me?”

“No. Alina was already long gone by the time you were rendered unconscious.” He took a deep, alarmingly shaky breath. “Inej was injured badly. She’ll be fine,” he rushed to say, “but we can’t go on looking for Alina as we are.”

“How will we cross the Fold?” You were close, you could tell. You still hadn’t looked around to get your bearings, but you could feel that telling scratching at the back of your mind once again.

Kaz’s gloved hand flexed on his cane. “You won’t like it.”

“Getting increasingly tired of hearing that, Kaz.”

All the more alarming was how he felt the need to tell you, “It was Jes’s idea.”

As it turned out, Kaz was right; you didn’t like it. Jes’s brilliant plan was to stow away on the Second Army’s skiff just like you did so long ago. That was apparently what gave him the idea in the first place, and despite the gut response you had of wanting nothing more than to punch the gunslinger, it was really the only even remotely valid option of getting home quickly enough that the people in the Barrel wouldn’t assume you died.

Still, you found yourself in the belly of the skiff, peeping through a grate to see General Kirigan like you were a little girl again. But this time, you were worried that he would sense you and come to torture you for information. The gnaw of the Fold on your nerves moved from clawing at your mind to settling and writhing in the pit of your stomach. Something would go wrong; you just didn’t know what it was. And there was no reason you could have ever expected that Alina and an unfamiliar man would essentially start a riot that Jesper and Inej would insist on joining in on.

It was utter chaos onboard the skiff. You and Kaz took down a handful of the General’s forces with the winning combination of his cane and a gun you stole from one of Jesper’s victims. But then you whipped around to face your next opponent and found yourself once again facing down none other than General Kirigan.

“Hello again,” he greeted like the world wasn’t going mad around you. “I believe you owe me an apology for being so defistatingly rude last time.”

“Yeah, that’s going to happen,” you scoffed, “probably around the same time she apologizes to you,” you added, nodding behind him where his precious Sun Summoner was preparing to attack him with something that looked quite like what Kirigan had sent at Kaz back in that alley.

“Alina--”

“Shh, shh, shh . . .” you hushed, letting your shadow reach out and curl around him threateningly.

He glanced back at you. “Do you honestly think you can win this battle of wills?” Already, you could feel your grasp on the shadows start to slip between your fingers and into his.

Your shrug and statement of, “I don’t have to win,” was all the prompting Kaz needed to render the man briefly unconscious by bashing him in the back of the skull with that fabrikator-made cane of his.

Just as casually, Kaz leaned the bloodied thing up on his shoulder just long enough to ask, “Did you expect me to do anything else?” in response to the surprised expression you had on your face.

The laugh that rammed its way up out of your lungs was breathy and just this side of unhinged. “Saints, I love you,” you breathed, looking into those dark, calculating eyes of his.

“. . . What?” he gasped, clearly shocked breathless.

“Well, that was easy enough,” Jesper was saying with a large, beaming smile on his face as he descended the steps. Then he looked at Kaz. Then he looked at you. And back again. “Am I interrupting something?”

#kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker imagine #reader insert #shadow and bone imagine #shadow summoner!au #six of crows imagine #soc imagine #sab imagine

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cheekygreenty · 3 years

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Hi, I just saw your prompt list for Shadow&Bone!! could you possibly do No. 2 from Angst, but like with a happy ending? Like reader n Kirigan are togeather but then Alina's comes along.. just, please let be happy at the end. I like angst, but my heart can't handle sad endings 😢😢 thank you!!! ❤❤

Future- The Darkling x Reader

(Very very angsty with a happy (?) ending. It made me cry a lil bit writing it ngl)

You trusted him, wholeheartedly. At least that's what you told yourself every day since she came to the Little Palace; the place you had always called home, where you felt safe from the prying eyes of the public.

Yet now, the place was fueled by harsh rumors of him and her. Everywhere you went you could hear a whisper, nobody tried to hide it anymore, the words were always entirely devoted to your crumbling union;

'I thought they were happy'

We were.

'How can he and Alina not be together, it's destiny.'

I'm starting to think so too.

You didn't acknowledge it. Just put on a sweet smile and a brave face. Don't let them see you're hurting. Even in your own home, you had to pretend and lie, which at the end of the day, when you laid in an empty bed, made you exhausted.

He told you she meant nothing more to him than a mere weapon. But that was when she first came and when he still managed to make it to your shared chambers and would whisper sweet nothings as you fell asleep.

It was different now, on more than one occasion you caught a glimpse of them together, him looking at her the way he always looked at you. However much he claimed to be a good actor and manipulator, there was something there and he couldn't deny it either.

You hadn't confronted him about it yet fearing that if you did, the truth would hurt and sting and make all those rumors true. In addition, you haven't seen him in days and the last time you did, he told you to stay away from the wonderful Sun-Summoner.

The truth was you knew deep down in your heart that she wasn't at fault. That she was not the root of the problem. You constantly fought with yourself to stop any hatred you felt towards her. She was lovely, kind compassionate, and innocent. She didn't deserve to feel your wrath.

But with that came the confusion of who to blame. You or Him. It made you tired and weak. The smallest of tasks made you drained and tears would well in your eyes at the thought of having to live another day like this, a day full of questioning yourself and the man you loved more than anything in the world.

No matter how much of a strong person you swore you were, this was taking a substantial toll on you. He had become your support network and he knew it, he loved it. He always said he finally felt appreciated when you came around, that he wasn't alone anymore. He had conditioned you to be this way. When times got tough, he was always your shoulder to cry on.

No doubt that shoulder was now next to Alina. Perhaps they went on a horse ride, visited the Black Heretic fountain, or were enjoying a rendezvous next to the lake.

You didn't want to know, all that mattered was that he wasn't there with you when you were falling apart. Maybe you relied on him too much.

You wondered if he noticed the whispers too, or the way you'd been missing crucial meetings, or even if he noticed you wearing your red kefta more often, ditching the black once you'd heard Genya speak of making a golden-black kefta for Alina, per the Darkling's request.

That was a punch in the gut. It hurt more than him avoiding conversation with you or even his deterrence of touching you. He had bestowed his colors to her when not even three months ago he didn't know she existed. It had taken you a long time to gain his trust and don his signature black yet all she had to do was waltz in and show up. And it hurt.

And now here you were, training the next generation of heartrenderers, as you did almost every day. You had given your life to the Little Palace and its Grisha and this is how you were being repaid. Not even Ivan, who you had shaped into an excellent soldier, had looked your way lately.

'Excuse me Ms. Y/L/N I have an urgent request from the General' You whipped your head around to the young Grisha boy with an obviously hurt look on your face which he couldn't understand.

'Of course' you choked out and took the piece of paper from his hands and watched him in sorrow as he left.

Ms.Y/L/N? what happened to moya sovereignny? You were never one to uphold the formality, but this was just another blow to your confidence. You were no longer referred to as his other half which only meant your position in the palace was quickly dwindling.

You opened the wax-sealed envelope and took out the thick sheet of paper. There was a time when he himself would deliver the news to you himself and use it as an excuse to spend extra time with you.

'I cannot make it to the meeting with the King this evening, attend and report back to me anything relevant, no horse business'

You scoffed loudly, drawing attention from the young Corporalki around you and leaned on the table in front of you. Not even a please or thank you. With the note clutched in your hand and tears of frustration in your eyes, you stormed out of the Corporalki room and towards his war room.

You peeked through the open door and seen him. He didn't look at all busy as he chatted with Zoya, Ivan, Fedyor, and some other Squaller you didn't recognize. Zoya threw her head back in laughter at something Fedyor said but Aleksander kept his stony expression. You threw the door open dramatically and everyone froze.

'Leave us' you cautioned as Aleksander's onyx eyes looked right into your own.

Nobody moved but Zoya was the first to speak ' Y/N, we're actually in a meeting if you couldn't tell' while everyone nodded along, except him.

You never had anything against anyone in that room, but in that moment you couldn't help yourself and used your small science to bring everyone to their knees in front of you, except him.

'Leave us' His voice rang out in the midst of their sharp breaths and chest-clutching. They scrambled to their feet and left one by one, Fedyor quietly muttering 'moya sovereignny' as he passed you which filled you with some courage. The door shut and the sound echoed over the walls.

You threw the note across the room and let it hit his arm. 'Did you forget your manners General? Or does it only apply to the people you claim to love?'

'Funny you should say that Y/N, you haven't attended any meetings in weeks without providing a reason. You're making me look like a fool'

'I'M MAKING YOU LOOK LIKE A FOOL?!' Your tears were now streaming down your face, falling quicker than you could wipe them away.

He stayed silent and that broke your heart even more, he could've said something, anything.

'Aleksander, I'm trying to keep myself together for everyone, I'm trying so very hard to appear normal and happy but I don't think I can do this any longer. The whispers and the rumors, watching you and her-' You slid down the door and sat on the floor, head resting on your knees. '-It's getting to me.... and it's killing me.'

You thanked the Saints you didn't see his face, for the silence spoke for itself. He didn't deny anything or reach out to comfort you. I've lost him.

'All I wanted was a happy ending.' You laughed a sad laugh that pulled at his heartstrings. With your eyes still facing away from him, you didn't see his hand go up to wipe the lone tear that fell down his face or the slight shake in his hands as he did so. He had no words that would comfort you. He knew what he'd done. He'd been avoiding you ever since he realized it. He didn't want to see you cry or see how his actions affected you.

Telling you that it means nothing to him was of no use. You had it in your mind now, forever engrained around his name, the rumors wouldn't stop and Alina was still around. He truly felt nothing of importance for her. All she meant for him was a key to a better future with you.

He approached you slowly, getting down on his knees next to you. He took your hand in his and held it up to his lips. He never prayed, but right now he silently muttered words to all the Saints. Don't let her leave.

'I'm so sorry Darling. Y/N I love you so much.'

'But you love her more' You yanked your hands away.

'NO. no. Y/N. I swear it. You are everything to me' He had grown serious now, he wanted you to look at him. He missed you.

'Then explain why you're parading her around like a Queen, letting her wear your colors, probably sleeping in her bed'

'I have never toucher her in that way. I'm yours Y/N.' Please look at me.

You lifted your head and looked at his beautiful face. He too looked tired, exhausted. His eyes were red and puffy. Saints, I've never seen him cry.

'You will have a happy ending. I promise Darling' He took your face into his hands and connected your foreheads together. 'I promise. I'm doing everything I can to make sure you will, and even if I can't, I swear you will you and our children-'

Children. Aleksander never spoke of them to the point where you had settled with the idea you'll never have them. Something about the desperation in his voice made you believe him, Aleksander was strong, he never gave up but he also never sacrificed himself for anybody. Up until now, you didn't think yourself worthy enough to be saved in exchange for him.

'-I would give up everything to see you and them safe, away from harm's way. Right now, the world doesn't deserve them, but once I do what I have to do, I'll give you children. However many you want, Just stay. Please'

You were borderline hysterical as you melted into his embrace. Weeks of frustration and hurt disappeared into thin air. Aleksander held you so tight you were having trouble breathing but you didn't care. He held you all day and all night. All meetings and tasks forgotten.

He explained everything in detail, from the stag and firebird to what happens if things don't go to plan. He kept nothing from you, not even the stress and pressure he felt. You comforted him as he always does to you. You fell asleep together and dreamed of a life with a happy ending, one where you never had to doubt his motives, you dreamed of your future.

Taglist (if you want to be added, plz tell me!)

@theonelittleone @searching-for-gallifrey @lostysworld

@0-artemis

#shadow and bone #grisha #imagine #the darkling #the darkling x reader #alexander #alexander morozova #alina starkov #fanfic #ben barnes #general kirigan x reader #black general

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atlas-of-a-human-soul · 3 years

Text

Draw your swords, pt. 8

Summary: Forced to face their feelings, neither the Darkling nor his wife dare to speak them out loud. Influenced by Genya’s words, Y/N starts to wonder about her husband’s past.

Warnings: angst, swearing, mentions of alcohol, sexual content

Part one // Part two // Part three // Part four // Part five // Part six // Part seven

=================================

As a young girl, Y/N often daydreamed about her first time. She believed it would be with a kind man who’d move mountains to find her if she called his name. Reality was quite different – this man wasn’t kind, but he’d burn the world for her.

Whether he realized it, she saw through him easily. The Darkling is a symbol, the fear surrounding his name is all for show because he’s not evil. In fact, she’d go as far as say he’s redeemable. Anyone capable of love is capable of being saved and while she didn’t know what he needed saving from, her heart told her he’ll need her. And she knew he cared, she felt it in the way he held her in that tent, and again in the way he’d touch her when he had all the power just the night before.

Moving her head toward the other side of the bed, Y/N looked at her sleeping husband. His lashes are long, thick and dark, a beard that tickled her neck adorning his face. Asleep, his cheekbones were not as sharp, his face much more welcoming and relaxed. He didn’t seem as the formidable foe she imagined him to be.

Aleksander laid on his side, facing her. Pursing her lips, Y/N allowed her eyes to roam over him. His broad chest had a small area of dark, curling hair. His muscles are made large, shapely mounds. His arms are capped by a round, firm muscle. Biting her lower lip, her eyes continued down to his hard, flat stomach with faint lines forming separate areas of muscles, making her swallow thickly. It was only after a moment that her eyes went lower. What she saw did not seem so powerful as it felt the previous night, but as she watched, his manhood began to grow.

She gasped and her eyes flew back to his. He was awake, watching her intently with a smirk, his eyes growing darker by the moment. No longer was he the gentle man she had awakened to, but a man of passion, the general who showed her he was just as capable of leading a woman in the bed as he was of leading an army on the field.

Y/N tried to move away but Aleksander still held her trapped by her hair that strayed on his side, under his back. What was worse, she didn’t even want to fight him. Y/N recalled her plans for him clearly; but this was more than a plan she carelessly implemented. Everything was different now when she had the memory of his body and the pleasure he infused her with when he made love to her. Could that term even be applied to them, she wondered. Did he see it as making love or simply satisfying his needs?

“Stubborn wife,” he whispered and the tone of his voice made chills run along her arms. It’s more than the tone he used or the look of his dark eyes that had her insides turning, but the words he had spoken…it almost felt like a term of endearment coming from him.

Grimacing, she rolled her eyes at him, “Dreadful husband.”

Pursing his lips, he seemed amused rather than insulted.

She was right, their relationship has changed.

Irrevocably.

Last night she had thought she learned all there was to know about love between a man and a woman, but now she thought, perhaps she knew very, very little. There was much more to learn from this man and of this man and how to use that knowledge for her own gain, but right now? She just wanted to let herself go. She wanted to enjoy his company. For once, he was good-natured, playful even. She felt genuinely happy in their little bubble.

For a moment, Y/N wished to stay there. She wished he could always look at her as he is now.

She looked at him, his hair still a mess in the bright morning sunlight. She watched him intently, perplexed how he could look more handsome and more human than she’d ever seen him.

His eyes are nearly black as he pulls her to him again. He runs his tongue along her lips, touching the inner corners especially. She parted her teeth for him, desperate for a taste of him. He’s better than the richest honey; hot and cold, soft and firm. She explored his mouth as he had explored hers, no longer shy or reserved with him. How could she be when his fingers have delved lower, pushing inside her?

Gasping, she smiles against his lips. “Genya will be here soon”, she warns him.

"I don't fucking care", he insisted as he crashed into her, his arms wrapping around her like a cage she never wished to escape from. He brought his mouth on hers, inhaling her, "Do you even know what it feels like to be around you?! I can't", he paused as his arms drew away from her and she shuddered as he took the warmth they provided. With bruised lips, she watched as he ran his hand through what used to be perfectly tousled hair. Disheveled, he turns to her, "I can't breathe around you."

She chuckles at him, "Well, I am breathtakingly beautiful."

Rolling his eyes, the Darkling shakes his head, "Well, you're not unattractive. I'll concede on that."

She ran her hands over his back as he lowered his head to her neck, running his tongue along the pulsating beat of her carotid, the only friend he had in her – her pulse couldn’t hide how enamored or exhilarated he made her feel. Instinctively she leaned her head back, her breathing turning deeper, quicker.

When his lips and tongue touched her breasts, she nearly cried out. She thought perhaps she might die under such torture. Trying to pull his head back to her mouth failed as he gave a deep, guttural laugh that made her shiver, her insides turning with the sweet melody and her heart? Her heart felt warm, big and incredibly full.

Maybe he did own her.

A knock on the door had interrupted their bliss as Y/N stiffened, looking at the door in slight panic. If someone saw them right now, no one would doubt their marriage was a successful love match. They seemed happy, truly in love. That’s not how it was meant to be.

“Someone doesn’t value their life”, he grumbled under his breath. “GO AWAY!”

Clasping a hand over his mouth, she chuckled. “Who is it?!”

“General?” Ivan’s voice faded her smile instantly.

Even with Aleksander’s hands cupping her bottom, his body covering her and the door being shut, Y/N felt ashamed as if she was bare in front of the entire world.

“Unless the world is burning, leave me alone!” Pecking Y/N’s lips, he smirked, “I never get a peaceful morning anymore.”

Come to think of it, Y/N never found him in the bed when she woke up. This was the very first night they spent together and he stayed by her side. Considerate was never a word she’d use describing him before, but he is considerate, kind and incredibly cautious when it comes to her. It made her heart sink.

Hearing no word from Ivan, Aleksander’s hand moved. Caressing the inside of her thighs, he made her shake in desire. Holding her breath, she bit her lower lip. Still sore from the night before, she felt her stomach twist as he lined himself up with her entrance once more. Pushing himself inside, he captures her lips as she cries out. The pleasure is undeniable, but she couldn’t deny there was pain too. She clutched at him, her legs pressing around his waist as she rose to meet each thrust. Sweet torment he had inflicted felt as if it would split her in two - one Y/N to plot his demise and the other who’d never let him leave her bed.

Finally, when she was sure her heart would explode, she felt the pulsing throbs that released her and soon after, Y/N felt him speed up and his own release followed. Collapsing on top of her, Aleksander held her so close that she could hardly breathe. In that moment she didn’t really care if she ever did breathe again.

Aleksander didn’t move, still buried deep inside her as if she is his saving grace. It’s insane to think he could fuck her into submission and feelings. It was impossible to ignore the fact that she developed feelings for him, but that realization created doubts. Eventually, something will have to break – and the thought of hurting him suddenly felt too much to bear.

“Are you alright?” He moved her hair out of her face, remaining on top of her as if she’s a conquered territory he refused to leave.

Swallowing thickly, she nods. “Why aren’t you moving?”

Eyes widening, the Darkling felt heat rush to his face. He was trying to be sweet, to show her it was more than a quick fuck. It was indescribable for him – a dawn after a long night he’s lived in. No woman ever lessened the loneliness inside his heart and then she waltzed into his life. He couldn’t imagine living without her again. She was the northern star in his dark sky and he never wanted to leave.

“I should see Ivan about earlier”, he murmured, nearly wincing as he pulled out. She wrapped herself up in the sheets again, her eyes wide as she stared ahead, thinking about how badly she’s already failing her mission.

Frowning as she shifted, Y/N felt Aleksander’s semen leave her. She cleared her throat, her eyes watering. She felt disgusted with herself, like she needed her skin rubbed off with scalding hot water and peeled off if that didn’t work. She could feel him, smell him on every inch of her skin and the worst of it all? She loathed just how cold she felt when his arms weren’t wrapped around her. She absolutely detested how giddy her heart felt when she saw the shit-eating grin on his face as he brought her to climax.

“When will we visit the armies by the fold?” She asked, switching into the woman she is instead of the woman she’s molded into by his lips.

Impassive, he looked back at her as he worked on the buttons of his shirt. “Why? Don’t believe I’ve kept my word?”

It unnerved her just how cold his voice felt, how impersonal. Standing, she wrapped the nightgown around her body. Taking his kefta in her hands, she held it open for him to slip into.

His eyes flicker from the kefta to her, as if he’s confused as well. It felt odd not knowing their place now. Their previous dynamic was easy to settle into, bickering felt like second nature. Conversing without spewing venom brought unfamiliar discomfort mostly because they’d much rather return to the bed behind them. Leaving that room carried an unspoken possibility of their time together being nothing but a fluke – a onetime deal. The outside world carries responsibilities, the kind that places them on opposite sides of the war.

“Thank you”, he turns around, allowing her to help dress him. Wives do that, he realized. Loving wives help their husbands dress just as often as they help them undress. Husbands do the same for their wives – though he much preferred the undressing part.

He kissed her brow unexpectedly, eyes flickering to her trembling lips as they passed a surprised gasp. “I know you want to see the results on a field, but rest assured I’ve kept my word.” Licking his lips, he reached for a glass from behind her. Pouring himself a glass, he watched her gnaw on her lower lip. For once, the ice queen showed there are emotions inside her capable of more than just disdain.

Breaking out of her daze, she cleared her throat. “I prefer to have confirmation”, she remarked.

Snorting, he looks up in frustration. He wanted to grab her by the throat as he would with any other human who’d dare challenge him, question him. In his mind, he pinned her to the bed, his hands wrapped around her delicate little wrists. ‘Don’t play games with me’, he’d say, ‘Don’t ever think you’re capable of that.’ He wanted so badly to treat her the same, as an enemy, but she had done something to him. No matter how hard he wished he could fight it, something inside him came to life – his heart beats unburdened by the shadows, for her. It was always going to be her.

“I guess I’m asking you to trust me”, he looked at her with a softness he visibly struggled with. His hand griped the glass far too tightly for it to fool her. He was hurt by her insinuation and she didn’t know how to respond.

“Aleksander.” Calling him by his first name for the first time felt so natural, but terrifying as his eyes lit up when it crossed her lips.

He shuddered. “Say it again”, he commanded, his eyes darkened as he pressed his lips together.

The look on her face would surely haunt him for an eternity. She was shocked, maybe even frightened. She didn’t mean to call him by his name, she had made a mistake and he could read it on her face.

She spun, fleeing into the bathroom. She ran from him like he had come to steal her soul. He thought about chasing after her, but it would be futile. She would return on her own. She lost the game, she was his. He swallowed his whisky and smiled. Perhaps the way his heart fluttered at the sound of his true name passing her lips should have been a sign he lost the game too, but he didn’t give it a second thought.

She is his.

Once he left, she did exactly as she wished – she scrubbed herself clean of any remainders of him. He’ll walk around with her scent clinging to him, but she will not be branded his. Though her hips bear his markings, she felt satisfied they were easily covered with a kefta.

“You don’t have to say it”, Genya raised an eyebrow at the shadows of Kirigan’s fingertips across her friend’s hips.

“Say what?” Y/N narrowed her eyes, her heart picking up pace.

Smirking, Genya lowered her voice, “You enjoyed it, didn’t you?”

Rolling her eyes, Y/N, exhaled audibly through her nose. “It wasn’t terrible.”

“Ha!” Genya clapped her hands, “We are winning today!”

Raising her eyebrows, Y/N turned her undivided attention to an overly excited Genya. “Care to explain?”

“Well”, she shrugged innocently, “I may have found us a new ally.”

Stunned, Y/N sat on the edge of the bathtub. “Who?”

“David”, Genya exclaimed.

“Isn’t he Kirigan’s little…pet?”

Knitting her eyebrows, Genya huffed, “No! He’s a brilliant man and he believes in equality and a brighter future.”

“But can we trust him with the secret?”

Swallowing thickly, Genya paused. Inhaling deeply, she nods. “I’d vouch for him.”

“I need concrete proof”, Y/N sighs, “This isn’t going to end well for us if he decides to spill everything to Kirigan!”

Rubbing her temples, Y/N felt as if the pressure inside her head would cause her brain to burst. It’s pressing in, choking every good idea she’s ever had.

“What would happen if he did know?” Genya crouched before her. With her hands on Y/N’s knees, Genya sighed. “Maybe he’d be receptive too.”

Snorting, Y/N couldn’t believe how naïve Genya is. “No. He’d be too angry to see the big picture.”

It didn’t matter that he’s begun colonizing Y/N’s heart or that every inch of her skin craved the touch of his hand. It felt as if she were invincible when he stood beside her, as if he had made her fireproof. No scar hurt when he kissed her, no grief was too difficult to bear when he looked at her.

“Damn it”, Y/N covered her face, “I want to believe in him, I do.” She couldn’t help but wonder if her feelings are the aftermath of the night he saved her life or the night of ecstasy he had given her. Is it really genuine emotion or did her heart move to her vagina?

“So believe”, Genya encouraged. A sympathetic smile adorned her full lips, her eyes kinder than before.

“How can I ever trust him when he’s got a superiority complex regarding humans? He’s never going to willingly protect one!”

“He did with you”, Genya pressed her lips into a thin line. “You’re paranoid because you are afraid allowing yourself to see the good in him might actually make you love him.”

And she is. She’s afraid to love him or let him love her. What would be the point? In the end, they’re too different.

“Talk to David again”, Y/N stood, sniffling. “I’ll head to the library.”

Genya raised an eyebrow. “Library?”

The first casualty of war is innocence and Y/N had none left. She was once called ‘angel’ by her father, by her comrades in the army too. She was the epitome of a pure heart who would sacrifice itself for others. She didn’t feel like an angel anymore, but she will play the part. No one expects an angel to set the world on fire.

“Yeah”, Y/N breathes out. “I want to look for something.” Truth be told, she wanted to research Aleksander and his lineage.

If the dark heretic is from his bloodline, she needed to know everything about him, about the hearts of those he came from. If she’s ever going to consider her husband as an ally, she has to know him – all of him. If she asked, she worried he’d cover up the darkest parts of him. He’d deem her too human to understand, too fragile to know all the horrors that tie into who he’s become.

It was time to find out if she could trust Aleksander.

=============================

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Part 9

#the darkling #the darkling x reader #aleksander morozova #aleksander morozova x reader #general kirigan x reader #general kirigan #shadow and bone

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countryclubstarkey · 3 years

Text

Trust me

Pairing: The Darkling x female reader

Warnings: Angst, manipulation, making out

Word Count: 957

Summary: Before Alina, there was someone else.

Disclaimer: I do not condone The Darkling’s actions; this is pure fiction.

*This gif does not belong to me and all credit goes to the owner

The mood around the little palace was grim upon The Darkling’s arrival, everyone knowing the foul mood he was going to be in due to his dispute with The King. The king of Ravka has been pushing the Grisha’s and is expecting too much from them. He wants to use the Grisha to gain as much power as possible, but he never rewards them for it. This is what The Darkling has been fighting for years, respect for his Grisha.

This morning, the Corporalki, Etherealki and the Materialki are all on their best behaviour to impress The Darkling and get on his good side; you never saw the appeal of doing that. The Darkling chose his favourites according to how much the person benefits him. However, you can’t blame the people trying to get his attention; The Darkling is captivating in every way possible.

“Did you hear that the king threatened his position?” Zoya asks you while duelling and practising your summoning powers together. Shaking your head at the news, “The King thinks he has him wrapped around his finger, but with one wrist motion, he can end his life.”

“I’ve always wanted to see him do the cut, have you?” she asks, “It was terrifying, to be honest, I thought I would be next, it happened when they caught me escaping, and the Fjierdan soldier tried to kill me,” you tell her. Zoya laughs at the memory that happened a few years ago when you were forced to join the second army.

“Now look where we are; you’re one of the only people he trusts,”

You can’t help but release a chuckle, “he doesn’t trust me; we both know that, and to be honest, I don’t trust him that much either.”

“Seems to me that we have something to talk about, Miss. y/l/n,” a raspy voice spoke up from behind you. Everyone on the training field froze to gaze at The Darkling as he stood tall in his black kefta. Any loss of dignity did not show on him following his conversation with the king. Instead, he looked the same as always; intimidating and powerful.

“I-- didn’t mean it like-” you tried to stutter out; he held his hand out to stop you from embarrassing yourself any further. “Zoya, please find another sparring partner for the rest of the day, y/n, please follow me,” he said calmly.

No matter how hard you tried to keep a calm demeanour in front of everyone, The Darkling always shattered that wall and broke you down.

The walk back to his room was deafening with silence; the only sounds filling the hallways were sounds of your footsteps and shallow breathing.

Stepping inside his room, he motioned to one of the chairs in the corner of the room.

You broke the silence first, “what did you want to talk to me about?”

“Do you like being here?” he asks you, “Excuse me.”

“You have been here for years, but you have never trusted me or my decisions.” You try to stumble out the right words, “Sir, I do trust you.”

“Please call me Aleksander,” he says. Not many people in the little palace or Ravka have the luxury of knowing The Darkling’s real name. You grab hold of his hand, “Aleksander, I do trust you, but you don’t share anything with us, how can I trust you if I don’t know what’s going on.”

He grasps your hand back tightly, looking into your eyes, “I need you to trust me and my decisions at all times because you are one of the only people who knows how I feel. I’ve been feeling alone all my life, and I only want the best for my people, and sometimes those decisions are going to cause harm to others. Everything I do is for the benefit of the Grisha.”

Standing up abruptly, “who are you planning to hurt?” you ask curiously. “No one at the moment, but I need to know that you are supporting me at all times; I cannot have traitors following me,” he speaks out vulnerably.

You gently stroke his cheek, scared of his reaction fearing that you are stepping out of line, “I would never betray you. You have shown and given me everything; I’m finally not afraid of my own shadow.” He nods his head slowly; something unnoticeable becomes present in his eyes. He’s looking at you with eyes full of love, something neither of you has ever experienced. He grasps your face, trapping you with his hands. “Tell me that you trust me; I need this.”

“I trust you,” you breathe out, trying to reassure yourself and him. He leans forward, brushing his lips against yours, making you crave every inch of him. You close the small distance and connect your lips with his feeding your urges. His hands move to your waist, pulling you even closer than before as you both try to cure the loneliness you both have been feeling.

Wandering hands begin moving around your body, trying to feel every inch of you as you both fight for dominance, trying to have some kind of power over the other. There isn’t much of a fight because Aleksander always wins and gets what he wants.

You start to pull away to catch your breath, resting your head against his, “It’s getting late. You should head back to your room.” You nod your head before giving him one last kiss and leaving the room breathless of the events that happened.

Aleksander Morozova rests his head against the door, trying to find the feeling of guilt for lying to you and manipulating your emotions; however, nothing rises because everyone is a pawn in his plan.

#ben barnes #general kirigan x reader #the darkling x reader #the darkling #shadow and bone #general kirigan #aleksander morozova #aleksander kirigan

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luciadiosa · 3 years

Text

I never would allow it if I didn’t like Y/N.

Part 1 / Part 2 /

Not only you notice it. Zoya speaks to you at the dinner. She tips on your shoulder and nod to the empty chair. It was the first time he sat down on the table since you gave him the advice. “I wonder why he does it.”, Zoya whispers. “And do you see his little smile? He looks so handsome if he smiles.I believe it was a good day.”

You take your glass and look to Aleksander. Your eyes catch his and you have to smile too. You turn your face away and look down to the plate. “Yeah maybe.” You respond on her words.

“I like it.”, the voice of an other inferni comes to your ear. Marie sits next to you. “We are like a family. He did a great job even it is war and we have to fight. But we are not alone. It is hard work and I am glad he take a break of it. Even it is just a couple of minutes.” You look to her. A family. You turn your face to the others and try to read their faces. Most of them are happy to see the general here. Like a child see its father coming home after a long time. Like they wanted love and appreciation. You smile again and finish the meal.

After the meal Marie and Zoya took the one Corporalki and leave you alone. So you decide to join your favoured boys on the other table. Ivan is speaking to Kirigan but the dark general looks up as soon he saw you standing up and walking to the Corporalki. He follows you with his dark eyes without moving his body. As soon as you sat down next to Fedyor he looks to Ivan again. “Oh the lost child comes back.” Fedyor jokes. “If anything, I am the lost child of the Etheralki.” You smile at him and he place one Hand on your back. “I need your help.” He says and leans towards you. “Tomorrow it is Ivans Birthday. I want to throw a small party for him. I know he will not approve it but I convinced I have to force him sometimes to such things. A few days ago he did not want to try the cake. At the end he ate my piece of it because it was so good.” Fedyor speaks and laughs quietly so his boyfriend wouldn’t hear it.

“I will help you but do you think the general will allow such a big party?” you asked him. Fedyors look speaks words. Like he would say: Girl I saw how you look at him and he looks at you.

“I was wondering if you could ask him? You get along with each other.” “Ask what?” the voice of Ivan interrupts you. Fedyor looks behind him. You lean forward to look past him. Ivan and Kirigan stares at you two. “Nothing important. Just if we can spend some time learning an other languages. We think it would improve our skills for outdoor use and missions.” You try your luck. Ivans eyebrow raise. His mouth a little bit open, then he looks to Kirigan. “Of course you can. The little palace is a safe place where you can learn anything. The library is open anytime.” The general answered and grab his glass.

After a while you walk trough the floors in the direction of your rooms. You cross another floor and feel his presence next to you. He did it often. Suddenly run next to you. “So what do you really want?” he asks without stopping. Of course he know you were lying. “The permission for a birthday party tomorrow. Music, Alcohol, Dancing.” You answer and look to him. You want to see his reaction.

“Ivan hates partys.” You stop and look at him. “You know Ivan and you said he isn’t that lame if you know him better. I think he would like it even he couldn’t show it. So what do you say? I never saw Aleksander Kirigan partying.” You start to grin. “Because I don’t. There are more important problems.” He starts and continue walking. “Aleksander it is just for a couple of hours. The shadow fold will not disappear without the right solution and I doubt someone will attack us in that time. So relax.” You react following him. You stop in front of your room.

Kirigan looks at you and shook the head. “You know I really like you otherwise you cannot just tell me to relax in that way.”

You smirk. “I know and I am happy to use the sympathy against you.Look if you don’t want to join us on the party. That is okay. Really. You can sit alone in your war room and break your beautiful head about things. Just let us a little bit celebrate his birthday. I beg you.”

Aleksander take a deep breath. “Begging looks different but fine, organize a party for Ivan.” He surrenders and put his hands behind is back. “And will you come?” you ask him. He leans forward to your head and whispers in your ear: “Maybe. Good night Y/N.” Your heart beats faster and you turn your head a little bit in the direction of his. You can smell him and feel his breath on the skin of your cheek. He place a gentle short kiss on your cheek, then he turns around on his heels and continue his way to his rooms. You still stand there and watch him leave in all of his grace. Maybe. You really hope he will join.

Part 4

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Thank you for the likes. :) It really fills me with joy. I would like to change the mistakes in the part 2. But tumblre say no xD So sorry for that. Hope you enjoy it.

Love to you all.

#darkling #shadow and bone #short fiction #darkling x reader #the darkling x reader #aleksander morozova #aleksander morozova x reader #general kirigan #general kirigan x reader #fedyor kaminsky #dark general #fanfiction #ivan #fedyor x ivan

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politicalmamaduck · 3 years

Text

so ere you find where light in darkness lies

A soulmate AU written for @darklinadaily Darklina Week 2021! You can read it on AO3 here. Title taken from Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost.

She was born with the mark on her left wrist.

The sun in eclipse.

Ana Kuya said she’d never seen a soul mark like it and it portended a tragic future. Therefore, Alina needed to pray even harder to the Saints to give her a good future.

At night, she was alone, not praying--but hoping that one day she would meet her soulmate and truly belong.

She loved Mal, but not in that way—his mark didn’t match. He was her best friend, but not her soulmate.

So she waited until she would meet her soulmate, her partner with the mark on their arm, and find out what the sun in eclipse meant.

There was no one else she ever loved enough to show them her mark. Not that she loved Ana Kuya, but she loved Mal. She never got a chance to love anyone else--not when the First Army was always on the move, or even before that, when other girls--normal girls, girls with parents--were settling down as proper Ravkan wifes and mothers.

Alina was different, had always been different, even beyond just the mark on her skin.

Being different made no difference to the volcra, however. Their attacks were indiscriminate, their taste for human flesh insatiable.

The last thing she could remember was reaching for Mal in that interminable darkness, the soulmark on her arm aflame, her bones and sinews straining, reaching to hang on to the barest thread of hope contained in his fingers, her anchor to life.

Light burst into the Fold’s darkness, the volcra screaming and tearing away, unable to bear it.

Alina gave in to the darkness behind her eyes, tasting blood.

When she awoke, everything hurt, and the world had changed. Her world changed more rapidly than she could process.

She was not afraid of the Darkling, despite what she’d heard. Still, when he demanded she lift up her sleeve, she did what she always did.

She protected herself.

She lifted her right sleeve, her bare arm, her unadorned wrist.

The world burst into sunlight, flame, shadow. Alina saw not the light pouring forth from her, but stars behind her eyes. The pain, the pleasure, the release--there was something inside her yearning to break free, to push beyond the boundaries she set all those years ago, to reclaim the life she took from it.

Alina collapsed to the floor, but before she hit her head, he caught her.

Her weight was solid in his arms, but she felt light as a feather, protected, cosseted, before the darkness claimed her once more.

After awakening and being packed off to Os Alta, she bit back a retort about a head injury and horses not being the best combination after passing out twice in the space of hours.

The Grisha didn’t care, but they did care for her wounds.

She tried to view herself as one of them, and failed. She was still too different--a summoner who could call the sun, even rarer than the Darkling’s shadows. And how would they view her strange soulmark?

When Genya Safin and her team of attendants marched into her new bedroom the next morning, Alina knew she was in trouble. She was unceremoniously stripped and forced into the bathtub while the washerwomen insulted her in Old Ravkan.

It was Genya who looked at the mark first, though, after ordering the attendants out. “Your mark,” Genya said, taking Alina’s hand before she could snatch it away and hide her arm.

Her bright blue eyes met Alina’s. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen another like it.”

“Really? At the orphanage, they told me it portended a dark future.”

Genya shook her head, her perfect curls bobbing and catching the light.

“I don’t think so. I think your future will be what you make of it. Now, let’s get you ready.”

Genya’s magic--the Small Science, Alina reminded herself--glossed over her skin, and Alina thought perhaps she finally had a friend other than Mal.

Maybe she could belong in the Little Palace.

Maybe she would find her soulmate, the eclipse to her sun, after all.

In front of the Tsar, in front of his court, she felt the terror she had been denying herself. She wasn’t prepared, she needed more time, she couldn’t do this--

And then the Darkling met her eyes in the darkness.

He was calm. He trusted her.

“Now call the sun,” he whispered, and something in her reacted to his voice. Stay, she wanted to whisper back, don’t leave me alone.

He reached for her wrist--

No, she wanted to scream, not that wrist, don’t--

The world burst into light.

Alina burst into light.

Her soulmark burst into flame once more.

It was a beautiful pain, an exquisite torture.

Don’t let go, she wanted to beg.

She felt bereft when he did.

“Welcome home, Miss Starkov,” he said. She knew he meant it. Perhaps, she could believe it after all.

The next morning, she refused the kefta in his color. She didn’t want to stand out more than she already did. But as they rode through the forest, she realized that with him, she didn’t feel like an outsider, an interloper, a foreigner.

With him, she felt like she mattered.

And so it did not matter, later, when she learned the story he told her by the fountain was only partially true. He may have lied--but so did Alina, all those years, denying herself her own truth, so desperate to not be alone.

It did not matter, for she belonged with him. Both the Darkling and the Sun Summoner, denying their own truths until their reality could not be contained within them any longer.

The sun in eclipse. Light and shadow--all shall fade, but they were eternal.

“You are not alone,” she told him, when he laid bare his truths before her--the Grisha were suffering, Ravka was suffering, and they would suffer to see them through the winter, through the Fold, through the dark night before the dawn.

She left his chambers before she could think too deeply about how her heart was racing, how she longed for his touch, how her soulmark burned whenever their skin made contact.

The morning of the Winter Fete, she kissed him before she could regret it, before she could talk herself out of it, before she could think about it too deeply. The choice was hers, and hers alone, regardless of their soulmarks.

His smile was like the sun peeking through shadowed clouds after a storm. Alina’s heart felt at peace, even if they were interrupted, never a moment alone for the Black General of the Second Army and his Sun Summoner.

When their lips met after their presentation, she never wanted their kiss to end. She wanted to devour and be devoured, pour her sunlight into his shadows, subsume and be subsumed.

“Are you sure?” he asked, and she nodded, smiling as though she had never smiled before.

They kissed again, and at the back of her mind, Ana Kuya’s voice echoed. Despite how far she had come, some part of Alina would always be a scared little orphan girl from Keramzin with a dark soulmark on her arm.

“Aleksander,” she said, when their lips broke apart again.

He met her eyes, and waited for her to continue. Her general, following her lead.

“I--” she started. How to tell him?

She looked down from his face to her arm, covered by her black kefta. She would continue to let her body do the talking for her, for it was truer than her words.

She pushed up her sleeve and held her arm, the truth of her, out to him.

He looked from her eyes down to her arm and back. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought there were tears in his eyes.

“I thought you should know,” she said. “So you could be sure--”

Her words were silenced by his kiss.

“Alina,” he said, when he released her. “Oh, my Alina.”

He held his left arm out to her, and lifted his own kefta sleeve.

There, as ink black as her own, matching perfectly in shape and size--the sun in eclipse.

She looked from his arm to his eyes to find the tears matching her own, and closed them for another kiss.

When he kissed the mark, it was as if her entire body were set aflame.

Alina was Aleksander’s, and Aleksander was hers.

In his arms, she finally found the belonging she sought.

He carried her from the war table to his bed, rich and opulent with black sheets, though she hardly noticed at the time.

There were too many layers between them, keftas and pants and tunics and belts.

Their kisses, their touches, were frantic, as if the world were on fire along with their bodies.

His hands were on her neck, in her hair, cupping her cheeks.

Her hands were shaking as she undid the many clasps on his tunic.

Her soulmate, her belonging, her future.

When their clothes were removed, their bodies laid bare, she reveled in their truth. His touch was like a brand upon her skin, marking her, claiming her as his own. If they did not consciously know then, their bodies knew the truth of the other, as they always would.

Intimacy was about the truth of oneself and another, of finding oneself with their partner.

His lips met and caressed nearly every inch of her body, his fingers tracing her curves just as hers traced his muscles.

She was on fire, alight with life and love, aglow in her lover’s arms.

He took her into his mouth and she moaned, desperate for more, to never be parted from him, to feel his tongue inside her again and again.

She cried out when she came, clutching at his hair. Her body was taut, yet relaxed, and she felt calm though her heart was racing, her core pulsing with her climax.

He kissed her once more, smiling, and lifted her from the bed into his arms effortlessly. His lips were at her neck and ear, his arms so strong as he adjusted their position.

“Alina, my Alina,” he murmured as he entered her.

“Aleksander,” she replied, breathless, feeling so full, so whole, so complete.

She cried out once more as he moved within her, clinging to him, savoring the sensations.

They came together, his arms around her, their bodies entwined. They collapsed to the bed after, still holding each other, the world contained to their arms, their love.

The world would wait until the morning. The night was theirs, to explore as they explored each other, the darkness giving way to the dawn just as his shadows would dissipate before her sunlight.

The sun would be shadowed in eclipse, yet reign eternal forever more, one soul bound to another.

#darklinaweek2021 #darklina week #darklinadaily #darklina #alina x darkling #alina starkov #the darkling #shadow and bone #grishaverse #fan fiction #my writing #soulmate au

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malghra · 3 years

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I’m that bad type - chapter 1

Darklina Week, Day 3, Modern AU

AO3 link

Title from the Billie Eilish song Bad Guy

Aleksander Morozov is a loner and a workaholic. He knows he's alienating his family by spending all of his waking hours at the office, but one day he's going to fix that.

Everything changes when he comes home one night and finds a young girl on his doorstep.

Alina Starkova is angry at the world, most of all at her mother, but she puts up a brave face. Her anger is just a mask to hide behind, so no one can see how lost she feels all the time.

Aleksander Morozov was a simple man with simple desires, or so he liked to think. All he wanted at seven a.m. was to savour his strong cup of coffee, close his eyes and enjoy the crisp morning air, feel the first warmth of the sun on his face. It wasn't too much to ask to have a moment to himself before the endless rush of the workday pulled him away, was it? But his wife Olga wouldn't let him have it.

Aleksander was an early riser, always had been. He might be a morning person, but he usually tried to avoid any kind of spoken conversation before ten in the morning.

"Mrs. Aleksandrova's house has been sold," Olga informed him for the third time that week. Even if she hadn't told him, Aleksander would know it. He hardly could have missed the constant activity and the coming and going of moving trucks at the house next to theirs.

"Has it?" he asked, trying to keep the sigh of irritation out of his voice. He knew all too well she was just trying to make conversation. They didn't talk enough, not really. He'd never minded silence, but Olga hated it and she always tried to fill it with pointless chatter. He remembered finding that endearing a long time ago. He still did at times, but never this early in the morning.

He let her babble on about their new neighbours, a single mother with a teenage daughter who was only a year older than their own twins. He tuned out most of it while still trying to nod and hum at appropriate times.

He glanced at his watch and rose. "I have to go," he mumbled, pressing a quick peck to his wife's cheek.

His day at the office was much like any other. Reading and answering emails, a mid-morning meeting, lunch with Ivan. Around two, he decided to call Olga.

"Hi, zoloste," he said. "The client has asked for an earlier meeting. I'll need to finish this presentation today. I'm not sure I'll be home tonight."

Hearing her disappointment almost made him feel guilty. Almost. He couldn't spend his evening with a woman who had become a stranger to him. Not tonight. Once negotiations were over and the contracts were finalized, he'd be able to relax. He'd take her out then. Maybe they could take a weekend off, go to the seaside without the kids. Things would get better then. But right now he needed to focus.

There had been no change in the schedule. The meeting had been set for the day after tomorrow for weeks, but Olga didn't know that. Sometimes it proved to be convenient that they hardly talked anymore.

Aleksander had estimated that he could finalize everything that needed to be ready today by eight, so at a quarter past five he left to go to the gym. He filled the rest of his evening with dinner and more work, and he even allowed himself an hour at the piano he kept in his office.

It was close to midnight when he finally left. The drive home passed smoothly and quietly. He had expected the house to be dark, but Olga must have left the porch lights on. He wasn't sure why that annoyed him.

As he walked up to the house, he froze mid-step, staring at the girl sitting on Olga's porch swing. Aleksander had installed that porch swing for her once, with the help of her father.

She was wearing an extremely oversized hoodie and little else, even her feet were bare. She was a pretty little thing with dark hair and dark eyes and a glare on her face, and Aleksander had no idea who she was or what she was doing on his front porch.

He made a show of looking behind him and then left and right before he faced her with an arched eyebrow and a stern gaze.

"Hi," she said flatly, staring him down.

"Hi," he greeted her back. "Last time I checked, this was my house."

"Oh, I'm sure it still is," she replied sarcastically.

He raised both his eyebrows. "Ah, you're sure."

"Positive."

"Then would you care to explain what you're doing here?" he asked, not even trying to hide the irritation in his voice.

She shrugged and reached into the pocket of her hoodie, retrieving a packet of cigarettes.

"I thought kids didn't smoke anymore these days," he muttered.

She huffed. "What makes you such an expert?"

Yeah, touché, he thought. "Mind if I join you?" When he saw her skeptical look, he added, "This is still my house, after all."

"Whatever," she mumbled.

He sat down, making sure to keep enough distance and took the cigarette she offered him. He leaned in so she could light it for him. He reckoned he could quit a fourth time.

"So, who are you and what are you doing here?"

She pulled her feet up on the swing and hugged her knees to her chest with one arm wrapped around them. "Name's Alina Starkova. I'm your new neighbour," she explained.

When she didn't answer the second part of his question, he decided he could try to coax her by telling her his own name, but she interrupted him. "I'm―

"Aleksander Morozov. Yeah, I know. I met your wife earlier. She made a plum cake for us. My favourite." The grin on her face looked genuine, and Aleksander found himself answering it with a smile of his own.

They sat in silence for a while, looking out into the darkness, until Alina cleared her throat. He glanced up at her.

"So, are you going to tell Natalia?"

"Who?" he asked, puzzled by her question.

"My mother." Ah, of course she'd be worried about that.

He planted his elbows on his knees and gave her a long look, studying the sudden uncertainty in her wide eyes and parted lips. "Are you referring to the smoking or to the fact that you're out by yourself this late at night?"

She composed herself and shrugged again. "Either. Both."

He hadn't been planning to. After all, Alina was not his responsibility, and she was not in any danger in here. He knew Olga would, and she'd expect him to do the same. He just wasn't sure he was still interested in trying to be the man she needed him to be. And maybe, just for once, this wasn't about Olga.

"Do you believe I should?" he threw back at Alina.

"Why would you care what I think?" she scoffed.

"I don't know," he told her honestly. "I guess I just do."

She stared at him, until her lip twitched. She looked down and shook her head. She rose to her feet, her hoodie falling to her knees, and she offered him a half-smile.

"Goodnight, Mr. Morozov."

"Aleksander," he heard himself saying. "Please, call me Aleksander."

#darklina #alina x the darkling #alina starkov x aleksander morozova #darklinadaily #darklinaweek2021 #modern au #older man/younger woman #i'm that bad type #chapter 1

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amiramorozova · 3 years

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Dual Summoner x the darkling pt. 6

After dinner, I returned to my room where it was in the tidemaker hall. Walking into the room I picked up a sketchbook that Baghra had given me and picked up the pen. I sat on the bed feeling restless and started to sketch in it. I was used to this as I had done this when I needed something to relax before bed. I had always sketched the same thing as a stag and knew the tales of Morozovas stag and how sun summoners were perfect for it.

I could never kill an animal, not even for its power...not unless I had to. I thought

I was unsure why I had this connection to it but I had seen a similar sketch in my childhood home. My father had drawn the stag and looked at it but he refused to go searching for it. I didn't really care but found it comforting when I drew it. After that, I decided to free sketch on the next page figuring there was no harm in not having a drawing in mind to just relax. I started to notice it was getting dark as I stopped and touched my freehand with the hand that sketched to form a small amount of light as I continued. Watching the image form I didn't give it a lot of details until I finished seeing it was a sketch of general Kirigan.

What is with me today? I thought

I put the pencil up and closed the sketchbook as I got up from the room to look out the window. I knew if I had to go after the stag someday I would need to get free and I had Baghra on my side. I remember her saying that someone was looking for it but I knew enough was going on as I threw the light up and it surrounded me in warmth one last time before fading and then I went to bed. I figured a good night's rest would be best for now.

The next morning I went to eat with everyone for breakfast after I was ready to join them, the meal was the normal breakfast. I liked that but the tension in the room didn't stop no matter what. Baghra's words about every summoner wanting to be the general's pet came to mind and I knew I was not one of those summoners. I worked hard for everything I did here in the little palace.

"Amira, did you sleep well?" Nadia asked

"I did, I did some sketching before bed." I said

"that animal again?" Marie asked knowing she couldn't say stag

"yeah, I guess I got my father's artistic talent." I said

"I heard we're allowed to choose between training today and free time. Show me." Nadia said

"We can do a bit of both. I need to go see Baghra later." I said

Nadia nodded as we started to head out after breakfast, most of the tidemakers walked away from us. We went to my room instead of immediately heading out to the training grounds and went into my room. It was always kept neat and in place cause I hardly did much with it since getting the room. I grabbed my sketchbook and let her see. Nadia seemed to be looking through the book to see my sketches. Mostly of the stag that I would see sometimes when I sleep but then she stopped on the last one and showed it to me.

"Your talent is showing, it looks just like the general." She teased "If I didn't know any better I'd think you had a crush."

"I can assure you I do not." I said as I took the sketchbook from her and put it away. "Now come on, I have to meet with Baghra."

Nadia smiled as we went walking out to the training grounds. I saw glares at me and I didn't care at the moment. I headed for Baghra's training quarters and Nadia went to work with other tidemakers as I knew today I was focused. I needed to get this out of my head but when I came to her door I saw a note as I took it.

Amira, meet me at your private training area. We're doing something different and for the sake of your powers, this will be best. - Baghra

What does she have in mind? I asked

I went to the training area I had for myself as I walked the path knowing that this was going to be different from my normal sessions with her. When walking my thoughts went through my head knowing this wasn't like her. As I made it to the clearing I saw my parents standing there with Baghra. I stood there in shock and realized why we had to come here now as Baghra was supposed to inform the general when people came into the little palace.

"Your training again with your parents today." Baghra said

"But they sent me here to train with you." I said

"I'm not a sun summoner girl, I can't train you on techniques you have the potential to do." Baghra said, "Your father can. General Kirigan should be busy today as usual and I heard you did well."

Before I could say anything Baghra had walked off and for a minute we all caught up on things. It'd been nine years since I came to the little palace and I missed them so much. I wanted to hug them and never let go. I wanted to go home more than anything in the world.

"Has he seen you yet?" Father asked

"Yeah, papa he has." I said, "I was chosen to go on the tidemaker mission with the other tidemakers."

I went into details on what happened with the mission and what transpired how he'd amplified my power yesterday. Since I only used the tidemaker power in front of everyone except Baghra and my friends. I knew there was no way to avoid that I'd let someone in beside Baghra.

"I told my friends the truth and they've kept my secret." I said

"Do you trust them?" Father asked

"I do, they have had my back since I got here. I want to leave this place but I have no choice but to stay." I said

Father and mother knew that it was true what I said as I didn't have a choice in staying here. Baghra was my teacher and I was grateful for her lessons. I didn't want to be the reason for hope for people when I am not one summoner. I knew that was harsh but I knew being here the more I felt drawn to the shadows.

My parents didn't really ask much more before they started to do training with me. My mother had been harsher with me than she was when I was a child. I realized she was holding back when I was a child. I got back up and I didn't hold back with her either as we trained together. Still she put me through a ringer to keep up with her.

"Good Job Amira." Mother said

"I work hard, I won't give up." I said

"Next lesson." Father said

I prepared for my father as he did his own kind of training with the light. I struggled with his techniques of light. They were so much more advanced than I was but I got it a little bit. I didn't give up until I semi mastered them so I could keep practicing and when that was done I sat down breathing a bit harder as I laid back.

"You two are so unfair." I said jokingly

"Hard work and practice pays off." they said together

I closed my eyes letting myself feel vulnerable with them around. I laughed a bit knowing that it wasn't everyday I got my butt handed to me by my own parents. they were so much stronger than I was but I would one day surpass them. Maybe they were right that hard work and practice paid off. Maybe I could take down the fold someday and end the search for sun summoners.

I heard them talking to themselves as I laid there with my eyes closed. The sun on my face and the feeling of responsibility not present. I subconsciously touched the part of my cheek the general's fingers had lightly touched as I opened my eyes looking up at the sky.

I shouldn't be able to feel his shadows yet I can...I really wonder if he could feel the sun hiding. I thought

While in my thoughts I sat up quickly feeling that same feeling of shadows close by. I looked around knowing he did know where I trained and my father's secret could be at risk. Yet I didn't see anyone's insight when it came to the surrounding area. I figured maybe I was just paranoid or maybe...maybe he is watching.

would he try to make father join the 2nd army if he knew? Father would resist but his interest in me would possibly do more harm than good at the moment. I thought

Aleksander Morozova's pov:

Walking out there I noticed all tidemakers but Amira were present. I wanted to check and see if she was still needing to heal or if she was ok. Something about this tidemaker bothered me like there was something she was hiding. I walked that path she walked when she trained alone.

Coming into sight I saw her talking with her parents who I had no idea where in the palace. Mother must have brought them here and I could see she missed them dearly as they hugged and talked. I watched a bit seeing her mother not letting up on her own daughter.

Amara is as tough as my mother is on her own child. I thought

As I watched I was about to leave when I saw something that caught my attention. Amira and her father were sun summoners and Amira was a dual summoner. I thought about the Grisha text knowing there was no talk of a dual summoner when it came to Grisha. She was the first of her kind but like the mother, her father didn't let up either.

I saw her lay relaxed after her training with her parents and decided to stay and watch. I saw her touch her cheek where I had touched to see how badly she was injured. I knew something was different about her but I could not place my finger on it. Still, I saw her suddenly sit up to look around as I started to back up.

soon I'll have her in my grasp..the dual summoner. I thought

#shadow and bone #darkling #team darkling #darkling x reader #fanfic #general kirigan

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sirenprincess15 · 3 years

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Please Don't Leave Me Chapter 9

Title: Please Don’t Leave Me

Author: SirenPrincess

Description: What if Aleksander hadn’t answered the door when Ivan interrupted the war room kissing? What if Aleksander and Alina had a bit more time to get to know each other before Baghra told her his true identity? Alina is the only one who can comfort Aleksander through his nightmares. Will she leave once she knows who he is?

This story is based on the show version and features a soft on the inside, hard on the outside Aleksander with an emphasis on emotional hurt/comfort and angst. If you are looking for lots of hurt!Aleksander thoughts, then this story is for you. Mal exists but pretty much solely to cause Aleksander some angst. Don’t worry. It will be a Darklina ending.

Chapter 1 is a missing scene at the end of Ep 4, and Chapter 2 takes place alongside Ep 5 and then diverges from canon there.

Pairings: Aleksander Morozova/Alina Starkov, bits of Ivan/Fedyor

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Grisha are oppressed in this universe, and I don’t shy away from showing the horrors of that. There may eventually be mentions of canon-typical torture (Fjerdan pyres), death of family members, and cruelty to Grisha children. It’s not the focus, but that backdrop is definitely there and comes up as characters discuss their past.

In this chapter: After centuries of being alone, Aleksander struggles to share his problems.

Chapter 9

Aleksander was busy working in his office. The roaring fire warmed him as he poured over ship manifests and army documentation on this Dmitry. If they could find who Dmitry traveled with, who was likely to be loyal to him, then perhaps they could identify any threats before they even came to the Little Palace.

When Inessa and Fedyor delivered Alina, Aleksander rushed to her side. “Thank you,” he said, dismissing them. He pulled her into his arms, rested his chin on top of her head, and deeply inhaled the scent of her. She was safe. “How was your day?”

“Boring. Fedyor and Inessa wouldn’t even let me go outside, not even for training. I’m never going to get stronger if I don’t train.”

“It’s just a precaution.”

“A precaution for what?”

He ignored her. She didn’t need the stress of knowing how anxious their enemies were to kill her. “I thought we’d take dinner in here tonight, if that’s okay with you.” His emotions were a mess. As haunted as he had been since Marie’s death, it was even worse now that the continued active threat was confirmed. He was relieved to be with her because he could see she was safe, but he was also still deeply ashamed of his panic attack from the nightmare the night before. He feared she would bring it up. He couldn’t talk about it. Eating in the main hall would stop her from doing so, but he was worried about security and didn’t want her with a large crowd. Her food would be easier to poison there, even with her taster. Truthfully, though, Aleksander wasn’t sure he had it in him to perform the intimidating General Kirigan act tonight, and he wanted her nearby for safety. Then he worried about what would happen when it was time for sleep. He had unleashed shadows last night, and they could have hurt her. He would never be able to forgive himself if he harmed her. That morning he had decided they’d have to sleep apart, but that was before he’d known of this new threat, of spies sneaking into the palace to check her routines. There was no way to know if the man he’d killed had been the first or the last. He couldn’t risk letting her sleep without someone strong guarding over her, and she’d never agree to let someone like Ivan stand over her bed. She had to stay here. Selfishly, he was grateful to have the excuse to keep her in his bed.

“Of course.” Her expression begged him to answer her previous question, but he didn’t. He well remembered what it was like to be afraid everywhere you went at all times. He could protect her from that.

“I do have quite a bit of work to complete, though. I’m afraid I’ll be quite busy. I did take the liberty of having Genya select some books from the library for you.”

She raised an eyebrow, as if signaling to him that she saw right through his attempts to distract her, but all she said was, “That was kind of you.”

He sat back at his desk and tried to focus on the lists in front of him. Something wasn’t adding up. Dmitry would appear on a ship crossing into West Ravka, but not on a return, and then somehow a time later be on a manifest for a ship crossing the wrong way. How was that possible? Was he missing manifests or was Dmitry paying someone off to keep his name off the lists?

Alina stepped behind him and started rubbing his shoulders. “Alek, you’re so tense. The stress coming off you is nearly unbearable. What happened today?”

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

She sighed. “Are we really going to do this thing tonight?”

He lifted his eyes to take in the annoyed look on her face. “Thing?”

“You know, where you pretend to be the oh so busy and important General Kirigan who uses his sense of authority to push people away? And then acts like he couldn’t possibly have any feelings or needs of his own? He’s fine. Everything is fine. He doesn’t need any help.”

He hadn’t even realized he was doing it, but she had. “Accurate,” he admitted.

“I’m going to let you in on a secret. The act doesn’t work with girls who have shared your bed.”

He laughed. Only she could call him on his behavior like this without irritating him. Only she could make him smile when he was otherwise so miserable. “I can assure you it worked fine on girls who have shared my bed. Apparently, it doesn’t work on the one girl I have let into my heart.”

“You’ve let me into your heart? So … let me help you.”

“Alina, it’s not that simple …”

“You can’t bear this burden alone, Aleksander. I won’t let you. Whatever is happening, it is crushing you. If not me, then get Ivan in here and talk to him. ”

“You want me to summon Ivan in here? This must be serious.”

“He is a good friend to you, and I know you trust him. I just want you to let someone help. You are not alone. This,” she said, putting her hand over the papers, “is not yours alone to figure out. Stop trying to solve everything with no support.”

“I’m not … used to having support.”

She nodded, took his hand, and squeezed it. “I know. I’m not really either. We’ve learned to do things alone, to hide pain and keep it to ourselves, but I know that problems are better solved together. Together, Aleksander. Stop trying to protect me from scary truths. Fedyor scanned every room we went into before he’d let me enter. I’m not stupid, Aleksander. If I can handle you cutting a Druskelle in half on top of me, I can handle whatever is threatening us now. Stop trying to push me away when it comes to important things. Let me help.”

He sighed. She was frightened already; she might as well know the truth. “Zoya caught a man trying to break in today. I have her guarding the palace exterior since she can’t seem to behave herself around you. He is working for Zlatan and was sent to spy on you. They’re making a plan for a better attempt on your life.”

Her shoulders slumped and her gaze fell to the floor as she took that in. “Hunted wherever I go. Still not used to that.”

He stood and wrapped his arms around her. “I will not let them succeed. I promise you that you will come to no harm.”

She looked into his eyes, stared there for a while, then found her strength. “Tell me about the papers.”

He quickly filled her in on what he had discovered about Dmitry and the mystery of the paperwork. It did actually feel good to have someone to discuss his findings with and not keep the thoughts spinning in his head. He talked through all of his ideas, no matter if they led nowhere. She indulged him and asked appropriate questions at all the right times. Finally, he arrived out loud at the stuck place he was in his head. He had so many theories, but how did he figure out if any of them were right?

She was quiet as she turned from page to page. Dinner arrived, and they ate in silence as they continued to try to find a pattern among the papers--the same captain, the same record keeper, accomplices that might travel with him. All ideas led nowhere, but they continued to look.

Hours later, Alina stood and walked into the war room.

“Alina?” He trailed after her. She was staring at the map. After a long time, he prompted her. “What is it?”

“I’m sure it’s stupid.” She shook her head and hugged herself.

He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. “I don’t like it when you put yourself down like that. That’s not you. Those are words from your past.”

She shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Hmm, well then, let’s hear it. I’m frustrated. Maybe if it’s really stupid we can have a good laugh about it.”

“I used to stare at the map and dream of finding a way around. I was told there is no around, but … is there? Any secret path or …”

Aleksander felt his stomach twist as the implications became clear. “There are reports of Fjerdans in West Ravka, rumors that Zlatan is aligning with them, letting Druseklle ...” A vision of Nina being tortured popped into his head. He had to fight his jaw from trembling so she couldn’t see how upset this made him. “There is an around if you’re in bed with the enemy. He’s going through Fjerda.”

She gasped as it came together in her head. “He sends his emissary to Fjerda with messages, who then gets a free pass into our country to deliver orders to his spies, but then he needs the quick return across to do it again. How long would it take to travel through Fjerda? Check the dates. Do they match?”

“Fjerdans. It’s worse than I thought.” He could feel the Fjerdan fires licking at his skin.

They spent another hour pouring over records and checking their theory. Finally, Alina yawned. “We should get some sleep.”

He wanted to tell her to go on ahead, but he didn’t want her sleeping in a room away from him. He almost offered to just watch over her, but he feared he would accidentally fall asleep and end up as he had the night before. His chest tightened with worry as he considered possibilities, none of which were acceptable.

“I tell you to come to bed, and that sense of dread is what I get? I might think you don’t want to …” she tried to lightly tease.

“You know why,” he whispered, still not wanting to talk about it.

“Which is all the more reason to get you to sleep soon. Your nightmares are worse the longer you try to keep yourself awake. Have you noticed?”

He sighed. “This morning I was trying to work myself up to telling you that it’s not safe to sleep with me anymore, but now with this information on this potential attack, it’s not safe to sleep away from me either.”

“Don’t you dare do that to me!”

“What?” To her?

“Don’t you realize what you do for me? For years I cried myself to sleep every night, Aleksander. For years! I used to lie there and wonder what was wrong with me that no one could want me, how it was possible for me to not belong anywhere. I slept with a weapon under my pillow to fend off anyone who might come to hurt me. And now I sleep in your arms. Desired. Loved. Don’t you dare take that away from me.”

His heart ached for her. Was it possible she needed him as much as he needed her? “I hadn’t realized …”

“No matter how bad our nightmares get, we stay together. You make sure I can sleep, and I will do the same for you. Just promise to wake me up tonight. You can’t get yourself overtired like that again.”

“And you will wake me if the shadows start again?”

“I promise. Right away.”

“Okay,” he agreed, feeling less selfish about allowing it if it benefited her too. It was better than the alternative of some spy finding her room in the night or her lying awake with a knife under her pillow wondering if someone was coming to kill her. He would have to take care of himself more for her--get an adequate amount of sleep, actually stop and eat meals instead of working through every waking hour, maybe even share some of his stresses with her. He would do those things if it meant he could be there to protect her.

“Now,” she said, kissing him gently. “What do I have to do to get you out of that kefta so I can kiss away all those battle scars?”

#darklina #alina x darkling #general kirigan #kirigan x alina #alina x kirigan #aleksander x alina #alina x aleksander #aleksander morovoza

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gaeilgeoirgay · 3 years

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I’ve decided to start crossposting some of my one shots here sooo here’s “Hour Of Peace”. It’s set in @inexplicifics Accidental Warlord AU :)

Summary: Aleksander of Velen releases Aren and the Witchers of the Manticore School welcome him home

Ao3 Link

Onto the fic!

Merten wakes to a loud banging on the door to the room he shares with Leocadie. Beside him, his spouse wakes too, and Merten calls for whoever it is to enter. It’s Zenon, the eldest of the Manticore trainees.

“Sir, sorry for disturbing you but the White Wolf has ordered that the School Heads must gather. According to Jaskier, your presence is especially needed, Master Merten.” Zenon reports and Merten nods, already leaping from bed. “Thanks, lad. Get the Manticubs together for training- you’re in charge until I tell you otherwise.” He orders and Zenon nods.

He leaves to go rouse the trainees and Merten turns to Leocadie, who had watched the exchange languidly. “Right then, my love, I had better see what’s going on. Come with me?” Merten asks and Leocadie rises to stand in front of him. They nudge at Merten’s throat and Merten bares his neck to let Leocadie breathe in his scent. They do it every morning, as a reminder that although the two of them have outlived most of their cubs, they still have each other.

They dress swiftly, armour strapped on and swords sheathed. Merten has a feeling that the meeting will be about their conquering of Redania, and he would prefer to be armed and ready. Leocadie joins him as they stride to the White Wolf’s meeting room.

The Wolf is there, along with his lovers and a few of the School leaders. Merten takes his place at the table, Leocadie beside him. The Wolf looks furious and the scent of anger from the rest of his School is thick in the air. They seem to be the only ones aware of what the meeting is about but there’s a piece of parchment held tight in the Wolf’s hand and Merten has a feeling it’s the reason they’re here.

Ivar strides through the doors and sits, nodding to the Wolf. Artek follows him and that makes their Council. “Thank you for arriving so swiftly. Milena here received a letter from one of her contacts in Redania this morning. The old Duke Velen has died and Aleksander de Velen has taken his seat. He is the one who wrote the letter. Geralt will explain the contents shortly but Master Merten, I would prefer for you to know first.” Eskel Amber-Eyed says and Merten feels an eyebrow raise. He’s only ever been in Redania when he was on the Path. What there could possibly hold his attention?

The letter is passed to him and he unfurls it and starts to read. Dear Milena, the letter starts and Merten continues. Oh sweet Melitele.

“Dear Milena, My grandfather is dead and I have become Duke of Velen. I knew he was a monster but dearest sister, I could not begin to imagine the horrors he has allowed under his reign. There is a dungeon under the Keep and three mages in Velen’s employ. Some fifteen, twenty, years ago, a group of mercenaries in my grandfather’s pay brought down a Witcher. They left his Medallion for his people to find and presume him dead so that King Vizimir, his Mages, and my grandfather could keep him captive to experiment on.”. Here the writing becomes even shakier than it already was and Merten cannot stop himself from reading, even though he can only think of one Manticore who has disappeared in the manner described.

“The Witcher I saw beneath the Keep is named Aren of the Manticore school but he is not the only Witcher kept captive there. The mages wished to create more Witchers using Aren’s blood and imitate the Trials yours go through. Over the years, they have captured and experimented on one hundred and twelve young Redanian girls. Only four survived the false Trials. Sweet Melitele, Milena, I snuck into the dungeons last night once I learned of their captivity, and they are so small. The eldest must be nearing sixteen and she is as thin as a child of seven. Aren of Manticore is covered in scars, even moreso than your Witchers. His voice is shredded and I can only imagine the horrors that caused a Witcher to scream so.”.

Merten has to stop then, unable to read more about what his cub has gone through. Aren’s beautiful deep voice, shredded from years of screaming. He understands the Wolves fury but he feels grief, deeper than any ocean he has ever crossed. He leans into Leocadie, trembling. He feels tears prick at his eyes and for the first time in decades he lets them fall.

His anger rises in him too and he vows to rip the throat from the mages who have done this to his cub. To his cubs, for if Aren’s blood is the thing that changed them, it means they are Manticores. They are his.

The mages will die and Aren will be freed, his girls with him. He’ll bring his cubs to Kaer Morhen and show them a world in which Witchers are revered rather than reviled, a world where they are safe. He will reunite Aren with Theo, Fili, Gregor, Jinsan even and introduce him to Zenon, to Yori, to Rilanth.

The School of the Manticores is small, but they take care of their own. Merten and Leocadie have stood at its head for centuries and Gods willing, they will stand for decades more. They will bring their cub home.

The parchment falls from Merten’s hand and their husband collapses into Leocadie’s side, tears falling from his eyes. Leocadie is startled but they wrap an arm around Merten anyways, picking up the letter. They wonder idly what could have caused Merten such grief- the whole School is currently in Kaer Morhen, no one out on the Path so death is ruled out.

The Wolves watch them sadly but the other Witchers seem as surprised as Leocadie is. “Leocadie, may I have the letter?” Eskel asks and they hand it back wordlessly. Eskel begins to read it out loud for the benefit of the confused Witchers around him and suddenly, Leocadie understands.

Merten is the Head of the Manticore School but Leocadie is their teacher too. Aren was one of theyr cubs and Leocadie had been so proud when he lasted so long on the Path. He had supposedly died only a few months before the White Wolf came up with his madcap plan and the grief he felt for Aren was compounded by the sting of regret that he hadn’t lived long enough to see Kaer Morhen become their home.

Aren isn’t dead though. While Leocadie had been mourning and then healing and moving on, Aren had been chained in the dungeon of a Redanian noble, desperately trying to protect the girls imprisoned with him, bleeding and hurting even as Leocadie was training new boys and laughing with Merten. Gods, Gregor had brought Aren’s Medallion back to Kaer Morhen and Leocadie had taken it as proof that Aren was dead and never looked for him.

Leocadie has failed him but he has a chance now to make up for it. They will free Aren and dispose of Vizimir and Leocadie will work for the rest of their life to earn their cub’s forgiveness.

Theo stares in horror at the dungeon around him. There are four teenage girls in a cage to the side, all of them scarred and starved. And in front of him, Aren lies bound to a table, blindfolded. He’s covered in scars, and Theo recognises only a few of them. He’s thinner than the youngest of the Manticubs and Theo feels bile rising in his throat at the sight of his brother’s ribs, some of them clearly broken.

The two outsiders confirm that they’ll stand by the Wolf’s decision to execute Vizimir and Master Merten calls for Theo to help him free Aren. He steps forward and slides his fingers gently under the strap around Aren’s right wrist before breaking the leather with a grunt of exertion. He swiftly does the same to the strap at his ankle before moving back up to help Master Merten break the godsdamned collar the Redanians put on his brother.

He pulls a knife from his belt and very carefully slips it between the collar and Aren’s throat as Master Merten snaps the iron links attached to it. Fili undoes the gag as Theo moves to slice open the blindfold. Master Merten is at Aren’s head as he blinks slowly, adjusting to the light after the blindfold.

The old Master gathers Aren into a hug and Theo smiles as his brother’s arms come up slowly to reciprocate. One of the girls in the corner calls out to Aren uncertainly and the Manticore stands up with Master Merten’s help, hobbling over to the cubs.

Theo follows and grins viciously when Master Merten kicks the corpse of the infernal mage as he passes. Theo’s boot comes down on the dead mages hand as he walks over to the cage. He may be as dead as his fellow but Theo feels a little better when he hears the crunch of bone.

Esra of the Bears breaks the lock on the cage and the girls stream out, crowding around Aren. Theo watches in approval as one of them grabs the head of the other mage and smashes it viciously. She’s a great Witcher already- the Manticores will be the luckiest school in Kaedwen if Aren’s girls decide to join them. Though even if he and the girls choose to never walk the Path again, its enough for Theo to have his brother back. Anything else is a bonus.

Zenon balances a tray of food on his hip as he knocks at the Pride’s door. They’re still wary of the other Witchers and thus far haven’t wanted to eat in the hall. Fair enough, the Hall can be overwhelming sometimes. Zenon still prefers to eat with the rest of the trainees even though the oldest Manticore trainees are encouraged to spend time with their already graduated brothers.

Elena opens the door and smiles when she sees Zenon. “Thank you!” She says cheerfully when he passes her the tray. “No bother, milady. The kitchens said they would send up dessert later, but since it’s cold they didn’t want it to melt before ye got a chance to eat it.” He says, explaining the minor decrease in food on the tray.

Elena nods in understanding and Zenon bows shallowly to her before turning to leave. Some of the other trainees hate Master Sasha’s courtly training but Zenon rather likes it. His parents had been travelling merchants before they were killed by a kikimora and Zenon had spent some time with nobles who were interested in buying from them.

As he’s about to leave, he’s stopped by a call from inside. “Come here for a second, boy. I’d like to speak with you.” Aren says and Zenon turns back around. He takes a step through the door, looks to the girls for permission and is granted it. “What can I do for you?” He asks politely and Aren squints at him. “You’ve been delivering food up to us since we got here but you seemed familiar to me even before that. How do I know you?” The elder Manticore asks and Zenon smiles.

“I’m one of the eldest Manticore trainees, sir. I had just joined the School when we moved to Kaer Morhen but I wasn’t offered to the Witchers nor a Child Surprise. My parents died by a kikimora and you were the Witcher who slew it. You saved my life and brought me to the Manticores.” Zenon explains and Aren snaps his fingers. “I remember! It was one of the last fights I had before the mercenaries. I’m glad that you made it through the Trials.” He says genuinely and Zenon blushes.

“You must nearly be done with your training, then?” Aren asks. Zenon nods. “Yeah, I’ll go out on the Path next year. Hopefully, I’ll do the Manticores proud.” He answers and Aren laughs. His voice is ragged but stronger now than it was. “You’ve been trained by the best School, boy, of course you will! Let me know when you head out and I’ll see you off. Feels good to know that the tiny stripling I saved became a full grown Witcher.” He says.

One of the girls crowds a little closer. “If Aren brought you to become a Witcher and his blood made us Witchers, then in my opinion you’re part of the Pride. I’m Zia and I’d very much like to fight you, little brother.” She says decisively and Zenon splutters. “I’m older than you!” He says indignantly and Zia laughs. “I’ve spent this long being the oldest, I’m not giving that up for a damn boy.” She says stubbornly and Zenon considers her for a minute.

“How about you stay the oldest sister and I’ll be the oldest brother? You’ll still be oldest at something.” He bargains and she regards him curiously. “Hm. I’ll take it but I reserve the right to mess with your hair. It’s a fucking rats nest.”

Fair enough, Winise stole his comb and he hasn’t figured out where the little bastard hid it. “Deal.” He says, holding out his hand. She takes it and they shake on it, his new sisters watching on.

Zenon goes to grab his dinner from the kitchens and comes back up to share a meal with his sisters and his Finder. It’s nice- he’s got a few little brothers in the trainees but he’s never had a sister, let alone four of them. He suspects they’ll make his life hard sometimes but honestly, he doesn’t care. He plans on taking a leaf out of the Princess’s book anyways. He wonders if the girls will like geese.

(the answer is a very emphatic no and he finds that out the extremely hard way. Still, Zenon wouldn’t trade his sisters for all the geese in the world. Even if their idea of retribution includes spiders. Gods, he hates spiders.)

#the witcher #accidental warlord au #fanfiction

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cheekygreenty · 3 years

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Good 4 u - The Darkling x Reader

Here’s a draft I found, I remember quickly writing this on the train home from college, listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s song on repeat until I got sick of it. Enjoy bahahahah 😂😂

Alina this, Sun-Summoner that, Sankta Alina the other. It was annoying to constantly hear her name on other people's lips, Aleksander's especially. You should have known his obsession with her would turn into love but you were blind.

He said she was nothing worth his salt, Alina is the key to more power, he would say before he proclaimed his eternal love for you, showering you in love and pleasure. When your relationship fell apart and your heart broke, he took a piece of you with him, the temperate part, the side of you that was calm and rational. For now you were the walking form of resentment. He never cheated but this was much worse.

Aleksander didn't seem fazed, at all. No tears for the death of so many good memories, no sadness for the end of a chapter in his life. Maybe he experienced time differently from you because who in Saint's name pursues somebody so quickly after a breakup? Somebody who's already sure of their feelings long before they change their life around.

You held back your gags as you watched the two fawn over each other at the Winter Fete. She wore his color, black, and you had to admit she looked half decent in it too. You didn't hate her, she never did anything to you. But him, Oh saints you would kill him where he stood if you could. He looked happy, unlike you. It's like we never even happened, what the fuck is up with that?

There was a time when he looked at you like that, eyes full of adoration and love. Now he looked right through you, treating you like a stranger. 'He took out the trash' Zoya shrugged when you drunkenly told her what happened. Maybe she was right, maybe he never even loved me, maybe I was there to pass the time.

He was so unaffected by your break up it made you livid. Every glance spared in his direction radiated anger and disgust. You didn't even try to hide it anymore.

Your demonstration was about to begin. You were helping the Inferni twins show off your fire skills before Alina would end the show with a bang. You didn't care for parties shared with the Grand Palace and were guaranteed to leave right after your little firecracker of a performance, but some part of you itched to stay until the end.

You could see Polina get up on a small pedestal, signaling for you to get to yours. Aleksander stepped to the side, Alina at his arm. Gross. The power beamed off of him, he was doing good without me. What a shame.

You played around with the twins, completely forgetting the room of diplomats and even Aleksander, who never spared you a look. The fire felt good on your hands, swaying from side to side as you molded the element in your hands before splitting it in two, shooting it at the twins. Using your powers gave you a sense of calm and peace, but it never rid you of the rage you felt. Maybe you were too emotional.

You got down with a smile as the claps eased out. You went to leave, eager to leave the stiff atmosphere of the room. At least you showed up. But his voice made you stop at the door. Instead of it giving you a shiver of pleasure, it straightened your spine in defense.

'Her name is Alina Starkov' Someone pass me a bucket. His hands came together, submerging the room into darkness. Alina began her show, the light letting you catch a glimpse of him. As opposed to the entirety of the room, you only had eyes for him. He looked at her as if she was a goddess, he worshipped her. Fury rose in you. He looked at me like that first, or was it a lie? Maybe he never cared.

You wished for nothing more than for Alina to reject him, see him for the man he truly is. If he could play you the way he did then Saint's knows what he'll do to the poor young girl. You were headstrong and stubborn and he still managed to screw you over despite your built-up walls.

But what if they last? He'll have more power, the Sun-Summoner by his side and Ravka under his rule. And you'll still be you. An Inferni with a grudge.

Before you knew it, the room returned to its previous state and the diplomats were bowing down to their Sankta. You missed the whole thing brooding over Aleksander, who still stared at Alina like she was the air he needed to breathe.

You scoffed and walked away, not wanting to be in the same room as him anymore. What a dick. You strode around the Little Palace trying to cool down. One champagne glass turned into two then five. Still you felt the nagging tickle of anger. You suddenly heard shouts and signs of a fight, racing over to the room it was coming from. Even tipsy, the soldier in you replied immediately.

'This is for Zlatan' You ran through the door seeing an oprichniki slicing Alina's throat open. Oh Saint's no. You pounced on the man, quickly catching sight of Genya already on the floor tending to Alina. Apparently, you weren't the only one who heard the scuffle as the General's guards flooded the hallway, taking the rogue soldier from you. Your mind snapped back into reality, searching for Alina but finding a young Inferni in the black kefta. A double for security. Smart.

'Inform the General' Genya spoke, leaning over the body. Your blood ran cold, he would probably ignore you. But you did as she asked, running to where you saw him last. You searched for his black kefta in the sea of extravagantly dresses diplomats. You spotted Ivan chatting in the corner with Fedyor, 'Ivan where is the General?' You hid your blood-stained hands behind your back in an attempt to prevent unnecessary panic. 'In his quarters' He nodded his head towards the big double doors.

You walked away with a mumbled thank you. In his quarters. If Alina's absence was any indication of what he was doing, it would be a miracle if you didn't slap him the second you got the chance.

Your knock was sharp and loud in contrast to your shaking hands. Then you heard it, her laugh. You've got to be kidding me. Your bloody hands braced themselves against the doorframe, clutching the wood for dear life. Better the door than his face. As his face passed in your mind, the door opened just a tad, his body towering over your own. The smile he wore quickly washed away, replaced with a stern look.

'Y/N what are yo-' You stopped him with a signal of your hand, you didn't have the patience.

'Marie got attacked in the fitting room. She's dead. He's detained.' He looked at you passively, obviously wishing it was anyone but you knocking on his door right now.

'Wait here'

He shut the door again. But you could make out his conversation with Alina in the dead quiet of the hallway. You sent a silent prayer to the Saints about your previous argument. Let her see him for what he is.

You slowly backed away from the door, not wanting to hear anymore. You heard his boots step out into the hallway and took his silence as a sign to walk ahead to where the man was being kept. For you, the tension was awkward and insufferable but for him it was probably normal, although you knew he felt your pulsating rage.

There was nobody on this side of the Palace, his quarters weren't available to everybody and that made you thankful because what you were about to do would definitely be regarded as treason.

He didn't have time to register you turning around or the hand that slapped him across the cheek.

The noise echoed down the hallway, your hand stung, maybe that was too hard.

His jaw clenched but he didn't retalaite. Why was his ignorance such a trigger for you? It was what started this, him pretending you didn't exist caused you to fly off the walls.

You shoved his chest with all your might. Do something. He let you push him away but never looked you in the eyes.

'Are you going to say something?' You were furious, venom dripped from your words but had no effect on him. 'The big bad Aleksander lost for words? First I've ever seen it'

He turned his head towards you, looking into your eyes for the first time in weeks. It surprised you because you didn't miss it.

'What do you want me to say?' His voice was void of any emotion, no anger or pain, his composure never dropping. He was the complete opposite of you. Saints, you were the crazy ex.

You didn't reply. The truth was you didn't know what you wanted him to say. Nothing he could muster would fix this situation. His actions were irreversible and Alina was still in his chambers, the room where so many of your fondest memories took place.

'I wish to transfer to a camp. Permenantly.' You had been mulling over the decision for days now. You had put in a request with Ivan a week ago but never got an answer.

'I need you here teaching the students' So Ivan did send it on. Was this another one of his ways of ignoring you?

'Tough. I don't want to be here.' You faced your choices with logic. Your anger would never go away, the hurt of your first love betraying you soaked deep into your bones. Aleksander was immortal, he would never leave this Palace. You had no other option. He sighed loudly.

'Y/N let's keep our personal and work li-' You went for another slap, he deserved it, but this time he caught your hand mid-air, pushing you away gently. You walked backward, disgust turning in your stomach at the response your body had to his touch. He was an amplifier and the surety he brought you would always be there regardless of your feeling for him. You hated it.

'Good for you Aleksander. You got the girl, the power.... at least let me have something' Your voice cracked slightly. You wouldn't cry in front of him.

'I'll have Ivan sort it out'

With that, you left the hallway, completely forgetting about the task at hand, happy to finally have a day where he didn't cross your path.

Aleksander stood there watching your back as you walked away from him. You would never know the pain and anguish he felt every time somebody mentioned you, or when he thought of you. He loved you deeply, more than anything in this world, so he had to let you go. He would hate himself if anything happened to you in his fight for Ravka and Grisha, so he had to push you away.

He was selfish for ignoring you but also keeping you around. He knew it hurt you to see him around Alina, he knew all of it. He truly did. But he was too greedy. His own actions were confusing him. Push her away, make her hate you but keep her safe, keep her with you. It was impossible, either one or the other.

As you rounded the corner, he memorized you, all of you. It would be his last memory of you.

'Good for you Y/N, leave me and be safe'

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#shadow and bone #the darkling #grisha #imagine #the darkling x reader #ben barnes #alexander #alexander morozova #fanfic #alina starkov #general kirigan x reader

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