Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Zoya was going to get coffee this morning before anything else. She needed it. It had been a rough night. She had been writing about the history of Ravka. She did not want her memories to go to waste. Living past all of her friends had been hard but she wanted their stories to be told from Nina, to Genya and David to Alina who people still worship as a saint today. Alina and Mal had long past this world and it was hard being the last one. She missed Nikolai the most. He would be so smug if he knew she thought. He had lasted the longest. Having his monster had made him live longer than all the grisha she had grown up with.

She was about to go to the coffee shop near her apartment when she saw a familiar face. It was him after all this time! The Darkling had thought he had his final death after they had worked together with Alina and Genya. Of all the horrible people to still be around he was the worst. Maybe it just looked like he hoped.

She hid from view. She decided she was going to follow him. She watched him as he made his way to what looked like a law office. Of course the Darkling would choose to be a lawyer. It looked like a huge firm. The law office took three floors of the building. She followed him in to look around the office. She made sure he could not see her. She watched him go into an office for Aleksander Kirgion. He was using his name from before. It had to be him. He had not had any children. Dragons, she wishes she could talk to Alina and Genya. They would be so annoyed with him getting to live his life when everything else is gone.

Zoya was not going to let this go. She had to know if he still had his power. He had become immortal. She wished it was anyone else. David, Genya or even Nina but it had to be her enemy.The one who had caused her and her friends so much pain.

Zoya went to the lobby to pretend she was reading a newspaper. She waited hours til he started to leave the building. He got into a taxi. Zoya wishes she had Alina power for making herself invisible but she could not turn into a dragon here without causing everyone in the city a great deal of panic.

She got into the next cab and told the driver to follow that cab. She made it worth it with the pile of money she handed the driver. The cab stopped in front of a restaurant. She watched the Darkling as he headed in. It looked like he had a dinner reservation. He popped into the table and waiting. Zoya went to hide near the bathrooms so she could wait to see if anyone would be joining him. She feeling proud of her hiding when she felt his eyes on her.

The Darkling looks at her and says “Hello Zoya, It's been a long time but I think you should be on your way. I just saw you when you went in. How long have you been following me?”

Zoya looks at him and says “You flatter yourself that you think I would follow you for very long without killing you.”

The Darkling grins “There is that charming woman I knew but you can leave. I am not planning world domination so you can go now. No need for old friends or what is that term they use now frienemies to come to blows.”

Zoya “I do not trust you. I do not know how you survived.”

The Darkling grins and says “Probably the same reason you are, so here but it is time to go.”

Zoya scowls and says “What is so pressing you want me to leave when we are just getting reacquainted? ”

The Darkling who is usually so calm and does not let his feelings show looks nerious and says “I have a business lunch. I do not want my clients privacy harmed from you.”

Zoya scoffs and says “I will be watching you, Darkling.”

She turns and starts to leave when she stops in her tracks because at the entrance to the restaurant she sees Alina. She looks just like she came to the palace. Dark hair and her eyes have a sparkle. Zoya just stares at her. She looks over her and notices she is wearing a wedding ring and not the one Mal gave her all those years ago.

The Darkling whispers, "Please Zoya, Alina does not remember. She was reborn. Don’t make her suffer for my mistakes.”

The Darkling goes and greets Alina. He kisses her on the cheek. He is all smiles around her. Zoya’s brain just can’t compute. He should not just get to have Alina. She needed air. This was too much. She had to leave before she did something she would regret. Alina was just over there. Her Alina. She and Genya had been her closest friends. They had gone through so much and she was with him. That monster had married her in this life.

She could not let that happen but she also wondered if Alina had been reborn. What about Nikolai? Was he reborn as well? She had to find out.

Chapter Text

Zoya was not going to let this go. She rushed to her home office and hopped on her laptop. She started with looking up the Darkling's current name. She found a profile of his at his lawyer firm. He had been practicing law for ten years. He had made a name for himself on contract law. How boring that must be.

There was nothing about Alina or a wife mentioned on this page. She did notice that it said he was a patron of the arts. Alina had been a mapmaker in her past life. He had called her Alina, maybe her current name was Alina. She looked up artists named Alina in the city. She found one listed who had an exhibit at a Kirigan Art hall. That had to be her! It said her name was Alina S. K.

Zoya pressed her hand against her head and said “Alina Starkov Kirigan”. She looked at the pictures at the exhibit and noticed right away one was of Mal. How could she have drawn Mal? Did Alina remember or was he here as well? She would go to the exhibit and take a look to see what she could find.

Two days later, Zoya discovered the art gallery was open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Which was perfect considering today was Wednesday. She hoped it would be a perfect day to find out more about what was happening. She put on sunglasses to try to cover some of her face so the Darkling would not recognize her but she didn't want to draw attention to herself. She opened the door to the gallery and stopped in her tracks. Genya was working the desk at the gallery. Her Genya. Her best friend. They had bonded together after suffering and surviving the Darkling's grab for power and now she was here hundreds of years later.

Genya looks up and smiles “Welcome to the Kirgin Art Gallery. Let me know if you need anything. I am happy to help.”

Zoya nods and can not bring herself to speak. She reads the signs pointing to Alina’s exhibit. That is where she heads. Alina is a good artist but Zoya sees she is not great. She does portraits.

Zoya looks at everyone hoping to see one of Nikolai. She misses him so much. She was grateful to have him so long but becoming a saint is so hard. She sees Genya and then David. She is glad to know that Genya and David are here and together. Losing David had been so hard. She sees a self portrait of Alina with dark hair and one with white but nothing looks like when she was in Ravka.

The next portrait is of Harshaw and Oncat; they look so happy to be together again. Mal has one of the larger portraits. Zoya sees something in the back. It is a hand drawn map of Ravka. It is listed for 10,000 dollars. Zoya knows she wants it. She wonders if this means Alina remembers something. She needs to talk to Alina without her husband. She would never want to scare Alina but Zoya has to know.

Zoya takes one more pass of the art until she sees a portrait of the Darkling. Zoya gets the chills, it is like he is looking right at her.

She heads to Genya and says “I would like to purchase that map of Ravka.”

Genya’s eyes light up. “I know that one. The artist is one of the sweetest people on the planet. So kind and talented. This would really make her day. I can call her to see if she could come in to meet you if you like. She was not sure if going to maps would be a miss. ”

Zoya grins and says, “I love it. I would love to meet her to tell her how much I like the map. I would love to buy any others she has. I noticed she did your portrait in the gallery. There was a handsome young man next to you. Who is that?”

Genya grins and says “That is my boyfriend David. We have been friends for years but just started dating last year. Alina draws a lot of our friends. I bet she would draw you if you asked. She does commissions.”

Zoya nods and says “I would love to have her draw me. We should set up a time. “

Genya grabs her phone and starts texting.

She looks up and says, “Alina, is on her way. She is so excited”

Zoya nods and says “I am excited as well in more ways than one.”

Zoya waits on the gallery couch. Twenty minutes later Alina pops open the door to the galley.

Zoya has flashbacks to all the time she and Genya spent with Alina. Zoya will not hurt Alina, she promises herself. Alina’s is all lightness and smiles.

She comes up to Zoya and says “I am so excited, you like my map. I had a dream about mapmaking and decided it was time to give something new a shot. My husband was not sure about it but now I'd proved him wrong. Genya said you like maps. I brought one I finished recently in my portfolio. I have not had it framed yet but I thought I would show it to you.”

Zoya nods and says “My name is Z...ane. Yes my name is Zane.” That was close. Zoya changed her name every so often to avoid people putting two and two together.

Alina grins “I like that! Zane is a pretty name. I am Alina but of course you have found that out already. You met my bestie Genya. Genya is a wicked makeup artist but she works her part time for extra cash.”

Genya grins and says “Also because I love my little sun. I am her number one fan.”

Alina blushes and says “She calls me that because my parents named me after the saint. It is so weird. I am so not a saint. Oh, here is the Map. It is one of the Little Palace. My parents were interested in history so I have a background in that time period. “

Zoya’s arm hair stands on the ends as she looks at the Palace she one called home. Being her with Alina and Genya is so hard because they are not her Alina and Genya. They are but they aren’t.

"I loved this. I would be willing to pay for it without the frame, let's say 20,000 for both of them and we can work on a time later to get my portrait done.” Zoya says.

Alina smiles and asks, “If you are sure you don't want a discount on this one since there is no frame. I do not want to take advantage of you.”

Zoya smiles and says, “I think 20,000 works perfectly. Here is my card so you can email me when you have time to draw my portrait. I look forward to learning more about you, Alina.”

Zoya quickly pays Genya for the art and takes it with her to her apartment. She puts them in her office. She wonders when she will hear from Alina. The Darkling bought an art gallery for his wife.

Zoya cringed and decided she needed to get out. She left the city to go to her favorite out of sight field to fly around. She controls the sky to give her cover to fly around so no one would see her and if they did it would be a miraculous appearance of Saintka Zoya. She rarely gets caught. Once every 50 years and then she moves on. She lets the air take her away to her safe place.

Chapter Text

Zoya was hoping to hear from Alina. She had been so excited to see Alina in person. She could not believe that they were all here reborn. She wanted to know more. She wanted to talk to Genya and Alina. She was excited to pull up her email. Her blood ran cold when she sees an email from Aleksander Kirgian. The Darkling. She did not want to but she clicked it anyways.

Hello Zoya,

I heard about your visit all from my wife. She was so thrilled to make the sales. I thought we had a conversation about leaving Alina alone. None of this will be good for her. She does not remember her past life. You can see she is well cared for and I do not keep her locked away. I will again ask you to leave Alina alone.

Aleksander

Zoya cringed but she knew he would probably find out about her visit to the gallery. She was not going to let him hog all of her friends. They belonged to her too. She needed to find out if Nikolai had been reborn.

Hello Darkling,

No, I will not be leaving Alina alone. She was my friend. I love her. I do not plan to hurt her or tell her the truth. I will not leave her and Genya. They were my family. Also what about Mal? I saw her drawing of him. How were you able to separate them? I do not trust you. I will make sure Alina and Genya are safe.

I hate you
Zoya

Zoya knew she could have been more diplomatic in her email but fuck the Darkling. No matter what he has taken advantage of Alina because she did not know who she was and who Aleksander really was. Zoya heard a zing. The Darkling had emailed her back quickly.

Hello Zoya,

Alina is fine. So is Genya. The Tracker is fine as well. My former nephew is actually her stepbrother in this life so no need to work on separating them. Step sibling relationships are frowned upon. I understand you miss them but you are barging into their life, asking questions will not help them.

Aleksander

That son of bitch, Zoya thought. The Darkling could just barge in their life but she was the problem. Fuck him. Alina deserves someone who loved her not someone who had only used her for her power. Alina was her best friend even if Alina did not know it anymore. Zoya types.

Go to hell, Darkling! It is where you belong! Alina deserves better than you!

Zoya

Zoya grins and she pictures the Darkling reading her note. She will go find Genya and befriend her. Genya had said she was a make artist right. Zoya begins to google makeup artists. She was going to find all of her friends and she would not be alone anymore.

Chapter Text

Zoya had not heard from the Darkling since the last email. She was glad to not hear from him again. She hoped Alina would email her soon with a time they can meet.

Zoya had been working on her project about Ravtkan history in the meantime. She decided to work on an article about Nikolai’s short reign as king. She had from a letter from a noble woman to her family to use as a primary source about how Nikolai had been seen returning to the palace with his arm around his general.

Zoya had smiled when she read the letter for the first time. She misses his arms around her. She had been lucky his demon had kept him alive longer than three life times.

She had tried to look up on the internet to see if he had been reborn like Alina, Genya David and so many others and she had found nothing. She would keep looking. He had to be around. She would not, could not be alone.

She decided to check her email one last time and was delighted to see Alina had emailed her back.

Hello Zoya,

I am so so sorry it took me so long to email you back. I misplaced your card. It was so weird. I showed it to my husband and it disappeared. I found it though. I am so excited to be able to draw your portrait. I wonder if you would want to have Genya come and style you and do you make up. She is such an artist. It is okay if you do not want to. It is just a thought I have. I was wondering what were you thinking for your portrait face or full body. I can do either. I am pretty free this week. My husband is taking me out on a date on Friday but other than that I am ready. Thank you again so much for buying my maps. You should have seen my husbands face when I rubbed it in that my maps are selling.

See you soon hopefully,
Alina

Zoya grinned as she read the message. Fuck the Darkling. She would have her friends again and she would find Nikolai. Alina might have seen him since it seems like she was connected to the rest with Mal being her stepbrother. She quickly emailed Alina.

Hello Alina,
I am so excited. I think we can do my face this time. Maybe we could do a series of portraits. I am so impressed with your art. I would love to have Genya style me and do my makeup. She seemed so kind at the gallery. I can’t wait to see you. How about Thursday? Also if you make any maps I will be happy to buy them. You are an expert mapmaker. See you soon!

Zane

Zoya grinned as she pictured the Darkling stewing over her hiring Alina. She would encourage Alina’s art as much as possible. It would be a nice fuck you to him.

Zoya decided to keep working on her work on Nikolai when something popped up in her notifications. It was a link to a podcast she had never heard of. There were 20 episodes. She was intrigued. She looked at the episode titles and realized it was a pro the Starless Saint podcast. Zoya sighed she knew him being a saint now was a little bit her fault. She clicked the first episode and hit play. She was horrified when she heard the voice say “Welcome to the true history of Ravka.”

It was the Darking himself. That bastard was trying to tell history with his own viewpoint. She pressed pause and looked at the titles of the episodes. Episode one was the mistreatment of Grisha which she would very much agree with. The next one was about the real history of the saints. One about the horrors of the Drusklle on the borders. Zoya agreed that was fair. One episode was called “Starless Saint and the Sun Saint Soulmate.''

Zoya wanted to gag that egotistical prick. She noticed there was one about her. She would listen to that soon. She decided one about the Lanstovs would be interesting as much as she loved Nikolai she knew his family had been garbage. Zoya started to chuckle when she saw the title of an episode called “The Sun Saint is the best saint of all time.”

She wondered where he recorded his podcast and if his wife knew about it. She began to listen to the rest of the first episode. She would get through them. It is better to know your enemy, she thinks. Maybe there will be clues about Nikolai.

Soon she would see her friends. Things were going to change. She would not be alone anymore. She smiled.

Chapter Text

Meeting Alina and Genya

Zoya had agreed to meet Alina and Genya at Alina’s Studio which turned out to be in the Gallery. The Darkling had spent some serious money on Alina’s art, Zoya had realized. There was no way Alina was making enough money with her drawings to cover this place. Zoya knew this was the least the Darkling could do is making sure Alina could do her art. It is too bad Alina had to be married to the man. But as Zoya came into the Gallery and saw Genya at the desk.

Genya locks the door behind Zoya. Genya looks so happy. It makes Zoya happy to see Genya like this. She heads into Alina’s studio and sees a make up counter and a clothing rack filled with options. Clearly, Genya wanted to style Zoya from head to toe even though it was just going to be a shoulder up portrait. Zoya looks around and does not see Alina. She looks at Genya and asks “Where is Alina?”

Genya smiles and says, “Alina is just on the phone with her husband. He likes to check up on her. He is head over heels in love with her.”

Zoya has to keep from gagging. Keep it together, she thinks. She looks at Genya and asks, “I know that one portrait was of David you boyfriend? How is he?”

Genya blushes and says, “He is the sweetest. He is a computer engineer. He loves working so much.”

Zoya nods and says “How are you planning on doing my makeup?”

Genya grins and says, “ I was thinking bold eyes but keep everything else more sheer. You are so pretty already. For your hair I wanted to make it big eighties style. It is just so fun. What do you think?”

Zoya nods and says “ That sounds great!”

Genya begins working on Zoya’s hair after choosing a blue dress for Zoya to wear. Zoya did not think it would look good all together but Genya is really pulling this off. The eighties hair looks awesome, just large and fun. Zoya is impressed because this was a look she never would have thought about pulling off.

Alina comes into the room. She apologizes, “Sorry, my husband just likes to check up on me. He is so cute. He wanted to make sure I was safe because it is just us here. I told him he has the alarm company so if someone breaks in, he would be called first. He did not like that answer.”

Zoya smiles and says “ So tell me more about your husband?”

Alina grins “We have been married for three years. We met four years ago. He is a lawyer but he is mostly supportive of my art. This is his gallery. He had just bought it before we met. He saw my portraits at a mini show and wanted to display my art. He said it was love at first sight on his end but I was dressed so shabby I can’t imagine what he saw in me.”

Zoya knew exactly what the Darkling had seen in Alina. She was the sun saint reincarnated and one he would give anything to have. Alina smiles and says “ He wooed me and I fell in love.”

Zoya smiles and says, “What a sweet story.”

Zoya knew he had caught Alina in his web.

Alina had Zoya pose at a couple different locations and took some pictures. She studies the photos. She finds a pose she loves and tells Zoya to try to stay still. Zoya watches Alina draw out of the corner of her eye. Genya is reading a magazine and playing on her phone but every so often she will stick her tongue out at Zoya. Zoya will laugh and Alina will give Genya a dirty look.

Zoya loves spending time with them. She wants to spend more time with them. She just loves the feeling as if they were all together again in the Little Palace.

Alina sets her pencils down and says, “I think we have what we need. I will be able to finish it by next week. Zoya, you are so sweet. Do you want to get coffee with Genya and some of our friends?”

Genya grins and says “Yes, Zoya! You have to come! It will be so fun.”

Zoya smiles and says “I would love to.”

Chapter Text

Zoya followed Alina and Genya out of the gallery as they locked up. It took a lot of steps to lock it. They had texted their friends and were meaning them at a coffee bar down the street. It was themed with crows everywhere. Alina hugged a slender brown skinned girl and introduced her as Inez. Zoya thought she looked familiar. Then Zoya stopped in her tracks because she saw Nina. Her Nina! Nina who had become the queen of Fjerda and helped bring peace. No one had known it was Nina but a select few. Nina lived her life as another after Genya had permanently tailored her face. Next to Nina was a very tall large man who looked like Fjedran and next to her other side was a smaller man who also looked Fjerdan.

Alina smiles and says “That is Nina and her two boyfriends. They are both dating Nina. Matthias and Hann.”

Zoya smiles at them and says “Hello, my name is Zane”

They all wave and ask her to sit with them. She can’t believe Nina is just here. She then looks at Inej and realizes that was the girl Nina had been friends with in Ketterdam. She worked with that Kaz Brekkar. Sure enough Kaz walks past them and nods. He looks at Inej and they share a moment.

Her heart hurts. They are all so happy and she is alone in her own way. All her friends are her but they don’t know their past. She misses Nikolai. She missed his love the most at first. Then his smell. But the one thing she really missed was his ability to make her laugh. He could charm the world. She hopes he is here somewhere.

Soon Genya sees David heading over toward their table. He sits nexts to Genya. Zoya excuses herself to go to the restroom. She locks the stall and checks for anyone else but she is alone. She starts to weep. These are her people. She should be happy but all she can feel is grief and she just does not understand it. She found her friends. If the Darkling can make this work then why can’t she. She knows that she is an outsider. What if the Darkling was right and she should have never done this? She had built this wall around herself and now all of these feelings of being the last and left behind had all come to the surface. She dries her eyes and steals herself to come out of the bathrooms.

As she heads back to the table, Zoya notices that sitting next to Alina is Mal. He looks mostly the same but his hair is longer than she remembers it being. He is telling some story and everyone is laughing. How can the Darkling pretend with them all? How can he handle seeing all of these people?

She decides she must leave. She tells Genya and Alina she is starting to feel unwell. This is all too much for Zoya. She goes to open the door and standing outside is not Nikolai but Sturmhond. She feels light headed. She can’t really be about to faint, she thinks as everything goes black.

Chapter Text

Zoya slowly woke up and realized she was outside in the night air. Genya was fanning her over with a menu from the coffee bar and she could see Alina was on the phone. All she could fill were strong arms holding her up. Ohh, she thought. It was Sturmhond, her Nikolai’s other side.

She wanted to look at him but she was nervous he would not be here any more and someone else would be holding her in his arms. Nikolai was her great love. She had to be brave. She looked up and stared into Sturmhond’s face.

He grinned at her and says “I often make the ladies faint with my charm but I am glad you are waking up.”

Zoya wanted to stroke his face but she had to not be so creepy. How had the Darkling managed it when he saw Alina? How could he have not run to her?

She had to play this cool well as cool as a person who had just fainted and was being carried. Zoya smiles and says “You are a flirt, I did not swoon, I just have low blood sugar.”

Sturmhond grins and says “Well, I can help with that.”

He sets her on a bench and pulls out an apple from his pocket and cuts off the pile before giving it to him. Zoya grins and says “ I have to ask if this is a poison apple? You're not trying to trap me in a fairy tale?”

Sturmhond barks out a laugh, “Just my extra apple from lunch. I am going enough looking to be a fairy tale prince but this is not a fairy tale, Zane. “

Alina hangs up her phone and comes over to check on her. “Well, you met our friend Nic Sturmhond in an exciting manner. I called my husband and he is coming to pick us up so I can take you to your place just give me the address.”

Zoya looks at Alina and says “ I am fine, just a little bit of low blood sugar and that is being taken care of thanks to your friend.” She waves her apple at Sturmhond.

Genya stops waving the menu at Zoya and says “It was like one minute you were there and the next you were falling on the floor. Nic here caught you before you could hit your head.”

Sturmhond grins and says “Yes, I am a hero. How are you feeling, Zane? A little better. You know you have to put the apple in your mouth to get the nutrients.”

Zoya realizes she has not taken a bite of her apple so she takes a small bite to make sure Sturmhond sees her eating.

He grins as she eats and says “There's my girl.”

Zoya blushes. She is an immortal saint but seeing him and hearing him call her his girl makes her feel like a girl again.

Stormhund looks at her and asks for her phone and Zoya without thinking hands it over to him. He is typing and his phone bings.

He grins and says “You have my number now if you need anything. I have yours now too. I look forward to hearing from you Zoya. “

He brushes Zoya's hair out of her face. Zoya can’t believe how he is still so charming. Even as Sturmhund, he is so good looking. She has to keep herself in check as every so often Genya and Alina say something but all she can think about is her love is right in front of her. She could kiss him. That would be too much and she has to think. This has been a lot to process and she does not want to scare him off. She hears a gentle honk and sees the Darkling in a car nodding at her.

Alina grins “That is my husband, Zane. He is so dreamy right? Nic, help her to the car.”

Zoya feels arms wrapping around and setting her as she walks to the car with the Darkling in it. At least she knows if he tries to mess with her she could kick his ass but she knows that he won’t do anything in front of Alina.

Sturmhund gets her to the car and leans in and says “Text me if you need anything. I stay up late.”

Zoya nods and thanks him.

Alina introduces Zoya to her husband who is going by Aleksander these days. The Darkling says “Hello Zane, my wife has told me so much about you. I am so grateful you have taken an interest in her art.”

Zoya replies “ Alina is so talented and always has been. You can tell.”

Aleksander nods and says “I have always believed in Alina.”

Alina pats Aleksander’s hand and says “Stop Aleks! You are embarrassing me!”

Aleksander nods and says “ I just want to make sure Zane knows how important you are to me.”

Everytime he says Zane. He has a tone. Come on Darkling, do you want the Dragon? Zoya thinks

Alina smiles and says “ I have told Zane how supportive you are of me and my art, Sasha.”

Zoya has to stop herself from gagging when Alina calls him Sasha. He does not deserve her love. Zoya says “ I love Alina’s maps and I heard those are not your favorites, Aleksander.”

Zoya has a tone in her voice when she says Aleksander.

Aleksander goes to hold Alina’s hand and says, “ I think my sweet Alina may have overstated my feelings on the maps. I love them but I just do not think they will sell as well as her portaits. I do own the gallery.”

Alina turns in her seat and sticks out her tongue at Zoya. Zoya grins back at Alina.

Aleksander gives an exhausted sigh “ I see you have charmed my wife. Alina is a very good friend as you can tell by her gang of loyal followers.

They reach Zoya’s place. Aleksander has Alina head first to open the house up. Aleksander turns to Zoya and says “I heard you fainted seeing him. I almost walked into traffic when I saw Alina. It is hard and wonderful to feel them. I am going to have to help you out of the car now. I know we are not friends, Zoya, but you can email me about seeing him. I think we are the only two people in the world who understand this. “

Zoya scoffs “ We will never be friends, Darkling. We better get out of the car, Alina is waiting. ”

Aleksander helps Zoya out of the car and into her home. Alina hugs Zoya goodbye and tells her to call her later to check in.

Zoya agrees and crashes into her bed and tries to unravel the events of the day.

Chapter Text

Aleksander was happy to head home with his wife. Alina had been so worried about Zoya or Zane as she was calling herself now.  He wanted to get Alina away from Zoya but now she was friends with her again. He wondered if Alina would remember her past life. He mostly didn’t want that. He wanted to keep her love forever. Maybe she had her old powers or maybe she does not. He couldn’t tell. He felt there was a hint of her powers there but he just didn’t know if it was wishful thinking on his part. He had been alive so long that seeing her was everything to him. The fact her friends had been reborn has made it clear something was different here. 

He looks at Alina who is going on about her new friend Zane. He smiles at her. She is still so good even after all this time. Alina grins back at him and asks “Are you even listening to me, Sasha?”

Aleksander smiles and asks “I believe you were talking about how handsome your husband is?”

Alina groans “ I should have said my husband's ego is huge. Such a pain”

Aleksander chuckles  

Alina says “ I said I hope Zane is okay.”

Aleksander nods “ I am sure she is fine”

Alina looks at him “ Do you not like Zane? You always get weird when I talk about her?”

Aleksander’s face falters just a little “ I don’t not like Zane. I just missed you today.”

Alina looks at him hesitantly. “ I also thought she did not like you very much. Do you two know each other?”

Aleksander’s heart pounds as he wonders if she is remembering the past. Aleksander says, “I really do not know Zane.”

It’s not a complete lie since he knows Zoya not Zane , Aleksander thinks. 

Alina gets out of their car and heads into their apartment. Aleksander follows her closely. He hears her get into the shower.  Aleksander goes to check his email. He does not see a message from Zoya. 

He knows what she is going through is complex. He tried to keep her way from Alina to protect his own peace. He knows he is selfish and that he wants to keep Alina to himself. She is the only one who gives him hope. She is always his hope. Even when she was fighting him in her past life. 

He gets out the oils he keeps in his room for when Alina has a long night of drawing. He likes to massage her hands, arms and shoulders to make sure she feels good and does not wear out her body. She always jokes he spoils her. He would give her the world if she wanted it. But she likes their life now. She comes wrapped in a towel to their bedroom. She grins and he taps the bed.

She lies forward and starts massaging her. Every so often giving her a little kisses where he has finished rubbing. He sees the ‘birthmark’ on her shoulder and kisses it. He does not know how the bite he caused came through in this life. He kisses her every time he sees it as a silent apology for hurting her. He loves her in a way he never thought possible. 

When she had her first life he was grateful to be there even when she fought him. He was not alone. He woke up all alone in his own body after years of suffering. He went to her farm but she and Mal had long past. He was so broken he would have been happy to see his nephew, but they were all gone. 

It had taken him years to realize he loved her. He missed her with every fiber of his being. He collected items about her so he could always have a piece of her with him. Every new painting of Sankta Alina he would look at to see if it was a true likeness. He bought most of the ones that looked like her. He was so lonely he would talk to her and even Mal like he was praying. 

What he had told Zoya tonight was true. He had lived a boring life. He had grown to be quite wealthy. He may have not gained his fortune in the most ethical ways. He became a lawyer out of boredom and he was on his way to the courthouse and he saw Alina meeting a friend for breakfast and he stopped in the middle of the road. He followed her carefully and watched her. He called in sick for work. He stalked Alina and he couldn’t stop. He found her hanging out with Mal and he was strangely happy to see him but sad Alina was with him. Then he found out Alina and Mal were step siblings in this life. He relaxed and decided he would marry her and take care of Alina. 

In his head at first he justified it that way. She would be taken care of and he would be her family and that is something she deserved. He couldn’t believe that her and all her friends had been given their old names. He was just happy to be with her. He loves new Alina as he got to know her. She was so much like her past life, sassy and caring. He couldn’t get enough of trying not to push her but he loved every minute of being with her. She loved her art and did not think she could make a life of it. This life she would be able to do what she wanted he would support her dreams.

He could not live without her again. He would try to die when she passed in this life. Maybe Zoya could get her wish and finally be able to kill him. He finished massaging Alina. She rolled over and smiled at him. 

He can get lost in her smile. She is his world. He knows how Zoya feels. He just hopes her arrival will not be the end of his happy ending.

Chapter Text

Zoya woke up slowly and remembered what had happened to her last night. She remembers seeing Nikolai as Sturmhond. He had the same charm as she remembered.She had fainted. She was Zoya, one of the most powerful grisha and a saint but she had fainted. She groans as she remembers something worse that happened.The Darkling had to give her a ride home and he had seemed to feel bad for her. The position was similar to his but she and Nikolai had had a relationship of love and respect not fear and deception like Alina and The Darkling’s disturbing relationship now and in the past.. How could he even think they are the same?!. If Alina got her memories back she would be disgusted whereas if Nikolai remembered his past life he would just want to be with her. She was secure in how much her husband had loved her. 

She had to get up and out of bed. She wanted to learn more about what her husband had been doing in this lifetime. She needs to see something. She decided to head to her vault. Every dragon had a hoard and hers was items from her past. She wanted to see her wedding ring. She kept it there for safety purposes. She also kept her wedding dress. People often had claimed they had her wedding dress but she kept the real one locked away far from where anyone could find it. It took her a few hours but she made it in time. She unlocked the vault and stepped inside, locking it behind her. She walked past portraits of Nikolai and her and found her favorite one. It was a small hand drawn portrait Alina had drawn as a wedding present. She smiles as she looks at her clever fox husband. She has Sturmhond pictures well behind the helm of his ship. She knew he loved his sea life so much. Sometimes she would fly over his ship as he sailed.  

She found a portrait Alina had drawn of his monster for her. Alina was the only person they both trusted to do it well and not to make it a scene. Nikolai had wanted to see it for himself. She loved being with Alina. Alina had just understood her so much. She missed those long conversations she had with her about her powers. Alina and Genya had been like her sister back then. She looked around and came to the safe in the vault. She opened it up and saw her crown, a few pieces of jewelry from Nikolai she had saved and there was her wedding ring. He had not used an emerald nor had she wanted any Lantsov jewel near her. He had gotten her a ring that had matched her dragon scales. She loved it so much. She put it on her finger and felt closer to him. Maybe she would get a second chance with her love. She put everything back in order. She smelled the air and got a whiff of her past and locked the vault behind her. 

Time to see if she can have her love back again.

Chapter Text

Zoya was going to call him. She knew she could do it. She was a Saint. How hard could it be calling her reincarnated husband and asking him on a date? She knew she was the best he could do. She just had to call him. She had his number all she had to do was hit send. Maybe she should text him? Should she ask Alina how to ask him out? Gah, why was this so hard?  Zoya looks at the portrait of him on a necklace she had made. Uhh she was soo nervous.  Maybe she should email the Darkling? He had dated more recently than she had. Zoya had mourned Nikolai but had not been celibate but it has been a long time since she asked anyone one a date. She would have fun and then have to disappear. This was so hard. 

She texted Alina “I want to ask out Sturmhond. Do you think a call or text?”

Suddenly her phone rang and it was Alina. Zoya answered, “Hello.”

Alina shrieks, “He is perfect for you! He is a bit of a flirt but he is the nicest guy! We went on a couple dates but it did not work out. We developed friend vibes. It would be so cute! You literally fainted at the sight of him.”

Zoya groans “He seems rather charming. Do you think a call or a text?”

Alina shrieks “You would be the best couple! You can go on triple dates with me and Genya and our guys!”

Zoya hears Alina move the phone away from her mouth and say “I am talking to Zane, she wants to go out with Sturmhond. That is amazing right, sweetie!”

Zoya holds in her chuckle the Darkling just got called sweetie. She hears his voice say “ I am so shocked.”

Alina moves the phone back to her mouth “I could set it up. I think that would be easier for the first date. Let me text him.”

Zoya gets nervous but she says “Alright, let’s do this.”

Alina is humming in the background on the phone. She shrieks “He said yes! He likes you. I can tell this is going to be so perfect. He wants to meet you at Ship. It is a trendy restaurant with recreations of famous ships. Does Thursday at 7pm sound good?”

Zoya grins and says “That is perfect. Thank you so much Alina.”

Alina says “ I have to go, my husband is making me dessert. He is the best cook. Talk to you later. Send pics of the outfit to Genya and I so we can approve. So excited for that night!”

Zoya replies “Night.”

Zoya could hardly believe it had been that easy. She was going on a date with her husband. Oh course, he had a couple dates with Alina. She chuckles as she thinks of Alina and Nikolai’s past courtship. Mal had been in the way but they had a solid friendship. 

This was meant to be. She hopes she did not sound like the Darkling. She was going to have love again. 

Chapter Text

Zoya had agreed to meet Sturmhond at the restaurant. He had wanted to pick her up at her place but she thought for a first date people normally met there. Zoya had to laugh at her husband’s choice of restaurant. Well, she thought of him as her husband. Sturmhond wanted to meet at a restaurant called Ships. This made it apparent that he was still the same man who she had loved all those years ago. She walked in the door and saw the hostess and was taken aback the hostess was Nadia. Oh Nadia, She had missed her over the years. She was wearing a blue dress and she looked lovely. Zoya felt like she was stepping back in time. She decided to go to the washroom to touch up her makeup and to try to center herself after seeing Nadia. They were all back. Zoya wondered. How could they all be back?

Zoya touched up her face and went out of the washroom when she came out Sturmhond was waiting for her. He smiles his sly smile at her. He greets her with a hug. “How long were you waiting for?’

Zoya pauses and wants to say forever but she responds, “I just took a minute in the bathroom. I touched up my makeup.”

Sturmhond grins. “Well, you look lovely, of course, not as lovely as I do but quite lovely”

Zoya snickers. “This from the man who took me to a pirate themed restaurant?”

He smirks. “I believe they like to be called privateers.”

Zoya rolls her eyes. “I might have heard that before.”

Sturmhond leads her to a table and says “My good friend Tolya runs the restaurant with his sister ,Tamar. She is the chef. I got us the best seat in the house tonight. We are by the Volkvolny. It was a great Ravkan ship.”

Zoya looks at the replica and sure enough it is almost exactly the same as she remembered. She got goosebumps by merely looking at it. The table is on the front of the ship. This restaurant is not like anything she has seen before. Of course part of his old crew ran the restaurant. Everyone is connected. She honestly wants to email the Darkling and ask what is going on here.

Zoya takes her seat after Stumrhond pulls out her chair. She asks him “How long have you known Alina?”

Sturmhond beams. “Alina and I went on a few failed dates where we realized we were friends and not lovers. This was about four years ago. She met Aleksander and that was it for her. He is super in love with her. Quiet but completely devoted to her.”

Zoya nods. “So what do you do for a living?”

Sturmhond grins “I am a bit of an adventurer. I work on the old part of Ravtka looking for artifacts. I love history. I have to remind you of my favorite saint, Zoya. I loved that she could turn into a dragon. You have her hair color from a lot of the old images of her that survive. I love that she can still be spotted around the world.”

Zoya takes a drink of water so that she will not have to talk for a minute. How could he know already? Was it her stupid decoy name, Zane? She smiles and says “Oh, I bet that is what you say to all the ladies. You look like my favorite saint and pull one out of thin air.”

Sturmhond laughs. He grins broadly.``I feel like my lines usually work better than that. Ravkan history has a long line of powerful beautiful women to pull from to complement women. I just thought you looked like one of Zoya’s portraits, Zane. Plus you look lovely in blue.”

Zoya smiles “I do not think I look very saint-like.”

Sturmhond grins at her and says “ I guess we can agree to disagree. Now I do not recommend the herring. Everything else on the menu is great.”

Zoya chuckles and says “I have had enough herring for a lifetime.”

She browses the menu and they order their appetizer and main course. They talk for a while. Zoya knows this date is going well. There is a look of chemistry she can feel. Maybe it is wishful thinking but she has to believe the connection is still there with her husband.

She watches his as he tells jokes that are so similar to the jokes he told in his past life. She feels her phone vibrate and it says Alina. She smiles.” I have to take it.”

She walks outside answering the phone. “Hello Alina, the date is going well. I have to go.”

She hears a deep voice “ It’s not Alina. It's me, Zoya. We need to talk.”

Zoya rolls her eyes “No Darkling, I am not letting you ruin my date.”

The Darkling sighs. “Look, Alina is going to call and offer to have dessert and a nightcap at our place. You need to say yes. Alina, she ….. drew a new piece. You need to see it. It’s important, okay?”

Zoya scoffs. “Why would I ever do what you want me to do?”

He grunts. “It’s not for me, okay? It’s all for her. I am worried. Alina is the only one who matters to me. I am worried about her.”

Zoya stops and says “Fine, we will come.”

The Darkling sounds relieved as he surprisingly says “Thank you.”

She hangs up and the phone rings again she answers and this time it is Alina. Zoya can tell from Alina’s tone is smiling. “How is your date going?”

Zoya grins. “Well, I think it’s going well. But that is only my side.”

Alina lets out a happy squeal. “I think you are so cute together. My Aleksander is making dessert crepes and wants you both to come over for a nightcap. He is so sweet. Please say you will come.”

Zoya grins even though she knows whatever she will see when she gets there is so concerning to the Darkling.

She finishes her call and goes back to her date. Sturmhond is a little surprised by Alina wanting them to come over but he agrees with his careless grin.

Chapter Text

Zoya and Sturmhond left the restaurant and headed over to Alina and Aleksander’s home. Sturmhond has offered her a ride since she had taken an uber over. Alina had sounded so happy on the phone but she knew that the Darkling was very concerned for her. Whatever her drawing was had to be something he was worried about.

She followed Sturmhond as they got to a huge building. He explains that they live in the penthouse on the top. She rode the elevator thinking about what could be happening. She wondered how the Darkling could afford all this. He must have stolen money so be able to afford this lifestyle, the gallery and the penthouse. Who knows what else he has?

She followed Sturmhond to the door of the penthouse. What did he have hidden away? She realized his secrets were more likely hidden like hers in storage. She assumed that he would keep as much of his old life away from Alina as he could. While except his old enemy which he had decided to take as a wife. Sturmhond knocked on the door. Alina cheerfully answered. She is wearing a dress covered in sunflowers. She welcomes Zoya to the apartment. It is more homey than Zoya expected. Warm colors. Alina leads them to the kitchen and she sees the Darkling cutting up fruits. Alina grins and asks “What type of fruit would you like on your crepes?”

Zoya looks at her and replies, “Strawberries.”

Sturmhond grins and asks for “Blueberry. Aleksander I did not think you were the double date type. Alina is getting to you?”

The Darkling looks at Alina and says, “Whatever she wants she gets. I have crepes to make.”

The Darkling seems very focused on making the crepes and ten minutes later they are ready to eat. Alina had been cheerfully talking about her day and their date. She seems so excited for them. She really wants this to work. Zoya watches how the Darkling looks at her when Alina talks. He can’t get enough of being near her. He likes to brush against her so that he is always touching her. She should be more social on her date but it is clear Alina and Sturmhond are social butterflies of this group.

She smiles at Sturmhond. Would it be too much if she tries to hold his hand? She can’t be too desperate, that is what all the modern dating books she read in the last few days said. When she had dates she would not care in the past but this was someone she cared about, not some temporary thing.

Aleksander puts their crepes on the counter as he pulls Alina toward him. She smiles and grabs his crepes and starts to feed him. They are so gross. Aleksander is enthralled with her. She knows he does not deserve her.

She grabs her fork and it is delish. She hates to say this but the Darkling is a good cook. Sturmhond moans as he eats his crepes. She smiles at him. He winks at her. She loves his winks. He asks “Want to share? That way we can try each other’s?”

She grins and nods. They eat together .

After they finished eating, Aleksander asks if anyone wants to see Alina's new drawing.

Zoya quickly says, “I would love to.”

Alina grins and tells Sturmhond, “Zane, is my number one buyer. I am working on her portrait at the gallery. Follow me to my home studio.”

Alina holds Darkling’s hand as they enter her studio. There are so many drawings and a few paintings. There are pictures of Genya and David and Mal and so many of the Darkling. He must be who she draws the most.

Alina grins and says, “I am lucky my husband is so patient. He lets me draw him all the time”

She shows her newest drawing. That is when she feels the Darkling’s glaze on her. Zoya is shocked looking at it.

Alina looks at the ground “I am lucky Sasha knows I love him. Otherwise this drawing might upset him.”

Zoya nods and tries to hold her face because this is a portrait of the Darkling when he was at free he was attacked by the volcra. He is covered in scars. Alina must be remembering.

Chapter Text

Zoya can’t believe the portrait she just saw. The Darkling must be so nervous that Alina is remembering. She smiles nervously as they head back to the living area. Sturmhond and Alina and chit chatting. She is still in shock but she is surprised to see how much Alina and Sturmhond are touching. They look like they are flirting and she turns to look at the Darkling.

He is watching Alina like he can’t stop watching her. Zoya grabs his arm and pulls him back so Alina and Sturmhond can’t hear.

She says “Do they always flirt like that?”

The Darkling sighs. “Alina does not have the trauma from her past in this life. She is a flirt. She would flirt with a tree if no one was around. I want to keep it that way. I don’t know what that picture means. I just don’t want her to suffer.”

Zoya nods. “How do you stand her flirting with Sturmhond?”

The Darkling rolls his eyes. “That is the least of my problems. If Alina wanted to sleep with him I would let her. Honestly she is super into the artist community. I think honestly I would just be part of it.”

Zoya growls low “You do not get to sleep with my husband!”

The Darkling looks at her and smirks. “ My husband now. You are more like me than you think.”

Zoya hisses, “Shut up!”

The Darkling continues, “Look what do you think the drawing means?”

Zoya thinks for a moment. “I think something is happening. She must be remembering something. You are going to be in trouble when she does

His eyes flash at her with anger and then sadness. Zoya looks up and sees Alina is typing on her phone.

Alina turns and looks at her husband. “Sweetie, Genya says she can’t come into work. She says she has an eye issue and has to go to the doctor. She says it feels funny.”

Aleksander smiles. “Let Genya stay home, I hope she feels better.”

Alina turns her head and Zoya looks at him and sees he has gone pale.

Chapter Text

Zoya looks at the Darkling. She sees he is concerned. Surely Genya can’t have phantom pain where her eye had been ripped out in a past life. She looks at Alina and Sturmhond. They both look so happy. Nikolai would be fine remembering his past life, she knows. She was with him until the very end. He had told her he wishes he could stay with her. She would need a new trophy husband.

She has told him to shut up obviously she was the better looking one in this couple. He agreed and kissed her hand. He passed in her arms later that night. But here he was again with all her friends plus the Darkling.

She looks at the Darkling and says, “Something must be coming. You have to know they wouldn’t all be reborn if it did not mean anything.”

The Darkling nods. “I had hoped it was a second chance for me but you're right. They are going to remember and we will have to fight something. I just hope Alina will let me help her.”

Zoya nods because she knows having the Darkling’s on their side would help. She looks at Alina who is smiling at Sturmhond. Alina turns and says, “Aleks, I think it is time to retire. We can let Zane and Sturmhond finish their date.”

The Darkling nods and says, “Goodnight Zane and Sturmhond. Sturmhond you will lock up when you are done.”

Zoya is honestly surprised that the Darkling trusts him that much. She moves to Sturmhond and smiles. Zoya says, “We will be out of your hair. Goodnight Alina.”

Alina grabs Zoya and hugs her tight. Alina whispers, “You are going to be the best couple! Night, Zane.”

Alina goes to Aleksander and grabs his arm and he walks her to their bedroom.

Sturmhond grins. “Aleksander is a little old fashioned. He always gives Alina his arm.”

Zoya nods. “What were you and Alina talking about?”

Sturmhond grins. “She was telling me how much she likes you. I told her I thought you were pretty cool too. Would you like a nightcap at my place?”

Zoya pauses. She wants to say yes so much. But this is new and he is but he is not her Nikolai. She loves him too much to have this happen carelessly. Zoya grins. “I think I should be heading home. I am not sure you could handle a nightcap with me.”

Sturmhond grins “I do like a challenge.”

Zoya leans in and kisses his check. She whispers, “Goodnight.”

She could smell him. Hints of the sea and salt and clean laundry. She loves him so much. But she has to learn who he is now.

She waves goodbye and knows he will text her for a second date. How could he not? She was Zoya.

Chapter Text

Kaz was almost done cleaning up the coffee bar he owns. He smelled her before he saw her. Inez was always so quiet no one could tell when she entered a room but he could. He grinned. “Hello Inez, are you going to keep me safe on our walk home?”

Inez grinned at Kaz. “I will do my best. How was your day?”

Kaz sighs “Boring without you? Do you have any good gossip?”

Inez smiles. “You know I always do! Alina told me that Stormhund is on a date with that Zane girl tonight. You know the one who fainted? Alina and her husband had to drive her home.”

Kaz pauses and says “That women looked familiar. I just can’t place her. Jordie called by the way. He will not be coming home for the holiday. But he will play a couple games with us via zoom.”

Inez nods “I also heard that Jesper forgot Wylan’s half birthday.”

Kaz laughs “Poor Wylan and more importantly poor Jesper. He will never hear the end of that.”

Kaz goes to grab a knife off the counter but his knee spasms and he drops it. Inez catches the handle without a glance. Kaz laughs. “Inez, I swear you could be in the circus, you are so talented.”

Inez winks and says “Let’s go home my love.”

She takes his hand and they go home.

Chapter Text

Zoya had gone on several dates with Sturmhond. Things were going well. She would hang out with Alina and Genya at the gallery a couple times a week. It is still weird to know all about her friends' past when they did not. The Darkling and her were both on alert to see if anything happened that could not be explained like the picture Alina had drawn.

Tonight, she was going to go visit Nina and Genya at the Crow Coffee Club. It was very charming. She was excited to see Nina. She loves Nina in a way that felt like she was a little sister. She always wanted to protect her. It was strange when Nina and she had both become queens. Nina had changed the world for the better. Having a Grisha ruler had changed Fjeda for the better.

She turned on her radio and heard something that chilled her to the very core. According to the news station, thorns and rose bushes were growing where the fold been that had been barren for years. People were saying maybe a Saint was responsible. Zoya knew the only saint who caused roses was a mentally unstable bitch who had a crush on the Darkling but she was dead. Her dragon twitches inside. She looks at her phone and is about to call the Darkling and sees her phone is already receiving a call from him.

Zoya picks up right away. She says “I just saw on the news we will have to go check it out ourselves.”

He grumbles. “What are you talking about? I need you to come to my place. Alina needs you.”

Zoya stops. “Is she okay?”

He sighs. She hears crying in the background on the phone, Alina is screaming. “How could you do this?!”

Zoya yells, “What did you do? I will kill you!!”

The Darkling voice breaks. “She remembers it all.”

Zoya grows silent as she absorbs that information. “I will be right there.”

Chapter Text

Aleksander was watching the news with his arm wrapped around Alina. He just watches the headlines to see what happened during the day. He had google alerts set to certain keywords to keep an on on the world. He and Alina always went to bed early if she was not working on her art or out with friends. He had been nervous after her drawing not noting had come from it except that first night he had told Alina he was to tired for sex. Alina had looked so sad and told him that he had never turned her down before.

That was untrue. Alina had tried to sleep with him right away when they started dating and he had waited to make sure. It felt strange that she could not remember her past. He wanted to make sure she was really ready to make their relationship physical.

He looks at her black hair. She was so cute when it fell in front of her face. She would tie it up in a ponytail when she was painting or drawing. Alina turned to him and smiled. He kisses her forehead. “You’re my best girl,” he says.

Alina grins and hugs him tighter. He feels something off around him. He can’t place it. He looks at Alina and her face is changed. Her hand goes to her head. “Alina, are you alright? Do you want me to get you a painkiller? Does your head hurt?”

Alina whimpers a little. Aleksander is getting more concerned. “Alina, do you need to go to the hospital?”

What could be wrong with her? he thinks. He goes to pick her up in his arms. Her eyes are filled with tears. “Alina, love, can you tell me what hurts?”

Alina sobs. “Everything Darkling. Put me down you bastard! What did you do to me?”

Aleksander goes still. He smells her hair and holds her tight for a second knowing this could be the end of his new life. He was happy. He had never been happy before. He puts her on the couch. He looks at her and asks “Alina, I know you are mad at me but are you physically hurt? I can get a healer here quickly.”

Alina's face is covered in tears. She shakes her head. She whispers “Why did you marry me? To punish me for the past?”

Aleksander quickly shakes his head. “Alina, I love you. I would never hurt you again. I saw you and couldn’t believe it was you. I missed you. You were dead when I got out of the tree you and Mal both were gone. I went to you both. But you had died. Nothing was the same. I just lived. Then I saw you and it was like the sun had come out. I was so happy.”

Alina cries “I love Mal and now he is my brother. Oh god that is so creepy. Mal was the love of my life and now he is a brother figure. I spent my whole life with him. What did you do?”

Aleksander looks nervously around and says “Alina, you were already siblings when I found you. I didn’t do anything to make that happen. Your parents had married. I only saw you a few months before we met and started dating. It was not a grand plan.”

Alina cries. “Why marry me? You could have just left me alone. Everything is ruined by you. My career is... Oh my god! You don’t think I am a good artist. You only said that because you wanted me.”

Alina is crying even harder. Aleksander tries to brush her hair out of her face. Alina yells “don’t you dare touch me. I have nothing. I thought you believed in my art but you didn’t. I don’t have Mal. You made me love you.”

Alina runs to the bathroom and slams the door in his face. Aleksander’s heart feels like it is being ripped to pieces. He is scared of Alina being in the bathroom alone. What if she tries to hurt herself. Aleksander knocks on the door. “Alina, please just keep the door open. I have to know you are okay.”

Alina screams through the door “I will never be okay again. I married my enemy.”

Aleksander hears her gasping for breath. She is crying so hard she is having trouble breathing. He says “Alina, just breathe. It will be okay. You just have to keep breathing.”

He calls his shadows and one goes under the door and begins to rub her back gently.

Alina whimpers “You still have your power? Why do you not look like the monk?”

She hiccups through the door.

Aleksander realized she was calming down. She used most of her energy. Aleksander says “He died right away. It was just me in the tree. I woke up from all the pain and I was me again. Zoya had changed the world and I was not needed anymore. You were the person I missed. You are my favorite person, Alina.”

Alina grumbles “You got to be a saint like you planned. Oh god, my parents named me after myself. How weird is that? My parents have no idea who I am. They teach about me and surprise, the former sun saint is their daughter!”

Aleksander chuckles “I thought that was a little amusing you all got your old names.”

Alina sighs “Except for Zoya she got that name Zane.”

Aleksander stops as realization dawns on him. “Alina… about Zoya she never stopped living. She is not reborn like you and the rest of your friends.“

Alina is quiet through the door. “Why didn’t she kill you?”

Aleksander sighs, “She thought it would hurt you.”

Alina cries. “I hate you and I want Zoya!”

Alina is clearly getting a second wind and so Aleksander goes to grab his phone.

Chapter Text

Zoya went to knock on the door. The Darkling opened it. He had a suitcase in his hand. He looked terrible and normally that would bring her joy but she knew Alina was suffering. He handed her the suitcase. He sighs “I packed clothes for her. I know she will want to go stay with you. I also have a credit card. You can put anything she needs on it. I will happily pay. Tell her I can avoid the gallery so she does not have to see me. If there is something she needs from her I can have it delivered. I am going to tell her goodbye and take off so you can have privacy. Promise me you will keep her safe. The most important thing is her safety. “

She is shocked as she takes the credit card and suitcase but she promises to keep Alina safe. He goes back in and she hears Alina yelling and crying at him muffed through a door. The Darkling is telling Alina, “If you need anything let me know. Anything. I do love your art Alina. I always loved to look at your maps. Please don’t think you are not a good artist.”

Zoya knew Alina was good but she had room for improvement. That was something she would keep to herself. The Darkling tells Alina he loves her and leaves and to Zoya it looks like he has tears in his eyes. She did not know what to think about that. Zoya goes to the bathroom door and knocks and says “Alina, it’s me. I am here. He left. You can open the door.”

Alina quickly opens the door and looks at Zoya. Her face is red from crying and she is very gross and covered in snot. Zoya does not particularly want to hug her but she takes Alina in her arms. Alina mutters “he never dies. How is that possible?”

Zoya asks, “Do you want me to turn into a dragon and eat him? We could give that a try?”

Alina snorts “No, I just don’t know why he would do this. I don’t have powers. I am nothing. He gained nothing.”

Zoya stills and knows she has to tell Alina but this is hard. She whispers, “You remember when I told you I could see his dreams when he was in the tree?”

Alina sniffles “Yes, the ones where he won.”

Zoya pauses. “Most of them were of him being all powerful but not all. He would sometimes dream of you being his wife and you would have a family. As much as he is indeed an asshole. I do think he had some real feelings for you. You have a way of growing on people.”

Alina laughs. “You mean how I grew on you?”

Zoya hugs her tight. “You and Genya were my first real friends. Before you both I did not know how to make any.”

Alina sighs. “Why did not try to get me away from him?”

Zoya stills “I knew it might hurt you more and you did not remember anything. If I thought for a second he was hurting you I would kill him. He seemed mellowed out. You did not know me. You would not have believed me.”

Alina sighs “It’s true. He is so charming when he wants to be.”

Zoya asks “Do you want to go stay with me? Do you need anything here?”

Alina says “Let’s go. I can’t be here right now. Leave everything.”

Zoya nods and says “I just have your suitcase with clothes in it.”

Alina nods and they take off to Zoya’s place.

Zoya puts Alina to bed in her spare bedroom. She checks her phone.

Message from Darkling
Sometimes she forgets to brush her teeth. You might have to remind her.

Message from Darkling
Also make she she is drinking plenty of water. She forgets to stay hydrated when she is upset.

Message from Darkling
She likes fruit for breakfast. She likes her arms rubbed after she draws. She needs an extra pillow for between her legs.

Message from Darkling
Also she likes to watch the dogs at the dog park. Cats make her itchy.

Message from Darkling
Make sure she takes her vitamins. She forgets sometimes. She likes yoga to workout.

Message from the Darkling
Ice cream makes her happy when it is her time of the month and I packed her heating pad for her.

Message from the Darkling’
Mal stopped by punched me in the face. He is looking for her. He remembers. I think you might want to check in with Sturmhond and see if he remembers.

Message from Genya

Where is Alina? I can’t get ahold of her. I called her number and texted. Her husband said she is staying with you.

Message from Sturmhond

Hello wife.

Chapter Text

Zoya’s stomach flipped. She stared at her phone just looking at those three little words. Nikolai remembered. Her love remembered their life. She had been so focused on Alina that she did not think it would mean Sturmhond would remember their life together. She looked over her shoulder to the room Alina is sleeping in. She wanted to be with her husband but Alina was in such a state. She was so vulnerable right now.

Zoya texted “You remembered?”

Seconds later “ I remember a lot of things about my saint wife. How she looks naked, what her skin felt like when I kissed it, how she roared….. as a dragon. Where are you my queen?”

Zoya texted “I am not a queen anymore. I am in my apartment. Alina is with me. She remembered everything. She left the Darkling. Here is my address. You can come over. But you will have to be quiet, my love, for Alina.”

Sturmhond “I will be there in 20. I will bring some ice cream for Alina.”

Zoya puts down her phone. She runs into the bathroom. She looks at her face. Of course she is beautiful, any man would be lucky to have her but this is her Nikolai. She brushes her hair and puts on makeup. She brushes her teeth. She will have to remind Alina to brush her teeth. The care of Alina will be a lot. The Darkling acted like Alina was helpless in those texts.

Zoya ran back to her phone. She had forgotten that Genya had texted her. She texted out to Genya “Alina is spending the night with me.”

Genya responds immediately. “Two saints having a sleepover without me :)”

Zoya almost dropped the phone. They all remember. They all remember their past. All at the same time. What is going on? Is there a reason now they are all remembering?

She heard a knock on her door. She just stopped and stared. Everything was different. Her husband was on the other side of the door.

Chapter Text

Kaz watches Inej play with the silverware and moving them through her hands with ease. She was lovely tonight. He was always impressed with how stealth she was. But tonight was the night they both had remembered their past lives. They had hugged each other and were both still dealing with the memories of another lifetime of trauma when they both burst out laughing because this lifetime was different.

Jordie was alive. Mathias was alive. Nina was very busy with her two Fjredan lovers. The crows were together and as much as Kaz deeply hated to admit the crows were the loves of both of his lifetimes. It was interesting because no one else from the Crow Club had come back. Kaz had to wonder if this was some sort of trick or an afterlife but surely he would not be lucky enough to end up with the people he cared about.

The most important thing was Inej but he thought it weird that their friend Alina was named after the saint. Inej had asked if he thought Alina was that Alina. He just did not know. Inej had tried texting their friend but had not heard back. It was curious that Alina was friends with Genya who they did know as a Grisha.

They were waiting for Jesper to head over with Wylan. Nina was handling her situation at home for now. Kaz smirked if this was the afterlife Mathias ghost did socialize with them all.

He pulled Inej into his arms and was grateful that in this life he was still touch adverse but with his family now it did not bother him. Inej was more than family, she was his soul. Maybe he should get a new hat.

Chapter Text

Zoya opened the door and saw Sturmhond looking at hee. He grins “Hello wife.”

Zoya pulls him into her arms and hugs him tightly. He coughs out. “I would like to not be crushed to death on our first night. I do not have the demon in me like last time.”

Zoya pulls back and looks at him sheepishly. He looks at her with a smirk. “Got you!”

Zoya sticks out her tongue at him. Sturmhond says. “How is Alina? Should we talk outside?”

Zoya replies “Follow me.”

Zoya takes him to her garden on the roof. It had all sorts of flowers and plants around. She moved to a bench and motions him to sit next to her. Zoya feels a little shy looking at him. Nikolai jokes “I guess I will have to get used to being the second most beautiful person since I am in my Sturmhond face.”

Zoya looks at him. “I love either face. Who is number one?”

Sturmhond grins. “You know you are the most beautiful now. You must have arranged this so you could win all the beauty comparisons. You have won, my love.”

Zoya rolls her eyes. She gets quiet. “Why do you think you and Alina remembered your past lives?”

Sturmhond looks at her sadly and says “Something must be coming. You went to get Alina, do you think the Darkling did something to cause this?”

Zoya shakes her head. “He was heartbroken. He had what he wanted, Alina. I do not think he wanted her to remember at all. Alina mentioned that it just happened when they both were together and he did not do anything odd. He gave me a black credit card to pay for anything she needed.”

Sturmhond looked at her and winked. “We could start spending everything on that card for the trouble he has caused everyone including Alina. I can’t believe Alina and I tried to be a couple in this life.”

Zoya’s mind flashes to the night of their date “The Darkling is different now after he got out of that tree. He told me that you and Alina always flirt and if Alina wanted to sleep with you he would be fine as long as he was involved.”

Sturmhond laughs. “He should wish he could be with me. I am a very loyal man and there is only one saint I wish to share my bed with. She can really breathe fire sometimes but she is a keeper.”

Zoya laughs and kisses him. She pulls away worried and says “I know this is sad for Alina but I am so happy to be with you. It felt so weird you could not remember me. I saw The Darkling go into a restaurant a few weeks ago and that is when I saw Alina. I had no idea the Darkling had survived. I saw Alina and it was like ice melted off my heart. I wanted to protect her from him but I did not want to scare her.”

Sturmhond nods. “I am happy to be with my best girl. You are my heart, Zoya. I feel bad for Alina but we are together and I just want to make the most of it before anything else happens.”

Zoya has tears in her eyes. “When I lost you I had prepared but nothing could take away the loneliness. I kept you in my heart but I was alone. Also I had to hide my dragon when I faked my death. I kept going because I wanted to see the world as it became new with Grisha rights. It is so different. I love you and want to be with you always.”

Zoya leaned forward to kiss Sturmhond who whispers “Let’s forget for tonight about everyone else. Just for tonight.”

Zoya nods and begins to underdress him. They spend the night together.

As day breaks, a rose is seen growing out of the Unsea.

Chapter Text

Journey to my past chapter 22

Zoya and Sturmhound went down to check on Alina. She had awoken from her fruitful sleep and was pacing. Alina turned and saw Sturmhound and ran to hug him. She cried out “Nikolai!”

He chucked “How are you doing Alina?’

Alina grumbles “I could kill him again. Maybe I should.”

Nikloaksi laughed and said, “I could watch this time.”

Zoya huffed “Alina, as much as I would enjoy the Darkling suffering, I am not sure that is a good plan.”

Alina looked at her hand and then looked away. Zoya knew Alina was thinking about her powers and how she missed them. Alina had not shown any signs of having them returned. Zoya pulled out her cell phone and saw messages from Genya. She quickly typed out that Alina was with her and Nikolai and her memories were back.

Alina slid on the floor “Why would he do this to me? Everyone is back in love and Mal is like a brother. I know he says he did not have anything to do with that but he is a manipulator.”

Zoya looked at her phone as another text buzzed in from the man himself “Make sure she eats breakfast. At Least a banana. Maybe a smoothie. She needs to take her vitamins.”

Zoya rolls her eyes “Alina, we will make him pay if you want but I think you need to give yourself a few days.”

Nikloai nods and kneels next to her “Whatever you need, Alina, we have your back.”

Alina sniffles “I was a saint and now he has me crying on the floor. I woke up and he was not there. It was stupid my body missed him and his stupid face and his stupid kisses.”

Zoya nods “I remember him being a very good kisser.”

Alina and Nikolai turn and stare at her. Zoya looks at Nikolai “Don't act surprised you know I slept with him before I realized he was all evil.”

Alina’s mouth dropped open “Zoya, you slept with my husband?”

Zoya realized while Nikolai knew she had been with the Darkling she had never mentioned that fact to Alina. Zoya brushes her hair out of her face “Alina, he was not even your husband then and it was before I even knew he was evil. I believed in him. I would never want to hurt you, Alina.”

Alina grumbles “That bastard!”

Zoya nods and straightens her robe “Yes, he is a bastard.”

Alina grumbles “Give me my cell phone!”

Nikalsoi and Zoya share a look and Zoya says “Alina, I am not sure that is the wisest idea. Look I know this is upsetting to you and I love you and would never want to hurt you but I think talking to him right now is not what you really want to do.”

Nikolai presses his hand to her shoulder. “Lina, this was hundreds of years ago.”

Alina looks at Zoya “I only have slept with Mal in my past life. Only Mal!”

Zoya looks nervous and says “You slept with Nikolai in this life before you remembered I assumed. It's totally cool. It is fine. Do you want to sleep with him again? Will that fix it?”

Alina looks at Nikolai and laughs “You just offered me your husband, Zoya”

Zoya turns red “I wanted to fix things and you were sad. But, yeah, I am sorry about that Nikolai.”

Nikolai stands up and turns to Zoya “Wife, if I did not know you were spiraling right now I would be offended. After last night, I told you you were the only saint for me.”

Zoya “Yes, bad call on my part, but Alina was so upset.”

Nikolai moves to Zoya “Do not offer me up again, sweetheart. You are the only saint for me. When Alina and I were together in this lifetime we knew we were good friends, maybe even sex friends but it was not that missing piece we both were looking for. You are my missing piece Zoya.”

Zoya leans against Nikolai and whispers “I am sorry, my love.”

Nikolai grins against her “You know I never get enough of you telling me you are sorry.”

Zoya pulls back and sticks her tongue out at him and says “Is it because I am rarely wrong?”

Zoya and Nikolai look each other in the eyes and realize they do not hear Alina in the room. Zoya runs to the room that has Alina’s cell phone and finds Alina muttering and texting: “You bastard!”

She has tried to protect Alina from texting before she was ready but it was clear Alina was giving the Darkling a piece of her mind.

Chapter Text

Zoya watched as Alina left to head over to see Genya. The minute the door closed she turned to Nikolai and said “I love her so much but a week with Alina where she is mostly crying and yelling has been a lot. I was just for a moment thinking maybe the Darkling’s punishment could be dealing with Alina yelling at him.”

Nikolai grins. “I am not sure that would work. It could be his kink.”

Zoya moans. “I don’t want to know about his kinks.“

Nikolai pulls Zoya towards him and says, “Looks like we have some time to ourselves. Genya can keep our girl busy.”

Zoya huff “She and the Darkling are exhausting. She cries and he texts me to make sure she is breathing. Thank god Mal took her out last night.”

Nikolai cringes.“The most awkward reunion of the century.”

Zoya sighs. “At least they figured out where they are. Best of friends.”

Nikolai smirks. “True, not everyone can be happily dating their wife when they get their memories back.”

Zoya presses her lips to his and says, “We are lucky for now. I am glad we are back together but I have been avoiding telling you something.”

Nikolai takes Zoya’s hands as Zoya prepares herself to tell him. “The darkling and I were worried that something is going to happen. Why would you all be reborn? Also the growth that was on the news roses that were the fold was. Now we have to wonder what this means? I just want us to not have to fight bad guys. Plus you are a little weaker without your demon.”

Nikolai scoffs, “I am still able to handle myself in a fight, I am still a privateer.”

Zoya sighs. “I am still a dragon but that does not mean I want to start breathing fire again. I just got all my people back. It is hard being immortal.”

Nikolai nods. “I am sorry I died.”

Zoya moves on to his lap and pulls her arms around his neck. “You should be. It was very annoying when you died on me. Try not to do it again, my love.”

Nikolai puts his hand on his heart and says “I promise to try. Now can we head to the bedroom. Who knows when our weeping saint will come back.”

Zoya grins. “I knew you just wanted to get in my pants.”

Chapter Text

Aleksander was sulking in his apartment. He knew that Alina getting her memories back might happen but he loved the life they shared so much. He could have left her alone but Alina was like a siren to him. He knew he would never ever be able to rid himself of his addiction to her. She was everything to him now.

He was relieved when she texted him but had been puzzled as to why Zoya had told Alina that they had slept together. He barely remembered being with Zoya. Once he met Alina it was over for everyone else. He had bedded men and women since Alina’s death but it never meant anything, less than a friendship.

He heard a noise at the door. He braces himself to see if it was one of her friends trying to finish him off. Mal had come to punch him in the face which has been disappointing since he had grown a tight friendship with Mal in this lifetime. He wanted to be a family but it was gone. Mal would never forgive him either.

He does not see one of his wife's band of followers enter but Alina herself. She shuts the door behind her. She looks at him. He can’t believe she is back in their home. Her eyes are a little red but not too bad Genya must have tailored her.

He knew Genya had been tailoring in this life and he felt her power. He waits because he does not want to scare her off. Alina moves towards him. She looks at him and says “Aleksander, I came to pick up a few things.”

Aleksander nods “I am happy to help you pack up whatever you need Alina. I am glad you could came by.”

Alina nods and moves towards him and says,“Give me your arm.”

Aleksander’s body stops. Alina must be going to try to kill her and use his bones. He never thought she would use his bones. He would not let anyone take his bones but it is Alina. He gives her his arm and turns away leaving her to do what she must. If this will protect her then so be it.

Alina takes his arm and he waits for pain. He feels none but sees brilliant light. She has her powers. Alina lets go of his arm and the light stays. Aleksander turns and sees Alina summoning light smiling. Her eyes are lighting up with joy.

She looks at him and pulls him into a big hug. “I have them again. I can summon light. Aleks, I did it.”

Aleksander's arms wrap around his wife and tells her, “I am so happy for you.”

Alina starts to play with her light making it bounce up and down. Aleksander can’t help but smile at her joy. The way Alina can’t help look at up and grin. Maybe it will be okay. He will just wait her out. All he has to do is avoid letting her kill him and time will let them be together again. She has to know how much he loves her.

Alina playfully asks, “Make shadows so I can test it.”

Aleksander can’t believe she wants to play with him. He summons shadows and Alina cheerfully uses her light to poke at each of them. She moves towards him and kisses his cheek. Aleksander can’t believe this is the same wife who has been texting him that she hates him. Kissing him. He wants her to be happy and safe but maybe someone happened when she got her power back.

Alina moves him to the couch and kisses him and moves to unbuckle his pants. He looks at her and asks “Are you sure?”

Alina nods and continues “I want to celebrate.”

Aleks grins and replies “And celebrate we shall, my beautiful Sun Summoner.”

Aleksander relaxes into familiar patterns and lets his wife lead as they fuck.

An hour later

Aleksander is relaxing holding his wife and she starts to move. Alina moves away and goes to their bedroom. Aleksander has his wife back and his Sun Saint. This is all he ever wanted. He will keep her safe for those who wish her harm. Her friends might not like that they are back together but that is too bad.

He starts to put on his clothes. He can make Alina lunch. He loves cooking for her. He moves to the stove and picks out one of her favorite dishes: pizza. He can make her a fresh pizza. He gets all the ingredients ready. She loves veggies so he always keeps plenty of fresh ones on hand. He starts making the dough when he sees Alina is dressed and has wet hair. She must have taken a shower. He then notices she has a bag packed. His face falls.

He puts down the dough. He moves to her and asks “I was going to make you pizza, are you hungry?”

Alina shakes her head “I am going to head back to Zoya’s. I am good, thank you.”

Aleksander asks hopefully, “Are you going to grab your stuff and come back?”

Alina shakes her head. “No Aleks, I am going to keep staying there. I need some more time to figure out what I want to do. I am not regretting what happened today but it does not really change anything. It’s been a lot during one week. My memories, my powers, everything. I don’t really know what I want to do. I am still upset with you but there are complicated feelings here. I have to do that not here. If I am here I will just take the easy way and stay. I am still hurt. I am sorry if I caused confusion on my part today. I was so excited to have my powers. I just need to figure things out for myself. Who am I now?”

Aleksander's face falls for a moment but it’s not like he does not understand her feelings and as much as he wishes he could just lock her away and keep her for himself he knows that would hurt Alina too much and he can’t keep hurting her. He nods and says, “Of course, please Alina if you need anything know I will help you no questions asked.”

Alina smiles weakly at him and tells him “Thank you Aleks."

She moves to hug him slightly. She looks at him again.“Don’t sleep with anyone else, please.”

He nods “I wouldn't dream of it, my love.”

She nods and pulls her bag tighter to herself and leaves. Aleksander slumps to the floor but at least this time he knows not all hope is lost. She clearly loves him still he just hopes love is enough.

Chapter Text

Zoya looks up and sees Alina trying to sneak in. She looks so guilty. Zoya knows instantly Alina had slept with the Darkling. She was embarrassed. Poor Alina.

Zoya coughs and says “Hello Alina, how was Genya?”

Alina looks up and her and blanches, “Zoya, oh god, you know, how do you know?”

Zoya moves to her and rubs her back. “Alina, it’s okay. I am not judging you at all. He is your husband. You still love him. It’s very complicated.”

Alina moves against the wall and slides hee body down. Zoya crouches next to her. She whispers “Alina, I love you. You are not a problem.”

Alina sighs “I do love him. Part of me always loved him. He is a terrible person to others. It makes me a bad person.”

Zoya pulls Alina towards her and holds hee tightly “Alina you are not a bad person. You are full of love that does not make you bad.”

Alina looks at her. “But You and Genya! He did all those horrible things. I am monster for loving him.”

Zoya holds her tight. “It’s okay if you want to be with him. None of us are without fault. It’s okay to love someone. I don’t think Genya will be mad. She has not even mentioned anything other than concern for you.”

Zoya squeezes Alina’s shoulder. “Alina, I will never turn away from you. I have live without you so much and I don’t want to miss being with you. You are the sister of my soul. You are so important to me and Nikolai. We both love you. Nothing you can do will make us hate you.”

Alina looks at her and asks, “Even this?”

Alina then moves her hands and lights up the room.

Zoya’s mouth opens and she asks,“When?”

Alina sighs “Today, I grabbed his arm to check that is how we end up in bed together. Zoya, I think you might be stuck with me even longer. They are back and strong.”

Zoya laughs happily “I am so pleased. Alina, this is beautiful, you are beautiful. But it also means I should share with you my theory about what is going on.”

Alina braces herself as Zoya continues “Alina, I think something is going on. The fact you were all reborn while I personally am so excited to be with all my friends again. There has to be a reason. I am not sure if you have seen the news but there have been roses growing where the fold was and weird things happening nearby. I contacted a few other of the living saints who are still sane and things like that have been happening there too. Roses growing where no one planted them. “

Alina looks at her “Elizabeta?”

Zoya nods “I know she was dead but what if she came back too? She was also a bit obsessed with the Darkling and I wonder if she will try to contact him. I worry for your safety. She seems like the jealous type.”

Alina looks at her and says “Aleks, he has a sister, Ulla. She has visited us. Do you think she could be Saint Ursula. It seemed like she was always judging me. Aleksander was really protective of me around her.”

Zoya blanches “I think we might need to talk to Aleksander about how many odd family members he has?”

Alina nods “I can call him later.”

Chapter Text

Zoya was reading the reddit forms on saint sightings. She was checking more and more now that the weirdness of the Unsea and the rose. She wanted to know if any of the other saints had been spotted. Zoya and Alina had spent the night talking about Elizabeta and Ulla nad the other saints. Alina shared her certainty about Elizabeta. Zoya had hoped that Elizabeta had been gone forever.

Alina had been texting with Alekxander about her and it seemed he was worried his ex would make a reappearance. Alina did not like finding out how many saints Alkesander had previously ‘dated”. Zoya had sympathy for Alina who was feeling angry and jealous at the same time. Zoya did think Aleksander was a one saint man now he had met Alina.

Zoya found a a few more posting about roses growing where the fold had been. That was concerning. Zoya kept checking. One user has claimed to see Zoya flying around the other night and posts a blurry photo. Zoya sighed it was clearly a purple balloon and not her flinging around.

She looked up to see Nikolai enter the room. He looked concerned. Zoya asks him, “What is with your face? Is there a shadow fold coming our way?”

Nikolai chuckles, “No, my love, just a sun summoner who can’t decide if she wants to stay married who I believe has finished all of the ice cream in this house.”

Zoya pulls out her wallet and tosses him a credit card that The Darkling has give her for upkeep on Alina. Nikolai looks at her confused. Zoya laughs “We can spend his money. Who knows how he got it? It is for Alina so we can get more ice cream. Maybe take her shopping. I am doing research. Get her whatever she wants, it is on him. Maybe don't say it is his card unless she asks.”

Nikolai sighs “I thought hanging out with Alina would be fun but she is all sad and weepy.”

Zoya looks at him. “Be nice not everyone is as lucky as us. She found herself married to her enemy, not a badass dragon saint like you did.”

Niklais nods .“That was pretty cool.You know she is worried Baghra is going to pop up and hit her with her cane and tell her she is a stupid girl for marrying him”

Zoya laughs “We never did see her body. Can you imagine Baghra being your mother-in-law?’ That would be the worst.”

Nikolai laughs, “I don't know my love, your mother-in-law was not so great. I am glad they were not reborn as far as we know. I would not mind my real dad but I hope the Tsar stays dead. “

Zoya nods “I could take him out if he pops up. I have no problem killing him after what he did to the kingdom.”

Nikoali smiles at her. “That is the woman I married. I will take Alina to go to the grocery store. You keep researching.

Zoya did research and she got out her copy of The Maps of the Fold Atlas and compared the sighting of roses and thorns to where the fold had been. Some of the sightings seemed more unlikely and some of them seemed like that had to mean something. Maybe she was over thinking it and the she remembered everyone had been reborn. There has to be more to it.

There were no Ulla sightings other than Alina’s sighting of her and Aleksandre
had checked on his sister to make sure nothing was off in her neck of the woods.

Zoya did not like talking to him but he did have useful information and the two of them had been alive for enough time to know when something weird was going to happen and this was prime time for weird stuff.