Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There were many rumours about him, the Bastard of the Barrel. Most were made out of fear, like that he could read minds, which was extremely handy for interrogations even though it was not true. Despite this the rumour stayed, as he could see through everything, the way they’d talk, move, glance, it was all too easy to decipher. 

But other rumours, made out of judgement to belittle him, he had the most fun with. Created by those who dare to challenge him because of his physical ability, age, or position as leader. 

Underestimating him was the biggest mistake they had made.

Some claimed he possessed the power to disappear into a shroud of darkness, but most dismissed this. Even though the man’s attire resembled a shadow, there was no hiding the crack of his cane against the pavement and his noticeable limp.

This was the only rumour Kaz was glad to hear less of, one he’d not encourage or fight against. Let the theorists be drowned out by the others and silenced when no one else bothered to consider the possibility anymore. 

The darkness would encompass them, proving they were right all along.

Chapter Text

As the plan to steal the sun summoner from the winter fête commenced, Kaz took a moment to absorb his surroundings. Overlooking the party as an Oprichnik, he wondered whether he and his Crows would ever get to witness such an event again. It wasn't often that people like them could even infiltrate a high society event, one in which the sun summoner was said to be revealed. 

Inej had been eerily insistent that she wanted to be within the palace with Kaz, extracting the target rather than watching and assisting from above. He suspected it was to do with her beliefs, to see for herself whether they'd be stealing a Saint or a fraud. Though he really couldn't care less who she was, if it meant some form of hope to Inej and was worth the million kruge, then it was good enough for him.

They walked through hallways and rooms filled with nobles and powerful people in search of their target, stopping occasionally to guard . The more they blended in, the better. They should not have been recognised or even remembered, it was a foolproof disguise. 

Inej was called over by a guest, some wealthy minister with a receding hairline and a young lady on his arm. Kaz shadowed her, ready to assist if needed, though he doubted she'd have trouble spinning a lie about the delicacies available on the table beside them.

Without his cane his leg was beginning to get worse, so he backed against the wall and used it as support to relieve the pressure of his full body weight on his bad leg. It helped almost instantly, though the pain was still there it was not as excruciating. 

What replaced the pain, he knew all too well. The darkness within him was stirring, though unintentionally. He could usually call upon it when needed, but this time it was as though something was drawing it out, pulling him somewhere. Kaz masked his panic but felt incredibly at risk of exposing his power, and this location was definitely not the place to lose control. 

He had to get out of there. 

Inej sensed Kaz stumble and briefly turned to look at him, only to find his retreating back limping away into the crowd of people. 

“What’s wrong with him?” The blond lady questioned, hanging off the minister's arm, she leant away to get a better look at Kaz before he disappeared entirely.

“The General wouldn’t approve of one of his guards limping around like that. I’d wager he’ll get pulled up on it soon, my dear, so you won’t have to witness such disfigurement on our next visit.” The man scoffed and diverted her attention back to him. 

“There’s nothing wrong with him, he was injured on duty.” Inej defended.

The man grunted then mumbled another insult before turning away from Inej to the more important buffet beside them.

Inej stopped herself from following after Kaz immediately. They’d worked together plenty of times to know that the man’s brain was always following a plan and creating new opportunities along the way. They had to trust each other, stick to the plan and get out with the sun summoner. Even though Inej couldn’t imagine how she’d feel in her presence, nevermind kidnapping her. It was a clash of belief and loyalty.

-

Kaz weaved between the guests, occasionally bumping into them but he had soon moved out of sight by the time they'd react. It wasn't like him to appear so careless, but it was as though he couldn't escape the feeling of the darkness creeping out of him.

What he hadn't realised in his mild panic, was that he also felt drawn to something, pulled in a direction that felt like it would make it go away. But it only got worse. 

He became so distracted at keeping his power at bay that he managed to lose his senses and barrel straight into a passing figure in one of the long corridors. 

As he stumbled backwards, removing himself from the hands trying to steady him, the feeling went. He was in control again. Though he felt oddly stronger, like he could use his power in new ways he'd never been able to before, to form weapons, fight, rather than just to disappear. 

"Oi! Listen up boy, the General is speaking to you." Kaz broke from his trance following a harsh shove from a particularly angry looking Heartrender. A shorter Heartrender stood behind him, appearing to be more amused by the situation than his partner. But both looked to the man beside Kaz, waiting on his words. 

The Darkling.

Now it all made sense. 

Chapter Text

The General looked down at him with a raised eyebrow, waiting for an answer to a question Kaz clearly didn't hear.

"I'm sorry sir, what did you say?" Kaz apologised and stood up a little straighter. It would be easier to pass as one of the guards now he wasn't having to internally fight himself. 

"Why were you in such a rush? I can't have my guards knocking over the guests and causing a scene." 

"The Duke of Ryevost requested a particular wine that the servers couldn't find, so I was on my way to do their job for them." 

"Very well." He paused for a moment to study Kaz, which made both him and the general's companions a bit confused. The man's dark eyes and presence made the experience uncomfortable, it was almost like Kirigan was leaning to touch him without actually doing so. 

"Report to my office once you have been dismissed." He finally commanded, before striding away.

Kaz took a deep breath and continued on his path to Saint's knows where. That was a close call, being that close to the most powerful Grisha and only other living Shadow Summoner, Kaz was surprised it hadn't gone worse. At least they'd met in public, there were too many wandering eyes and mouths to spread rumours of the Darkling lecturing one of his guards. 

Eventually he found an empty room, in which he collapsed onto a sofa. He rested his head and closed his eyes for a moment then opened them to look up at the ceiling. It was filled with illustrations of Grisha and their powers. There were Squallers, Inferni, Tidemakers, all surrounded by their elements. The Materialki and Corporalki were placed closer to the centre, with purple and red washes of colour indicating their order of manipulation. Then in the very centre, surrounded by a cloud of black, was of course the Darkling. Kaz stifled a laugh at how clearly prophetic he had been depicted, his arms were wide open, expelling the shadows to protect his people. 

The saviour of all Grisha wouldn't be him anymore, that's if the Sun Summoner proved to be real. Kaz felt it would be mildly amusing that there would be someone more powerful than him, that people actually would refer to as a Saint, unlike the general and himself.

"What are you smirking at?" The Wraith spoke.

Kaz rolled his head to the side, where the door had been opened and closed without a sound. Only Inej could creep around him like this, it was one of the many things that impressed him about her, not that he'd admit it out loud.

"Nothing." 

"Is that the same answer I'm going to get if I ask why you bolted earlier?" Inej asked, concern written on her face. She sat on the sofa with him, tracing where her friend's gaze had been before she announced herself. The ceiling full of Grisha, of course he'd find that amusing.

"Yes, it was nothing. A lead that didn't go anywhere." 

“What’s our next move then? I overheard that the Sun Summoner is meant to be performing in front of the King and Queen soon, at least we’ll know who she is after that.”

“Good work, we'll start there.” Kaz nodded.

-

The hall where the King and Queen sat watching the Inferni demonstrate their manipulation of fire was one of the most highly decorated of them all, with gold shapes weaved across the white walls and a large chandelier with hundreds of polished glass beads reflecting the flames into the audience. Kaz and Inej stood at a distance, not wanting to risk their cover by mingling with the crowd. 

As Kaz observed the performance with an unimpressed expression, he felt Inej’s gaze on him. She’d been like this since he panicked earlier, looking for any hint as to what was getting under his skin. Even though the feeling had returned, it was nowhere near as encompassing as before. He was still having to fight to keep the power at bay, but he was succeeding in doing so. 

Soon the crowd burst into a round of applause for the Infirni, who took a bow and left the stage. 

As the applause came to an end, the attention of the crowd turned to one of the doors, in which a girl wearing a black kefta embroidered with gold entered, alongside General Kirigan. It was humorous that he had already persuaded her to wear his colour, despite being the complete opposite of the Shadow Summoner. 

The pair approached the stage, talking far too close to each other until The Darkling broke away to introduce her. Alina Starkov. Now they had a name and the face of their target. 

The General took a few steps forward and glanced around the room, his glance momentarily landing on Kaz. A thought had clearly crossed his mind as his fluid motion faltered, it was not noticed by many, only those who were looking past his stony exterior. 

The moment passed quickly and he moved on to bring his hands together with a loud clap to bathe the room in darkness. For the first time since arriving at the Little Palace, Kaz felt at ease as the shadows reached him. Though he breathed a sigh of relief, he was concerned about what it meant. Did all Grisha powers work like this?

Searing light replaced the darkness, causing many to momentarily turn away then turn back with squinting eyes to the source. 

Kaz watched for a moment, but spent the rest of the performance with his attention split between Inej’s utter elation and Kirigan’s wandering gaze.

Chapter Text

Being professional thieves and criminals came with its perks, sure the Crows had never infiltrated an event within the Little Palace, but their extensive plans which covered every potential hiccup led to the trio escaping the Palace intact. Though Kaz was a lot closer to dying at the hand of an Infirni than he had foreseen, the escape had gone without issue. Other than the massive hole in their pockets that was the disappearance of the Sun Summoner.

“Inej, wait.” Kaz stopped her with his cane, and led them into a corridor away from the main entryway to the courtyard in which Jesper should be waiting for them. 

“What is it?” She asked, grasping one of her knives and instinctively scouting their surroundings for potential threats.

Truth is Kaz didn’t consider that he would have to actually express what he wanted to say to the person he wanted to say it to. Underneath his stony exterior he was truly thankful for Inej saving his life, especially as it had meant killing, which he could see was tearing her apart. It felt personal, as he knew she was more than capable of throwing her dagger into the man’s hand to stop him from releasing the ball of flames at Kaz. This only made it more difficult for him to be able to thank her, she had made the choice to break her vow to not kill for him . Part of Kaz wanted to tear himself away from her, as it was clear what she felt for him had caused her to act rashly but this would only hurt her more. 

“You did not have to save me, but you did.” He began, avoiding looking at her. “I… am grateful. But don’t do it again.”

“You don’t get to tell me whether or not to save your life, Kaz. We don’t have time to talk about this.” She dismissed and continued their original path to Jesper without him. 

He wanted to call after her and explain that not killing for him was for her benefit not his own. Kaz wanted to save her the emotional turmoil, but inferring that his feelings for her ran deeper than boss and associate was not something he would risk getting into. So as usual he packed away his emotions and focused on the task at hand, capturing the Sun Summoner.

-

Within a matter of hours they had captured the Sun Summoner (completely by chance, Jesper alluded to this as their best stroke of luck in a long time), but they then lost her, not just in a large palace building like before, but outdoors in the city of Ryevost. Kaz was only becoming more irritable, this heist had not supposed to come to a wild goose chase, and both of his Crows were not making it easy for him to reroute their current failure.

“The trap is set.” Jesper informed them as he returned to their table in the tavern which they were using as a base. “I have a few important questions while we wait for our imminent deaths.”

“If you must.” Kaz rubbed his gloved hand over his face and pushed his hair back.

“What happened to Arken?” Jesper looked around as if he should be with them.

“Arken was captured back at the palace, his plan was to kill the Sun Summoner for Zlatan, and was most likely willing to tear us down with him. As the Darkling got to him, he’s most likely ratted us out and he is onto us.” Kaz explained, obviously not expressing the other potential reason why the General may be after them.

“We set him up to get caught? Damn.” Jesper turned the plan over in his mind. “Anyway, more importantly, how are we getting out of this? I’m a great shot, but I don't even think I can take on a group of Grisha actively hunting us.”

“Once the trap goes off, we’ll split up and rendezvous by the fountain. We’ll make our escape from there. We may not be able to kill them, but if we can stun or confuse them it will give us time.” Kaz explained, grasping the crow head of his cane in his palms as he ran through the plan’s potential flaws in his mind.

“So we stall them until we get to the Fold, then what?” Inej piped up, her tone betraying her concern of being trapped between the Grisha and the Fold.

“The Conductor’s train should still be there, I studied his timings, we can make it back through the Fold.” Kaz explained confidently, though in reality it was a front, there was no telling what damage the train had or if they would be able to source coal for the return trip in time.

“Kaz. Not that I don’t believe you, but I am not stepping foot in that barrel of metal ever again. Not without Milo anyway.” He took a moment to pay tribute to the emotional support goat by raising his drink. “There has got to be another way.” 

“A skiff perhaps?” Inej proposed to the group.

“We have no money and I am not bargaining any of my clothes or guns for passage.” Jesper clung to his guns and glared at the other Crows.

“How about impersonating a rich passenger, Jesper?” Kaz suggested. He could have laughed at how quickly Jesper’s expression changed.

“Now you’re talking!” He rubbed his palms together and began to scheme a plan of his own. But before he could point out potential targets, a loud explosion rumbled through the tavern. Kaz looked at the pair in acknowledgement as they stood to leave amongst the mob of customers.

“Split up, keep safe and meet at the fountain.” 

Chapter Text

Kaz could feel that The Darkling was following him, he was mostly glad that he had chosen to follow Kaz rather than Inej or Jesper, sure they could put up a fight but he couldn’t bear to see either of his Crows hurt or killed because of him. He limped around the narrow cobbled streets, almost hoping to run into a crowd of people like before so that he could make his escape using his well practised tricks. But he was not bestowed that same luck twice, instead empty streets and a gaining opponent.

"I know you kidnapped my Sun Summoner, where is she?" So he was close enough now to start a conversation. Great. Kaz stopped and almost turned around to face him, but first he looked up to see that the General had been walking towards him. Damn shadows, still, better to stand his ground now than act a coward and run away in plain sight.

"We didn’t take her. She fled on her own." Kaz revealed, stepping back a few paces as the Darkling continued to advance.

Something akin to emotions Kaz wouldn’t think Kirigan was capable of were visible in his eyes. They almost seemed upset for a brief second before wrath began to take over.

"Hmm, perhaps you're not as good of a thief as they say you are." He insulted him. But Kaz was unsure whether to accept that Kirigan had believed so quickly that he and his Crows hadn’t taken the Sun Summoner.

"I doubt that." Kaz bit back, though welcomed the change in subject. The more time he kept the Darkling distracted would ensure Inej and Jesper had a better chance at escaping.

"What were you running from?" Kirigan asked vaguely, his dark eyes boring into him.

"Certain death?" Kaz was confused what the other man meant, but certain death was definitely a valid reason to evade him.

"At the winter fête, you were the guard that ran into me.” The Darkling elaborated. “I have a hunch that you weren't fetching wine."

"Obviously…"

"Then what were you doing, Mr Brekker? Don't you think I noticed you watching me?" He continued to step towards Kaz, all concern for Alina pushed aside for the moment.

"In your dreams, Darkling." He taunted, despite feeling entirely cornered both by the conversation and his position in the alley. The General held out his hands, beginning to summon a blade of shadow between them, in response Kaz subtly reached into his bag and grasped a phosphorus bomb.

"You'll reveal yourself soon enough." It sounded like a promise, and yet he was aiming a deadly blade at Kaz. He knows… he thought in realisation. Oh this was so much worse than he was hoping.

As the Darkling performed the cut, Kaz was lightning quick, throwing the phosphorus bomb and shielding himself with his cane. He’d hoped that the bright explosion had stunned the General enough for him to envelop himself in his shadows to escape. At least he’d made some ground between them, whether it would be enough for the Crows to leave Ryevost safely, was yet to be seen.

-

Jesper waited by the fountain, bouncing on his toes as he impatiently turned in every direction to find which way his friends would appear from. Inej appeared first, dropping down from above him, making him jump as he wasn't expecting her to come from up there. She was injured and began to lose her balance after landing beside him.

"Shit, what happened?" He asked, grabbing onto her for support. 

"The sister of that Inferni I killed, she's dead too." She looked weary, both physically and mentally.

"You did what you had to do." Jesper gave her an understanding look and squeezed her shoulder. "We should find somewhere to sit, I can't have you bleeding out on this suit." He joked, coaxing a smile from her.

"There's no time." Kaz spoke, out of breath and approaching them at a speed that Jesper didn't know he could move at. As he stopped in front of them, he winced as the pain in his leg worsened, his snapped cane had no use for that now. "The Darkling is coming. We need to get out of here." 

They commandeered the Darkling’s carriage in record speed. It was intended as a way to cut the General off from tailing them and proof that they could steal his property if they wanted to. As Jesper helped Inej up into the carriage, the pair noticed a black figure approach from one of the alleyways. 

With the carriage door shut, Jesper went to take out his pistols but was quickly stopped by Kaz grabbing onto the collar of his jacket. Jesper was taken aback, Kaz hated getting this close to people. But when he looked at his boss's face he realised that he was terrified, which in itself was scary. 

"Jesper, get out of here. Take Inej and go right now." Kaz instructed, not leaving any time for a response as he shoved him towards the front of the carriage. 

Kaz kept an eye on the Darkling, willing Jesper to hurry up and go before the general got too close.

"Kaz, get in the carriage. We can make it!" Jesper shouted from where he sat, reigns in hand ready to go. 

"You both won't make it if I come with you. Now leave!" Kaz shouted back, his expression serious as he looked back at him.

As requested, the reins cracked and the carriage began to move, albeit slowly but at least Jesper had listened. 

"How noble." The Darkling commented, stopping at a fair distance from Kaz. He looked amused but also intrigued at the gang boss in front of him.

"You want me, not them. I stole your Sun Summoner." He admitted, hoping that admittance of what the man so clearly wanted would throw him off.

"Twisting your own lie to protect your friends, but how different is that to not accepting the truth about yourself.” There was no fooling him at this point, Kaz had been reckless and the most dangerous man in Ravka knew. ”Yes you stole her, but there's something else about you, and I'd like to see it again." 

The houses behind him became engulfed with shadows as he conjured the bladed weapon between his palms. Before he let it fly, Kaz gripped his broken cane in both hands hoping that it would still assist in channelling his power.

"No!" Jesper shouted from a distance, the carriage still moving. A moment later several bullets passed the Darkling, he avoided each one with ease. Then turned back to Kaz once Jesper had to reload. 

The Darkling pushed the blade forward through the air at exceptional speed. But not quick enough for Kaz to raise his cane, which was engulfed in darkness. With a swing, he hit the blade back towards Kirigan with a trail of black mist following. 

Once the mist faded, the Darkling was rising up from the ground, having just ducked to avoid his own weapon. He wiped dirt off his kefta and looked far too pleased with himself.

He strolled forwards, surprisingly unthreatened by nearly being killed. Kaz began to tap out the combination again but felt all the strength in his body fade, as though he was shutting down to pass out. Fucking Heartrenders. Was his last thought before the Darkling caught his unconscious body.

Chapter Text

With his prisoner safely locked up in the Little Palace, Kirigan wasted no time in visiting Baghra's hut. The mystery surrounding the existence of a Shadow Summoner outside of their bloodline had to be her doing. He didn't bother knocking, instead making himself known by slamming the door behind him and conjuring the darkness to smother the light from the overly humid room. 

"What treason have you come to accuse me of this time?" Baghra questioned, unaffected by her son's stony expression as she wafted away the shadows with a flick of her fingers. She was leant back in her chair by the fire, devising a plan if the Shu girl managed to get herself caught, which was most likely. 

"Not treason this time. Just complete ignorance." The General snarled, his cape whipping behind him as he paced back and forth.

"For saints sake, get to the point boy ." She snapped, though she was intrigued why he was so irritated. It was not easy to rattle Aleksander but whatever had done so could be a potential asset to her.

"There is… another Shadow Summoner." He revealed. Despite seeing the residue of shadows that were not his after the explosion and nearly being impaled by his own blade, it did not feel real until this moment, now that he had admitted it aloud. 

Aleksander hadn’t considered what it meant, only that he needed to subdue the barrel rat and bring him back to the Little Palace. Now he was here, with his mother of all people, asking her questions as if he wasn’t centuries old and all knowing. How long had Kaz been on the other side of the fold? A potential asset to his power and plots. He’d been waiting all this time for Alina, for all Aleksander knew Kaz could have been present this whole time, keeping to himself either unaware or uncaring of the line of Shadow Summoners in Ravka. 

"Impossible." She denied, leaning forward in her seat, hands clasped together.

"Did you know? Have you somehow created this problem for me?" Aleksander asked with hostility. On the surface he acted as though his plans for Alina were his priority and why he was so irritated, but underneath he wanted answers as to what he was dealing with.

"Of course I didn’t know! Why on earth would I keep company with you all this time if I knew another outside of our family existed?!" She exclaimed, launching her fire poker into the fire itself. “What is their name? How did you find them?” Baghra fired her own questions back at him.

It was all Aleksander needed as confirmation that what he had experienced was real, but he didn’t expect her to know anything either. He pushed his hair out of his face, it had become messy as he’d been too busy to worry about the upkeep of his appearance.

“Kaz Brekker is his name, he’s from Ketterdam and he was attempting to steal my Sun Summoner.” He informed her, he took no pleasure in telling her about Alina but the old woman was going to find out sooner or later.

“I’m not aware of anyone with that name, either who I have met or who has been documented in records over the centuries. If he were anyone notable we would have known.” Baghra explained. “Is that what all the commotion was about? Is she safe?” She then asked.

“I don’t want to talk about her right now.” He snapped, shooting her a glare that would kill if it could.

They remained in silence, contemplating what this meant for both of them. 

Baghra felt as though her week couldn't get any worse, first the Sun Summoner, the appearance of the stag, now another Shadow Summoner to add to Kirigan's plan for power. She hoped whoever it was wouldn't be as gullible as Alina, and perhaps have some fight against her son. If not then she decided she may as well go on a long walk through Fjerda and spend the rest of her days breaking the ankles of the Drüskelle.

Whereas Aleksander’s thoughts revolved around Mr Brekker. If what Baghra said was true, the man would have significantly less experience with his powers. There would be no way for him to train outside of the Little Palace without being outed as Grisha. Yet there was raw power there as Kaz had managed to deflect the cut, with something eerily similar. If Aleksander could align their interests then his plans for the fold could commence once again, but if not, he'd have to test the capabilities of his 400 years of practice against much much less. 

"Isn't it amusing.” Aleksander broke the silence. “Just as my Sun Summoner goes missing, something just as dangerous falls into my grasp." Kirigan smirked, revelling in the dread on his mother's face, before disappearing into the night.

Chapter Text

Kaz startled awake, he jolted upright from the bed he was lying in and attempted to stand. His head spun, feeling as though he had vertigo for a brief moment, he closed his eyes until he was somewhat stable. Standing up, every bone in his body seemed to crack and his leg felt as though it had been cramped for quite some time. It begged the question, how long had he been asleep for? But first, where the fuck was he?

Every aspect of the room screamed ‘money’, even the bloody ceiling. Oh the things he would fill his pockets with, if he had his coat and an easy exit. Odds were he was several stories high and guards were outside the door, cutting off both potential exit routes. Never one for gambling he couldn’t win, Kaz decided he would stay put for the time being, scope out the situation and work with what he saw fit.

The doors unlocked from the outside, the Darkling entering with two Heartrenders, the ones who accompanied him during their last meeting. Kaz glared at the pair, unsure of which to blame for knocking him out. 

“Mr Brekker, how did you sleep?” General Kirigan asked, keeping a calm and neutral tone.

“With my eyes closed.” Kaz answered sarcastically, not believing the formal facade his captor was attempting to play.

One of the guard’s stoic expressions broke slightly in amusement of the comment, but the other heartrender quickly nudged his partner to get himself together before the Darkling noticed.

“I didn’t expect you to tell jokes.” The Darkling admitted, holding his hands behind his back and standing tall, clearly an attempt to intimidate Kaz with his height.

“It was a fact.” Kaz corrected him, feeling irritated by the lack of his cane in his hands as he would usually place his hands on it, or even in his coat pockets, but he had neither option available. So he settled with mimicking the Darkling’s stance.

“I see.”

An extended pause followed the Darkling’s words, his dark eyes studying him, as if they were boring into his soul to know him inside out.

“So, are you going to tell me what is going on here, or would you like me to guess?” Kaz prompted, feeling uncomfortable with the excessive staring, if he was going to be interrogated he would rather be tied to a chair and get it over and done with the old fashioned way. 

"You are a Shadow Summoner, how you have evaded me for so long is… astounding." He finally got to the point.

"If you were looking for me all this time, you really did a terrible job." 

"You are not one of a kind, like my Alina.” The Darkling shrugged off Kaz’s comment. “However, you are rare enough that I'd like to extend an offer to you, since you are Grisha after all."

"To stay here? No." Kaz assumed and denied immediately. 

"Not just that. You can be taught to hone your ability, to use it how you see fit.” He offered, giving Kaz a quick show of shadows looping around his fingertips.

"I'd require more promises than just that, Darkling." 

"Such as?" He enquired, open to suggestions… within reason of course.

"A considerable amount of money and my freedom." Kaz said bluntly. He was not interested in being a prisoner and being treated as such would not go well for either party.

"I'm afraid until I am able to trust you neither of those will be an option." The General almost laughed in disbelief at Kaz’s requests.

Kaz had expected such a response, so he would have to play the awkward prisoner after all, at least until his inevitable escape. "I doubt you are able to trust anyone, after the Sun Summoner ran from you." He insulted him.

"You took her! She did not know what she was doing." The General bit back and took a step forward, this particular wound was fresh and Kaz couldn't help but use a metaphorical knife to slice it open once more.

" Your Sun Summoner was in my carriage before I even had the chance to put her in there myself. So eager to escape that she needed no help from anyone." Kaz smirked. "She outsmarted you, tyrant." He added.

The Darkling's fist collided with his face immediately after. He felt his nose crack through the force of the punch, blood streaming through his nostrils. Though he was briefly stunned, Kaz unsheathed a well concealed knife and jammed it between the Darkling's ribs. 

The General's body buckled slightly, he grunted in pain as he removed the knife from his body. The Heartrenders had their hands ready to render Kaz unconscious again, but the General held up his hand to stop them.

"You continue to surprise me." Kirigan spoke through a brief laugh. "Is this really how you want to play the game?"

"Anything to shut you up." 

Kaz attempted to summon, but without his cane it was more difficult. What appeared in his palms was feeble compared to the dark mass of smoke encompassing the room behind the Darkling. Admitting in that moment that he would be no match for the years of experience of wielding the shadows, he changed tactics again. 

He lunged at the General, punching him and knocking him off balance. Unusual as it sounded, his own power seemed to grow. It felt as though he was channelling his power through his cane, but to an extent that he has never experienced before. 

The General fought back, his long black kefta swishing as they danced around the room, dodging and landing hits on each other. Kaz spat blood onto the crystal clean white bed sheets.

"Really?" Kirigan spoke in disapproval.

"That's where you draw the line?" Kaz replied, equally as judgemental.

Kaz aimed another punch, but the Darkling caught his fist mid swing. He gripped it hard, unwilling to let go. He grinned maliciously as Kaz attempted to pull away, despite the gloves separating their skin touching it was becoming too much for Kaz to bear, unintentional panic and disgust replacing his violent intentions. Kaz wasn’t about to let the General win though, he attempted to bury his panic attack for a brief moment and lean into the surge of power that came with the Darkling’s touch.

He met the Darkling’s intense gaze and pushed physically against him, willing darkness to emerge from his hands and creep behind him. The Darkling almost looked proud, but was also unwilling to let Kaz win, he summoned shadows of his own. The two waves of darkness met, rendering the room completely black. All the pair could tell of their surroundings was the power shared in their touch.

Kaz held on to exhuming his power for as long as he could, before he was uncomfortable to the point that he felt he would throw up and nearly pass out. He pulled away from the Darkling’s grip with all his force, ending up on the floor as his shadows disappeared behind him.

“Get the fuck out of my room.” He snapped, if looks could kill, the glare he gave him could have done it.

Kirigan looked like he wanted to say something, whether it be to ridicule the bastard of the barrel giving in or to congratulate his show of power, Kaz wouldn’t know, and to be completely honest all he wanted was to be left alone.

“I’ll see to it that you are provided some fresh linen, and someone to fix your face.” Kirigan decided to say, before leading the Heartrenders out of his room.

Once alone, Kaz brought his knees to his chest as he remained on the floor, closed his eyes and attempted to calm his breathing till his tremors and nausea left.

Chapter Text

Some time later there is a knock at the door, which leads Kaz to think that whoever is on the other side of the door is definitely not the Darkling as he doubted he’d have learnt the ability to not invade someone's personal space so easily.

He waited for a moment, to see if the person would be wise enough to get the hint of his silence and leave him alone. But they continued to knock insistently, so begrudgingly he gave permission for them to enter his room.

“Saints, they said you were awkward.” A red headed woman entered, holding replacement bedsheets in her arms. Perhaps she intended to be a peacemaker? But that clearly wasn’t going well already.

“I think I’m entitled to be as awkward as I want, considering I was kidnapped and I’m here against my will.” Kaz defended, taking a seat on the lavish sofa.

“I understand, it is very different from Ketterdam, so I’d wager this will take quite some getting used to.” The woman placed the sheets on his bed and moved to sit on the sofa opposite him. “I’m Genya by the way.”

Kaz nodded.

“The General sent me here to fix your face, I’m a tailor.” She informed, filling the silence.

“How is your precious General’s stab wound?” Kaz asked, unable to hide a smirk.

“You did that!?” She exclaimed. “Saints, you’ve only been here for a day.” She ran her hands over her face. “Look, Kaz. I was friends with Alina before she escaped, and things did not go well for her. Just do what the General asks of you, please?”

“Why should I listen to you? We’ve just met, I have no reason to trust you.” Kaz shrugged off the warning.

“Fine. But just keep it in mind that he will go to great lengths to get what he wants.” Genya sighed. “Okay, back to fixing your face.” She reached over to take Kaz’s face in her hands.

“Stop. Don’t you fucking dare.” He warned, standing up and walking away from her.

“The General requested that I do this. He can hardly have you wandering around the Little Palace with a broken nose.” She argued, becoming impatient.

“What business is it of his? Oh I know, he can’t ruin his reputation in front of all you Grisha.” He ridicules.

“Then just let me mend your nose, it must hurt. You can keep the rest of your wounds if you really want to.” She attempted to meet him halfway.

The thought of her using her power on him made him immeasurably uncomfortable, he had no idea how it would work or what ulterior motive she may have up her sleeve. Once he knew more, perhaps he’d be willing, but there is no way he would infer he knew nothing by asking her questions at this moment.

With that in mind he grasped his nose and with a satisfying crack he knocked it back in place. Sure it hurt, but it was nothing he couldn’t handle.

“I’d appreciate some water and a cloth to wash off the blood, if you’re so eager to help.” He commented.

Her reaction was worth the pain. The combination of absolute shock, disapproval and concern almost humoured him. What would the Darkling say to her when she reports her failure to him? Silently she left the room, returning with what he’d asked for soon after.

“Are you not going to change the bedding for me?” He teased as she began to leave, attempting to get a rise out of her.

“Do it yourself, arsehole.” She muttered, just loud enough for him to hear and slammed the door behind her.