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002. V IS FOR VENDETTA
Vira shouldn't have been surprised that the meeting took place in a gambling parlour. Really, she should've expected it. Where else was Kaz Brekker going to hold such a meeting? Plus, from the look of the dirt-striken convict slumped up and tied to the chair in the centre, this wasn't the sort of meeting that should be had in open quarters. Not that she had expected it to be — as if Kaz would be seen dead doing something that wasn't illegal.
Sometimes Vira feels like she's drowning, here in the Barrel. It's exhausting always checking over your shoulder, waiting for the next danger to meet you. Vira never liked danger, she just adapted to survive. But now it's like she's just expected to accept that this is who she is, who she'll always be. There's nothing she can do about it, and that hurts.
Vira doesn't want this life, she wants stability and freedom and the open air, to be alone. Sure, sometimes she can be a little harsh and sharp and angry. Sometimes she can lose herself to the criminal and forget what it feels like to do something good. She can't remember the last time she saved a life without needing something back.
She doesn't want to be good. She just wants to be safe.
"Vira," Kaz's voice snaps her out of her thoughts, his words steaming with malicious intent. He's in a good mood for once; maybe the promise of a fascinating, impossible heist has finally sparked in his mind and interest him. "Are you paying any attention?"
"Yes, yes," Vira waves a hand airily, grinning at Matthias (apparently that's the convict's name — it's such a terrible name, Fjerdan of all things to be) who bares his teeth, showing off the bloodstained whites. It's more of a wolf-snarl than a smile. "Four million kruge and all that. But how?"
They turn to Helvar.
"No." He doesn't even bat an eyelash.
Kaz seems to have expected it, as he always does. Some people say the devil whispers in his ear. Vira could see that. Maybe the demons whisper of the future. Or maybe Kaz is just that good. "Believe me when I say this, Helvar: I know getting knocked out and waking up in strange surroundings isn't the friendliest way to sort a partnership — " Vira stifles a snort; Kaz has never been, nor will he ever be, partners with anyone. "— but you didn't give us many options, so try to open your mind to the possibilities."
Matthias scoffs. "You could have come to me on your knees, and my answer would be the same."
"You understand I can have you back in Hellgate in a matter of hours? Once poor Muzzen is in the infirmary, the switch will be easy." Typical Kaz; making threats when he doesn't get his own way. But he will get his own way — Vira can see the wheels turning behind that devilish mind of his, the schemes unfolding gracefully. He's refusing to look at her; maybe because he knows she won't stand for any of his cryptic nonsense. He's always hated how well she can read him (not that that's a reflection on him; Vira is just good at reading people).
