ARSONIST'S LULLABY ¹ | shadow & bone [ON HOLD]

ONE

( 𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧'𝗦
𝗟𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗬 )

THE TOWN OF KRIBIRSK was a gloomy one. As if Death itself lingered in the air. Of course, it was to be expected. A courtesy of the jagged black split in the Earth that was placed there.

No matter how many times Katerina re-acquainted herself with the Shadow Fold, the uneasiness never dulled. She would still shudder. Of course, she hadn't had the pleasure of crossing it before and often wondered how those who have have, felt. But it doesn't mean that she hadn't tried to cross it before.

She remembers two summers ago, when she had been fresh out of Grisha training and in her first war camp. A group from the Second Army had been ordered to escort a regiment of First Army soldiers to West Ravka. She had been sure that her name would be at the top of the list. But when the name Katerina Volkov hadn't been called upon, it was suffice to say that she had been enraged. She knew exactly why her name hadn't been selected, and when she confronted the reason, he had simply said that he needed her elsewhere much more important.

Which of course, had been an massive lie because he had sent her off to the Grand Palace to escort the Crown Prince as he pranced around Os Alta. And only distasteful things had come out of that business. Ever since then, Prince Vasily had been utterly besotted with her, following her around like a puppy every time he saw her. Of course, not the type of puppy she would like to pet. Barking for attention despite being given several signs of displeasure. Maybe she shouldn't compare him to the lovable four legged creatures, it would be an insult to the adorable things. Volcra would seem more appropriate. Unwanted and certainly wise to avoid. The tent flap being pushed aside broke her out of her reveries.

"Katerina, the general is looking for you." Ivan gruffed. She hummed as she stood from the comfort of the fur carpet, placing the book in her hand at a nearby desk, grabbing a handful of grapes on her way out.

She didn't attempt to make any conversation, having never really been close with Ivan. He was a very stiff man. His face always in a frown, you'd think he was related to Baghra. But Katerina and him were civil. They had to be. As the closest comrades of General Kirigan, they had to coordinate and work in cooperation. The only other common ground they had aside from the general would be Fedyor Kaminsky. But Fedyor had given up the mission of having his two favorite people becoming the best of friends years ago. He knew that she and Ivan couldn't have been more different of people, and had accepted the fact that finding a common ground between the two would be difficult.

As she passed by the mirage of tents that led up to Kirigan's, she realized that the thunder and rumblings of the Fold could be heard even more distinctly. If she concentrated enough, she could swear she heard some distant screeches, and inwardly grimaced. She was grateful when they had reached their destination. Giving Ivan a nod, Katerina rushed into the tent to get out of earshot of the Fold. Upon entering she realized it was nearly empty. Aside from, of course Aleksander.