Blood and Water - The Darkling

Chapter 27: Destiny

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𝕬𝖋𝖙𝖊𝖗 three days, Genya arrives. When Aleksander informs me, I immediately make my way to her tent. I glide in and gasp, "You look beautiful as always, Genya. Loving the red."

She turns towards me and cocks a hip, "Don't lie, Lana. This color clashes with my hair."

I laugh and hug her, "Regardless, you're the most stunning person I've ever seen. The red just makes me happy, since wearing it means you finally get the recognition you deserve."

Genya sits down and motions towards the other chair. As I make myself comfortable she replies, "All thanks to you."

"You give me too much credit," I say with a shake of my head. "The Darkling does what he wants."

She laughs, "Well, yes. But you sway him more than you think."

We stay silent for a moment, while I think over her statement. Then I pour two glasses of kvas and hand one to her. I smirk, "Be careful of powerful women."

"Cheers to that," Genya replies.

After both of us take a sip, she says, "That's some necklace. What's next, a ring?"

I choke on my drink, "I doubt it. He's not the type."

"Maybe one day I'll get the satisfaction to finally witness you being wrong," she answers with a smirk. "Anyways, what's it like?"

My hand strokes the smooth antlers around my neck, "Exhilarating. It's like I can pull light from even the stars we can't see. I'm also finding it easier to use shadows and light at the same time."

"I must say, I'm a little envious."

"Why?" I ask.

She hums, "You have the Darkling's favor, which is an understatement. And you have one of the most powerful amplifiers in history. It'd be easier listing something I'm not jealous of you for."

"You're still exponentially more pretty than me," I answer with a smile.

Genya laughs and grows serious, "How are you, Lana?"

My expression darkens, "I'm fine."

"No, you aren't."

I groan, "You're right. My whole world seems wrong now. The one constant in my life has always been Alina. And now, I just feel lost."

She places her hands on mine, "She's your sister and you love her. You want her to be on your side and she's not." Genya gently squeezes me before continuing, "But you are not lost, Lana. You have me. You have Ivan. You have Kirigan. But most of all, remember to trust in yourself. You are the only constant you need."

I smile sadly, "Genya, you're so strong. I'm sorry for the life you had to live to turn out this way."

"No point in crying about the past," she mumbles. "But thank you for not treating me like a terrible person."

"Don't thank me," I reply. "You're one of the best people I know."

We stand and hug one another before she changes the subject, "I'm going to visit your sister, will you join me?"

I shake my head, "No, I don't think my heart can handle that."

Genya smiles gently and walks me out, "That's alright, I'm sure Kirigan misses you anyways."

I snort lightly and hug her one more time, "Good luck, Genya. And thank you for the talk."

With a flick of her gorgeous hair, she's gone. I wander back to my tent and find the Darkling sitting at his desk. He looks up when I enter and ushers me over. I lean against the dark wooden table.