The Act of Duplicity [General Kirigan]

twenty-eight

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The hood of her disguise was lowered on her back exposing her red curly hair completely. Nataliya closed her eyes for a few moments and let out a breath through her nose. She heard Kirigan's heart and felt how it pumped the dark blood around his body. Turning around she had no idea what to expect but seeing his dark looming presence in the night calmed her in a strange way. She kept her face emotionless as the gravel underneath her boots rumbled when she moved her feet. Kirigan's face was slack, his arms motionless by his sides as always. He looked something in between a lost boy and a criminal lurking in the shadows.

Where do you think you're going? The question echoed inside Nataliya. ''Away,'' she said vaguely.

Kirigan raised a curious eyebrow and took a few steps closer to her. Now all that was between them was a small patch of thick air that could explode with tension at any time.

''And you didn't think to stop and say hello?'' he asked.

Nataliya nearly chuckled at the ridiculous question. She had no idea if he was serious or if it was a joke. ''My only plan was to say goodbye to my sister before tomorrow.''

If Nataliya saw correctly, a brief flash of hurt crossed General's face but just as quickly as it came it was gone. He stepped from one foot to the other and looked away for a moment. ''What about your report?'' He looked back at her, staring her straight in her eyes.

Oh, that, Nataliya thought. Somehow the reports never struck her as something important so she never did them. Now she had no choice. A smirk appeared on her features as she tilted her head higher to look at him. ''I'm in. I have Brekker's crew trust.''

A ghost of a smile curled at Kirigan's lips at that information. ''What about Brekker himself?''

''His too.'' Nataliya confirmed.

Now Kirigan showed a real smile, a sense of pride radiating off of him. ''Good girl.''

His figure inched even closer. Nataliya felt her heart speed up at those words. She never knew what it was, but seeing Kirigan being proud of her made her happy and want to continue serve him. This was their plan all along. Nataliya could end Jesper's life when she was in a duel with him, she had him in sight and she had him under control with her fist but her movements were intentionally slow. Getting knocked out was a surprise though, she didn't know if he'll left her there or not, but waking up in front of the crows her suspicions were right. They did need her and she played their game ever since. She wasn't quite sure if Kaz really trusted her but it was enough for now, the plan has to work only one more day and then a new life will begin for everyone.

''So what's their plan?'' asked Kirigan.

''They are boarding the skiff tomorrow in disguise. They are scared people will recognise them so they will probably hide somewhere. There was some talk about Alina and they know she'll be on board but I'm not sure if they will actually go for her. Brekker said he won't, but I don't believe him.'' Nataliya explained.