2 | flatline [darkling]

nine

"YOUR PLAN MUST COME WITH a lot of risks if you're willing to pay this much." Kaz says, his grip on his cane tightening. Jesper reaches out curiously, taking a look at one if the Gold necklaces.

"You're not wrong. The price may not seem as attractive as it does now, once you know what I'm thinking of." Nyx says honestly, making Kaz look at her curiously.

"I think you underestimate us. I'm sure we can handle whatever you throw at us." Kaz says, leaning with both hands on this cane. Inej gives him a sceptical look and Nyx sighs.

"I can't win this battle without getting my hands dirty and so far I've tried to play it the safe way. But I need more than just safety. I need to win. If there one group of people who are willing to do what is needed, without hesitation..." Nyx trails off, taking a deep breath to ease the weight she felt on her heart.

"You considering the Fjerdans or what?" Nina asks jokingly, not realising she had hit the nail.

"Yes." Nyx responds bluntly and a deadly silence settles in the room. Nina and Inej looks at her in disbelief, while Kaz frowns and Jesper looks at her as if she is crazy. She knew that even though she was paying a lot, that even that amount of money wouldn't be persuasive enough.

"You'll cause a Genocide. You're risking the lives of dozens of Grishas." Nina says furiously, not able to believe that the Nyx in front of her was the same she had known. "You'll be no better than the Darkling."

"I'm not trying to be the better person, Nina. I just want him to suffer. And if you cared so much about the Grishas and the Little Palace, what are you doing here?" Nyx snaps back, making Nina flinch slightly.

"The minute they see you, they'll kill you." Inej points out.

"Not unless they don't know I'm Grisha. I just need to get a message to them, let them know how they can infiltrate the Little Palace." Nyx says, feeling her throat tightening at the thought of what would happen once the Fjerdans get into the Little Palace.

"You realise that the death of those Grishas will weigh on your conscious right?" Jesper asks, slight worry evident in his eyes and Nyx sighs, shrugging slightly.

"I know. I said I'm willing to get my hands dirty for this." She says firmly and Kaz squints his eyes at her.

"We can take a boat to Os Kervo and from there make our way North to Fjerda. I have contacts there who can help us getting the message to the Fjerdans, without risking the lives of any you." Kaz says with confidence clear in his eyes and Nyx sighs, satisfied with the response.

"I think this is a bad idea. Nyx, try to reconsider. I understand you're mad at the Darkling, but this is going to far." Inej says softly, trying to reason with Nyx.

"He started this." Nyx says defensively and Inej gives her a look.

"You sound like a child right now. You may not want to be the better person, but be more mature about this and just put an end to this." Inej points out and Nyx shakes her head.

"No. He could also put an end to this. I won't be the one to do this." Nyx says firmly and Jesper raises an eyebrow.

"Word has it, he wants you back at the Little Palace." Jesper muses and Nyx shakes her head.

"That's not how he will end this. The only way he can end this is if he hands over his positions and feels the pain I felt of losing everything you hold on dear to." Nyx responds and Jesper glances at Inej, who seems worried.

"I don't know what happened between the two of you, Nyx. But do you really want things to go down that path?" Nina asks, making the older Heartrender turn to look at her.

"I'm already far down the path, there is no point turning back. I just need you to help me. I promise to leave you all alone after." Nyx says, making Kaz nod.

"We will help you. But what is your plan after?" Kaz asks, making Nyx sigh and put her hands in her pockets.

"Wait until the Fjerdans reach the Little Palace, before making my way back to Os Alta, where I reunite with my army. And help the Fjerdans with the last blow." Nyx explains and Kaz nods in acceptance.

"We leave tomorrow first thing in the morning. The faster we get this done, the better." Kaz nods, before turning around walking into a separate room.

"Do you really have to do this?" Inej asks, making Nyx bite her lip in thought, before nodding. "Won't you regret it?"

"I already live with the regret of ever falling in love, one more regret won't kill me." Nyx responds.