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chapter three. ketterdam
The smell came from Reapers Barge.
Burning bodies, decay—it floated through the thick the fog and suffocated the rowboat. Aria Antonov choked back a gag as she fell backwards into the small bench where she could sit, the oar falling to her side. "Saints," she breathed. It was almost as if the smell was clogged in her mask—her disguise for when they would enter Hellgate. Ahead of her, Muzzen turned around and fixated on her.
"Can't row myself, dear." He stated. Aria breathed an apology and pushed herself to stand again, sticking the oar back into the murky dark water and paddled. Terrenjel was a small island just off of Ketterdam, one of Kerch's many tiny islands. Around her shoulders was a tangerine colored cape, paired with the garish mask. Kaz and Muzzen wore the same—the only one wearing something different was Nina. She was clad in a silk blue cape and a matching veil. Aria wished she had the opportunity to look as beautiful as her right now. But, given the circumstances, that wasn't really an option.
After some time of restless rowing, they pulled onto the rocky shoal of Terrenjel. A few men hauled their bow onto the sand, marked with inky tattoo symbols signifying they belonged to the Dime Lions. Kaz handed them a stack of kruge and they were off. Aria led the way through a path of torches of burning flames, all the way through a dark tunnel. She felt a lump in her throat—feeling the anticipation thick throughout her body. In the shadows, she felt as if something was going to jump out and grab her—but, it seemed everyone was scared of shadows these days. Looking over her shoulder, Aria noticed Nina kept fairly close to Kaz, her expression wary.
"Where are we going?" whispered Nina.
Kaz gave no answer.
As they exited the tower, they made their way to a stone bridge that would lead them to a second, much taller tower. As Aria stepped foot onto the cobble walkway, she spotted a shadow emerge from the darkness. It was times like these when Aria thought the Darkling had come to collect her from her desertion to the Second Army. But, Aria was relieved to see the coiled black braid—Inej.
"Hello, Inej." Aria breathed, lifting the mask only slightly to reveal her friendly smile.
"Aria," she greeted, feet light as feathers as she made her way to them. The appearance of Inej surprised Nina, causing her to talk and talk—it irritated Kaz.
"Keep quiet," he had growled. Nina protested but Aria urged them to move forward, heading through a tight passageway. It was then Aria found she wasn't the biggest fan of small spaces—claustrophobia turned her stomach into knots. She tried to maintain a steady breath as she felt the walls brush against her shoulders as they made their way through. She let out a breath when they emerged into a carved tunnel, a door guarded by a man.
