The Seventh Crow

Part 46

The ship docked a couple weeks later. Matthias and I finally talked about what happened. He was very grateful that I was alive, though didn't hold a grudge on the Drüskelle that shot me. I do. Of course I do.

Nina kept trying to get me to eat. Dying puts a damper on someone's appetite. She also kept telling me stories about how I'm going to love Ravka. I'm not sure I will.

Genya has talked me into meeting with the King. It was a very long conversation. One that I didn't enjoy having but couldn't say no too in order to keep Genya happy. 

I would say we became really good friends. She is kind and understands me at times. She also told me of her boyfriend, David. The way she talks about him is so romantic.

"Ready?" Nina asks, threading her arm through mine.

"As I'll ever be," I mumble.

We step off the ship. Sturmhond giving out instructions. Zoya helped the crew get everything in order. Genya looked over the side, into the growing crowd.

One of the crew helped slide a board into place. Sturmhond and Zoya were the first to get off the ship. Next thing I knew, Nina was pulling me along with her.

I couldn't help but look through the crowd. Alev should be in Os Kervo somewhere. That is if he didn't give up the wait.

"Nox?" someone screams. A voice that I recognized.

I look through the crowd, trying to find the one person with perfect brown hair and the height of a tower.

"Nox!"

I turn, my eyes landing on Alev pushing through the crowd of people. A huge smile tugging at his lips.

I take off towards him, ignoring the confused murmurs of Nina and Matthias. This isn't the time for them. Alev is alive. He met me where the sun shined. The place that is ours.

Without thinking twice, my arms wrap around his neck. Alev hesitates for a second before lifting me off the ground with his strong arms. It felt nice having him hold me. Him touching me.

"You remembered," Alev whispers.

"Of course. I could never forget."

Alev gently let me go, bringing my head between his hands. His green eyes searching mine. I look down.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"I thought you would've moved on."

"Why would you think that?"

"You did what you were supposed to. You knew I was going to live. You knew my fate."

"You still think that's why I did it? Did everything?"

"You wanted to know my fate. Why else?"

"Because I love you."

I stare at him in surprise. He smiles at me, his eyes roaming my face. I backed away from him shaking my head.

"No you don't," I laugh. "You can't stand me, iceman."

He lets out a small laugh, pulling me back into his arms. "I do, baby mule. The first day I met you."

We stared into each other's eyes. I have waited so long to look at those beautiful green eyes in the sun, not some dark hallway. See the sparkle when the light hits them perfectly.

"Nox," Alev whispers. My heart thuds in my chest as I notice he is starting to lean in.

I ignore it. I'm not in the Ice Court. I want Alev, he is someone I trust and love with every part of me. It's just one kiss. I can handle one kiss.

As he was inches away from my face I realized that I can't do it.

I quickly move away and pull him in for a hug instead. I at least know I can handle that. Well, somewhat.

"It's alright," he whispers in my ear. "I'm here. I'll wait."