Shadows and The Sea - The Darkling

Experiments & New Marks

Percy's POV

Aleks and I walked through the trees at a leisurely pace. We walked far enough in so the other Grisha wouldn't disturb us but close enough so that we could get back to the Little Palace if we needed to.

It was nice to get away from everybody and I'm sure Aleks agreed at least slightly. As we walked around the grounds I could see the tension in his shoulders start to melt and the seemingly permanent furrowed brow on his face lightened enough to make his look actually younger.

If that was possible for someone who was over 400 years old.

"So," I started as I spun around to face the man with me while I started walking backwards. "I'm curious about something."

He looked down at me, since he was a little over 6 feet and I was 5'5", with amusement in his eyes. It was different seeing him out here instead of in his war room or even in the Little Palace. He looked and felt more...relaxed.

"Oh? And what about?" he asked.

"I've been thinking about what happened when Alina and I were attacked by the Fjerdans on the way to the Little Palace. When we basically chopped a guy in half. And...I was wondering if we could try that again?"

He looked like he was about to answer but instead rushed forward as my foot got caught on a tree root that so rudely decided to appear out of nowhere.

A surprised gasp left my mouth as my arms flailed trying to keep my balance. As I braced myself for impact with the forest floor, two arms wrapped around my waist and I was pulled up to be face to face with Aleks.

"Careful there," he said quietly since we were close enough so I could hear him loud and clear.

I couldn't help but stare at his pretty dark eyes for a moment before clearing my throat awkwardly. He lifted me back onto my feet and I took a little step back, making sure to clear the root.

"So...what do you think?"

"It sounds intriguing, to say the least. I've never quite seen powers merge like ours did that day before," he commented.

Nice to know we think alike.

"Well, do you know a place? Cause I think someone will notice if we cut down, like, ten trees out here," I said as I spun around with my arms out, gesturing to the foliage that surrounded us.

He spaced out for a moment before refocusing on me, "I believe so, and we're not far. Come." He held his hand out towards me.

I couldn't help but chuckle softly at the cliché gesture but nonetheless placed my hand in his and let him lead the way to where we could safely and discreetly experiment. It only took about two minutes of walking before we came across an open field.

"Wow. And how come not more Grisha come out here to practice? It's almost perfect," I asked the leader of said Grisha while still taking in the open grassy area.

"Most like staying near the palace and the Tidemakers and Inferni are more comfortable being near the lake and the Squallers stay around so they won't be isolated from the rest."

That's fair.

I nodded before jogging out to the middle of the field. I was getting pumped at the thought of experimenting with our powers. Also, given the fact that not many people I know can do what Aleks can. I mean sure Nico can but Aleks has hundreds of years of practice on his side.

"Okay, so where do you want to start?" I asked, slightly giddy.

He chuckled at my childish antics before actually contemplating my question, "It would be beneficial to start small. I'm not sure just starting with the Cut would be the best place to start truly understanding what happens."