WHISPER- shadow and bone

Chapter 18

The disheveled group of criminals, Grisha, soldiers and fighters sat around a low burning fire as they tried to erase the events of the day.

"I've never met a Saint before", spoke Inej shyly to Alina.

"I've never been a Saint before", she replied with a smile.

"Wherever you are, whatever you need... my hand is yours", Inej spoke softly, placing her hand on Alina's.

"I like that hand with a dagger in it. I couldn't hold onto yours, so take mine as a replacement. It's not much, but it'll fend off a bully or two", Alina spoke handing Inej her knife.

Ada chuckled as she leaned on her sisters shoulder.

"I know just what to name it", Inej spoke with a childlike smile.

"Step one for any good plan, a change of clothes. It's worked for me. Here", Jesper spoke.

"Thank you"

Ada handed Jesper the pistol she had used on the skiff.

"Here. Sorry if its a bit damaged I did use it to bash Kirigan round the head and that thing's pretty hard", she spoke with a smile.

"Keep it", Jesper smiled. "A sign of friendship. And to remind you of the best sharpshooter who ever lived of course!"

"It'll be a reminder of my second favourite Fahey brother", Ada smirked.

"Hey!"

"So... will you still be trying to kidnap me?", Alina asked as she rose.

"Course not", Jesper spoke, shaking his head.

"Have you found religion, too?", Kaz pursed his mouth in disapproval.

"No, it's just... I'm exhausted. Besides... it'd be bad form to kidnap someone after they saved your life"

"You are quite valuable, you know?", Kaz muttered.

"So is this", Alina handed the headpiece from Kirigan to him. Kaz paused, then took it in his hand, grateful for his gloves.

"I saw this on a portrait of one of the queens in the Little Palace"

"It's not a gift. It's to keep quiet about who I am. Where I go from here"

"The deal is the deal"

"Ez", Jesper spoke, pulling his brother to the side.

"I don't know where you'll go from here but I wanted to let you know... I wanted to say that there's space for you with us. Both of you", he gestured to Ada.

"I know they're your friends and I know you've been away from them for a while but... but I thought I lost you once and I don't want to loose you again", Jesper muttered.

"Yes, they are my friends and yes I don't really feel comfortable leaving them for too long", Ezra started. Jesper's face fell. "But... a trip to Ketterdam sounds pretty nice and we have plenty to catch up on"

"It does, doesn't it", Jesper grinned.

Alina sighed as she placed the golden kefta onto the bonfire.

"I didn't expect it to burn at all. But it can be destroyed in the end. Just like him", Mal retorted.

Ada shook her head. When Mal had told them of Kirigan's death she thought it all sounded too good to be true.

Alina walked slowly over towards the Fold, facing it with grit and determination.

"I know that look. You're staring down your new bully"

"We're worse off than we were before, Mal Kirigan turned on his own people...", she gasped.