Broken beyond healing | the darkling x oc

chapter four

They rode for hours through woods and hilly landscapes, down small trail and bumpy roads, only stopping every once in a while to take a short break from riding, giving Luda a chance to stretch her tired limbs. After a while, the sun slowly began to set, coloring the sky in shades of yellow, orange and red. Then it got dark, painting the landscape in grey, blue and finally black. But the darkling seemed to know exactly where they were headed, never stopping once to look for direction. 

They rode in comfortable silence, Luda exhausted from the day she had and Alexander didn't seem to be a particularly chatty person. Just when she thought that she couldn't keep her eyes open one more minute, the darkling commanded his horse to slow down as they had arrived in a small town. The roads were neatly paved with flagstones and the houses were small but well-kept. There was no light on the street except one oil street lamp in the middle of a cross road. "Welcome to Sikursk!" Alexander whispered lowly into her ear, sending a warm shiver down her spine, waking her senses.

It was a beautiful town situated at the feet of the Ravkan mountains surrounded by forests. In the tavern where she had worked, a map had hung on the wall opposing the bar, so she knew from the mountains that they had to be somewhere near the Shu Han border. She had never heard of Sikursk before but she already liked this sleepy little town.

They crossed a small marketplace that would probably be bustling with townsmen and women in the morning, loudly advertising their products and produce. It reminded her of the markets she used to visit with her mother when she was younger, which made her quite melancholic. A sad smile managed to creep onto her face in memory of her.

Although the girl was feeling fond of this little town, she wasn't sure how it was any safer for her than any other town. But between stabbing him in the stomach and him helping her get rid of the handcuffs, she had developed a feeling of trust for the dark grisha that was most likely completely misplaced though she couldn't help it.

They had neared the brinks of the town, when they finally came to a stop in front a small house at the end of the street. "We're here" Alexander said getting off his horse. Luda dismounted the animal as well stepping beside the darkling, taking in her surroundings. The house in front of them was bigger than the other ones in the street and was bordering on the edges of the woods. It had to be at least three stories high, although it was built in such a way that it didn't really set itself apart from the other houses next to it.

While the girl was taking in the new scenery, Alexander guided his horse towards a small stable on the left side of the house. He knotted its leash around a wooden block before stepping back to Luda's side. He looked at her and said "Shall we?" gesturing towards the door. She just nodded. As they were making their way towards the entrance the brunette felt nervosity overcoming her. She didn't fear what was inside, she trusted Alexander. It was just that she didn't know what to expect inside. The only places she knew where the village she grew up in, the town she and her mother used to visit and Os Alta. She hadn't met a lot of grisha and the ones she did get to see where usually burning at stake screaming in pain, praying to the saints. It probably wasn't an accurate representation. 

They climbed up a couple of small stairs and with one swift motion the wooden door was opened by the darkling and quickly closed behind them, shutting the world out. They were welcomed by an embracing warmth. Only now Luda noticed how much she had longed for it. She looked around. They stood in a sitting room that seemed to function as a sort of lobby similar to that of an inn. It was mostly abandoned given the late hour apart from one person that quickly stood up approaching them when catching sight of them.

"We have expected you back sooner" said the young woman. She was only a few years older than Luda but was radiating confidence and knowledge. She wore light blue trousers and a tunic in the same colour above it. Her skin had a beautiful dark complexion and her curls were neatly pinned up around her head.