𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐒 | 𝐤.𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐤𝐞𝐫

ELEVEN

Valya had managed to slip into a rather welcome sleep on the journey, somehow. In spite of the thoughts floating about in her head, she was tired. So tired. And she'd allowed herself to surrender to it.

The carriage coming to a halt woke her, and she opened her eyes, listing her head from where she'd rested on Inej's shoulder. He back was uncomfortable, but she felt more refreshed. It was an uneven sleep, uncomfortable too, without a bed, but she'd hardly got any for so long.

She looked at Kaz and Jesper in front of her, as they both began to step down from their seats. Valya and Inej followed, Valya stretching extensively when her feet hit the ground, to ensure her back was fully recovered.

The four of them moved around to the back of the carriage, Valya just following them, unsure of what they were doing. At the back, there was a trunk attached. Big enough to fit a person.

The lock began to glow red, before simply popping out of place and hitting the ground with a soft clinking sound. The lid was lifted up, and Alina Starkov's head peeked out, faced with the four Crows. She got out of the trunk, standing in front of them.

Her hands were held up, like she was showing she meant no trouble, but as though she were ready to blind them in a flash of light if necessary. "We don't want any trouble," Jesper said. He had a talent for holding a tone that kept you comfortable, and he could easily recognise conflict before it happened - it was technically part of his job - so he was really useful to have around all the time, especially during deals.

"Neither do I," Alina said, her hands still raised. "So I'll just be on my way."

Valya was stood with the Sun Summoner. Less than three metres away was Alina Starkov. Some part of her was screaming in excitement and joy.

Alina tried to walk away, but Kaz put his cane in her way, blocking her on one side.

"Clearly, you want out of East Ravka. But we can help you." Alina's eyes moved to look at Valya and Inej as Jesper spoke. Inej nodded softly, while a faint smile graced Valya's lips. "We have a secure route through the Fold."

"I prefer to travel alone," Alina stated, looking back to the girls. Their presence gave a more comforting feel than their companions' did.

"Don't be rash. You stick with us, everybody gets what they want," Jesper continued.

"I'm not being anyone's captive ever again. So step aside and let me pass." Valya looked towards the ground for a second. She was right. Underneath all the glamour of the Little Palace and the mantle of the Sun Summoner, under all thepraise and glory she clearly wasn't used to, Alina Starkov was just a girl. Like Valya or Inej, a girl in a tough spot. She didn't deserve to be a captive. She shouldn't be caged like an animal. She should be free.

"I'm afraid we can't let that happen," Kaz said.

Alina produced a ray of sun, catching the boys off guard. Valya and Inej, however, had been prepared, covering their eyes.

Once the light was gone, their arms were away from their faces, and both of them looked her in the eye. An understanding passed between the three of them. They all knew what it was like to be trapped. The least they could do was allow Alina freedom from the greed and manipulation of men. They could keep her from going back into captivity. Alina nodded gratefully, running away. Valya felt, deep down, that she'd probably take on even the Darkling herself if it meant keeping Alina free, but that was a foolish idea, and not at all a likely one. The Darkling would keep searching for his Sun Summoner, but Alina would fight him.

Valya could feel Kaz's eyes burning into her as they split up to look for Alina. She went with Inej, splitting away from Kaz and Jesper. Saints, he really wasn't happy with her. She'd never truly disobeyed his wishes, except when she'd snuck off in Novokribirsk, but this was more serious.