Rule of Saints {The Red Ribbon Sequel}

From One Saint to Another

~ Y/N pov ~

Ever since I first witnessed the blights in Novyi-Zem, I've asked myself one question:

What can we do with darkness?

We can deceive, we can harm, and we can dissappear.

And I intend to do all three today.

The Crows are clothed in black coats, preparing both for the cold and the mood of what the day brings. I haven't put mine on yet, still relishing in my clothes from Ketterdam. It seems all of us have lost our appetite, for we just sit in the kitchen, not saying a word. Miss Oretsev senses the mood change, tightening the shawl around her head and leaving us to attend to our business.

He likes a big show. He always did.

"Nina," I say, breaking the silence. "Can I talk with you for a moment?"

She nods and follows me onto the porch.

"Having second thoughts?" She questions.

"Absolutely not. I have to go today or not at all. But I do not want the other Crows entering the Fold, except for me and you."

She nods. "Understandable. I've heard stories of the nichevo'ya. No offense to Jesper and his sharpshooter skills, but if none of them are summoning, then they shouldn't come with."

"Exactly. However, they can stand near the edge just in case of emergency. I'll need someone to carry me out when I pretend to be dead after all of this," I explain.

"Smart move. The world would never leave you alone if they knew you were still alive. Soon, the Fjerdans and Shu would be after you. Is that all?"

"Well, you know how I promised you would be my right hand man when I take the Darkling down?"

Nina's eyes light up. "Yes."

"Good. Now listen closely..."

I explain my plan and we shake our hands. The deal is the deal. Whatever happens today, someone's blood will spill onto the black sands. But I will be the one to decide whose, not Kirigin.

"Now, what does Kaz think about standing off to the side while we are in the Fold?" Nina asks.

I smirk, opening the front door. "You actually get the honor of breaking the news to him. I've got some business to take care of."

"Oh you little-"

"Love you!" I say, walking upstairs to my room, ignoring the strong tingle of my scar that has not stopped since I arrived in Keramzin.

I close my bedroom window and close my door. I know that it won't keep the Darkling out, but it eases my mind. Besides, I don't think he would see me through an illusion today. He is waiting for me physically in the Fold.

I shrug on my long black coat with silver trimming. Inej arrives to plait my hair into a tight braided bun, covering it with the headscarf. I take a long look into the mirror. With the highest chance of death I believe I have ever had, I must say my goodbyes to everyone, just in case.

I turn and grab Inej's calloused hands. "If I perish by the Darkling's hand, you get to have my twin knives. Consider it a gift from a Saint."

She smiles, but I can see the tension in her dark brows. "You won't die. Don't make this a self-fullfilling prophecy."

I squeeze her hands. "You are right. I love my knives too much to die."

"There you go."

I give her a long hug. The Saints better have something good planned for her in the afterlife. If I end up there before her, I will wait forever at the gates until I see her arrive.