A child, a mystery, a powerful Etherealnik... and perhaps something more. Even Kishira has yet to uncover all of her own secrets. But maybe it starts with the ominous black bird that haunts her windowsill and the space between her collarbones.
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S...
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ryevost, east ravka
"You jumped off a bank??"Kishira demanded with far too much amusement in her tone.
They sat inside the carriage to speak privately while the other two made sure they didn't ride off into the Permafrost by accident. She still hated being inside a coach, but for some reason, it wasn't bothering her so much at the moment.
Kaz shot her a glare. "It was that, or get shot on the job," he retorted.
She pressed her lips together, hiding a smile as she leaned back in her seat with a nod. "Okay."
He thought she was in relatively good spirits, all things considered. She'd told him what she'd learned about her father, all the lies and careful manipulation she'd been fed over the years. Inej and Jesper knew too. Kishira didn't know them, but Kaz trusted them, and she trusted him.
"What you did at the Fete..." he said, changing the subject.
She grinned. "Enjoyed that, did you?"
"I taught you that trick," he scoffed. "Of course I enjoyed it." His expression turned serious as he studied her. "You're more powerful now."
She sighed. "Well, it has been six years."
Six years... once upon a time, that had been hard to believe. It was less so now, when she looked at the boy sitting across from her.
He was much taller than the last time she'd seen him, not to mention the cane, and his features had grown sharper... After a second, she realised she was staring, and blinked, directing her gaze out the window.
Her mouth pulled into a pensive line as she observed the scenery. "I think we're nearly there."
Sure enough, they heard Jesper call out to them only a short while later, and the carriage came to a halt. The four of them moved to the back of the carriage, watching the trunk carefully.
Moments later, the lock glowed with heat and fell out of place. When the lid lifted, there was Alina, sitting up inside. Her eyes went to Jesper's gun holsters first, then moved up to the rest of the group, clearly surprised to have an audience.
When her gaze landed on Kishira, she looked rather relieved, though confusion and wariness were mixed in there too. "Kishira? What are you doing here?"
"Leaving the Little Palace behind," she said bluntly. "What are you doing here?"
She pursed her lips before speaking. "Escaping the General."
"Baghra told you too." Kishira's face and voice were devoid of emotion, and Alina frowned as she climbed slowly from the trunk.
"I don't understand... Are you angry? I thought–"
"So did I." Kishira lifted her chin angrily. "But that was before I saw you with him."
