Empyrean || Kaz Brekker

chapter three

As morning came, the smoke from the fire was still billowing black smoke into the already existing haze above the rooftops. In the aftermath of the explosion, the Barrel was buzzing. There was no doubt Pekka Rollins had caught on to who was behind the bomb, and Elham felt like she was walking on eggshells, having to look around every corner for danger. The Crows–minus Kaz, Elham wasn't quite sure where he had skulked off to–ducked into a cafe near the edge of town.

There was one thing that was certain in Ketterdam. The cafe's would always be open, and their bars would always be stocked.

There's nothing like a bit of Kaelish cinnamon whiskey in your coffee in the mornings, and a nice stack of waffles. At least, that's what Jesper always told her. She wasn't much of a day drinker herself. But the occasion called for it, and who was she to deny Jesper his little joys?

She ordered a coffee for herself, and Jesper pulled a flask out of his new coat pocket. They took turns sipping from the mug, and Elham tried not to grimace as the whiskey burned going down her throat.

"The coffee is shit here," she grumbled, eying the stack of waffles Nina had ordered for herself.

"Don't even think about it, Creed," Nina said, although she hadn't taken her eyes off her breakfast yet. "I'm starving. Drink your breakfast, darling."

Jesper took another swig, handing the mug back to her. "Drink it. You need something in your stomach, and you're stressing me out. Stop looking so anxious. I'm sure he's fine."

Elham scoffed, raising a hand to hit Jesper's arm. He caught it, giving her a playful grin. She glared back at him, ripping her arm from his grip.

"That's not what I'm worried about, thank you very much. It's the opposite, if anything. If any of us are going to survive this, my money is on him. What I am worried about is stepping out the door and getting swamped by Dime Lions. Not exactly what I would call a good start to my morning."

"Neither is day drinking," Inej mused, though she offered Elham a smile that was the first comforting thing she'd seen all day. "It's worse out there today."

Jesper rolled his eyes, taking the mug back from Elham. "Worse how? We had to sleep on that novice's floor. This body deserves a proper bed."

"Word is we also killed a constable," Inej said quietly, bracing herself for everyone's reaction.

Elham groaned, slumping against Jesper's side. He let her, which she was internally grateful for. He clearly was feeling the same way, slinging an arm around her shoulder.

"I have so many questions. How? Why? Who? Where? When? I guess...yeah. I guess that's all of them."

"Last night, after you escaped from the wagon–"

"I've got to tell you about that later, by the way," Elham interrupted, sitting up straighter. "A man lost two fingers by the time we got out."

Inej ignored her comment, although she made it a point to slide the mug closer to Jesper and further away from Elham. "Constable Sem was his name. Shot with his own weapon. Stadwatch are shaking down every informant they know."

"So, they're pinning this on Jesper?" Elham asked, slowly putting together the pieces.

"That's ridiculous. I would never shoot someone with their own gun. Besides, it's not even a good frame-up."

Inej nodded, pouring everyone a glass of water. Elham took her glass gratefully, giving Jesper a sympathetic look as he leaned back against the booth bench. She took a long sip before setting it down, resting her hand on his arm as she absentmindedly rubbed her thumb along the suede of his coat.