𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐱, Kaz Brekker & Inej Ghafa

Chapter 1

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Irina never wanted to be someone people feared. All she ever dreamed of was a normal life: to grow up, fall in love, and maybe even have a family one day. But the Saints had other plans. They marked her as different, as dangerous, and as something the world would never let her forget. They made her Grisha.

She was only ten years old when the testers came to Ketterdam. Other children had waited their whole lives for this moment, hopeful for a destiny that would elevate them above the mundane. Irina and her friends, however, wanted no part of it. They hid, hearts pounding, tucked away in the shadowed corners of their favorite alley.

But their hiding spot wasn't enough. One of the testers found them, dragged them out into the sunlight, and subjected each of them to the ritual that would determine their fate. Irina could still feel the tester's cold hands on her wrist, the anticipation building as they touched her arm. And then, when her powers revealed themselves, everything changed.

She was Grisha. A Phoenix Summoner, they told her-a power so rare it hadn't been seen in centuries. She had no time to understand what it meant before they ripped her away. Kaz and Inej fought for her, their small hands clutching hers desperately as the testers dragged her toward the waiting carriage. Their cries still echoed in her mind, haunting her on sleepless nights.

She was taken to the Little Palace, where she stood trembling in front of the general himself. The fear in her eyes must have been unmistakable, but it did little to sway the stoic man before her. He tested her powers without hesitation, cutting her arm to reveal the light within.

That day was burned into her memory: the way the fire erupted from her wound, golden and brilliant, as though the Saints themselves had reached out to touch her. It was the day she learned what she was-and the day she became someone to fear.

The other Grisha whispered about her in hushed voices, their gazes wary whenever she passed. They called her cursed, unnatural. The Phoenix Summoner who burned too bright for the world to bear.

Irina tried to escape the Little Palace, desperate to return to Ketterdam and the life she had been stolen from. Her first attempt had been her boldest. She slipped into the woods at midnight, running as fast as her legs could carry her, her heart pounding with the thrill of freedom. But just as she reached the edge of the forest, she was caught. The general and his guards had been returning from a mission, their lanterns cutting through the darkness like blades, and they dragged her back without mercy.

Each subsequent attempt ended the same way. Over and over, she tried to reclaim her freedom, only to be met with failure and punishment. Eventually, she gave up. The palace became her prison, and she was placed under constant supervision. Guards monitored her every move, their watchful eyes a constant reminder that escape was futile.

For others, being Grisha was a blessing, an honor bestowed by the Saints. For Irina, it was a curse.

One afternoon, Irina sat by the window of her vezda suite, watching as the other Grisha laughed and chatted in the gardens below. They lived their lives so freely, so unburdened by the fear that consumed her. Her fingers absently traced patterns on the glass, her mind far away, lost in memories of a life she couldn't return to.

"You know, you should really spend more time outside and get to know the others," a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

Startled, Irina turned to see Genya standing by the door. She must have been there for some time, her arms crossed as she watched Irina with quiet concern. How had Irina not heard her come in?

"How long have you been standing there?" Irina asked, narrowing her eyes.

Genya raised an eyebrow. "Long enough. I knocked, by the way. You didn't answer, so I figured I'd come in and make sure you hadn't escaped again."

A small smile tugged at Irina's lips. She'd trusted Genya enough to tell her about her past escape attempts, fearing she might leave her too, just as everyone else seemed to. But Genya had stayed. She was the only one who hadn't turned away, the only one who dared to call herself Irina's friend.

"You know," Genya said, walking further into the room and looking around with a hint of awe, "I'm kind of jealous. This room is amazing. A high ceiling, a chandelier-what more could you want?"

Irina smiled faintly, but it quickly faded as she looked down at her hands, her thoughts clouded with sadness. Genya noticed immediately, her expression softening as she reached out to place a comforting hand over Irina's.

"What's wrong?"

Irina hesitated, unsure if she could put her feelings into words. But Genya's gentle squeeze gave her the courage to speak.

"I miss my friends," Irina admitted, her voice breaking slightly. "It's been six years, Genya. Six years since I've seen them. I can't stop thinking about them. All I want is to be with them again. I never asked for this... for any of this."

Her voice cracked, and tears spilled down her cheeks as she continued. "I'm trapped here. I can't leave. I'm stuck in this gilded cage while everyone else gets to live their lives. It's not fair, Genya. I don't want to be here anymore. I just want to escape, even if it's just for a little while. Just a few hours."

Genya's heart ached for her friend. Irina's pain was palpable, her words laced with a desperation that Genya couldn't ignore. For a moment, the room was silent, save for Irina's quiet sobs.

Then, an idea sparked in Genya's mind. A sly smile spread across her face as she looked at Irina, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"Wait for me in your room tonight," she said, standing up and smoothing her skirts. "4:30. Don't leave. I have an idea."

Irina furrowed her brow, confused. "What are you planning?"

Genya smirked but didn't answer. "Just be ready. And make sure you eat something before then."

Before Irina could protest, Genya was gone, the door clicking shut behind her.

Irina stared after her, bewildered. "I don't think I'll be leaving my room anyway..." she muttered, sinking back into the couch with a tired sigh.

Whatever Genya was planning, it had better be worth it.