❝ 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 ❞ | kaz brekker

⁰⁵ the fold

❝ 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 ❞

the fold

The darkness ahead caused Paedyn to stop in her tracks. Though she couldn't hear them now, the shrieks of the volcra were still in her memories. She didn't even try to hide her fear, knowing that the Conductor was leading them towards their way across. 

Inej's fingers wrapped around Paedyn's arm, tugging her along. A big sisterly move, although Paedyn could see that Inej herself was frightened too.

"We're almost there," The Conductor said with a wave of his hand, urging them forward. 

"Where the hell is Jesper?" Kaz spoke under his breath from the other side of Paedyn, shielding her view of the Fold with his height. The goat was tucked under his right arm, which was next to her. She shakily reached out a hand, petting the head of the animal. Kaz glanced down at her, noticing the fear radiating off of her. 

He chose not to comment on it, seeing Inej just as fearful. The three crows continued to follow Arken's torch light through the darkness. Darkness cast by the lack of the sun in the sky, because there was a sky above them right now, not just pure darkness. Paedyn kept reminding herself of this as they walked.

"Just a little further," Arken said, encouraging them to continue on.

Paedyn's eyes were still focused on the goat, seeking comfort from it when Inej spoke up.

"Landmines."

Paedyn's gaze was ripped from the goat, landed on the sign Inej stared at. The trio stopped walking as the goat bleated. Arken ignored the sign, continuing on. He might've left them there too, if not for Kaz.

"We'll wait. Follow the path that you carve."

Arken stopped and turned around, sparing only a glance at sign. Paedyn took note that he was unbothered by it. "That sign, that was my idea to keep people away. Can't be too careful. We're fine. Come."

"He didn't say no." Paedyn whispered, looking up at Kaz. He was already looking at her and nodded at her whisper.

He took the first step towards Arken. Paedyn and Inej were quick to follow, keeping the line of three they had right behind the Conductor. 

"It's one thing hearing about it, but this is...," Inej commented, her eyes locked on the fold. Paedyn glanced towards it again, finding herself eye to eye with Kaz's shoulder. As if he was half a step ahead of her, blocking the Fold from her direct line of sight. Of course, she could still see it from around Kaz's shoulder, but Paedyn appreciated the thought.

"Nothing compared to what lies within," Arken added. Paedyn gulped, resting a hand tightly on Inej's left hand, the one she had gripped to her arm.

Lightening wasn't visible from the outside, but from the thunderous sounds, Paedyn was more than positive that a dark storm was awaiting them. 

The Conductor led them over a set of tracks and to a metal-boxed vehicle.

"What the hell is that?" Paedyn spoke, fighting to keep herself steady as the Fold's thunder boomed.

"Your way across the Fold. As requested," Arken said, looking to Kaz and not her. "So, goat, jurda, thank you. Now we're just waiting on-"

"Wait for me!" Jesper shouted, followed by many gunshots.

"They can't see the train!" Arken hissed, dousing the light of his torch. He gestured for Paedyn to get inside as Kaz and Inej barked at Jesper to leave his lantern and hurry.