❝ 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 ❞ | kaz brekker

¹⁶ internal fights

❝ 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 ❞

internal fights

Before the plan went into motion, Kaz called Paedyn to the roof of the workshop. When she opened the door, she found Kaz standing by the edge, overlooking the city.

Gods, she hoped he didn't plant another explosive.

"Kaz," she said, announcing her arrival. He didn't turn around to look at her, he just kept staring out at Ketterdam. Paedyn closed the door and leaned against it, waiting for him to say something.

A few minutes passed. Then Kaz's head turned to the side. "Paedyn," he began, "do I need to worry about you walking away and taking the Heartrender with you?"

He didn't fully turn around, but Kaz did angle his head so he could see her.

"No," Paedyn replied, "Nina and I will wait till your mission is over. I'll let her meet with the Fjerdan before we travel."

"You'd really go back? You barely held yourself together on Arken's train."

"I need to, Kaz," his eyes softened at her tone, "I will not leave my sister over there. Of course, if she chooses to stay then I won't force her to leave, but I will see her again. I will make sure she's okay."

Kaz turned back to the city, his shoulders tense. "And if she chooses to stay, will you?"

"Will I what?"

"Stay. In East Ravka." Kaz still had his back to her, but she could see his hands gripping tightly to his cane. "Will you stay over there, letting the Fold separate my crows?"

Paedyn took a step closer. "I am many things, Kaz Brekker. I am the Raven of Ketterdam, Tidemaker of Os Alta, your archer, and your crow. If my sister chooses to stay, then that is her decision. East Ravka has always been her home. But it is far from mine. Ketterdam is my home. And I will return home, as a crow does to its nest."

Kaz turned around to face her, fully now. His lips parted as if he were going to speak, before they closed suddenly again. Paedyn felt why. The little hairs on the back of her neck, reminding her the Wraith was near.

"Inej," Kaz began, "What did you find?"

"There's a doorman even after hours, and a pair of roving guards in the halls. But I can get you in through a window if Nina watches the front."

Kaz nodded. "If this goes sideways, tell the others to regroup at Black Veil. Get the Heartrender. We leave in ten."

"No," Inej replied, straightening her shoulders a bit. "Not until you tell me what happened between you and Pekka."

"All you need to know is that I have a reason."

"There's enough secrecy in this crew as is," Inej argued.

"Secrecy is the only way to survive the Barrel."

"Kaz," Paedyn began, "We can't keep following you blindly. At some point, we'll get lost."

A muscle in his jaw twitched and he gripped his cane even tighter. "You're not blind. You know what's at stake."

Inej sighed. "Trust is the other side of secrecy, Kaz. Remember that."