Sunshine and Shadow - A Darklina Fanfic

Overthinking things

Alina's POV:

Alina you've made a terrible mistake. I thought as I walked through the halls of the Grand Palace. 

A home that never belonged to me. I noticed the Lantsov family flag had been replaced with a black flag and the Darkling's symbol.

I was rash- and I didn't want to hear anymore of what he was saying, whether it was a lie or not.

Aleksander's mood varied throughout the day, depending on who he talked to or whatever he was doing.

He led me through the long, twisted hallways and stopped at a room with black double doors.

"Our quarters." He announced to me, almost proudly, or as if he was boasting.

He held open the door for me as I walked inside. What I saw was expected, very familiar to his quarters in the Little Palace. 

It was dark, and all the decor was a mixture of black, greys, and other dark colors.

My heart did a little flip of fear when I saw there was only one bed.

Oh no- I'm not ready for this, I don't want to do this at all. I thought as a deep feeling of dread settled in my heart.

I shook those thoughts away. This was for Ravka. For my friends. For everyone on our side. Finish the battle.

Aleksander lightly placed his hand on my back when he closed and locked the door. 

"Don't worry, my Alina. We will only be seen going into our bedroom together, like a proper King and Queen." He sighed while tracing his fingers along my back. "When you're ready, you can sleep with me." 

"Uh-" I nodded quickly, "Thank you."

Aleksander grabbed my hand as he led me nearby his bed, and pushing a tile on the wall that revealed a door handle.

"This is the way to your bedroom," He said as he opened the door and stepped in. The room was  the same except more light was let in through the windows and the bed was a dark grey color.

I had a strange sense of déja vu, the room reminding me of the one I had in the Little Palace.

Aleksander must've done this on purpose, but why?

"It looks a lot like the room I used to have in the Little Palace." I said as I let go of Aleksander's hand. 

"I thought you would like a reminder." He replied, not meeting my eyes. "Anyways, I would advise for you to get some rest. We're expanding the fold tomorrow."

---

"Alina, Alina- Alina!!" Mal shouted as he ran through the fire. "We can escape through here!"

Our group all went through the little escape route the Apparat had used to escape the Grand Palace, eager to be free from the battle. 

The pilgrims followed behind, the young and old, carrying guns and weapons, almost all of them badly injured.

"Take my hand, Alina." A voice said, echoing throughout the dark tunnels.

And then there was the Darkling and his nichevo'ya.

---

I let out an ear-piercing shriek as I push the covers off, and I realize there are hands on me.

I create a searing orb of light that explodes, and I hear a shout.

"Alina stop!" The voice says, and the light turns on. It's Aleksander.