Our Fractured Souls | Kaz Brekker

[19]

Jesper

Jesper checked on Viktorya every morning and every night.

The idea that the ambush on the docks might simply be the end of her life had shaken him.

Despite Nina's efforts, he'd been fairly sure the Reaper wasn't long for this world.

But when Jesper heard Nina's squealing racket down in the storage room, and barged in to see the red-haired, bl-eyed assassin laying, eyes open on the table he found it hard to contain himself.

It was even better now, when he arrived and found her sitting upright, clothed in her usual breeches, leather vest, and dark hooded tunic.

Nina was bent over, struggling to fit the girl's feet into a pair of rubber soled boots, not unlike the slippers Zahra and Inej wore all the time.

He sighed out breathily, a serene sense of happiness overcame him as he watched his friend. "You know, Vik. I'm so glad you're not dead."

She gave a small laugh, and a faint grin. "No more than anyone at least. But thank you anyway, Jes."

"If you're spouting depressing Suli or Shu...or something wisdom then you must be really feeling better." The sharpshooter remarked.

Nina shot him a glare. "Don't just stand there." She groused. "Help me get these things on her feet."

Viktorya let out a disgruntled sigh. "If you would just let me-"

"Do not bend." Nina snapped. "Do not leap. Do not move abruptly. If you don't promise to take it easy, I'll slow your heart down and keep you in a coma until you've recovered fully. And absolutely no sword messing until you've fully healed."
"Nina Zenik, as soon as I find out where you've put my swords and knives we're going to be having some words."

"The first ones had better be 'Thank you oh, great Nina, for dedicating every waking moment of this miserable journey to saving my sorry life."

Jesper expected Viktorya to laugh and was instead startled when she took Nina's face between her hands and said, "Thank you for keeping me in this world when fate seemed determined to drag me to the next. I owe you a life debt."

Nina flushed deeply. "I was teasing, Viktorya."

She paused, "I think we've both had our fair share of debts."

"This is one I'm glad to bear." Vik smiled softly.

"Okay, okay, when we're back in Ketterdam, take me out for Waffles."

Now Viktorya did laugh. She dropped her hands and appeared to speculate.

"Dessert for a life? I'm not sure that seems equitable."

"I expect really good waffles."

"I know just the place," said Jesper. "They have this apple syrup-"

"You're not invited, girls only. We'll be taking Zahra and Inej." Nina brushed him off. "Now come help me get her standing."

"I can stand on my own." Viktorya grumbled as she slid off the table and rose to her feet.

"Humour me."

So with a sigh, Viktorya gripped the arm Jesper offered, and the three of them made their way out of the cabin and up onto the deck, Nina trailing just behind.

"This is foolishness." Vik was grousing bitterly, "I'm fine."

"You are." replied Jesper, "But I may keel over at any moment, so pay attention."