𝐁𝛐𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 | Nikolai Lantsov

18 | 𝐀 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐦

𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚

The stillness of the ship hung heavy in the air as we stood in the shadow of loss. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting an orange glow that painted the sea a fiery red, reminding us of the lives that had been extinguished. Despite the somber atmosphere, I couldn't shake my annoyance at Kaz Brekker, whose calculations seemed relentless, even in the face of tragedy.

"Let's not forget the dead, shall we?" I mumbled, crossing my arms over my chest as I shot him a glare. Kaz simply lifted an eyebrow, his cold demeanour unaffected by our surroundings. I couldn't understand how the man could remain so composed when everyone else was drowning in grief. After a brief moment of silence, he cleared his throat, a stark contrast to the silence around us.

"So, the money?" he said, his voice clipped like he was negotiating a trade for livestock. It was absurd, really. I scoffed, unable to contain my disbelief, and caught a flicker of mirth in Nikolai's blue eyes. As my gaze fell on him, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of warmth. With his blond hair tousled by the wind and a playful smile perpetually dancing on his lips, he was a refreshing contrast to Kaz's frigid persona.

The Heartender who had saved Nikolai's life stood nearby, rolling her eyes in a way that suggested she was all too familiar with Kaz's lack of social grace. I didn't know her name, but she had a fierce aura, matching her fierce instincts. After Kaz and Nikolai retreated into Nikolai's 'office' - a small hut on the ship that was likely filled with maps and secrets - I wandered over to the Heartrender.

"I owe you my life," I said sincerely, extending my hand. I was tired of feeling detached. We'd survived a battle together, and that made us allies, if nothing else.

"Amora," I added, nodding as she took my hand.

"Nina Zenik," she replied with a warm grin, which surprised me. I froze, a smile catching in my throat. "Nina Zenik? The Nina Zenik?" I exclaimed, my voice a bit louder than intended. I noticed Jesper approaching us, a curious glint in his eyes.

"Did you-?" I began, but Jesper was already bursting with laughter.

"Yep, that's her," he said smugly.

"My god, so the angry Fjerdan and the sixteen-year-old are part of this group?" I asked incredulously, tilting my head toward a tall figure with an impressive scowl, presumably the Fjerdan and a younger figure carrying an air of mischief.

"Hey!!" they both shouted in unison, deeply offended. A grin spread across my face. "What? It's not like you're married to them," I joked, crossing my arms playfully. "Right..?" I sought clarification, raising an eyebrow.

"No, we're just dating them," Jesper corrected me with a smirk. "You and the angry Fjerdan?" I questioned again, truly confused.

"What? No!" he replied, an exaggerated frown twisting his features. "Me and Wylan!" he said, pointing at the boy beside him, who waved shyly. I nodded along, connecting the dots as they clicked into place.

Just then, Nikolai and Kaz emerged from the office, their demeanour knowing and their expressions unreadable. Nikolai caught my eye and winked, and I felt my heart flutter in response. I grinned back, my cheeks heating up as I was caught in this moment of levity.

Nina playfully nudged me. "You like him," she teased, her brown eyes sparkling. Jesper, with an uncanny ability to eavesdrop, turned around in a millisecond.

"What," he exclaimed, his mouth dropping open in mock shock.

"What!!... no...?" I blurted out, desperately trying to deny it, but Jesper nudged me playfully too.

"You likeeeee himmmmm," he sang quietly, insistent.

"Quiet!!" I hissed, glancing around, hoping Kaz wasn't listening. I threw an exasperated look at both of them, but my heart raced nonetheless.

"So you do?" came a voice from behind. I jumped, startled. "JEEZ, Inej!" I said, nearly breathless. I turned to face her, my heart pounding for reasons beyond mere fright.

Inej smiled softly, a knowing glint in her eyes. "You're too easy to read," she said simply, and I felt the blood rush to my face like wildfire.

"Are you all plotting against me? This is a conspiracy!" I exclaimed, throwing my hands up dramatically, unable to suppress my amusement. Nikolai's laughter rang out, deep and genuine.

"Why not just admit it?" he suggested, stepping closer, his tall frame looming over me with a friendly challenge in his tone. "I mean, who wouldn't like a prince?" He smirked, his blue eyes glinting with mischief.

"Only if he knows how to dodge axes," I shot back, grinning, my sarcasm fulfilled. The group erupted into laughter, but the tension between Nikolai and me thickened with our banter, like threads weaving us closer together.

Deep down, past the sarcasm and the shared laughter, I could feel the weight of my feelings for him. There was something electric about his presence, a spark that ignited every time our eyes met. Yet, standing at the edge of a tumultuous sea, with dark forces lurking in the shadows, admitting my affection felt like treachery.

But perhaps that was Ravka for you - a place where shadows clashed with light, where secrets were entwined with bravery. As the waves crashed against the hull, I silently resolved to embrace both the chaos around me and my own tangled heart.

⎯⎯ ୨•୧ ⎯⎯