OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAEPEJIAWEJOAIJEWIOEIJWAO Crossing Lines Is

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAEPEJIAWEJOAIJEWIOEIJWAO Crossing lines is just PERFECT!!! HOW DARE YOU END LIKE THAT, GOD LORD, ARE YOU LISTEN MY SCREAMS FROM BRAZIL, BECAUSE I'M!!! ALL SEXUAL TENSION, I'M IM I... *Pass out*

AHHH THANK YOU!!! so sorry to leave you there but i needed to for what im planning!! hehehe muahhahah

another banger 😌✨

Half Light Ch. 2  (Darkling x Reader)

Summary: Reader becomes a spy for West Ravka, after certain events unfold she is sent to spy on the Darkling and derail his plans to attack.

Warnings:

Word Count:

Masterlist

Author’s Note: For the purpose of consistency and the timing of my plot, the journey from Kribirsk to Os Alta is about 

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Keep reading

I’m sorry that all of that happened. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. I hope you have a better day tomorrow and if you need someone to listen/rant to I’m always down to listen.

thank you!! i appreciate this so much! my askbox is such a bright place for me especially on days like today :))

Would you write a Kaz Brekker request where the reader is a bookworm and a crow and basically Kaz asks the reader to read to him as his way of apologizing after a argument that was his fault?

 it ​​a/n i did something kinda similar in a 'promise of rain' blurb,, but this concept is so cute to me:)) love it sm i moved it up my request cue lol

also IM IN COLLEGE NOW!! WHAT?? AND IVE BEEN TO A PARTY! AND IM JOINING A SORORITY AND I DID DRAMA AUDITIONS AND AHH !! SO DIFFERENT! I MISS MY MOM AND SISTER AND DOG AND EVEN MY DAD BUT IM HAPPY HERE!! 

also im a little worried this might not portray kaz superrrrr accurately bc it's been awhile so just let me know,, feedback leads to improvement:)) also kinda set this up for a part 2 bc...well youll see 

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They've always said a lot of things about him, and I've always heard them. But I've never quite believed them. Sure, I get why the dark things that have flourished in the poisoned soil that is Ketterdam consider Kaz Brekker the darkest thing of all. I understand the nickname 'Dirtyhands' for the gloved criminal who has fooled each crime boss at least once. I understand each terrible thing they've said about him.

But I've never agreed with them. I've never even considered agreeing with them. Until today.

The thought that maybe everything people say about him is correct in a simple context struck me worse than the silence after our argument. It made me feel like both a fool and hypocrite. Kaz and I have had our fair share of spats over the relatively short time we've known each other, but never like this. Never so badly he stormed out of the room before I could. I squeeze the book in my lap even harder, desperate to focus on the words on the pages.

You didn't hurt him. He walked away because he decided you weren't worth the cost of his expensive time. I repeat those thoughts in my mind over and over again, letting them bitter me further. It's a lot easier to be mad than hurt. A lot easier to fuel your pain than try to understand your mistakes. Besides, tiredness is already dredging around in my chest and if I don't calm down a little I won't be able to fall asleep.

I had escalated the fight more than I should have. Knowing Kaz is like performing in a tightrope act. One must always be aware of where they're going. Watching what's in front of them without ever thinking too much about what's beneath or behind them. Today though, when I needed my balance most I chose to fall. I chose to dive, and apparently there was no net.

"Oh, you're doing that thing."

I roll my eyes at Jesper's voice as I fight down a yawn. I wipe my face with the back of my palm before turning. The burning behind my eyes never resulted in full tears, but I feel better after doing so. "What thing?"

"That terribly noble thing where you find it in yourself to take full blame for every single conflict you and boss man fall into." The slight humor in his voice is enough for me to roll my eyes again. "Between you and me, I'm sure the reason he's so angry now is because you didn't do that for once."

I press my lips together as my chin angles itself upwards slightly. "I never do that." He raises an eyebrow. The slight sympathy that colors the look is more offensive than his accusation. "If I pick and choose my battles, it's for good reason."

"Clearly."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

He shrugs once before further entering my room. I say nothing when he sits at the foot of my bed. "Oh, you know," Jesper stretches back casually, resting his back against the wall and extending his legs, "You and Kaz--Kaz and you."

Has he been drinking? Perhaps he's not here because of my unusual absence from downstairs after my fight with Kaz but because he's already too tipsy to think right. "What?"

At my confused look he grins, flashing all of his teeth with an arrogance that outshines the whiteness of them. He taps the still open book in my lap. "Let me put it in terms you'll understand." Jesper sits up a little further, amusement clear in his features. "You two make a shameful Elizabeth and Darcy--"

"Oh, shut up," I groan, glaring at him, "This isn't Pride and Prejudice. And Kaz and I," Jesper's smugness returns when I can't quite think of what I want to say, "We're barely friends--we're barely anything, let alone what you're implying."

Jesper pulls his legs up and shoves me gently. "Dearest, y/n," he ignores my glare, "You should know better than anyone that 'barely friends, barely anything' with Kaz is more than it is with anyone else?"

"That doesn't mea--"

"You two say goodnight to each other." Once. Kaz and I said good night to each other in front of Jesper once. How dare he assume it happens regularly? He's right, but that doesn't mean I'm okay with it. "You play cards with him. Not for money, not for skill--"

"It's for practice." The look Jesper gives me is enough to tell me that my defense didn't land.

Damn him for ever finding Kaz and I on one of those strange nights. One of those nights in which he lurks at the stairwell...the one that divides my room and his attic. One of those nights in which it feels like he's a phantom and I'm the only one that can really see him. A night in which we both silently find each other.

I couldn't quite believe it the first time it happened. I'm not exactly a Crow--I don't feel enough a connection to the Dregs to join them without some kind of guarantee--but I was needed for some obscure job. but I was needed for some obscure job. The Crows needed an insider who could blend into high society, and I needed a place to stay away from my father.

It worked. I worked. And with each passing day I found myself enjoying the Crows more and more. That's why I stayed. That's why I started checking the stairwell practically every night, a set of playing cards in my hand.

The first time had been awkward. I couldn't sleep and my room felt too quiet, but the rambunctious club felt too loud and a little unsafe considering the hour. So I settled for the only space in between. When Kaz found me sitting on the steps and playing a solitary card game I had been so stunned by embarrassment I just offered to deal him in. I had been more shocked when he silently accepted my offer.

"Practice?" Jesper repeats. "You were laughing, I heard you."

"That was one time--how do you know we didn't just happen to play cards together the one time you saw it?"

"Because you laughed about a play you considered 'predictable'."

Sighing, I sit up a little straighter. "I'm not having this conversation. Occasionally saying 'goodnight' to someone who lives in the same space I live in and sometimes playing cards with said person because we both happen to be up at a certain time doesn't mean anything."

"And the way he looked at the contact that was flirting with you?"

Oh...this conversation again. "For the last time, the contact wasn't flirting with me. We had to dance to blend in and when he leaned towards me to whisper in my ear...it was to tell me the intel Kaz just had to have."

"And when he tucked that strand of hair behind your ear?"

"He just wanted to sell our cove--"

"Y/n, he kissed your cheek and I'm fairly certain he would have kissed you if Kaz and I hadn't made it to the corridor at that second."

Why is everyone so obsessed with what would have never happened? The contact had been attractive, tall with fair eyes and hair. But it's not like I feel anything for him, nor would I have been so foolish during a job. A fact that Kaz refuses to believe. I'm tired of this argument...I'm just tired. This job required me to start getting ready early in the morning and lasted long into the night.

"I wouldn't have kissed him and even if I had, the fact that Kaz is so mad about feels...sexist." A stupid argument, considering that Kaz couldn't care less if the person he's working with is female, male, or anything in between because the only thing he cares about is profit. "It's a stupid thing to be mad about, but you hit on anything with a pulse at any time and--"

"I resent that--"

"For the first two weeks I was here I thought you might've been a prostitute."

I can feel him holding in a laugh. "Did you at least think I was a good prostitute?" When I glare again, he finally actually laughs. "Not the point--got it."

"Then what is the point? You're bored and obsessed with gossip so now you're shaking me for information you don't need."

"The point is you're oblivious." Rude...I move my leg in a weak attempt to push him off my bed. Jesper catches my ankle easily, ignoring my attempt at a fight. "You thought the contact was only doing his job and you don't know the real reason that Kaz blew up at you for the first time the way he blows up at everyone."

"Okay, well since you know everything, tell me why he's mad."

He lets out a sigh like he can't believe I even needed to ask that. "It's not the best look that the first time you let him pick a fight with you happens to be about some guy."

...Maybe he is drunk? "Don't be so cryptic. I don't like you enough to put up with that."

Jesper half-sighs again before pushing himself off my bed. "I'm going to pretend I think you're smart enough to piece things together from that."

"Asshole," I mumble instinctually as he walks towards my door. "Are you not telling me because I tried to push you off the bed?"

He turns when he reaches my door in order to lean against my door frame. "It's not not because of that." I should throw my book at his head. "In all seriousness, think about it. If you don't you'll either kill each other or kill me."

Ugh...he's so confusing. This time, I let him go. He leaves he door open, which is beyond annoying. I stand up to close it, promising myself I will focus on my book the second it's in my hands again. As I walk back towards my bed, my eyes land on the deck of cards on my nightstand.

Does it send a signal I don't want to send if I don't go the stairwell tonight? Do I want to send a signal? I don't know...actually, the only thing I know is that I don't want to think about this a second longer. I don't ease as I read, but my eyelids become heavier with each word they cross. I feel the weight of them as my focus slips, farther and farther away until I can no longer focus. When my eyes fall shut I can't bring myself to think or force them open.

--

I notice my surprised before I register that I've just woken up. Falling asleep feels so far and yet the crick in my neck confirms the obvious. Rubbing the eyes with the back of my hand, I push my book from my lap and sit up. The only indication of how much time has passed is how much my bedside candle has melted.

How long have I been asleep? How did I manage to fall asleep? I thought I was too mad at Kaz to manage anything but pouting in my room. I hadn't even decided if I wanted to talk to him.

I stand even though I haven't decided anything. I should at least change if I want to go to bed. But is leaving this alone for even longer a bad idea? I think Jesper thought so...though my conversation with him is far from clear. It's not the best look that the first time you let him pick a fight with you happens to be about some guy. I'm going to pretend I think you're smart enough to piece things together from that. What does he want me to do with that?

Maybe he was partially intoxicated and felt the need to play the role of a good friend. Or maybe this is his idea of a joke.

Whatever--regardless of Jesper, I have a choice to make. A tiny part of me hopes it's insignificant, but I know Kaz enough to know that nothing is insignificant to him. He holds onto things the way he holds onto his kruge. Perhaps I'll seek out Inej, she seems to be the best at rationalizing. Though she might be asleep by now, or on a job or...I don't even know.

How late is it? Is it late enough to be one of the few hours Kaz claims to reserve for sleep? Maybe my bad luck is still around and he's already in bed for once. Does that mean his anger will extend to tomorrow?

I shouldn't care. It's not like I'm in the wrong. Did I escalate things? Maybe a little...but I won't apologize for defending myself. Even though that makes everything a little easier. I feel stuck, like in some kind of place of half sleep. A single knock at my door is enough to make me want to jump. I rub my eyes a little more firmly in hopes of waking up more before someone sees me.

I approach the door without worry. Maybe it's not as late as I assumed. Or maybe it's really early? I open the door while still fighting against my slight disorientation. I'm so focused on acting normal, I almost don’t register the person standing at my door. 

I don’t know who I expected, or what--maybe Jesper, much more tipsy than he was before, slumped against the doorframe, only knocking because he’s too tired to push the door open. Maybe even Inej, on her way here to deliver some kind of job or notice of dismissal. But it’s nothing I could expect. It’s...Kaz. 

The Dirtyhands stands at my door, expression as hard as ever yet something behind his eyes that burns the sleep away from me. “Uh--hi.” I bite my tongue to avoid cringing at that very awkward beginning. “Are you here to kick me out yourself?” The only response I get is the slightest shift of his gaze off of my face. “No? Well then I think I’m going to bed. It’s late.” 

My tone and words are clear. Get out of my doorway, I’m in no mood to go back to arguing.  When he still doesn’t say anything, I’m emboldened by my nerves. I push the door between us without breaking eye contact. 

Before the wood can meet the doorframe, he moves his cane, wedging it between us. “Y/n.” I don’t understand the way he says my name, but I’m certain he’s never said it like that. “I...” When he’s not prompted by the uncomfortableness of silence, I raise an eyebrow, my grip on the door tightening. “What I said shouldn’t have been said.” Wait--is he admitting fault? I’m so thrown I almost melt entirely. “Not to you.” 

The addition leaves him so lowly a part of me wonders if I’ve imagined it. I’m so thrown by it I don’t even think to reply until a long second has passed. “You seemed to believe the opposite a few hours ago.” 

His lips press together for a moment. “You didn’t ask me to play cards tonight.” He took that as intentional? At least that got me some kind of apology? I keep my mouth shut, greed making me want more information. I guess he must sense my silent tugging because he head inclines slightly. “Don’t push.” 

I fight down a grin. “Push what?” His only response to stiffen further. “I’m going to tell you something as a peace offering.” That seems to intrigue him in some way. I can’t tell if it’s a good kind of interested, but I note the slight raise of his eyebrows and his intentional silence. “I didn’t chose not to ask you to play cards.” He gives me no indication of anything, which is fair...considering my vagueness. “I was mad, obviously, and in the middle of deciding on a course of action...and then I fell asleep.” 

A long pause of silence. “You fell asleep?” 

I’m not sure if his incredulous tone should offend me or not. If I wanted to lie, I’d like to think he knows me well enough to know that I’d have thought of a better excuse than that. Or at least a less embarrassing one. “Yes, it’s not that difficult to believe. Today had been long and all I wanted to do was read, but then Jesper came in to say the oddest things and then leave me to...” 

Oh--oh. I guess there’s a reason people say to ‘sleep on’ something. Because now, actively remembering Jesper’s words for the first time since I fell asleep...I understand what Jesper was implying in the oddest way possible. He meant that Kaz and I...that perhaps there is a Kaz and I in a context that’s more than just grammatical. Wow. I really had to realize this with Kaz right in front of me. 

My face feels warmer than it did before, an irrational bout of anxiety forcing me to consider that me might be able to read impossible, embarrassing thoughts from my expression alone. 

“What did Jesper say?” I’m too lost in my own spiral of confusion and panic and some feeling I can’t recognize to register how Kaz asks his question. There’s an edge to it, an odd one, but that could easily just be Kaz. 

This is most definitely the last conversation we need to be having. I’m still mad at him for his earlier dramatics. So I just shake my head, feigning an exhaustion I could lose myself in. “Nothing and everything all at once.” I resist the urge to rub my eyes again. “I’m pretty sure he was drinking, and I wasn’t really listening. I was just trying to read.” 

Kaz’s expression hardens briefly as he takes in my words, and then he exhales, nodding once with the breath. “What were you reading?” 

My lips part instinctually, ready to spew off details about the latest novel that’s captured my attention. But before I can let myself take off, the reality of the situation strikes me directly in the chest. This is not Nina, or Inej, or even Jesper after what he considers a ‘good night’. This is Kaz Brekker, the man believed to not have a soul. I’ve spoken to him before about casual things, though most of the nights in which we end up playing cards or just sitting near each other are spent in silence. But he’s never prompted me before. Not in the one topic he knows is guaranteed to turn me into an overenthusiastic, gushing fountain of poor summaries and character analysis. 

I guess this is his peace offering. This shouldn’t warm the way it does. He was still unbelievably dramatic and treated me like I’m some kind of unreliable fool. “It’s late, and you know how I can be. I’d hate to keep you for nothing more than a poor summary and honestly, an embarrassing rant about plot or characters, because there’s just nothing as frustrating as when two people so clearly care about each other and both are too stubborn and oblivious to acknowledge it.” 

Kaz’s eyebrows draw together just enough for me to be able to make out a shift of expression in the poor light. Perhaps his lingering irritation is preparing to rear its ugly head. The corner of his mouth seems to threaten to tilt upwards as Kaz angles his head to the side slightly. “I can’t imagine that position.” 

No kidding. I bite my tongue to keep the sarcastic comment and awkward laugh that would sure follow it away. “Who can? That’s like half the point of reading.” 

How can interaction feel so over and just at its beginning all at once? I press my lips together to avoid filling the silence with things I’d no doubt instantly regret. It’s easy to be mad at Kaz in the moment. Too easy. But to stay mad at him when his temper has passed and he returns with some kind of begrudging and admittedly awkward and uncertain truce is another task entirely. 

“I’ve never understood your attachment to written words.” 

“It’s not about understanding, it’s about everything else.” 

“And you say I’m cryptic.” Is he...kinda almost joking? I straighten my spine, too tired to fight and too wounded to forgive. “There’s understanding in everything, nothing can survive on sentiment alone.” 

“If you read the way I did, you’d understand.” 

His lips press together as his expression remains unwavering in its hardness. “Read to me.” 

...Interacting with Kaz in any way often leaves me feeling like I’m wandering through unknown territory. But this, this is undeniably different. So different I can’t even think of a way to react. I watch his expression as cautiously as possible. He’s purely reserved, no distinction from the look he wears during business propositions. Except there’s a tightness I can’t quite understand.

Maybe it’s because I don’t want to fight anymore. Maybe it’s because exhaustion is leaving me partially delirious. Or maybe it’s the weird feeling in my chest that I can’t quite place. That I don’t want to place. “Okay.” I shift carefully. “If for no other reason then to prove you wrong.” 

Never did I think I’d end up in the position of sitting in my bed, book in hand, with Kaz Brekker sitting next to me. But here we are. I’m so tired, I almost let out a nervous laugh when he first walked in. So brooding and tall, gripping the head of his head cane as he sits at the foot of my bed, on my pastel quilt. 

I’m glad for the excuse to keep my gaze away from him and on the words in front of me. I read out loud, feeling more and more comfortable with each page I finish. But as my inhibitions slip away, so dos my hold on consciousness. My eyelids seem to grow heavier with each word that I read. 

“You’re falling asleep.” 

I straighten my spine on instinct. “Am not.” I’m not sure why I feel the need to deny something so simple. 

“You’re impossible.” 

From him, that statement is laugh worthy. “I’m impossible? Do you not remember earlier today?” 

From the way his jaw locks, I realize that he’s in no mood to be light about this topic. I don’t understand why. It’s not like I’m the one that wronged him. “I remember your lack of focus.” 

Keeping my hands at my side to avoid rubbing my eyes, I frown. “If you want to have this argument again, fine. Jesper is more ‘distracted’ than me half the time and you’re much more lenient on him. It’s not like I was flirting with someone or gambling or doing anything but having a two second conversation. One that I needed to have to get information that you wanted.” 

The last time we fought, I had more energy to restrain myself. This could be atomic. I hold my breath, waiting for Kaz’s retaliation. He exhales, eyes not meeting mine. “Arguing with you when you’re present is exhausting enough. It’s not worth it when you’re half asleep.” 

This angers me further. I hate that he’s right. “I’m not half asleep.” He leaves it at that. I glare even harder at him, slumping further into my bed. “But for the sake of argument, I’ll drop it. Something you’re incapable of doing.” 

At that, his eyes meet mine. I try to hold his gaze, but the harder I think about not seeming tired the more exhaustion slips in. A yawn escapes me before he looks away. Great. “I know when to lie in the grass in wait.” 

Rolling my eyes, I shift back slightly. He’s incapable of being less dramatic than this. Still, I can’t imagine the effort it’s taking on his part to not start an argument. Maybe this is why Jesper spent so long implying that there may be a Kaz and I in any capacity beyond a vague kind of friendship. “I’ll admit you’re tactful.”

“Resourceful people recognize that trait in other people.” 

Blinking twice, I lower my book slightly. Am I truly exhausted, or did he just compliment me in a way? “Careful, I may start to think you find me tolerable.” 

“Let’s not exaggerate.” Okay, now I know I’m exhausted because I think he might have just attempted a joke. Rolling my eyes, I decide not to acknowledge this lightness in fear that I’ll scare it away. “Y/n?” 

I press my lips together, worried about the destruction of our peace. “Yes?” 

“What did Jesper say to you? Earlier?” I pause, slightly unsure why we’re moving backwards. 

We’re in a decent place now, and I’d hate to ruin it. I’m too half asleep to lie eloquently. And it’s not like he’s an easily convinced man. “Oh, he said it so cryptically it took me longer than it should have to understand. And it didn’t help that it was something so...well, you might find it funny. As funny as you find anything, anyways.” Wow...I’ve spent such a long time talking. Rubbing the back of my eyes, I avoid his gaze. Exhaustion and awkwardness mix in my stomach oddly. “It seemed like he was trying to imply that you and I...me and you...” Why is this a difficult thing to say? It’s not like I was implying it and Jesper’s known for his oddness. “I think Jesper was implying that there was a you and I, or at least that there could be.” I’m too lost in a haze of almost sleep to watch his reaction. I let my head rest against my headboard even further. “Isn’t that odd?” 

He’s quiet for a long second, and then he finally speaks again. “Odd, even for Jesper.” The response doesn’t satiate me...what’s that about? I exhale, deciding that feeling is tomorrow’s problem. When I blink, I decide to let my eyes stay closed. Just for a moment. The sound of something shifting is what makes my eyes squint open. Kaz is standing, his expression unreadable as he straightens. “Goodnight, y/n.” 

At that, I sit up slightly, ignoring the exhaustion behind my eyes. “I haven’t finished the chapter.” 

“You’ve convinced me of enough.” A concession? How exhausted do I seem? My lips press together as I think of my next argument. Before I can get it out, Kaz leans forward. He grabs the quilt at the end of my bed and tosses it onto my legs casually. “Goodnight, y/n.” The meaning of his repetition is clear. His word is final. 

I find enough energy to manage a glare, but I pull the quilt over my legs anyways. “Goodnight, Kaz.”

LOVED LOVED LOVED

Half Light Ch. 4 (Darkling x Reader)

Summary: Reader becomes a spy for West Ravka, after certain events unfold she is sent to spy on the Darkling and derail his plans to attack.

Warnings: Very mild smut, suggestive language

Word Count: 3.2k

Masterlist

P.s. I may or may not have forgotten to proofread 🤦🏻‍♀️

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“You know it’s quite rude to stare Ms. Kirovsky.” The Darkling spoke as if he was amused by your sudden shock. He stared back at you, and let his eyes roam over your features. You almost felt nervous that he’d been having the same dreams and would recognize you, but Maria’s face was all he saw. What would he think of your actual appearance, you thought?

‘Shame, he’ll never get to see me.’

You regained control over your emotions effortlessly again and shoved your thoughts to the back of your mind. “I apologize, sir. You merely caught me off guard.” You said, calm and collected to make up for your previous lack of decorum. His lip twitched slightly at that, the faintest smirk gracing his face.

“Nothing to worry about, let’s get to business.” He motioned for you to sit back down as he crossed the room and sat opposite to you. While you sat back down you noticed him analyzing your face again, as if he was searching for something in your eyes. Maybe he wanted to find a tinge of insolence there, something to find a fault in you.

You watched him watching you for some moments before he opened his mouth to speak. His lips looked heavenly as did every other part of him. He brought a hand to his face and rubbed lightly at his beard, his hands were carved by the gods and you could only imagine how they would feel wrapped around your thighs and throat.

“As I understand it Ms. Kirovsky, you activated an explosion on the crossing of the fold that put all passengers aboard in danger. Do you care to offer any explanation for your actions?” His words were measured and calm, not at all what you’d expected from a man of his reputation.

“With all due respect sir, I was doing what was needed to survive. If I hadn’t had that inferni set off the blasting powders towards the volcra, I might not be here and neither would the rest of the Grisha on board.” He narrowed his eyes and took his time to think of a response. “Very well then. Would you like to comment on your skill with the assault rifle. Materialnik aren’t schooled in combat training, much less with the use of mortal weapons. What do you have to say about that?” His tone was both accusatory and smug, as if he was looking for a slip up. I’d have to lie to make up for my mistake, but in a moment of life and death there had been no other way out.

“I decided to take shooting lessons while I was on leave and I quickly gained skill. When the other volcra came upon us and I saw the rifle I took it as our only chance. I knew that the noise might attract more monsters, but I did what I thought was best.” You kept calm as you spoke, but inside you were waiting anxiously for his reaction. The Darkling on the other hand was feeling his intrigue for you rise quickly.

A materialnik that he’d never taken notice of, is all of a sudden the talk of the camp and he didn’t know what to make of you. Your looks were fairly common, dark hair and hazel eyes, but there was something there that he couldn’t put his finger on. A fire in you that came off in sparks every time you looked his way and opened your mouth to speak. You impressed him with your mannerisms and the way in which you carried yourself. Your lack of arrogance also had you one step ahead of everyone else brave enough to seek his attention. His interest had peaked and you wouldn’t leave his mind very soon.

Two minutes passed and the Darkling had yet to respond, all he did was stare off into space. You watched him carefully as he rolled his lip into his mouth, deep in thought.

‘I wonder what his lips would feel like?’ You shook yourself out of your dirty thoughts of a man you’d just met, right on time to see the Darkling look your way again.

“You’re dismissed Ms. Kirovsky. I think that your actions were adequate and the results far outrun the risk you took. I’ll have you escorted to a tent nearby, you should sleep as much as possible. We have a long road ahead of us tomorrow morning.”

You both got up from your seats and the Darkling stepped to the entrance of the tent where you heard him speaking to an oprichniki about taking you to the nearest available tent to his. He wanted you near him, but you couldn’t for the life of you decipher why. You wondered if he was still suspicious, despite having let any accusations go you knew you’d have to keep a low profile for now. The Darkling walked back over to you and took your hand in his. Though you didn’t move away, his touch startled you. His hands were big and cold in contrast you your warm ones but despite that, the gesture felt familiar and comfortable.

“One of my guards is waiting to take you to your tent and he informs me your luggage has already been delivered there. Goodnight Ms. Kirovsky, it has certainly been a pleasure.” He slowly brought your hand to his mouth and placed a small kiss to your knuckles. Your chest erupted into butterflies and you let out a shaky sight before smiling slightly. The Darkling smirked playfully and carefully dropped your hand.

“Goodnight, General.” Your gaze lingered on his black abyss eyes as you said it and you swore he’d put you in a trance. Backing away from him you made your way to the exit and gave one last look over your shoulder to find him staring back. You left the tent and were quickly escorted to your own. Once there you released a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding and let you shoulders unwind for the first time in days. The first part of your mission was over, you’d gotten through the fold and past the Darkling’s strange interrogation. Now, however, you couldn’t get your mind off of him. As you undressed down to you shift, you felt as if the more clothes you removed, the hotter your skin grew. You were flooded with images of the Darkling kissing your neck, his hands roaming your body while your eyes rolled to the back of your head in pleasure. Your knuckles still tingled from his kiss and you only wish he’d kissed your lips instead as you dropped into the cot that had been placed for you to sleep on. The feeling of need was growing and growing, but so did the drowsiness that was now catching up to you after an eventful day. The heat was becoming unbearable and you rid yourself of your night shift, as soon as your head hit the pillow again you were out.

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You opened your eyes and found yourself not in your tent, but a bed. A beautiful four poster bed amid a room painted forest green. The sheets were black silk and the posters of the bed looked golden and made for the gods. Bringing a hand up to your face you felt Maria’s features had disappeared and replaced by your own. You propped yourself up on your elbows to look around at that dark room and find a mirror when he came into view. The Darkling was half naked in front of you, with only his undergarments covering him. You opened your mouth to speak, but not before he climbed onto the bed and rested on the back of his feet. Behind him his vanity mirror confirmed your suspicions, the Darkling was seeing you as you were and nothing else.

“How are we here?” You asked him and his dark eyes focused on your face before moving to hover over you. He placed his large hand on your cheek and you couldn’t help but lean into his touch and kiss his palm. All the while gazing into his eyes. A small smile opened on his beautiful face as he started to speak.

“I don’t know. All I know is I can’t take my mind or my eyes off of you.” He said breathily. I let out a light sigh and pushed my head up to meet his. We stayed like that a few moments, noses touching and staring deep into each other’s gaze. “I need you.” You said in a slight whine, closing your eyes shut as you felt the hand holding your face move to the back of your head and push until your lips met. His lips felt like softness personified, two pillowy wonders sweet as honey and beautifully sinful. You swiped your tongue across his lower lip and he opened his mouth to you. Your tongues battled for dominance and he easily won. The hand that wasn’t holding you made it’s way to your hip and squeezed before sliding further down to your thigh. The Darkling slowly kissed you for what seemed like hours, and you couldn’t stop the small moans escaping your mouth at the wonderful pressure of having his body atop yours and his hands pressed against your thighs and face.

His lips wandered down to your jaw and then to your throat where he sucked marks into your skin before licking and blowing cool air onto them. Heat rose in your chest and spread throughout your body, settling in your lower abdomen. Need was growing as his hands searched your skin for something to grab at, he landed on your breasts and palmed them through your clothes. You let out a pleased moan and lightly bit the spot by his jaw and sucked a matching mark onto him. The Darkling groaned at the gesture and came back up to meet your lips, he lifted his head and pressed your foreheads together before placing a chaste kiss to your nose, causing you to smile widely.“I don’t know what brought us here, but I thank it. You make me feel alive.” He whispered. You met his lips again and let yourself fall at his mercy. The hand on your thigh started pushing your shift up to the apex of your thigh. But right as the Darkling’s hands reached your undergarments he backed away from your kiss to look at you.“Are you sure you want this milaya?” He asked, intently watching for you response. “Touch me, please.” You answered out of breath as his hands traveled further to where you needed him. Your knickers were pulled aside and …

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Your eyes slowly blinked open as a ray of sunshine hit you from above. There, streaming from a small opening at the top of your tent it spread across your face and made you feel it’s warm glow as you lifted your head to survey your surroundings. Your mind flooded with the memories of your dream and its abrupt ending. His touch felt so real and you were fully aware of your surroundings and body. You could clearly recall every touch made and word spoken, the look of the room and the darkling’s gorgeous figure. You got up and started getting dressed when you pulled out a mirror to check your appearance. Just as you’d seen in your dream, the tailored appearance you’d worn all these days had faded back into your own. You took a look at your features and studied them as you wouldn’t see them much over then next few months. A sense remorse and disgust fell over you at the thought of what you were doing, but you were already on this side of the fold, what use was lament now. You were pulled out of your thoughts when you scoured your throat for the mark you had a few days ago, only to find it was gone. A new one had taken its place though. On the other side of your neck there were two fresh bruises at the base of your neck and upon further inspection, you found a third just between your jaw and the bottom of your ear.

‘Just like the one I gave him to match.’ What was it about these dreams that made it possible for you to come back with proof of the nights adventures. The memories filled you niece more and your core aches just thinking of his hands touching you where you need him most. His long, deft fingers grazing your nipples on his way down to your heat. Only stopping to circle your clit and illicit wild moans from the deposit parts of you before sinking into your cunt, weepy with need of him. You subconsciously brought one hand to cup your breasts and the other to press on your pelvis in reaction to your sinful thoughts while your head hung back. The hand at your breast reached up to your lips and you wished he would come to your tent and see you there with the marks he’d created and take you.

A sharp whistle sounded outside your tent signaling for the soldiers in camp to rise. You were snapped into motion and grabbed the mirror again to begin your tailoring. Your fingers stretched to try and cover your hickeys, but you stopped thinking there’d be no use in trying and styled your hair to cover what your kefta could not. The silence that filled your tent was both relaxing after such an eventful morning, but also left your thoughts open to that little voice at the back of your head berating you for feeling so strongly about a man you’d only met once and who could easily lead to your untimely undoing. Despite all of that, the Darkling had taken up residence in your head, and wouldn’t be leaving any time soon. After packing away your things you grabbed your suitcase and walked outside and were met two oprichniki waiting for you. One of them stepped forward when they saw you and the other came to take your bag, at your confused look the first spoke up.

“Ms. Kirovsky, we are to escort you to the general’s coach, we are departing soon for Os Alta.” You nodded at his explanation and the three of you were on your way. The Darkling wanted you to ride in his coach, you couldn’t fathom why he would extend such courtesy to someone he’d only just met. You thought maybe he wanted to keep an eye on you for safety precautions, but even so you doubted he often offered other Grisha a chance to ride with him. As you approached the road where the coaches were stationed you could see the Darkling and the raven haired girl from yesterday talking. While he looked bored and done with the conversation, Zoya looked furious and her mild shaking didn’t help disguise that. When you were close enough for them to see you Zoya simply shot you a look disdain and disgust and left. The Darkling turned his head to look for you and as soon as your eyes met, something inside you softened and melted away altogether. You stopped a few feet away from him, but his carried him to you instead to fill the gap. “Ms. Kirovsky you look lovely today. After your brave acts to protect your fellow grisha on the crossing yesterday, I thought it only fitting to let you have a comfortable journey. I hope you won’t think it too forward of me.”

Not too forward at all, considering what I dreamt of you doing to me last night.’ You shook your head and looked up at his face before answering, there was a glint of something in his eyes, but you couldn’t quite figure out what. “You are not too forward General, and I thank you for your kindness. It has indeed been a tiresome couple of days and I truly appreciate it. Will anyone else be riding with us?” you asked, trying to see if he would also have invited Zoya to come along. Before you could think about it further, he answered your question in a very nonchalant way. “No actually, it’ll only be the two of us if that’s alright with you Ms-“ You stopped him in his tracks, if you had to hear him call you Ms. Kirovsky for what felt like the hundredth time you’d surely scream. “Maria is fine general and there’s no problem at all.” You stated your piece and just as soon, the darkling propped his hand out for you to grab and once you did you walked together to the pitch black coach and he helped you in before getting in himself. The man was clearly a gentleman despite his reputation and it helped ease your mind about him being unpleasant. The two of you sat together in silence for a few minutes until the horses started up. You were off to Os Alta and the Journey wouldn’t be easy. Especially having to sit through it with him at such close proximity and not being able to let your guard down for a second. Of course wanting to jump his bones on sight didn’t exactly help either.

The ride went by fairly easy and you shared conversation back and forth, talking about what you or rather Maria had done while on leave and you told him everything you had read in her file about her time in Novo Kribirsk. The Darkling told you about some new developments of the war as well as mentioning the tragic loss of his Sun Summoner and most valued heartrender Ivan during the attack orchestrated by Zlatan. In that instance you recalled what your general had told you about the attack and how heartless and cold he came off as when he told you the details. You could only imagine and pity the poor girl who was murdered for greed, just like the one you were posing as now. By sunset you were exhausted of just sitting there, but luckily the Darkling informed you they would e stopping soon to hunt some dinner and stretch before trekking on to a nearby inn for the night. You quickly expressed your gratitude and he laughed a small laugh at your enthusiasm over getting out of the coach for a bit. In the midst of laughter between the two of you though, you noticed something. With the last rays of sunlight shining through the window and onto his perfect face you saw it. A small dark bruise, identical to yours and in the same exact spot you had placed it the night before in your so-called dream. The realization shook you to your core, but the expression of shock left your face as soon as it came and you smiled at the man in front of you as if nothing wrong was going through your head.

He had marks like you, but did that mean he was actually there. Did he see you too in those ultra realistic “dreams”? Or were you just going insane.

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Heyyy all, so I love how this chapter turned out and I hope you all love it as well. My posting schedule isn't really working out as I'd hoped, but I will try to get out chapters not too far apart. I'm starting a new semester of classes soon so my schedule will be a bit hectic, but I promise to update as soon as possible since I also work. Love you guys so much and thank you for your support. xoxo

- V

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congrats on 1k!! you deserve it! <3

thank you!!! this is so nice :))