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Moon Helios

A/n: Warning there are a few triggers and stuff. I’ll place them below. The font below is Fjerdan. Enjoy

꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꈤ꓄ ꀤꌗ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ

Word count : 1.5k plus

Series trigger warnings include: Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act l : The academy 

Chapter One

Cold and dark was all the academy was. The training of a helios was hard and many died trying. Children taken for their extra ordinary abilities. Children willing to protect what is there’s without a doubt. 

Children made into Helios’s. A girl sit in a circled arena with her eyes closed breathes in and out. Her h/c hair pulled up and into a tight braid. A figure approached her with a dagger in their hand. 

The figure charged at the girl coming into the torchlight. The girl stops the dagger with one movement of her hand and brought the figure to the ground. 

The s/c girl opened her eyes to reveal cloudy white eyes. The figure opened her eyes as well to reveal the same cloudy white eyes. The girl pressed against the ground was shorter than the h/c girl. 

“Really Isla?” The h/c asked the dark skinned girl underneath her. Isla rolled her eyes even though she knew her friend couldn’t tell. She tapped against her friend’s shoulders three times.

“Off Y/n.” Is what those three taps meant. Y/n got off Isla and help her off the ground. Around Isla’s neck was a small device that made small clicking sounds. 

“Where’s your ribbon?” Isla asked using her clicker. Y/n wrapped a blue ribbon around Islas wrist. The ribbon was long enough the two girls could have their own space but short enough to make sure they stayed together.

Isla’s nappy was pulled into a ponytail with some loose curls out of it. Y/n gasped onto Isla hand and began to guide her through the sanctuary. All Helios’s in training had their sight taken away from them so that they could train from nothing.

Isla was different though. She didn’t have a voice to speak. Without her voice she was at a bigger disadvantage than most other students. Y/n made it her mission to protect and help Isla.

Isla was a great beauty. With an innocent and kind face. She was very small and stealthy. While Y/n although also was beautiful she was more strong and the better fighter. The two girls were opposite.

Isla sweet and kind. Always ready to help. Y/n angry and protective. Always ready to defend. In many ways the reason Y/n felt so close to Isla was because she reminded her of her sister. Alina. Alina was sweet, and kind. Always needed Y/n’s protection. 

As the pair walked through the halls Isla kept a tight grip on Y/n’s globes hand. Suddenly Y/n stopped and Isla frozen behind her. A taller boy blocked their path.

He was tall with messy black hair, the same cloudy white eyes, and fair skin. Niko was his name. Y/n knew he was an ugly boy even though she couldn’t see him. He just felt ugly. His presence made the girls want to throw up.He had a bronze chest plate, sword strapped to his back, and a smirk kept on his face. He blocked the girls path.

“If it isn’t the mute and the half-breed.” Niko announced. Y/n glared so fiercely at the boy even though he couldn’t see it. 

“Get out if our way.” Y/n growled her tone laced with annoyance.

Niko scoffed and crossed his arms. They were covered scars much like the two girls. Niko stepped closer to the pair. Y/n held her arm out protectively in front of Isla. Niko felt the movements of Y/n arm and smirked. Isla gripped onto Y/n’s hand as her guide. Y/n gently pulled Isla behind me body. Niko smirked as he moved, when he moved forward Y/n moved back. 

“The poor poor mute can’t do anything without her protector.” Niko mocked as he stepped forward. Then Y/n stopped backing up Niko stumbled into her chest. 

“Get out our way.” Y/n said glaring up at him. Niko stared down at her. His hatred for Y/n wasn’t well hidden. As a grisha how could he not hate Y/n. Niko placed his hand under Y/n chin with a smirk. 

“I like it when you beg.” Niko mumbled while he lean towards her. Y/n moved her eyes up. Untied the ribbon and pushed Isla back. Then Y/n’s fist collided with Niko’s jaw. 

“ꀤ ꓄ꂦ꒒ꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ ꓄ꂦ ꁅꍟ꓄ ꂦꀎ꓄ ꂦꎇ ꂵꌩ ꅏꍏꌩ!” Y/n growled mixing english with frjerdan. Niko turned his head towards Y/n with a glare he knew she could feel. More trainees entered the hall as the fight ragged on. Isla held onto the hall as she hear the grunts and groans of Y/n and Niko’s fight. 

Y/n was on top of Niko her bruised hand pummeling into Niko’s face. A set of heavy footsteps began down the hall but they were drown out by the cheers of the fight. Y/n couldn’t stop her anger had filled her glass to high.

Her fist wouldn’t stop. She’d pull her fist back and slam it back down. Over and over. She felt the vibrations of someone walking towards them. The closer the footsteps got the harder her fist became. Then she pulled her fist back and a strong hand held hers back. 

The grip on her hand was tight, but gently. The cheering had stopped, the hall had been filled with silence. Y/n dropped Niko with her other hand and looked up. He stood above her with a calm look. His brown eyes peered down into Y/n’s cloudy one. 

Egon Waldow stood above his prized student. Other Helios ran to the scene and watched as Egon pulled Y/n away by the hand. Isla felt Y/n getting pulled away, her vibrations were further and further. Isla went to follow her but one of the instructors stopped her and guided her away. 

Egon pulled Y/n by her arm into his rooms. Y/n didn’t struggle she knew the way even if she couldn’t see. She could never seen anymore. As Egon pulled her into the room her crossed her arms and steered down at her. 

“ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꍟꊼꉣ꒒ꍏꀤꈤ?” Egon asked his fjerdan accent coming through into his speech. Y/n stared down at her feet. Images of the room flooded into her mind as she looked away. Y/n moved towards a large table filled with papers and scrolls. Y/n gently picked up one of the scrolls.

“ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꀤꌗ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ?” Y/n mumbled softly in fjerdan. Her words weren’t as well pronounced as Egon’s but she was learning. 

“Those are not for you ꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ.” Egon explained while taking the scroll away. Y/n glared up at him while crossing her arms. She could practically feel his disappointment in her. He’d been training her better then that. He’d been training her to control her anger, her fury, her stupid temper. 

“ꀤ ꍏꂵ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꍏ ꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ.” Y/n whispered as she leaned against one of the chairs. She could see the enter room in her head like she always could. The bed was on the back wall. His bedside table is clean and tightly. The entire room is clean and perfectly organized. Egon tilted his head to the side. He gently grabbed her chin and had her look up at him.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꉓ꓄ ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꍏ ꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ, ꌗꂦ ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꉓꍏ꒒꒒ ꌩꂦꀎ ꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ.” Egon said while mixing English with Fjerdan. His dirty blonde hair was peppered with white. His calloused hands gently held her face. He stared down at her with a fatherly gaze. He didn’t want her to feel bad about what she’d done but she could be fighting like that. 

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꀤꀸ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꃅꍟ ꌗꍏꀤꀸ.”  Y/n whispered so softly she could barely hear herself.

“What?” Egon asked inching his face towards her. Y/n felt tears prickle her eyes as she pushed him off her. She bit her lip as her hands shock. 

“He was being an ꍟꌗꌗ! He called Isla a mute, he called her weak! It made me so mad. I really tried to stay calm, I promise I did. I told him to move and get out of my way. He wouldn’t listen to what I had to say! I didn’t mean to hit him I just hit him. I couldn’t stop my fist I was like I was possessed of something!” Y/n rambled quickly her voice shaking. She began to scratch at her neck as she stared away from him. 

Egon gently grasped her hands. Her hands were soft, not yet so rough as his. He stared down into her white eyes are tears weld up inside.

“ꀤ ꍏꂵ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꍏꈤꁅꋪꌩ ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꀤ꓄ ꃅꀤꂵ, ꀤ ꂵꍟꋪꍟ꒒ꌩ ꅏꀤꌗꃅ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꍏ꓄꓄ꍟꂵꉣ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꉓꂦꈤ꓄ꋪꂦ꒒ ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꍏꈤꁅꍟꋪ.” Egon explained. His voice was calm and collected. The tears fell down Y/n’s face. She crashed her arms around his waist as she buried her head. Egon sighed and wrapped his arms around his sobbing student.

Y/n sobbed into Egon’s torso, her tears dripping onto his shirt. Egon strokes her hair and whispers soothing words in her ear. Egon tells her that everything will be alright. Egon kisses her forehead and holds her close, offering her warmth and comfort in her moment of distress. Despite the sadness, there is a sense of bonding that comes from this moment as Helios master and his prized student lean into each other for support.

As he gently held onto her as she practically crumpled into his arms. Y/n struggled to breathe, this was too much. All she wanted was to go home. Back to Alina, back to Mal, back to the meadow. As if he could hear her thoughts he gently grabbed her face. 

“This is your home now, and you will be a Helios. You will serve our Sun summoner just like I do.” Egon said while holding her face up.

“Was it worth it?” Y/n mumbled as she stared up.

“What?” Egon questioned gently.

“Was it worth it? You gave your life for this. You gave up your religion, you gave up your family, your nation. Everything.” Y/n stared up at him. All she needed was to be to,d it was worth it. Then she’d do it. She’d continue going through hell for her Saint. Egon stared down at his face unreadable. 

Y/n could see through her blindness at the moment. Her sight had come earlier then most. She could see through her mind unlike many of her competitors. But now she was just blind. Egon lend down and kissed her forehead.

“For our saint, it was all worth it.”

Moon Helios

a/n : If the abuse of children for cultish reasons triggers you it’s a heavy theme in this story and in this chapter so please READ AT YOIR OWN RISK. The font bellow is fjerdan. But please enjoy 😉

꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꈤ꓄ ꀤꌗ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ

Word count: 1.3k plus

Series trigger warnings: Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act I :  Burn Marks

Chapter Two

The children stood in a straight line. Y/n’s hands were bandaged and Isla held tightly onto her hand. The blue ribbon was tided loosely so that if one of them were Calle they go leave without issue. 

Niko glared over at Y/n. His right eyes blackened and ugly. His fist were clenched as he stared at her. There teachers instructed the older students and the younglings were allowed to socialize for a moment. Niko with two other boys walked right up to Y/n and Isla. 

Y/n sighed and took in a deep breath.  Breathe in deeply and ignore Y/n thought to herself. Isla headed onto Y/n as the two girls looked at  Niko. 

“Mute and Half-breed.” Niko greeted as though he was speaking kindly. Y/n dug her finger nails into her palms. 

“What is it Niko?” Y/n asked. Niko took a step forward and Y/n didn’t move. Isla could sense the high emotions. Niko was pissed Y/n had embarrassed him so badly. It was a fair enough fight. Niko was much larger in size, he could have overpowered Y/n. He just never could. 

Y/n was annoyed that out of all their classmate Niko would always pick on her and Isla. 

“How would you like a matching black eye today in training?” Niko questioned with an agonizing tone. Y/n let out a small dry laugh. She rolled her neck and stepped forward. She glared up at Niko with a fury in her cloudy eyes. 

“Please, I don’t think this is a training exercise. They’re allowing us to socialize, they never allow us to do that if we’re going to fight.” Y/n amused. Niko furrowed his brows at her,observation. Y/n was right and he hated that. 

“Whatever they have us do today I will surpass you.”

“You can try ꀸꋪüꌗꀭꍟ.”

Niko clenched his jaw and was tempted to blast Y/n with the flames that lit the torches but Egon and Kanos called them all over. Y/n guided Isla over and Isla felt the anxiety surround everyone.

“Younglings today we will teach you of pain. The pain you will suffer under to protect of Saint. Andous come here.” Egon started. A shorter boy with copper skin, and bushy hair walked up to Egon.

Andous removed his shirt and was sat backwards. Kanos held up a smoking staff. Y/n’s sight came to her and she gasped. In her mind the images of what was about to transpire made her want to throat up.

Then it began. One after that other each youngling was brought into the chair and burned. There screams of agony only added to the horrors Y/n watched in her mind. No other youngling had learned to use their gift of sight. 

Tears streamed down Y/n’s face. The tears burned her skin leaving red streaks but Y/n held no care. She held Isla close to her. No, she wouldn’t allow them to touch her. Isla hugged tightly onto Y/n in fear of when her name would be called. 

“Niko.” Kanos called. Niko’s steps were shaky as he walked over to his teacher. Kanos smiled at his own prized student. As his shirt was removed his face held fear. A fear only the masters and Y/n could see. 

Then the smell of burning flesh invaded Y/n’s nose as she watched Niko’s pained expression. For once Y/n felt pity for him. Then he was pulled off and pushed into the younglings. Y/n stretched her one arm out on caught him.

She didn’t know why she caught him. She didn’t know why she held him as she felt his tears against her skin. While she was distracted Kanos pulled Isla away. Y/n tried to move to grab her but it was too late. Isla was out of her reach. All she could do was watch now. Isla wouldn’t scream, she couldn’t.

 Niko panted against Y/n’s surprisingly soft skin. Why and she caught him before he fell. Questions ran through his mind as the smell of Isla’s burning entered his nose. Y/n watched as they finished with Isla and she caught her as she fell. 

“Y/n it’s your turn.” Egon said almost mournful. Niko stood up a bit and looked down at Y/n. Isla sobbed against Y/n. Y/n kissed the top of Isla’s head and was about to set her on the ground when Niko’s hand grasped her shoulder. 

“Give me the mute.” Niko mumbled while stretching out his arm slightly. Y/n glared up at him but Egon called her again. Begrudgingly Y/n handed Isla to him. 

“Hurt her and I’ll break your jaw.” Y/n mumbled as she walked toward the two teachers. Kanos went to grab her arm but Y/n jerked herself away. She removed her shirt and her black undergarment covered her chest. 

Kanos brought the newly heated staff to her side and pressed it into her. Y/n stopped her scream. She dug her nails into her palms till they bleed. She gritted her teeth till she could feel she could crake them. 

Egon stared down at his student with great pity. This would pull the weak from the strong. Y/n was strong. Egon was sure of it. Kanos removed the staff only to slice a part of her side. Egon glared over at his fellow Helios but said nothing. The cut wasn’t deep and would heal itself. 

Y/n stood and placed her shirt on. As she walked away back towards Isla she hear the small argument between the pair. 

“You weren’t meant to cut her!” Egon angrily whispered.

“I slipped.” Kanos said with a small grin. Egon glared at him but said nothing else. Y/n took Isla away from Niko the moment she was in close proximity. Niko leaned against the wall with Y/n as she held Isla. Isla had stopped crying, she no longer wished to burn her skin. 

“For your tears you may get them treated but the burns will remain. They will be disinfected but not healed. You must learn to live with pain if you are to survive our Saint. You are all dismissed.” Egon announced. As all the other youngling stumbled out of the room Y/n remained on the wall holding Isla with Niko.

“You stink of blood half-breed.” Niko mumbled. Y/n picked Isla’s smaller frame up and held her close. 

“And I bet you are very ugly right now demjin.” Y/n mumbled as they began to walk toward the healers. Niko trailed behind the pair as she lean against the wall. Once they reached the healers they quickly healed the burn marks from their tears.

The chemicals that were placed in each younglings eyes made it so when they cried it burn their skin. Isla held tightly onto Y/n as she tied their ribbon. 

“I’m tired.” Isla annoyed with the use of her clicker. Y/n gently pet Isla’s hair and the pair journeyed to their dorm. Their sides were disinfected and bandaged but not healed. Y/n helped Isla into the top bunk. She placed the ribbon on the corner of her bed and laid on her bottom bunk.

“Why’d you catch me? You could’ve let me fall.” Niko whispered while standing over Y/n’s bottom punk. Y/n kept her eyes closed. Her side burned still. The cut that had been left stung. 

“Answer me.” Niko quietly demanded. Y/n sighed softly, she knew Isla was listening.

“It was just a reflex. I didn’t mean to.” Y/n answered.

“I don’t owe you anything.”

“You don’t owe me anything.”

“I hate you. You are scum of this earth, and a filthy half-breed that makes me sick.”

“Would you please let me sleep.”

After a few moments of silence Niko walked to his bunk. His vibrations were gone. Isla reached her hand down and on command Y/n reached her hand up. Four short taps and one long one. 

“I’m scared.” Isla meant.

“Don’t be, I’m here to protect you.” Y/n muttered softly. As Isla fell asleep Y/n continued to hold her hand. Y/n thought back to Alina and Mal. She wondered what they were doing right now. Were they in the meadow right now? Were they also going to bed? Were they safe?Were they together?

Y/n didn’t know. She wouldn’t know for three more years. 

Moon Helios

a/n if children fighting isn’t your jam READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. You get a sneak peak of Aleksander in this chapter. The font bellow is Shu Han. Enjoy.

ȶɦɨֆ ʄօռȶ ɨֆ ֆɦʊ ɦǟռ Word Count: 2k plus

Series trigger warnings:Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act l : Where’s my epic background music

Chapter Three

Y/n stood with her arms crossed and Isla leaning into her shoulder. Niko stood a bit away with some of his friends. Ever since the burning, Niko had left the pair alone for the most part. As Aratha, another Helios master began to instruct them but Y/n payed no mind.

There was a strange humming in her ears. A soft ringing. Y/n moved her head around hoping the sound would be pounder in another direction.

“Starkov, you’re up!” Aratha called. Y/n’s head shot up in confusion. Niko’s vibrations grew closer and Y/n grippedd into Isla. 

“Go, I’ll watch her.” Niko mumbled while holding his arms for Isla. Y/n glares up at him for a moment then sighs. She undos there ribbon and gently guide Isla to Niko. Y/n reached up and grasped the collar of his shirt. 

“Hurt her and I’ll break-“

“Break my jaw? We’ve done this dance before. Go.” 

Y/n signed and squeezed Isla’s hand once more. Then she walked over to Aratha, her body felt strange. Like there was something prickling at the surface. 

“ӄɛɮɮɛռ ready!” Aratha yelled. Her opponent, Hrvatin a friend of Niko’s nodded. Y/n nodded slowly still unsure of what was happening. 

I really need to pay attention more.

“Fight!” Aratha’s voice echoed through the arena. Hrvatin charged at Y/n and she quickly ducked. Hrvatin threw punch after punch and Y/n would sway out of the way.

“What are we meant to be doing!” Y/n yelled as she tumbled away. The other trainees watched anf cheered them on. Hrvatin was being sloppy, his attacks weren’t defined or had any really action behind them.

Niko and Isla face palmed at her inability to pay attention. Isla would feel Y/n’s vibrations everywhere as she moved around.

“PUSH HIM OUT OF THE ARENA!” Niko managed to yell over the crowds. His friends froze when they realized that Niko had helped Y/n. They all shared a look and looked in Niko’s direction.

Other Helios masters began to watched from a balcony above. Egon watched with fondness in his eyes. While Hrvatin’s movements were messy, unfocused and slow Y/n remained opposite. Y/n was fluid and sensitive towards his vibrations.

Kanos glared down at Y/n as she continued. Y/n landed a hard blow on Hrvatin’s stomach. Hrvatin lurched backward and almost out of the arena. Kanos let out an annoyed groan and moved over to Egon.

“Fancy a wager Egon?” Kanos questioned and jabbed Egon’s side. Egon shot Kanos a glance and sighed. 

“If Y/n can bet three other trainees, I’ll give you the shadow armor.” Kanos offered. All the master stifled at the mention of the armor. Egon froze as he watched Y/n. The cheering had grown.

For years Egon had attempted to get the shadow armor from Kanos. No matter what he’d offer it was always no. The shadow armor was legend made real. 

Instead of the normal golden armor Helios’s wore the shadow armor was pure black with its welded steel parts being silver. The shadow armor allowed different abilities than the normal armor. 

Y/n was doing well, well enough that she could win. Egon turned to Kanos with a smile.

“And if Y/n cannot?” Egon asked. Kanos rolled his eyes in hopes Egon wouldn’t realize he hadn’t asked for anything.

“I want the holy cuff.” Kanos said. Egon’s eyes flared and then there was a thud. The masters looked over at Y/n stood victorious. She panted and left the arena. Egon watched as she walked over to Isla and Niko.

She tied the blue ribbon and grabbed Isla away from Niko. Niko remained at the girls side instead of leaving. Egon smirked, he could see the small bond forming between the group. Even if Y/n was still hostile.

“Very well, pick her opponents.” Egon said as he turned to Kanos. A few matches went by and another master spoke up.

“May I suggest you use Kheli, he’s rather strong.” Grhitha spoke up from where she stood. The other shot her confused looks. 

“What is it you think you’ll get out of throwing your child in the mix?” Kanos asked softly. Grhitha shrugged and went to the balcony.

“I want to see how well he fairs against the legendary Y/n Starkov.” She muttered. It was no secret that Egon dotted on Y/n. After all she was his linholmerre. His child. Along with Isla. Y/n and Isla were trained by Egon himself at times.

Egon was the Lord of Helios after all. His linholmerre needed to be the best. Kanos had once been considered for Lord of Helios. Egon and Kanos had trained under the old lord of Helios.

Kanos wanted the holy cuff. It could mean worn under there armor and it would merge into it. The cuff gave access the different kinds of weapons and an advantage over the enemy.

“Kheli Vemra, Zan Ostrowski, and Adam Peev please enter the arena!” Kanos yelled from above. 

Y/n furrowed her brows and looked up at Niko. Zan and Adam were his friends. Kheli was a Suli boy, strong build and tall for his  age. Kheli was still a bit faithful to the Saints instead of just the Sol Saint. 

Isla nudged Y/n’s side and pointed her hands upwards. Both Niko and Y/n looked to the direction of the balcony. Y/n’s sight kicked in and through her mind she watched Egon. 

“Y/n Starkov enter the arena!” Kanos yelled from above. Y/n froze in her spot. She’s already fought, why was she being sent in again. Y/n slowly left there side and entered the arena again. 

Kheli helped Y/n step into the arena. His hand gently grasped hers and he left power in his bones. Kheli let go of her hand end stood at one end of the arena. Zan and Adam shared a glance and stood at the other sides. 

Y/n remained in the middle of the arena, and she looked up. Egon gave her a small smile and nodded his head. Aratha furrowed her brows up at her fellow Helios but one look from Egon made her sigh. 

“ӄɛɮɮɛռ ready!” Aratha yelled. Y/n tried and asks a question but the cheers of the crowd stopped her. 

“FIGHT!” With Aratha’s words the three boys charged at Y/n. She screamed in surprise and dropped to the ground. She tumbled away and Zan attempted to hit her.

She blocked his attacks and wrapped her arm around his waist threw him to the ground. Zan ground and Adam pushed Y/n over. She yelped and rolled backwards. 

Kheli jumped into the air and prepared a punch. Y/n barely dodged and her and Kheli ended up fighting. As she fought he threw boy the Helios masters watched from above.

Grhitha smiled at Kheli, he was doing well. Even when the fight wasn’t fair Kheli fought honorably. The pair battled each other, ignoring the cheered of the crowds. When Kheli would attack Y/n would counter. 

Kheli struggled to hold himself back, anytime his skin would touch Y/n’s he would have a burst of power. Y/n punched his stomach and Kheli lurked backwards. He groaned and soaked his hands together.

Y/n panted and she could feel Zan about to charge at her. A hard fist collided with Y/n’s face and then she felt herself begin thrown in the air. Her body hit the sand of the arena roughly and her body bounced then slammed back down. 

Y/n saw stars for a moment and a loud ringing in her ears. Kheli gasped in shock at what he’d down. The world seems to buzz around her and Egon gripped the edge of the balcony. 

Looks like Kheli is a squaller 

Y/n landed on the ground as her ears rung. Memories flashed through her head as she gasped on the ground. 

Alina, Y/n, and Mal all laid in the meadow field as they hid from grisha testers

Blood covered flowers 

A white stag standing in a snow covered forest

A pair of piercings eyes so dark they looked black peering down at her

Black armor covering her as a strange light admitted from her hands

Rage bubbled under the surface of Y/n’s skin. Again and again she’d been thrown to the ground. Again, and again had they tried to cause her demise. Time and time again she’d bled for them. She’d bled for her Saint time and time again. Every time she’d see the finish line, Kanos would move it. He would challenge her, force her to the ground. Not this time.

Y/n forced herself off the ground. The smell and taste of iron invaded her senses. Blood dripped down her nose and she stood on shaky legs. Y/n coughed and spit out blood onto the sand of the arena. She whipped the blood from her nose and it splattered on the sand.

Kheli’s jaw dropped as Y/n pulled herself up. For a moment he thought his eyes had returned as his sight kicked in. Y/n stood blood drip from her nose, mouth and ears. Her hair was pulled down and flowed freely. 

Zan charged at her and Y/n grabbed his throat before he could get close. His body slammed into the ground and Y/n slammed her fist into Zan’s face over and over. 

Adam rushed over and grabbed around her waits and pushed slammed her into the ground. She threw her head up smashing Adam’s nose. Adam grabbed around Y/n’s neck and felt a surge of power. Fire admitted from his free hand and he gasped. As he was distracted Y/n kicked his crotch. He screamed in pain and doubled over. 

Y/n stood and kicked him over and over till Zan tackled her. Her body soaked against the ground for what seemed to be the hundredth time. The pair rolled over into the sand  and Zan placed his hand over Y/n’s mouth. She bite down into his flesh and ripped. Zan screamed and jumped off her. 

Y/n grabbed Zan by the back of his shirt and kicked him out of the arena. She spit out the chunk of flesh she’d bit off. Zan’s hand shook in pain as he stood from the ground. Adam slowly stood and attempted at attack again but Y/n flipped him onto his back. She kicked him out of the arena. 

Y/n turned to Kheli no defeat in sight. Kheli could only stare in awe at the sight before him. She looked like a Saint. There was a shimmer to her skin that glistened with all the blood. Her knuckles were bloody and bruised, from above them the Helios’s froze. 

As she walked towards him Kheli would swore he could see her eyes. No the cloudy white but a piercing e/c that shot shivers through him. Y/n placed a hand on his shoulder and lightly pushed him out of the arena. 

The cheers stopped for a moment as Y/n panted victorious. Egon sighed in relief as Y/n panted. He would keep the holy cuff and would gain the shadow armor. Kanos sighed in defeat and glared down at both Zan and Adam.

How could they let such a small girl over power them. In his mind he knew how she’d done it. Her rage had fueled her in ever way. Something deep within her had made it so angry. It was as though the Sol Saint had cursed her with such a fire. A fire he’d yet to extinguish. 

Y/n grew dizzy, her body began to sway. Isla felt Y/n’s vibrations begin to shift and buzz. Isla moved away from Niko and moved up the the stairs to the arena. Niko raced behind Isla and called out to her. Egon leaned over the railing as she watched Y/n go deathly pale. 

Isla dove forward as Y/n collapsed toward the ground, Niko gently grasped onto Y/n as her eyes went into the back of her skull. Egon jumped down from the balcony and quickly ran to the trio. Niko laid Y/n down while Isla shook her gently. 

Egon ran to Y/n and picked her up, Grhitha jumped down as well. Her hands clasped together and her movements became fluid. Y/n’s wounds began to heal quickly as Grhitha used her grisha healing abilities on her. 

Images flash through Y/n’s head as her body shook. Spit bubbled and poured out of Y/n’s mouth as she ceased. Her body flared around and Egon turned her on her side. 

𝓨/𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝓼𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓬𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽, 𝓪 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓪. 𝓐 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓰 𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓨/𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓾𝓹. 𝓑𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴.

𝓨/𝓷 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓪 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓮’𝓭 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮. 𝓗𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓼𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮’𝓭 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶. 𝓗𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓼

𝓗𝓮 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓶 𝓽𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓨/𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓽𝓻𝔂 𝓽𝓸 𝓳𝓮𝓻𝓴 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓱𝓲𝓶. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓹 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓸 𝓽𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓮𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼. 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓨/𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓮𝔃𝓮. 

𝓗𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓼𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓪 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼. 𝓨/𝓷 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓾𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵 𝓽𝓸𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓪𝓷. 𝓗𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓹𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻.

𝓗𝓮 𝓹𝓾𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓸𝓰𝓷𝓮 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓵 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓨/𝓷 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓹 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓶. 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓾𝓷, 𝓶𝓸𝓸𝓷, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓲𝓻. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓨/𝓷 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵.

Y/n shot up in Egon’s lavish bed. She panted and clutched her hand over her heart. Grhitha rushed over to her and tried to coax her back to sleep. Grhitha muttered softly, words Y/n couldn’t hear. Egon rushed into his room and gently took Y/n’s hand. 

“Calm yourself linholmerre.” Egon whispered as he pet Y/n’s hair. Y/n’s eyes dashed all over the place as a headache manifested. Egon gently laid Y/n back down. He whispered sweet nothings in fjerdan into Y/n’s ear as she fell back asleep. 

Her eyes fluttered closed and all she could see was those dark eyes. 

Moon Helios

a/n there isn’t much triggers in this chapter but a slight panic attack. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK and enjoy

Word count : 2.1k plus

Series trigger warnings: Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act I : Necklace for a Lifetime

Chapter Four

The trainees stood in the forge covered in soot and dust. Another year had passed in there training, and now it was time for them to truly demonstrate their loyalty to the Sol Saint.

Y/n stood with Isla in front of her and Niko as her side. Y/n had woken up early to fix up Isla’s hair. The curls were twisted and carefully down up in a ponytail so the hair was out of her face. Niko was still learning how to help up with Isla so Y/n had extra work.

Niko was now learning how to remember what all the clicks from Isla’s clicker meant, along with all the taps she’d give. Though Niko was a bit behind, he was learning quickly. Y/n rubbed her eyes and bite back a yaw. 

Y/n had a restless sleep. Every night since she had that episode in the arena she’d dream of that man, and his dark eyes. Sometimes Y/n would find a strange comfort in his eyes, sometimes she’d feel almost at peace.

Now that they were old enough, they could send letters home if they wanted. Y/n had wasted no time in sending multiple letters to Alina and Mal.

It only be a matter of time before she got a reply. Niko’s family already replied to him with great happiness that their son was still alive. Isla’s family hadn’t responded yet, they were residing in Novyi Zem. Her family was furthest away, but Isla remains positive.

Y/n could only roll her shoulders as Kanos instructed them on how to forge there armor. Kanos walked each child to there own heated furnace and spoke softly with each for a moment before going to the next. Kanos practically ripped Niko away from Isla and Y/n.

Y/n looked over at Isla and froze. There was no way Isla could do this. She would get hurt, surely this would be dangerous. Isla gently grasped Y/n’s hand.

“Your vibration are fuzzy, what’s wrong.” Isla asked. The sound of Isla’s clicker brought Y/n such comfort to hear. Y/n gently rubbed Isla’s arm and held her for a moment. Y/n peered down at her with a slight grin.

“Nothing, just excited for the forging ceremony.” Y/n answered as she felt her palms go a bit clammy. Isla went narrow eyed and raised a brow. Another trainee was taken.

Isla grabbed Y/n’s clammy hands and held them for a moment. Y/n stood upright, tension in her muscles, but head held high. Y/n seemed to master the ability to hide her emotions from almost everyone. Just not her, Isla was too intoned with Y/n’s vibrations.

“Just because my sight hasn’t come in doesn’t mean I can’t feel when something’s wrong.” Isla clicked. Y/n rolls her eyes as she felt Kanos walking toward them. Quickly Y/n pulled Isla into tight embrace. Y/n hooked her arms around Isla’s waist and pushed her head into Isla’s neck.

Isla always smelt of roses and wildflowers. Wildflowers that made Y/n think of home. Isla smelt like home. 

“Be careful when you use the forge.” Y/n muttered against Isla’s softly skin. Her hands trembled slightly, she couldn’t let Isla get hurt. Not again, not after-

“Hey, you with me?” Isla’s gentle tapping against her palm, cut through the thoughts racing in Y/n’s head. The words blurred together in Y/n head as she tried to speak. 

The exhaustion was smacking Y/n in the face all at once. As Kanos grew closer Y/n took it in a big breath and sighed. The pair pressed there heads together and breathed together.

 Isla held Y/n’s hand as the shaking went away. Isla breathed Y/n in, she smelt smoky with a slight lavender touch. Isla could remain in Y/n presence for eternity if she could. Y/n held her like she was the only thing in the world to her. Y/n protected her in a way she’d never been protected before. 

Y/n would give Isla the foods she didn’t want, claiming Isla needed the nutrients. Y/n would tie the blue ribbon every morning, and  untie it every time. Y/n would spar with Isla till her knuckles were bruised so she’d improve. Y/n would push Isla and now Niko behind her whenever she sensed trouble.

Isla gently pulled away as Kanos waited. Normally Kanos would simply pull Isla away but for whatever odd reason he allowed the girl there privacy. 

“Be careful.”

“I always am.”

As Isla walked further and further away Y/n stood alone. Sure there were a few other trainees but Y/n wasn’t too close with them. Sure she’d made friends with Kheli after there fight, and Zan had been suspiciously

nicer to her.

Zan and Adam had been strangely friendly. They’d hang out with them sometimes and seemed to like them. Y/n couldn’t tell whether or not she really liked them. They seemed fine, they made jokes with Isla form time to time. There was just a sense of unease that surrounded them.

“Starkov, you’re up.” Kanos’s voice cut through her thoughts like a knife. She followed behind him through the forge, sparks flying off the metal the other younglings molded. Y/n was brought to the very back of the forge, her hearth ragged on with a blue flame. Y/n eyes widened a little, the other fires were normal. Why was hers blue. 

“Helios Kanos…? Why is mine blue?” Y/n’s question caused him to roll his eyes.

“Egon is Lord Helios, his younglings are made to use different fires. I lead Isla to the one by Niko.” 

With that he was gone. Y/n groan a bit frustrated as she grabbed the gloves. She looked over all the metals for a moment, there were so many. Out of all the Helios’s that still had there durast abilities they always stocked up for the younglings.

There was Sunstell name after it’s brightest before and after melting. Though very strong, if laced with coiluseium could pierce it easily. Also there was Solodium, durable and easy to find. Only issue with it being so easy to find was that lots of people used it. Then there was Qixianium, qixian meaning golden immortal after the Sol Saint. Qixianium was practically indestructible but was very difficult for none Helios’s to find. 

Y/n grabbed a mix of all these metals. Then she looked over the stones. Each gave different uses. There was Brixam, Aglaeum, Ziqen, Ruxiaem, and so many more. 

Each Helios armor was supposed to be different. Special to there wearer. Y/n bit her lip softly as she saw everything over. All of these stones were hard to find, but each could be melted. 

Who’s gonna know

Without another though Y/n grabbed three stones. She grabbed Brixam, it would increase physical strength and would make her armor harder then it already was. She grabbed Aglaeum, it would amplify her mental and her ability to fight off Corporalki (mainly heartrender from messing with her body). Finally Ruxiaem, it would help her sense people’s vibrations at a better level in her armor.

With all her materials she began. She melted all her metals together in the blue fire. She smiled softly as she listened to the metals bubble. She grabbed a hammer and smashed each stone into dust. She stirred the metal and pour it into a mold Egon had made for her.

Each master would make there younglings mold for there armor. The one Egon had made for Y/n was strange in the best ways. It remind her for the tattoo Egon had on his arm. At least the woven looking collar did.

She pour the mixed metals into the mold and placed the stone dust into the forge. The forge fire lit up in a teal, then white, the a purple light as the dust melted. Y/n cooled the metal necklace the pulled it out of the mold. She pour the now melted stones into a small upside down teardrop shape. 

Hours fades by and one by one each Youngling left wit bright smiles showing off there necklace. Each looked different, some looked better then others. Isla strolled out with Niko the pair show off there armor off. 

Isla’s necklaces was a simple metal band with a diamond on its center. On the center of the diamond was a Ziqen which would increase hearing and would help her find people. Niko’s collar was an intricate golden crown looking necklace. No stone in sight, most like melted into the metal.

Niko looked around, but his sight didn’t show him Y/n anywhere. Finally after a while Y/n emerged holding her collar behind her back. Isla gripped Y/n’s arm with a big smile. Niko looked down at her and raised a brow. His hand found it’s way to Y/n’s shoulder.

Niko hadn’t been very comfortable with touching anyone in a while. Since they had gotten there burn marks Niko couldn’t bear to touch anyone. He’d fear that he accidentally burn someone with his inferni abilities. He would never touch anyone’s skin, but his calloused hand on Y/n’s clothed shirt was enough for him.

Slowly Y/n showed her friend her collar. It was incredible that both gasped. The metals shined in a beautiful sliver shimmer, the metals were woven together crossing ever so often. On one of the crosses a strangling and shining stone was held by the woven pieces. It was a soft clear blue.

“It’s …… amazing.” Niko mumbled as he went to touch it. 

“I’ve never seen anything like that.” Isla clicked as her sight allowed her to see it. Y/n turned to Isla with bright eyes. 

“Your sight kicked in?” Y/n marveled. She brought Isla in for a bone crushing hug and jumped slightly. Y/n’s squeal of pride echoed through the forge entrance hall. Isla nodded her head with a rhythmic up and down. Niko smiled at his girls and held his head softly.

“What gem is that?”

Y/n still holding onto Isla turn to Niko. She laughed almost nervously but then cleared her throat. 

“It’s a mixture…”

Niko’s face dropped to the ground. Isla bit back her smirk at Niko’s face. Mixing the stones was unheard of. Practically not allowed. Sure it was never said you couldn’t but it was never said you could. 

“YOU WHAT!”

…………………

Y/n laid in her bunk as she left and heard Isla crawl down from the top. Niko’s snores drowned out anyone else as Isla crawled next to Y/n. Y/n opened her green blanket and Isla jumped into Y/n. Isla nuzzled into Y/n as Y/n held Isla closer. 

Isla listened intently to Y/n’s soft and calm heartbeat. Y/n slowly pet the soft twists of Isla’s hair. Y/n’s free hand drawing soft circles onto Isla’s back. Y/n rested her head on Isla’s as she softly pet her hair. Isla brought her hand onto Y/n’s chest and placed it over Y/n’s heart.

Isla tapped Y/n a bit impatiently, causing Y/n to smile softly. 

“ʜᴜꜱʜ ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴏɴᴇꜱ, ʀᴇꜱᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʟᴇᴇᴘ ɪɴ ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ

ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪᴇʟᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ

ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇᴀᴅᴏᴡ ᴡᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇ

ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴜɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴀɪɴ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴄᴇᴀꜱᴇ”

Y/n’s soft voice rang through the room. Her singing remained Isla of her mom. Y/n’s voice was one of a siren maybe, or of a enchanting creature. Her voice always lulling Isla or anyone for that matter to sleep. 

“ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪɴᴅꜱ ᴄᴀʟʟ ꜰᴏʀᴛʜ, 

ᴍʏ ᴛʀᴜᴇꜱᴛ ɴᴏʀᴛʜ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴀꜱꜱ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱʜᴀᴋᴇ

ʙᴜᴛ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛꜱ ꜱʜᴀʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ

ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪᴇʟᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ, ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ”

Niko’s eyes opened for a moment and closed them again as Y/n’s voice entered his ears. There was that small chance that he would stay awake, but Niko didn’t mind. Y/n’s voice caused Niko to adjust his sleeping position and faced the two girls.

“ʜᴜꜱʜ ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴏɴᴇꜱ, ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴡᴇᴇᴘ

ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ꜰᴏɴᴅʟʏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴛɪᴍᴇ

ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴇᴀᴅᴏᴡ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ

ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇᴅ ᴜꜱ ɪɴᴛᴏ ɪᴛꜱ ꜱʜɪɴᴇ”

With the final verse of the lullaby Niko and Isla drifted into sleep. The window above Y/n’s bunk shined moonlight onto her skin. It was warm and fuzzy. Her skin felt all tingly and strange. Y/n though to Alina and Mal. 

She wondered if they’d gotten her letters yet. She’d sent four. Two of Mal, two for Alina. Niko’s family had answered, and the lived further away then Keramzin. Maybe they just gotten lost. Maybe Alina and Mal were angry that she hadn’t written earlier. Maybe they though she was dead.

Y/n’s thoughts wondered away from her sister and friend, back to those brown eyes, his dark hair, his handsome face. Y/n still want quite sure who he was. He was always in black clothes. In her dreams he always had a hardened look on his face till Y/n got closer. 

His face seemed to light up then, his eyes would brighten. His eyes were such a strange thing. They held so many emotions, such intensity. When Y/n closed her eyes she knew she’d see him again. With a tiny smile she did just that.

Requests are open

My request box is open! I write for a bunch of fandoms and characters that I’ll list below.

Percy Jackson

Character: Percy, Annabeth, Grover and I do the Greek gods and stuff. I might add more characters from the series/show so ask if you’re not sure.

Grishaverse

Character: Aleksander, Alina, Nikolai, Zoya, Genya, Kaz, Jesper, Nina, Inej, Matthias, (I haven’t read the series all the way through but I have seen the show and read the demon in the wood)

Harry Potter

Characters: Golden trio era, Marauders era, and Fantastic Beasts

Narnia

Characters: Caspian, Peter, Edmund, Lucy, Susan

Disney

Characters: Just general Disney, like the Princess, Princes, Disney channel and stuff

Avatar

Characters: Jake, Neytiri, Tsu'tey, Lo'ak, Tsireya, Tonowari, Ronal, Neteyam and Spider

My Hero Academia

Characters: Deku, Dabi, Shoto, Kiri, Mina, Bakugo, Shōta, others

Hunger Games/ TBOSAS

Characters: Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Coriolanus, Lucy, and Finnick

John Wick/ John Constantine

Stranger Things

Characters: Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, 001/Henry Creel, Billy Hargrove, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley

Tales of Arcadia

Characters: Jim Lake, Claire Núñez, Toby Domzalski, Douxie Casperan, Krel Tarron, Aja Tarron

Dead Boy Detectives

Characters: Monty the Crow, Edwin Payne, Charles Rowland, Crystal Palace, Niko Sasaki

The 100

Characters: Bellamy Blake, Octavia Black, Clarke Griffin, Finn Collins, Jasper Jordan, Raven Reyes, Marcus Kane, Monty Green,

And so many others I just can’t think of them right now. If there’s a fandom you’re wondering about just ask and I’ll see what I can do. I do platonic, romantic, Female, Male, neutral, working on yandere stuff, angst, head-cannons, au’s, working on smut. I don’t write Character x Character stuff. Have a lovely day 🥰🥰

PSA for Moon Helios

For all those who read Moon Helios I would like to say this. Y/n is not the greatest person. She’s morally grey at best and she’s not the most merciful soul. She is a trained soldier from the moment she was eight, (There will be a flash back in the next chapter.) She is a broken person who has a strong heart. Her fury gets the better of her and she’s down right cruel to people sometimes. As the story continues u would like to note that she does some questionable things. One of the reasons Aleksander falls so madly in love with her (eventually) is because they are so alike in nature. However Y/n is not the monster she sees herself as. I just wanted it to be stated before any continues to read because their will be many trigger warnings for many of the things Y/n does. Personally I quite like a darker!reader but that is not to everyone’s taste. However I do hope you enjoy the next chapter coming out soon.

You don’t have request for the Darkling? Let me fix that (:

Someone wants to hurt Alek by kidnaping the reader so, Alek saves her and he’s mad AF

Touch her and die

a/n: I love writing over protective partners and stuff so I loved this. Also reader is a bit chaotic cause why not. Also made reader a Tidemaker.

Warning: kidnapping, language, blood, grisha hate, kinda bratty reader? Aleks goes psycho mode, injuries, drüskelle, mentions of Aleks and readers age gap

Aleksander Morozova x fem! Reader

It was an unspoken rule for all grisha, for all ravka, for everyone to not hurt his lover. It was no great secret that the Darkling, the Black general himself was absolutely smitten by his favorite Tidemaker. With her pretty e/c eyes and a pout on her rose colored lips she could get anything she wanted from her general.

His Tidemaker had grown up in a village boardering Fjerda, so grisha testers weren’t common to go there. In secret her older brother, also a Tidemaker taught her the ways of the grisha. Unfortunately a little ways after her nineteenth birthday drüskelle invaded her village and he brother died saving her life.

She ran through the thick forests of ravka with no idea where to go as they chased her when he appeared. His shadows cut through the drüskelle and not long after that the darkling infatuation with his Tidemaker became apparent.

Now his Tidemaker strut into the meeting he conducted, she was late. She walked right up to his side with a smile and adjusted some of the toy soldiers as he spoke. Then she walked right over to Zoya, who shock her head at her friend’s brazenness.

“You’re late, L/n.” Zoya muttered as she drew over the Ravkan maps. Y/n giggled softly as he began to help Zoya. Aleksander would glance back over at the pair every so offten. His Tidemaker clad in a black kefta with teal embroidery. He loved that she so proudly wore his color.

Her and Zoya began to giggle about something, probably a comment she’d made when one of the king advisors cleared his throat.

“Miss L/n have you something to add?” He asked cutting off the girls chatter. The room went quiet as she went stiff. Ivan and Fedyor shared a quick look as their generals eyes darkened. His tone was snobbish and rather rude.

He spoke as if he was better than she was, and it made her almost want to laugh as she turned. Slowly she made it back to the main table with the toy soldiers, this was a different plan than the one she’d just arranged. It was horrible and would lead to the deaths of many grisha.

Y/n would not sacrifice her soldiers when she could do better. Quickly she fixed up the arrangement with an empty look, Aleksander watched her in awe. As she finished she turned to the advisor with the same snobbish looked he’d given her.

“It seems you needed some assistance, don’t worry sir for I will always be there to fix the mistakes.” Y/n mocked as she bowed her head slightly. Aleksander chuckled slightly and moved a stray hair behind her ear. Such an open act of affection for his Tidemaker was nothing new, but for him to do it after she’d humiliated one of the king’s advisor was a risky move.

“Although Miss L/n was late she has fixed this plan to ensure the safety of all the grisha going into this battle. For that I am most grateful.” He amused as he stared at her. She smiled cheekily as she returned to Zoya’s side, a confident sway to her hips.

This was the last time Aleksander had seen her that day.

……………………

It was no secret that the darkling had a great many enemies, but as the fist collided with her face for the hundredth time, Y/n was growing tired. The kings advisor, whatever his name was had hired drüskelle of all people to kidnap her.

Of course her hands were bound apart and she was tied to the chair. She was surprised they hadn’t just killed her but she didn’t care. She was growing bored of all the punches. Her face was bruised, the right side more then the left, her lip busted, and she was sure at least one of her ribs were broken.

“It’s not to late to get me go you know.” She mumbled as she dropped her head back. Her hands quietly attempting to undo her cuffs.

“Drüsje your pleading for your life will not work.” The tallest announced. She sighed softly, he would come for her. If she was dead by the time he found her she knew all of Fjerda would pay.

“It would just be in your best interest.”

They all laughed and she joined in. Let them laugh, it’ll probably be the last time they do. She though softly.

“We will end you, and then we will break the darkling.” Y/n nodded softly at there words as they smashed their fist into her side. She groaned as she felt a rib snap.

“Then kill me, what is it you are afraid of?” Y/n taunted. They all froze, one of them brought there axe dangerously close to her neck.

“Will you not beg for your life?”

“Take it if it pleases you. It is not me who suffers when I’m gone.” They didn’t know what to say to that. They had heard the talks of the darkling whore. How she could boil the blood, pull the water from your body, freeze your nerves. But the women in front of them didn’t look the dangerous type.

“You aren’t the confident whore of the darkling we’ve heard tales of. You are just his pet he plays with from time to time.” Her face hardened at those words. She was not dressed in his color to be watered down to a simple whore. She smiled charming as she began to un click the cuffs.

“Most women aren’t as crude as you, they are modest.” Y/n giggled softly. She saw the shadows begin to move.

“Unfortunately for everyone I will keep doing whatever the fuck I want.”

Y/n snapped her cuffs and rolled her chair causing it to hut the ground. The shadows form into the cut and swore through the air above her. The shadows surrounded her till the familiar frame of her Sasha towered over her.

“Would mind untying these ropes?” Y/n uttered softly slumping against the grounds, her confident persona gone. The ropes were off and Aleksander pulled his Tidemaker to her feet. His hand clutched her face as he brought her in for a messy and passionate kiss.

She moaned softly into the kiss as he held her face. His hands slowly began to trail down and she pulled away with a wince.

“What is it?” Aleksander whispered as she clung to him.

“I think they broke a few ribs.” She whined as she lean into his frame for support. From the outside of the cabin she heard a few grunts, a scream or two and then silence. Aleksander placed his cloak around her shoulder in hopes of warming her.

“My healers will attend to you when we get back.” He placed a kiss to her head and began to pepper her hairline with kisses. The fear was evident in his eyes at her body. His eyes scanned her bruised face and body, her busted lip, the blood dripping down the side of her arm.

He hated that she’d gotten hurt so badly before he could save her. By the looks of her cuffs she was half way there in her own. With a slight waddle she made it to the door, with protest from her lover she pushed them opens, her jaw hit the ground.

Blood and carnage surround the cabin where she was kept. She limped her way through the bodies as Aleksander trailed behind her. Ivan, Fedyor, Zoya, and the twins were there.

“What happened out here?”

No one answered as Zoya hugged Y/n, attempting and failing to be cautious of her ribs. Aleksander pulled Y/n away after allowing Zoya to hug her, he didn’t want her to far.

“I thought they’d killed you… I lost my temper.” Aleksander admitted as he picked Y/n into his arms. Y/n stared at him for a moment.

“If this is what you do when you’re out of control, I’d hate to see what you do when you are.” Fedyor laughed softly as Ivan swatted at his husband. Y/n’s words were true. There wasn’t a thing in the world there general wouldn’t do for his precious Tidemaker.

Moon Helios

a/n : Oh boy was this hard to write. I’ve had major writers block because I’ve been trying to write Y/n’s character in this was a struggle. There’s one more chapter before we get into the real plot. I’m so excited. There are a lot of triggers in this chapter. I don’t wanna give anything away but READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Other than that please enjoy. Word Count: 9.2k plus

Series trigger warnings:Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act l : The motherland

Chapter Five

A cold air whipped around Y/n as she forced herself off the ground. The snow covered ground caused her skin to go cold and the falling snow invaded her cloudy eyes. Y/n heard the soft groaning of Isla, Niko, Zan, and Kheli. Y/n pushed her body off the ground as her sight kicked in. 

Y/n ran to Isla and quickly helped her up. Isla shook from the cold, Y/n quickly removed her cloak and wrapped it tightly around the smaller girl. Niko helped the other boys up and turned to Y/n.

“Where the hell are we?” Zan yelled as snow whipped around them. Niko groans and rubbed his arms. As he did so he found a small note in his pocket. It read.

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐥. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞.

They all groaned in frustration as they looked around. They were in a snow covered area with no people in sight. There’s a lot of snow, too much snow. Trees covered in snow, the forest was large and vast. 

“How will we know who speaks the language? We don’t even know where we are!” Zan yelled. Kheli sighed softly and dusted snow off his pants. Niko walked over to him and grabbed Y/n’a shoulder. 

“I think we should find a village of some sorts. Maybe we’ll find this ring of Sol there.” Niko suggested.  With a small sigh they all began to walk through the snow covered ground. Y/n tied the blue ribbon tightly around Isla as they walked.

As they all moved through the woods Y/n surveyed the area around them. It was quiet far to quiet for Y/n’s liking, all she could hear were there steps on the snow. Every minute or so Y/n would count everyone’s steps. She’d count five pairs of footsteps all together.

The winds whipped around the ground, messing with there hairs, the dry air causing Niko to cough a few times. Y/n felt the vibrations around them. There were more then there group. Y/n froze her eyes darting around. That’s when she saw it, some men dressed warm fur cloaks, dressed in black uniforms, and weapons.

ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ

Y/n grabbed tightly onto Isla and dashed away. Niko, Kheli and  Zan followed after her as the pair ran. The snow pools around their feet as they run, a village came into view. 

Their feet were heavy against the ground as they panted. Isla’s soft hand tightly knitted into Y/n’s calloused hand. The group runs into the bustling town, narrowly avoiding people as they run. 

“ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ ꓄ꃅꍟꂵ! “ A booming called out from behind them. A giant of a man grabbed into Isla yanking her, causing Y/n to hit the ground with a thud. The blue ribbon around his wrist causing Y/n to be dragged. 

Niko and Zan stopped running and turned back ready to activate their armor. Kheli was grasped onto by a giant blonde made of pure muscle. Y/n raised her hand motioning them to stop. Fjerdan, they spoke fjerdan.

She understood there language, she was in charge. A rough hand picked her up and her sight allowed her to see his face. He was taller than any man she’d ever seen. A large scar traced down his face from his eyes down to the bottom on his chin. His eyes were icy and sharp, peering into Y/n’s cloudy ones. 

“ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꀤꌗ ꅏꋪꂦꈤꁅ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꓄ꃅꍟꌗꍟ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸꋪꍟꈤ! ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꍟꌩꍟꌗ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꉓ꒒ꂦꀎꀸꌩ.” He spoke his voice booming all around. Isla struggled in his grip.

“꒒ꍟ꓄ ꃅꍟꋪ ꁅꂦ.” Y/n demanded. The ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ looked over at her, and furrowed their brows. Who was this tiny girl. Why were her eye’s and her companions eyes white. 

“꓄ꃅꍟꌩ ꂵꀎꌗ꓄ ꌃꍟ ꁅꋪꀤꌗꃅꍏ ꅏꀤ꓄ꉓꃅꍟꌗ! ꌃꀎꋪꈤ ꓄ꃅꍟꂵ!” An older woman with a hunched back and cane yelled. Isla’s eyes widen in distress and she tried to pull away but to no avail. Niko and Zan stood frozen as two more ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟꌗ nabbed them into their iron grip. Kheli struggled and the blonde dug his nails into Kheli’s skin.

“ꌗꃅꍟ ꌗꉣꍟꍏꀘꌗ ꂦꀎꋪ ꒒ꍏꈤꁅꀎꍏꁅꍟ. ꀤꎇ ꌗꃅꍟ’ꌗ ꁅꋪꀤꌗꃅꍏ ꓄ꃅꍟꈤ ꅏꍟ ꂵꀎꌗ꓄-“ The man holding Niko began but Y/n interrupted him.

“ꈤꂦ! ꉣ꒒ꍟꍏꌗꍟ! ꅏꍟ’ꋪꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꁅꋪꀤꌗꃅꍏ! ꅏꍟ’ꋪꍟ ꂦꋪꉣꃅꍏꈤꌗ!” Y/n screamed. Niko, Zan, Kheli and Isla paled and lowered their gaze away. The fjerdan’s all froze and the one holding Y/n lowered her to the ground. 

“ꍟꊼꉓꀎꌗꍟ ꂵꍟ?” He questioned as he set Isla onto the winter ground. Y/n quickly pulled Isla behind her. Niko and Zan were placed on the ground. 

“ꂦꀎꋪ ꎇꍏꂵꀤ꒒ꀤꍟꌗ ꓄ꃅꋪꍟꅏ ꀎꌗ ꂦꀎ꓄. ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꅏꍏꌗ ꍏ ꎇꀤꋪꍟ ꍏꈤꀸ ꅏꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꒒ꂦꌗ꓄ ꂦꀎꋪ ꍟꌩꍟ ꌗꀤꁅꃅ꓄. ꂦꀎꋪ ꎇꍏꂵꀤ꒒ꀤꍟꌗ ꎇꂦꀎꈤꀸ ꈤꂦ ꀎꌗꍟ ꀤꈤ ꀎꌗ ꍏꈤꌩꂵꂦꋪꍟ ꍏꈤꀸ ꉓꍏꌗ꓄ ꀎꌗ ꍏꅏꍏꌩ.” Y/n lied smoothly. Niko quickly pulled Zan towards Y/n and they all stood behind Y/n.

The blonde kept his grip on Kheli. Y/n looked over at Kheli, and with a small shake of his head Y/n turned back to the ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ in front of her. The scared man stared down at her, a mix of pity and anger in his icy eyes. 

“ꅏꃅꌩ ꀸꀤꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ ꋪꀎꈤ?” The scared man questioned. Y/n froze, she thought quickly. Her mind raced with possibilities.

“ꀤ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ, ꀤ ꅏꍏꌗ ꎇꋪꀤꁅꃅ꓄ꍟꈤꍟꀸ. ꅏꃅꂦ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸꈤ’꓄ ꋪꀎꈤ ꂦꈤꉓꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟꌩ ꃅꍟꍏꋪ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꀤꈤ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꅏꂦꂦꀸꌗ. ꀤ꓄’ꌗ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꅏꍟ ꉓꍏꈤ ꌗꍟꍟ, ꀤ ꅏꍏꌗꈤ’꓄ ꌗꀎꋪꍟ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꀤ’ꀸ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ.”  

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ?”

Y/n nod softly, she held back the want to attack the man who held onto Kheli as Kheli groaned in pain. The scared man turned to the blonde and sent a chilled look to him. The blonde dropped Kheli to the ground and stood straight. Kheli rubbed his neck, crescent moon marks from the blonde nails were dug into his skin.

Y/n held her hand out for him but Kheli just stood. He stood behind her, not taking her hand. Y/n furrowed a brow but the sound of the scared man clearing his throat brought her attention back to him.

The scared man moved towards Y/n and in instinct she backed up, her group followed suit. The scared man watched them with curious eyes. They moved in sync, like they were all intoned to the same brain. They stood tall even though they were surrounded on all sides by strangers.

Slowly the scared man knelt down to Y/n’s height. Surprisingly he was still a bit taller than her. He stared at Y/n, it was obvious to him she was the leader. The alpha of this small pack of children.

“ꀤ ꍏꉣꂦ꒒ꂦꁅꀤꁴꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꎇꋪꀤꁅꃅ꓄ꍟꈤꍟꀸ. ꀤ ꀭꀎꌗ꓄ ꉓꍏꈤ’꓄ ꀤꂵꍏꁅꀤꈤꍟ ꃅꂦꅏ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꍏꌃ꒒ꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꍟꍏꋪ ꀎꌗ?” He stared but Y/n could hear the slight accusatory tone. Y/n tilted her head, making it seem as though she was trying to find the right direction of his voice.

ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ  were known for being able to walk in snow, keeping silent. Y/n studied the scared man’s face. He had a dark beard, peppered with white. His hair was longer than the others, he was in charge. Only ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ who’d achieved officer status could grow a beard.

“ꀤ ꃅꍟꍏꋪꀸ ꍏ ꓄ꅏꀤꁅ ꌗꈤꍏꉣ.”

The scared man’s eyes look to the blonde. His face was the youngest, he seemed a bit worried.

“ꌩꂦꀎ’꒒꒒ ꃅꍏꃴꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꎇꂦꋪꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ, ꃅꍟ’ꌗ ꍏ ꈤꍟꅏꍟꋪ ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ.” The scared man said. Y/n nodded softly. Ville the blonde that had held Kheli rolled his eyes slightly. A low growl came from the scared man’s side. A large white wolf growled softly as it walked near children. 

They all stifled back, the boys cowering in fear when the ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ neared them. The ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ growled at Kheli and Y/n moved in front of him. The ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ stopped its growling and tilted her head. Her ivory fur blowed slightly in the breeze. The scared man gasped softly as the ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ nuzzled itself into Y/n’s stomach. 

“ꂵꍏꀭꍏ ꉓꂦꂵꍟ.” He called out, with a small whine Maja his ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ moved back to him. His scared hand gently pet through her ivory fur. Y/n kept her gaze on the wolf.

She was much larger than any wolf she’d ever seen. She was large with powerful legs and a shaggy tail. Her eyes were crimson and had a ring of brown in the center. 

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꌗꉣꍟꍏꀘ ꂦꀎꋪ ꒒ꍏꈤꁅꀎꍏꁅꍟ, ꃅꂦꅏ?” He questioned. Y/n bit back a remark and kept her friends behind her.

“ꂵꌩ ꉣꍏꋪꍟꈤ꓄ꌗ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ.” Y/n stated softly. It wasn’t a pure lie. Either her mother or her father was fjerdan. He gave her a small nod and through her sight she saw a woman with blonde hair, and bright blue eyes.

The woman placed a soft hand on his shoulder. Her hair in a braided crown and a thick cape lined with fur is around her.

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ?” The women asks but the scared man, now known as Gustav ignored her. His gaze was strictly on Y/n.

“ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꎇꋪꀤꍟꈤꀸꌗ ꍏꋪꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ, ꀤ ꉓꍏꈤ ꌗꍟꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄. ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꌃꂦꌩ ꀤꌗ ꌗꀎ꒒ꀤ, ꓄ꃅꂦꌗꍟ ꌃꂦꌩꌗ ꒒ꂦꂦꀘ ꋪꍏꃴꀘꍏꈤ, ꍏꈤꀸ ꌗꃅꍟ ꒒ꂦꂦꀘꌗ ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꌗꃅꍟ ꎇꋪꂦꂵ ꈤꂦꃴꌩꀤ ꁴꍟꂵ.” He announced. Y/n kept herself firmly in between her friends and the ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ. 

“ꂦꀎꋪ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍏꁅꍟ ꉓꂦꈤꌗꀤꌗ꓄ꍟꀸ ꂵꍏꈤꌩ ꀸꀤꎇꎇꍟꋪꍟꈤ꓄ ꉣꍟꂦꉣ꒒ꍟ. ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꅏꍟꋪꍟꈤ’꓄ ꀭꀎꌗ꓄ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ’ꌗ.” Y/n admitted. Maja howled and a few other wolves howled back. The women came closer but Gustav held a protective hand in front of her.

Y/n raised a brow, was he …. Afraid. Isla clutched on to Niko’s arm as Zan and Kheli stood around her. The winds whipped around blowing cold air at Y/n. A shiver erupted through her skin uncovered due to giving her cloak to Isla.

The women gently pushed aside Gustav’s arm and she knelt in front of Y/n. She stared into her eyes and examined her face. Her hands were soft like rose petals, and Y/n flinched back when her hands gently held her face.

“ꉣꂦꂦꋪ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅꌗ, ꌩꂦꀎ’ꃴꍟ ꌃꍟꍟꈤ ꍏ꒒ꂦꈤꍟ ꌗꂦ ꒒ꂦꈤꁅ.” She mumbled softly. Y/n didn’t understand this strange feeling in her chest as this woman held her face. 

“ꈤꂦꋪꍏ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꀘ, ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꀘꀤꈤꁅ ꀤ꓄.” Gustav growled but the woman Nora. Nora glared back at him and gently wrapped her cloak around Y/n. Nora looked back at the other children with a motherly gaze. She couldn’t help but notice how close they seemed.

They all huddled together, forming a small diamond shape. Y/n in the front, Kheli and Niko at her sides, Isla directly behind Y/n and Zan in the back. The boys looked ready to pounce. Nora has seen how they followed Y/n’s movements. Where she moved they moved, when she so much and moved a finger they copped it.

Nora reached her hand for Y/n to take. Y/n moved back in confusion. She seemed kind,  it could be a lie. She could be trying to trap them, hurt them. Y/n wouldn’t let that happen. 

“꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꂵꌩ ꃅꍏꈤꀸ, ꉣ꒒ꍟꍏꌗꍟ.” Nora sighed reaching g her hand further out. Y/n kept herself firmly between this woman and her people.

“ꅏꃅꌩ?”

Nora furrowed a brow but kept her hand out. Gustav stared at his wife in confusion, he kept Maja ready to pounce. The other ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ watched there leaders wife with a curious expression. Her kindness knew no bounds, but to extend that the strangers.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꉓꂦ꒒ꀸ, ꌗꂦ ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍏꋪꂵ꓄ꃅ. ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꃅꀎꈤꁅꋪꌩ, ꌗꂦ ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꍟꍟꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ. ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꓄ꃅꀤꋪꌗ꓄ꌩ, ꌗꂦ ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꓄ꂦ ꀸꋪꀤꈤꀘ. ꌗꂦ ꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꂵꌩ ꃅꍏꈤꀸ.” Nora voices her tone sweeter than any honey the group had ever tasted.

Y/n felt a warmth in her body she’d never felt before. It’s was fuzzy, like sitting at just the right place next to a fire. After a moment Y/n took Nora’s hand. Nora’s smile brightened and she lead the group through the crowds of people. Gustav went to stop his wife but instead he watched.

The crowds parted for Nora like she was royalty. The crowds stared down at the children with a mix of curiosity and disprove. A few children younger, older, and around their age stared at them till their parents pushed them back. 

Gustav looked over at Ville and followed his gaze. It was set on Y/n with a curious expression. Gustav stood next to him in a matter of minutes.

“I want you to watch over those children, especially that girl.” Gustav whispered while looking at Y/n. “Something is off about these children.”

With a small nod from Ville Gustav walked toward his wife, Maja followed closely behind. Ville stared at them as the crowds gathered as each child left his view.

Y/n kept her grip firmly in Nora’s. This women was kind, too kind. That would be her fault, her kindness to these children. They were no ordinary children. They were Helios in training, and they had a job to do.

……………………………………

Snow flurried down from the grey sky as Y/n left the home of Gustav and Nora. For the last two weeks her and her fellow trainees were staying with the leader of this Fjerdan town and his wife. Gustav agreed that the children could stay as long as they lived in the attic and help around.

So there Y/n was, holding a basket, and a small huddle of thin cookies for her to snack on. Y/n journeyed through the town towards the town center. The children playing stopped and stared at her. Their eyes filling nothing but distrust.

Another pair of eyes followed her. Ville’s pale eyes followed her as she walked and snacked. Y/n felt his gaze but didn’t turn to look at him. Ville followed behind her as she walked. Y/n stopped and turned, Ville stumbled slightly and glared down at her.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꋪꍟꍏ꒒꒒ꌩ ꌗꀎꉓꀘ ꍏ꓄ ꎇꂦ꒒꒒ꂦꅏꀤꈤꁅ ꉣꍟꂦꉣ꒒ꍟ. ꀤ ꉓꍏꈤ ꃅꍟꍏꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Y/n answered as she bit into the cookie. Ville grumbled and began to walk next to her. Y/n rolled her eyes as she held tightly onto her basket. She handed Ville one of the cookies, no words were exchanged.

“ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꀤꌗ ꀤ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꀸꂦꀤꈤꁅ?” Ville questioned as the pair weaved their way through people. Y/n picked up spices and Ville would add things to her basket. 

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꀤꌗ ꃅꍏꃴꀤꈤꁅ ꍏ꒒꒒ ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꋪꀤꍟꈤꀸꌗ ꂦꃴꍟꋪ ꒒ꍏ꓄ꍟꋪ. ꈤꂦꋪꍏ ꌗꍟꈤ꓄ ꂵꍟ ꂦꀎ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꁅꋪꍏꌃ ꍏ ꎇꍟꅏ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅꌗ ꎇꂦꋪ ꃅꍟꋪ. ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꃅꀎꈤ꓄ꌗ ꀤꌗ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꅏꍟ’꒒꒒ ꉓꂦꂦꀘ.” Y/n answered as she paid the stall owner. Ville nodded softly, he was going on the hunt with the others. 

Y/n picked up some bad grain and Ville sighed. He took the grain from her hand and handed her a better bag. Y/n thanked him silently as she paid with the krydda. 

Ville’s eyes trailed after Y/n wherever she went. Y/n’a braided hair flowed in the cool breeze. Nora had been doing Y/n and Isla’s hair for the past two weeks. It was customary for unmarried women. 

As they began to walk back towards Gustav’s home Y/n hummed softly. Ville listened intently as the soft sound entered his ears. From afar Gustav ready Maja to hunt, a few other men with him. Gustav watched as Ville brought Y/n home with an almost knowing gaze.

Ville opened the door and allowed Y/n inside. Gustav called him and Ville turned to leave. Ville began to walk down the snow covered path glancing back at the closed door of the home. 

“ꉓꂦꂵꍟ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ, ꓄ꃅꍟ ꆰꀎꀤꉓꀘꍟꋪ ꅏꍟ ꃅꀎꈤ꓄ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ ꎇꂦꋪ ꈤꂦꋪꍏ, ꓄ꃅꍟ ꆰꀎꀤꉓꀘꍟꋪ ꅏꍟ ꎇꍟꍏꌗ꓄.” Gustav cheered with a right smile and a pat on Ville’s back. Ville flinched slightly at the roughness of Gustav. As the other men went into the woods, Gustav grabbed Ville’s thick cloak.

“ꀤꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꅏꍏ꒒ꀘ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꃅꍟꋪ, ꋪꍟꂵꍟꂵꌃꍟꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ ꈤꍟꍟꀸ ꍏ ꉓꃅꍏꉣꍟꋪꂦꈤꍟ.” Gustav growled softly, letting go of Ville. Ville stuttered over his words. No, he didn’t want Y/n, she was a stranger. She was odd, and her friends brought distrust into his home. Gustav merely watched Ville’s inner workings as he guided Maja into the wood.

Y/n brought the basket full of spices, grain and a few other things into the kitchen. Isla and Nora moved around cooking together. Nora kept Isla away from the knives and stove thinking it too dangerous for a girl who couldn’t see or speak. Nora smiled brightly as Y/n brought her the basket. 

Nora had Y/n begin to make some bread. The boys were up in the attic planning out how to steal the ring. Turns out Gustav had it, but it was kept in his bedroom. Nora had mentioned it in a previous conversation. Y/n had also seen it once.

Time flew by as the two girls and older women worked in the kitchen. Gustav soon returned with a kill, a deer. Gustav dressed and cleaned it then left it to Nora. Gustav gave Nora a quick kiss on her forehead and pull Y/n aside. Y/n furrowed her brow as Gustav guided Y/n away. 

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꈤꀸ ꀤꌗ꒒ꍏ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꃅꍟ꒒ꉣ ꍏꋪꂦꀎꈤꀸ ꀸꀤꈤꈤꍟꋪ.” Y/n furrowed her brow in confusion. She always helped with dinner.

“ꅏꍟ ꍏ꒒ꅏꍏꌩꌗ ꃅꍟ꒒ꉣ.” 

Gustav stared down at her with a firm face. He fixed up her hair quickly, adjusting her braid. Some of men entered into the house and Gustav pulled a few strands of Y/n’s hair out of the braid. 

Gustav stared down at Y/n’s s/c skin, it shined softly. Y/n, Isla, Niko, Kheli, and Zan were everything his wife wanted. Gustav had been unable to gift Nora children, so he couldn’t refuse to let this orphans go. Nora has quickly grown attached, while Gustav was only now growing attached to Y/n.

The others were fine but there was something off with how Y/n carried herself. She seemed so sure of herself, yet seemed so scared. The way she’d always push her friends behind her, even the boys. It shocked him that such a small girl was so protective.

“ꉓꂦꂵꍟ, ꓄ꃅꍟꌩ’ꃴꍟ ꍏꋪꋪꀤꃴꍟꀸ.” Gustav murmured as he guided Y/n back to the kitchen. Ville looked away from his conversation with his friend and watched as Y/n walk into the kitchen with Gustav.

Nora handed Y/n some wine and a tray to carry it. Nora kept Isla in the kitchen to help her cook. Y/n walked around the table with Gustav’s company. She’d grab a cup filled with it and wait till the man would grab it. 

The first couple grabbed the cup without much issue. Ville’s hand gently grazed Y/n’s as he took a the cup. Gustav gripped his cup in his iron grip. As Y/n held the filled cup out for Markus to take as he spoke. Markus stared up at Y/n with a raised brow.

The whole table stopped as they stared at Y/n. Y/n motioned for him to take the cup from her. A low growl came from Maja as she rested under the table by Gustav. Another reason Gustav was so enamored by Y/n’s character was Maja.

Maja was the deadliest ꀤꌗꍟꈤꀎ꒒ꎇ of her litter, yet she was so docile when it came to Y/n. Instantly Maja connected to Y/n’s side, she seemed second only to himself.  When Y/n sighed softly and motioned to the cup again. 

“꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉓꀎꉣ.” Y/n asserted sternly. Her tone was abrasive and annoyed. Markus glared up at her as the boys walked down the stairs and moved to the table. 

Niko shot a look around the table then his gaze finally landed Y/n’s. Kheli moved to the kitchen next to Isla and helped her with stuff Y/n couldn’t see. Zan leaned against the wall and unreadable expression on his face. 

Markus still made no move to take the cup, he was so used to it being placed in his hand. Gustav moved his gaze to Y/n and then to Niko. Maja sat upright and Nora’s gaze moved to the quiet table.

“ꌗꃅꍟ ꉓꍏꈤꈤꂦ꓄ ꌗꍟꍟ ꂵꍏꋪꀘꀎꌗ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꂵꀎꌗ꓄ ꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉓꀎꉣ.” Gustav voiced with a small smile. Markus nodded softly taking the cup, the look on his face seemed to be tight. Gustav allowed the tight smile on his own face, Y/n’s voice always seems to bring some frustration to others but to him it brought amusement. 

“ꀤ ꎇꂦꋪꁅꍟ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸꋪꍟꈤ ꍏꋪꍟ ….. ꀸꀤꎇꎇꍟꋪꍟꈤ꓄.” Markus politely sneered in a way Y/n thought only she saw.  Nora stopped chopping her vegetables and snapped her head up. Kheli and Isla shared a quick look as Zan moved his head up. Niko rolled his shoulders his white eyes seeming to go sharp. 

Gustav hummed in response and they all raised there glasses in a quick salute to each other. As the dinner continues Y/n goes around bringing food, filling there cups, clearing some finished plates. The others watch as Niko helped Y/n around, Markus keeping his gaze on the pair. 

“ꈤꀤꀘꂦ ꃅꂦꅏ ꂦ꒒ꀸ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ?” Markus questioned rang threw for a moment. Zan rubbed his gloved left hand, it was missing a chunk of flesh and scared over, a small courtesy of Y/n biting it out. Many times since there friendship began Y/n had apologized over his ruined hand, Zan would merely wave her off with a smile. 

Niko looked to Y/n unable to answer. His fjerdan was no where near as proficient as Y/n’s. Y/n did most of the speaking now, she’d give them all lessons but fjerdan was a hard language to learn. 

“ꃅꍟ ꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꍟꍟꈤ.” Y/n answered taking a plate and giving the deer bones to Maja. 

“꓄ꃅꍟ ꂦ꓄ꃅꍟꋪꌗ?” 

Y/n knew he meant the other boys, Markus didn’t show much interest in the girls. The boys all felt the air go cold, Nora went to place another log in the fire. 

“꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗꍏꂵꍟ.” Y/n’s tone was becoming questionable. Ville stared at Y/n with an uncertain look, he knew where this conversation was moving. Ville had not really understanding of just how close Y/n was with her friends, how could he. After all Y/n and the others were lying about almost everything, and it came so naturally.

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꌩꂦꀎ ꌗꃅꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꌃꋪꀤꈤꁅ ꌩꂦꀎꋪꌗ ꌃꂦꌩꌗ ꓄ꂦ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꈤꍟꊼ꓄ ꃅꀎꈤ꓄ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꀎꌗ. ꓄ꃅꍟꌩ ꍏꋪꍟ ꂵꂦꋪꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟꈤ ꂦ꒒ꀸ ꍟꈤꂦꀎꁅꃅ.” Markus began. Y/n ignored the conversation from then on, choosing to help Nora. As the dinner concluded Ville stared at Y/n the entire time. Gustav watched his gaze as Y/n cleared and cleaned with Isla. 

Markus watched Isla move around swiftly with a kind smile on her face. Markus’s gaze ran over Isla is a way that made her friends growl internally. It was not secret all of them were dangerously protective of Isla, but none more so then Y/n. 

A shared glance between them was all it took to decide Markus’s fate. When the time for the group to leave with the Sol ring Markus would die. 

Maybe we’re being a bit extreme, but I don’t really care.

Y/n shuddered at her own thoughts. Sometimes she feared herself, her fury, her anger, her….. darkness. It was too late to get rid of her thoughts of smashing Markus’s head due to the way he was staring at Isla. 

Oh well, not like his wife or children will miss him.

…………………………………………

Y/n picked at her nails as Niko and Kheli sat awake with her in the darkness of the attic. Isla was sprawled against Y/n’s lap, Y/n’s hands threading through the small braids she had braided into one large braid. Zan was asleep on his make shift bed Nora and Gustav had made. 

They were comfortable enough but Y/n preferred the floor near Isla’s bed. It brought her a sense of comfort to know if something went wrong nothing could stop her from reaching Isla. Y/n tilted her head back against the plush of the bed as Kheli and Niko we’re across from her. 

After the dinner the group had discussed how they could speed this plan up. The plan was get close to Gustav, and steal the ring. Simple enough but they were getting too close. Isla was content with cooking in the kitchens with Isla, Y/n was growing used to Ville’s and Gustav’s company. The boys were struggling with the fact so many pretty girls were interested in them.

The ring was kept in Gustav’s and Nora’s room, locked away. Y/n alone caught a glimpse of it in passing when Gustav was showing it to Ville, the reason unknown. Y/n hummed softly, the simple tune that she’d sung many times. Niko’s gaze was one Y/n’s shadowy figure, he could barley make out her hazy shape. Through his cloudy eyes and at night his sight was weak. 

Kheli stared out the slightly open window, the moonlight shining perfectly down on Y/n. His sight was hazed as well but Y/n’s figure was easily visible due to the softly shimmer of her skin. Kheli couldn’t explain it, but in the moonlight or under the stars Y/n shinned oh so softly.

"ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ʙᴏʀɴ ᴀ ʟᴀᴅʏ, ᴛᴏ ᴀ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ʀᴇɴᴏᴡɴ.

ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴘʀɪᴅᴇ.

ɪ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴏʙᴇʏᴇᴅ, ɪ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ. 

ʙᴜᴛ ᴍʏ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ.

ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ɴᴀᴍᴇ, ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ʟɪɴᴇᴀɢᴇ.

ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ʙᴜʀᴅᴇɴ, ᴀ ꜱᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀʀʏ ʜɪꜱ ᴛɪᴛʟᴇꜱ.”

Y/n’s soft melody echoed through the attic. The sound traveled through the window and around the quiet village. Any who were left awake were lulled to sleep by the song in the unfamiliar language. Niko closed his eyes and pulled his blanket over himself. 

"ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴀ ʟᴏʀᴅ,

ʙᴏʀɴ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜɪɢʜ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ.

 ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʟᴀᴅɪᴇꜱ ᴅᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ,

ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜰɪɴᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴏʏ.

ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ᴍᴇ, ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ,

ᴡʜᴏ'ꜱ ʙᴏʀɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴄʟᴀᴡꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴇᴇᴛʜ."

Kheli laid against the cold ground and began to sleep soundly. Isla’s soft breath against Y/n’s legs reminded her of the life still in her body. Y/n looked around the attic as she hummed the melody. She gaze went from each other to the next. 

“ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ᴠɪᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ,

ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇꜰʏ ᴍᴇ, ʜᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱʜɪᴠᴇʀ.

ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴀ ʟᴏʀᴅ,

ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ᴅᴏɴᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ, ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴏᴠᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴛʜ.

ꜱᴏ ɪ ꜱʜᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴅʏ, ᴍʏ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ʜᴀᴅ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇᴅ."

As Y/n finished her tune she felt tired herself. She sighed softly and pulled a small object out from her pocket. It was a hairpin with a strangely sharp edge. There was a rose at its side, a gift from Isla. Y/n poked herself over and over again with the pin to keep herself awake.

She couldn’t sleep, she just couldn’t. She was in charge, it was her job to ensure the safety of her friends. As her gaze moved about the room, it remained on Zan’s sleeping figure. Even through her sight, even though it was dark she could see him.

There was just something off about Zan, a gut feeling Y/n got whenever she caught his gaze. Y/n didn’t understand how he could forgive her for his hand. Y/n would admit she wished she hadn’t done it. In her fury she lost control of herself. 

The healers at the sanctuary tried there best to fix his hand. His hand still works just fine, he was scared though. Adam was even stranger, but he seemed so obsessed. He’d follow Y/n around at times she’d wish he’d leave her alone. Her guilt stopped her from really telling him to leave her alone. 

Her eyes begin to drop, and she forced the pin into her skin. She bit her lip tasting the metallic of her blood. Isla stirred in her lap for a moment. Y/n halted her movements and then Isla nuzzled her head into Y/n’s stomach. Her senses were blurring and she could faintly feel the dripping of blood from her cuts.

Y/n pulled the pin out and placed it into her pocket. Her black dress was scratchy on her skin but the buzz that surrounded her head caused her to ignore it. As she allowed her eyes to drop, darkness took over her.

𝓨/𝓷 𝓼𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓷 𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓯𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓿𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓲𝓽. 𝓢𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓴𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓰𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓵𝓼 𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓽. 𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓾𝓻𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮, 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮. 𝓕𝓸𝓸𝓽𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓹𝓼 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓫𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓶𝓸𝓿𝓮. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓽𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮.

“𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵.” 𝓨/𝓷 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓮. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓽 𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓴𝓮𝓯𝓽𝓪 𝓼𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓮𝔃𝓮 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓵𝔂. 

“𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓸𝓿.”

𝓨/𝓷 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓪𝔃𝓮 𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓾𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭. 𝓐 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵 𝓯𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝔀. 

“𝓢𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓔𝓰𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯.”

𝓨/𝓷 𝓱𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓼𝓸 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓸𝓻 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓹𝓾𝓹𝓲𝓵𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮. 

“𝓨𝓮𝓼, 𝓪 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓽𝓱𝓮 ʊռʊɖɛǟɖֆ 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽.”  

𝓗𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮. 𝓨/𝓷 𝓴𝓮𝓹𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓼𝓲𝓰𝓱. 

“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓲𝓽, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾.” 𝓨/𝓷 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓭.

“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓶𝓮?” 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓹𝓵𝓮𝔁𝓮𝓭. 𝓨/𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓸𝓯𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓸𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓰𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓶. 𝓗𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭.

“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓗𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓼 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭.” 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓪𝓼 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽. 𝓝𝓲𝓴𝓸 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓷𝔃𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓻, 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀. 𝓘𝓽𝓼 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓮𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓿𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂.

𝓝𝓲𝓴𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓪 𝓺𝓾𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓨/𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓰𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓸𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓽𝓾𝓪𝓻𝔂. 𝓗𝓮 𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓸𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓨/𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭. 

“𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓿𝓪𝓵𝓾𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓗𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓼, 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽.”

𝓨/𝓷 𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭. 𝓗𝓮 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓰𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓹𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓽. 𝓐 𝓫𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓨/𝓷’𝓼 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓮𝓴 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭.

𝓗𝓮 𝓹𝓾𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷, 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓮. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓶 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓹 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓴 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓴𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮.

“𝓔𝔁𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓻𝔂.” 𝓗𝓮 𝓶𝓾𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓨/𝓷’𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼. 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓭𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓨/𝓷 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓹 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓻. 𝓗𝓮𝓻 𝓰𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓽, 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽.

…………………………

Y/n hid behind a large oak tree as snow fell down around her. A crossbow was placed in her hands as a wild boar came into view. She raised her crossbow with a fumble.

Gotta make it look like over never used one of these before

“ꀸꂦ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꌗꃅꂦꂦ꓄ ꀭꀎꌗ꓄ ꌩꍟ꓄.” Gustav mutters softly. Y/n internally groaned as she looked down. Crouching in the snow behind a bush was Gustav and Ville. The others all brought their sons, but Gustav brought Y/n. He would have brought Niko, Kheli, or Zan but they had all come down with a sickness.

It was strange to him that Isla and Y/n were perfectly fine, but he didn’t give it do much though. Ville looked over at Gustav in confusion.

“ꀤ ꀸꂦ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꀎꈤꀸꍟꋪꌗ꓄ꍏꈤꀸ, ꀤꎇ ꌗꃅꍟ ꌗꃅꂦꂦ꓄ꌗ ꈤꂦꅏ ꌗꃅꍟ’꒒꒒ ꀘꀤ꒒꒒ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌃꂦꍏꋪ.” Y/n nodded at Ville’s words. She may have made it look like she was struggling but she could still kill the boar. Gustav sent a quick glare to the young ones around him. 

Ville promptly turned his head back to the boar while Y/n returned the glare. Gustav chuckled softly at the threatening look Y/n gave him. For a child who could not see, she was quite frightening. When Y/n turned back, the boar was gone.

“ꋪꍟꂵꀤꈤꀸ ꂵꍟ ꍏꁅꍏꀤꈤ ꅏꃅꌩ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏ꒒꒒ꂦꅏꍟꀸ ꌩ/ꈤ ꍏ ꉓꋪꂦꌗꌗꌃꂦꅏ?” Y/n’s head snapped towards the two men as they stood. Gustav ignored Ville’s question as he walked towards the boar tracks. Ville placed his hand in the small of Y/n’s back and lead her towards Gustav. 

Y/n wished she could slap his hand away but made no such move. Ville attempted to take the crossbow but Y/n pressed it against his side. 

“ꀤ ꂵꍏꌩ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꌃꍟ ꍏꌃ꒒ꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꌗꍟꍟ, ꌃꀎ꓄ ꀤꂵꍏ ꀎꌗꍟ ꀤꎇ ꀤ ꉣꀎ꒒꒒ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꓄ꋪꀤꁅꁅꍟꋪ ꀤ꓄ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꍟꈤꀸ ꌃꍏꀸ꒒ꌩ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ.”

Ville shivered at her words and backed away. Y/n smirked triumphantly as Gustav stood. He gently brought Y/n to the ground and placed her hands above the tracks.

“ꀤꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸꋪꍟꈤ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ ꎇꂦꋪ ꍏ ꂵꂦꂵꍟꈤ꓄…. ꌩ/ꈤ ꓄ꍟ꒒꒒ ꂵꍟ ꅏꃅꀤꉓꃅ ꅏꍏꌩ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌃꂦꍏꋪ ꀤꌗ ꁅꂦꀤꈤꁅ.” Gustav pondered. Ville scoffed as he began to speak, Y/n merely laid her hand into the tracks.

“ꁅꀎꌗ꓄ꍏꃴ ꌗꃅꍟ ꀤꌗ ꍏ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒, ꀤ ꀸꂦꀎꌃ꓄ ꌗꃅꍟ ꍟꃴꍟꈤ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꒒ꂦꂦꀘ…” Ville’s words trailed away as Y/n pointed east towards the lake. Gustav nodded in approval and continued his path. Y/n shot a proud smile to Ville and she crossed her arms gently.

Ville glared softly down at her and he began to lead her. His mind raced with confusion. Y/n was so different from all the girls in the village. She wasn’t timid or so docile. She was rougher and so violent. None of the other girls could hunt, none of the other girls were so peculiar to him.

As the boar came back into view Y/n knelt down in the snow a bit further away from the pair. She took in a deep inhale and allowed herself to feel the buzz of the space surrounding her.

She felt the tress seasoning in the cold breeze, the breathing of Ville, the heartbeat of Gustav. Every vibration of life around her, she focused on. The boar began to move and Y/n lost her focus as Ville poked her leg.

“ꌗꃅꂦꂦ꓄ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꀸꍏꂵꍟꀸ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ!” 

Y/n shot a vicious glance to Ville as she set the cross bow down. When she looked up the boar was gone. Y/n stood and walked to the area it had just been in. Placing her hand down and feeling the mud in between her hands brought a small comfort.

The meadow would get so muddy in the spring, Y/n would be able to pull the flowers right from the roots. She brought her muddy hand to her nose, deeply inhaling the scent of the ground bellow her. Ville watched her so intently that Gustav could practically feel the radiation of his gaze. 

A loud squeal bombarded the area as Y/n hit the ground. Y/n screamed at the boar began to attack her, its trotters hitting against her shoulders. Y/n pushed her arms against it as it’s ripped off. A haze enveloped her as she was pulled into a pair of rough and muscular arms. 

As her eyes opened their Ville stood drenched in blood spats. The boar a few feet away, the creature twitched as Ville shot his dagger into the boar. Gustav’s arms were tightly around her, his grip so gently in comparison to the feeling of the boar on her a moment ago. 

As the pair met each others eyes the other froze. On Ville’s end he peered into those alluring white eyes the prickled with tears. Her eyes of the snow that he lived in, trained in, breathed in. Her faced was dirty, flushed and had gone pale. Her hunting cloths, a pair of Niko’s pants and one of Gustav’s thick shirts were torn in a few places. Ville couldn’t help but find it strange such a quick encounter could cause such havoc upon her. 

Y/n’s sight was hazed in the strangest way. As she stared at Ville she could make out his figure, but his features didn’t stand out. The blood he was soaked in did. It’s bright crimson color pierced her sight, the droplets forming on the curve of his face. As she was brought to her feet she stumbled into him. The still warm blood getting on her cloths. 

Y/n grasped onto Ville and Gustav’s froze. He stared at the pair, then ordered that Ville watch over Y/n so he could secure the boar. Ville went away from the dead boar a dazed look on his face as he held Y/n.

The ground was cold and wet against Villes bottom, but it was a small price to pay to keep Y/n off the ground and in his lap. Y/n kept her eyes closed as she leaned into him, she took in his scent for a moment. Ville looked around then saw it.

He dug out his knife and cut into the ground, avoiding the roots. He pulled it up covered in mud and placed it into Y/n’s palms. Y/n lazily drew her fingertips over the petals of the flower. There was a thin layer of frost over the flower, the rose. Ville moved her h/c hair out of her face, his calloused hands brushing against her skin. 

A winter rose…. Its roots covered in dirt in her hands. Y/n slowly lifted her gaze to his with a slight tremble. Her lip wobbled as the pain set in, an uncontrollable shiver enveloping her body. Ville’s warm hand against her kept her grounded. 

Her stomach dropped as his thumb brushed away a stray tear. This feeling in her stomach was pounding inside of her. No it couldn’t be this. This was something she’d only ever read about in the storybooks. The way his hand was so firmly pressed against her cheek…..

Y/n hadn’t realized that they were moving and out of the forest till her back hit the couch in Gustav’s sitting area. Ville’s cape was warm and tucked around her. She felt Isla’s warm hand in hers, Niko’s hands on her shoulders, and the rose still clutched in her hands.

The adults in the room spoke in hushed voices, the topic Y/n didn’t care to translate. Isla tapped on her hand urgently as the other two boys watched. 

“We have to do it now, we can’t wait any longer.”

Y/n’s hushed tone was fearful, something the others weren’t used to. Isla stared at Niko, who stared at Zan, who stared at Kheli, who was staring at Y/n.

“One week from today is the village celebration for Ville’s proof of his worthiness today. That’s when we strike.”

The group nodded softly, no one dared to object.

…………………………………………

A large bonfire crackled as girls and women danced out the fire. The men drank and laughed as Y/n observed them. Isla had caught the boys sickness and Nora stayed home to watch them.

The moon danced above them as Y/n sat next to Ville’s mother as the women talked her ear off about topics she had no idea why she was talking to her about. She was speaking about the best ways to give birth, care for a sick baby, cooking tips, and sewing tips. 

Y/n simply nodded along as other women joined into the conversation. They began discussing a wedding and venues. Y/n tuned them out as her brain thought back to when Egon found her.

Alina, Y/n and Mal sat in the meadow as Y/n braided Alina’s ebony locks. Mal laid on the ground in front of the sisters with his eyes closed. Figures began to approach from the tree-line. Y/n stared at them in confusion.

The grisha testers had come a few weeks ago, Y/n wasn’t sure who these strangers were. They weren’t dressed in kefta’s but armor in colors that fades from bronze to golden. Y/n stood up quickly as they approached, keeping her body in front of her sister and Mal.

The soldiers tilted their head to the side at Y/n and narrowed their eyes on Alina. The tallest man in a golden armor motioned his hand forward. The others grabbed Y/n quickly and then pulled Mal off the floor. 

The tallest man stalked towards Alina as Y/n thrashed in the grip of the two warriors. The gently grabbed Alina’s chin as she quivered.

“Lina! Get off her!” Y/n shouted as she tried to pull herself away. Mal stood frozen in fear as Y/n continued to push back. The warriors grip loosened and Y/n took a dagger from his side. Y/n ran at the man holding Alina’s chin and sliced at his hand, pulling Alina behind herself.

The man gasped as he pulled back, the dagger raised in the air. The man stared down at her with a small smile. 

“Let him go!”

Mal stumbled forward as the man let him go. Y/n pulled him behind her as pair quivered in fear. Y/n stared up at him with unwavering hatred in her eyes. The dagger didn’t seem to scare him, merely excited him.

He laughed…?

He bellowed with each passing moment his laugh grew. The other armored men shared a smile as they relaxed.

“What is your name girl?” He asked Y/n as he kneeled down. Y/n trailed the dagger after him as he knelt in front of her. Y/n didn’t answer as she heard Alina sniffle.

“Can you not speak?” He tilted his head in mockery.

“I know better than to give my name to a stranger.” Y/n snapped. He held an amused look as she spoke. He turned his gaze to the pair hiding behind Y/n.

“And you two?”

“A..Alina Starkov.”

“Malyen Orstsev.”

Y/n groaned in disbelief as they told their names. The man turned back to Y/n, his face holding not a hint of what he wanted. With a defeated sigh Y/n mumbled.

“Y/n Starkov.”

His eyes piped up in intrigue. He looked between Alina and Y/n for a while. 

“Sisters?” He pondered for a moment. “You don’t look related.”

Y/n’s glare deepened, her jaw tightened. She huffed softly.

“Does that really matter?” Y/n pondered. He shook his head and looked back at his people for a moment. 

“I am Egon Waldow, Lord Helios.”

Y/n blinked a few times and looked back at Alina. She stared back at her in confusion. Mal furrowed his brow.

“You’re what?”

Egon laughed softly as he stared down at her. He gentle grasped her hand that held the dagger. 

“We’ve come for your sister.” Y/n froze, and quickly jerked away. She pulled both Alina and Mal further behind herself.

“You can’t have her!”

“Unfortunately we have to take someon- Take me!” Egon raised a brow at her request. He stared down at Y/n with a slightly smile. She wasn’t meek or skittish like her sister. She stood tall, her grip tight around the dagger as he held it.

“No you can’t go! Ana Kuya won’t allow you to leave.” Alina tried to reason as tears streamed down her face. For some reason Y/n knew she would be allowed to go. This vibration around Egom seemed familiar, liked they’d met before.

“Your caretaker won’t stop us.” His voice held no uncertainty. Y/n slowly bit her lip nervously as she lowered the dagger. Her fate was now sealed.

Guilt prickled at her brain,  this was wrong on so many levels. They had lied and weaseled their way into these people’s lives. They had made bonds that they would be breaking. 

“ꌩ/ꈤ? ꍏꋪꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꍏꌩꀤꈤꁅ ꍏ꓄꓄ꍟꈤ꓄ꀤꂦꈤ?” Y/n looked over at Ville’s mother in confusion. The absent look on her face causing the older women to glare.

“ꀤ ꍏꌗꀘꍟꀸ ꀤꎇ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ ꃅꍏꌗ ꁅꀤꃴꍟꈤ ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꀤꈤꍏ꒒ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄?” The older women amused. Her brows turned, raising her chin.

“ꅏꃅꍏ꓄?”

“ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꀤꈤꍏ꒒ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄ ꂦꎇ ꉓꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ? ꃅꍏꌗ ꃅꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꁅꀤꃴꍟꈤ ꀤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꌩꂦꀎ ꌩꍟ꓄?” Y/n felt the blood in her veins freeze. Her heart sped up to an unmatchable pace. Courting gift? She pondered softly as she began to nimble at her bottom lip.

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ ꀤꌗꈤ’꓄ ꉓꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꂵꍟ.” She tried to reason. 

The women all laughed at the girl with a smile. Ville’s mother sent the girl a look she was thankful she couldn’t see. 

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ ꃅꍏꌗ ꌃꍟꍟꈤ ꉓꂦꀎꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꌩꂦꀎ. ꃅꍟ’ꌗ ꌃꍟꍟꈤ ꀸꀤꈤꀤꈤꁅ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꌩꂦꀎ, ꃅꍏꌗ ꃅꍟ ꍟꌗꉓꂦꋪ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣ꒒ꍏꉓꍟꌗ, ꃅꍏꌗ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄ꍟꀸ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏ ꅏꀤꈤ꓄ꍟꋪ ꋪꂦꌗꍟ. ꍏ꒒꒒ ꃅꍟ ꈤꍟꍟꀸ ꀸꂦ ꈤꂦꅏ ꀤꌗ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꀤꈤꍏ꒒ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄.”

Y/n never thought she’d be so happy to feel Ville’s hands on her shoulder as the world buzzed around her. Whatever words were said she didn’t hear. Her legs began to move and she felt Ville’s hands on her waist.

“ꌩ/ꈤ?”

“ꌩꍟꌗ?” The quiver in her voice brought a frown to Ville’s face. 

“ꀤ ꍏꌗꀘꍟꀸ ꀤꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꃅꂦꅏ ꓄ꂦ ꀸꍏꈤꉓꍟ?” Y/n idled nodded her head as music played. As they slowly began to dance, their steps messy and twisted Ville held a smile on his face. Her cloudy eyes stared up at him, her hair was only partially braided. A braid bun at the top while all rest of her h/c h/t locks were free. 

Ville couldn’t help but allow his smile to reach his ears, her hair was prefect in every way. The way the raging fire illuminated all her features. 

 “ꎇꂦꋪ ꍏ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒ ꅏꃅꂦ ꉓꍏꈤꈤꂦ꓄ ꌗꍟꍟ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꍏꈤꉓꍟ ꌃꍟꍏꀎ꓄ꀤꎇꀎ꒒꒒ꌩ.” Ville complemented. Y/n smiled softly as she felt her stomach plunge.

“ꍏꈤꀸ ꎇꂦꋪ ꍏ ꌃꂦꌩ ꅏꃅꂦ ꉓꍏꈤ ꌗꍟꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꋪꍏ꓄ꃅꍟꋪ ꀎꈤꉓꂦꂦꋪꀸꀤꈤꍏ꓄ꍟꀸ.” Ville’s laughter boomed as he spun her. Her thick dress twirling around, the fade of grey looked lovely on her. Her skin held a sweet glow to it that Ville had convinced was a trick of the light. 

“ꍏ꒒ꅏꍏꌩꌗ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗꅏꍟꍟ꓄ ꂦꈤꍟ ꍏꋪꍟꈤ’꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ?” Y/n slowly her steps as they pair left the dance floor. Gustav watched the pair with a small smile. The village was allowing them to break a few of the courting rule, after all Gustav wasn’t interfering. 

The smell of the cooked boar invaded Y/n’s senses and she gulped softly. She could practically feel her hands covered in dirt, trying to keep the thing from falling on her. 

“ꀤ ꉓꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꓄ꍟꍏꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꉣꍏꋪ꓄ ꀤꎇ ꀤ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ꍟꀸ.” Y/n uttered softly. Ville shock his head as he helped her moved over a branch. He was leading her away from the celebration, into the woods around the village. Slowly the pair approached a small clearing. 

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ? ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꍏꋪꍟ ꅏꍟ ꀸꂦꀤꈤꁅ ꂦꀎ꓄ ꃅꍟꋪꍟ?” Ville stopped in front of her. He clutched her hands gently, his hard palm again her slightly calloused hands.

“ꌩ/ꈤ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌃꌩ ꎇꍏꋪ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꌗ꓄ꋪꍏꈤꁅꍟꌗ꓄ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒ ꀤ’ꃴꍟ ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꂵꍟ꓄. ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌃꋪꍏꃴꍟ ꍏꈤꀸ ꉓꂦꀎꋪꍏꁅꍟꂦꀎꌗ. ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꋪꂦ꓄ꍟꉓ꓄ ꀤꈤꌗ꓄ꍟꍏꀸ ꂦꎇ ꌃꍟꀤꈤꁅ ꍏꎇꋪꍏꀤꀸ ꍏꈤꀸ ꀤ…” Y/n shot her hand to his lips. Fear ate at her insides, like a ravenous beast. 

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꂦꈤ’꓄ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꌗꍏꌩꀤꈤꁅ, ꌩꂦꀎ ꃅꍏꋪꀸ꒒ꌩ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꂵꍟ.” Ville gently removed her hand and placed his own into his pocket. He pulled out a item covered by a cloth with an engraved wolf.

“ꀤ ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꀘ ꀤ ꒒ꂦꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ.” He placed the gift into her hands, with hands that shock like an earthquake she moved over the cloth. In her hands laid the most beautiful comb she’d ever imagined. Her sight allowed her to see the comb as she ran her fingers over it. It had an arch at each end with simple blue stones placed onto it. 

A tear streamed down her face as Ville took the comb and placed it in her hair. It rested so beautifully in her hair under the moonlight. The smell of smoke began to cloud there nostrils and Ville turned away from Y/n. Under her dress she gently tapped on the stone of her collar, hidden as it always was. 

“ꌗꂦꂵꍟ꓄ꃅꀤꈤꁅ’ꌗ ꅏꋪꂦꈤꁅ ꀤꈤ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍏꁅꍟ. ꀤ’꒒꒒ ꌃꍟ ꌃꍏꉓꀘ.” As he turned back to Y/n, a soft look on his face, the sound of metal going through flesh commenced. His breath paused for a moment as he looked down, in his stomach, a silver dagger with a star at its hilt was plunged deep into his stomach, held by Y/n’s hand. 

His gaze traveled to her as she ripped the dagger from him. Blood pooled from his stomach as he staggered back.

“꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꅏꍏꌗ ꍏꈤ ꀤꈤꍟꃴꀤ꓄ꍏꌃ꒒ꍟ, ꌃꀎ꓄ ꌗꂦꂵꍟ ꌗꂵꍏ꒒꒒ ꉣꍏꋪ꓄ ꂦꎇ ꂵꍟ ꅏꀤꌗꃅꍟꌗ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꀤ꓄ ꅏꍏꌗꈤ’꓄. ꀤ ꋪꍟꁅꋪꍟ꓄꓄ꍟꀸ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꌗꂦ ꂵꀎꉓꃅ ꂵꂦꋪꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏꈤ ꀤ ꉓꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ’ꃴꍟ ꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꀤꂵꍏꁅꀤꈤꍟꀸ ꀤ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ. ꀤ ꓄ꃅꂦꀎꁅꃅ꓄ ꀤ꓄ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꌃꍟ ꍟꍏꌗꌩ ꓄ꂦ ꓄ꍏꀘꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗ꓄ꀎꉣꀤꀸ ꋪꀤꈤꁅ ꍏꈤꀸ ꒒ꍟꍏꃴꍟ. ꀤ ꀸꀤꀸꈤ’꓄ ꍟꊼꉣꍟꉓ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꌗ꓄ꍏꌩ, ꂵꍏꌩꌃꍟ ꌗ꓄ꍏꌩ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Y/n mourned softly as she caught Ville. As she laid him against herself she felt her tears dripping from her eyes.

Ville grasped onto her dress, his blood coating her. He stared up at her, his eyes wide as he watched the tears pour out of her eyes. She continued to apologize, I plead for his forgiveness as he laid against her.

“ꌗ-ꌗ꓄ꂦꉣ.” Ville muttered softly. He pulled at her braided hair and undid it. He took the comb and pushed some of her hair back with it. He wanted to remember her as she was not as she was now. Not with the tears of her own betrayal in her eyes, with his crimson blood covering her. Just Y/n, the eccentric girl he fell madly for.

Ville held her face, no tears in his eyes, no pain, just his blue eyes peering into her white ones. He watched at her tears hit his face as she held him. His mind didn’t go to his death but who was with him. He held the side of her face, his blood coating her face. 

Y/n felt as he began to go cold, his grin in her face lessened. Her tears poured down her face, angry red strikes covering her.

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꍟꌗꍟꋪꃴꍟ ꌗꂦ ꂵꀎꉓꃅ ꌃꍟ꓄꓄ꍟꋪ.” Ville smiled as his vision began to fade. He gently pulled her down, pressing a gently kiss to her lip. Y/n tasted the iron of his lips mixed with the salt of their mixed tears.

And then Ville was gone. 

The sound of footsteps did not cause her to move. The gently grip of Niko’s grasp on her shoulder shock her gently. Y/n slowly turned to him, a sniffle escaping her nose.

“The house? And Nora? And Markus?” Y/n pondered, her voice cracking.

“Burnt to the ground, Nora’s safe. We left her outside the house. Markus is dead, they’ll never find him.” Niko affirmed not looking down at Ville. Y/n nod softly, Nora was kind. She didn’t need to die. Markus however was doomed from the moment he stared at Isla with lust.

“The ring?”

The sound of jewelry being placed around her neck caused her sight to kick in. Looped around her neck was a simple gold chain with a simple band. A sun engraved into the ring. 

“ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ? ꌩ/ꈤ? ꅏꃅꍟꋪꍟ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Gustav’s voice cut through Y/n’s sorrows. Gustav froze as he can up in the sight. Y/n holding Ville in a pool of his own blood. Niko standing next to her. Kheli, Zan and Isla in the trees behind them.

Y/n slowly lowered Ville’s body slowly, her eyes not breaking from Gustav’s. She slowly stepped in front of her friends. Gustav walked forward Maja at his heel growling softly, baring her razor pearly teeth.

“Head towards the Sanctuary, I’ll meet you at the cliffs.” Niko stared at her, pity in his eyes. The brittleness of her voice seemed to become apparent. Her hand slowly raised to her necklace, her armor melted over her skin in a moonlight sliver color. Gustav yelled a command at Maja and she charged forward. 

“ꌗꀤ꓄!” Y/n yelled, piercing through the silence. Maja whined softly, sitting down upon Y/n’s side. Gustav glared sharply at her as the others quickly left. Isla remained behind staring at Y/n. With a disappointment sigh she left. 

“ꀤ ꀘꈤꍟꅏ ꀤ ꅏꍏꌗ ꋪꀤꁅꃅ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꌃꍟ ꌗꀎꌗꉣꀤꉓꀤꂦꀎꌗ ꂦꎇ ꌩꂦꀎ… ꌃꀎ꓄ ꈤꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꅏꂦꀎ꒒ꀸ ꃅꍏꃴꍟ ꀤꂵꍏꁅꀤꈤꍟꀸ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ.” He breathed. His eyes bore cruelly into her eyes. Y/n couldn’t speak, her words were lodged in her throat. She felt like a sildroher, stripped bare of her song.

No mate to sing in harmony with, no one to help control her song. She couldn’t breathe under his hatful gaze. 

“ꀤ ꀸꀤꀸꈤ’꓄ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ… ꈤꂦꈤꍟ ꂦꎇ ꀎꌗ ꀸꀤꀸ.” Gustav scoffed creeping towards her, his axe in hand. From her back she pulled a large sword as she began to circle Gustav.

“ꀸꀤꀸꈤ’꓄ ꅏꍏꈤ꓄ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꀎꌗ? ꒒ꀤꀘꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ’ꃴꍟ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꃴꀤ꒒꒒ꍟ? ꂵꌩ ꅏꀤꎇꍟ?” Y/n sharpened her brows, her teeth gritting. 

“ꀤ’ꀸ ꈤꍟꃴꍟꋪ ꃅꀎꋪ꓄ ꈤꂦꋪꍏ, ꌗꃅꍟ ꅏꍏꌗ ꀘꀤꈤꀸ. ꈤꂦ ꂦꈤꍟ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꀘꀤꈤꀸ ꀸꍟꌗꍟꋪꃴꍟꀸ ꓄ꂦ ꀸꀤꍟ. ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꉣꍟꂦꉣ꒒ꍟ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꀤꈤꀸ ꃅꍟꋪ, ꍏꌗ꒒ꍟꍟꉣ ꌃꌩ ꍏ ꓄ꋪꍟꍟ.”

“ꀤ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꀤꈤꀸ ꃅꍟꋪ ꍏꈤꀸ ꁅꀤꃴꍟ ꃅꍟꋪ ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꃅꍟꍏꀸ.”

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꒒ꍟꍏꃴꍟ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꅏꂦꂦꀸ ꓄ꂦꈤꀤꁅꃅ꓄.” Her threat held no question, not an ounce of doubt. Ville’s blood soaked the snow as they circled. 

“ꍏ꒒꒒ ꂦꎇ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꋪ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꋪꀤꈤꁅ?” Gustav mocked motioning his axe toward the corpse. 

“꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꋪꀤꈤꁅ ꀤꌗ ꌗꍏꉓꋪꍟꀸ, ꀤ꓄ ꌃꍟ꒒ꂦꈤꁅꌗ ꅏꀤ꓄ꃅ ꀎꌗ.” Y/n attempted to justify. The ring was made for their saint, it would help balance light. They couldn’t hunt an amplifier for them, but they could give their saint this. 

Egon would praise her willingness to her saint. Her faith was strong and her faithfulness in him reminded him that she was his ꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ. Egon could feel his soul would swell with pride whenever she successfully completed a task.

“ꀤ꓄’ꌗ ꎇꍏꀘꍟ.” Y/n froze, she became stiffer than the trees around. Stiffer than Ville as he laid in his crimson. Her hands shock around her sword, her feet digging into the ground. 

“ꅏꃅꍏ꓄…?”

Ville drew his axe back, sighing softly looking at Maja. She sat on the ground, her fur coated in snow. The terror rested on Y/n’s face, the color left her face quickly then ice could freeze over a lake. Gustav watched her hands tremble against her sword, the moon casting against her. 

“ꅏꍟ ꅏꍟꋪꍟ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄ꍟꀸ ꍏ ꋪꍟꉣ꒒ꀤꉓꍏ ꌩꍟꍏꋪꌗ ꍏꁅꂦ ꌃꌩ ꍏ ꎇꋪꀤꍟꈤꀸ. ꃅꍟ ꍟꈤ꓄ꋪꀎꌗ꓄ꍟꀸ ꂵꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꃅꀤꀸꍟ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꋪꍟꍏ꒒ ꂦꈤꍟ. ꅏꃅꍟꈤ ꃅꍟ ꌃꍟ꓄ꋪꍏꌩꍟꀸ ꀎꌗ, ꃅꍟ ꅏꂦꋪꍟ ꍏꋪꂵꂦꋪ ꀤꌗ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉓꂦ꒒ꂦꋪ ꂦꎇ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꌗꀎꈤ.”

Egon…

His armor was the only that was the pure color of the sun. Only the Lord Helios and his kin were permitted to wear the color of the Saint. 

“ꌩꂦꀎ’ꋪꍟ ꒒ꌩꀤꈤꁅ!” Y/n screamed her hand fumbling around her sword. Egon was the Lord Helios, he’d left his life as a ꀸꋪüꌗꀘꍟ꒒꒒ꍟ. Gustav stared at Y/n his eyes dull. 

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꂦꂦꋪ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸ, ꌗꂦ ꂦꌃꍟꀸꀤꍟꈤ꓄ ꍏꈤꀸ ꌗꂦ ꌃ꒒ꀤꈤꀸ.” Gustav said. Y/n felt the tears pour down her face leaving red marks in their wake. Y/n dropped her sword.

“ꌗꃅꀎ꓄ ꀎꉣ!” Y/n yelled. Her knees buckled and hits the cold frost bellow her. Her arms clutched her quaking frame. Gustav moved forward, gently running his hands through her hair. Gustav was careful to avoid the comb that Ville placed in her hair. 

Maja wander over to the bawling Y/n nuzzling her nose into Y/n’s stomach. She shudders and she wraps her arms around Maja. 

“ꌩꂦꀎ ꉣꂦꂦꋪ ꁅꀤꋪ꒒, ꎇꂦꋪ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉣꍏꌗ꓄ ꓄ꅏꂦ ꂵꂦꈤ꓄ꃅꌗ ꀤ’ꃴꍟ ꉓꍏꋪꍟꀸ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ. ꒒ꂦꃴꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ, ꍏꈤꀸ ꉣꋪꍏꀤꌗꍟꀸ ꀸꀭꍟ꒒ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌗꍟꈤꀸꀤꈤꁅ ꂵꍟ ꌗꀎꉓꃅ ꍏ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄. ꌃꀎ꓄ ꌩꂦꀎ ꍏꋪꍟ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꋪꍟꍏꀸꌩ ꓄ꂦ ꌃꍟ ꂵꌩ ꁅꀤꎇ꓄. ꈤꂦ꓄ ꌩꍟ꓄.” He uttered. He knelt down, gently taking her face into his large hands.

“ꂦꈤꍟ ꀸꍏꌩ ꌩꂦꀎ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꎇꀤꈤꀸ ꌩꂦꀎꋪ ꅏꍏꌩ ꌃꍏꉓꀘ ꓄ꂦ ꀎꌗ… ꍏꈤꀸ ꅏꃅꍟꈤ ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꂦ ꅏꍟ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꌃꍟ ꅏꍏꀤ꓄ꀤꈤꁅ ꎇꂦꋪ ꌩꂦꀎ.” Gustav expressed a gently kiss to Y/n’s forehead. After a few moments he stood and began to walk away. Maja moved to follow but Gustav shook his head gently. 

And just like that he was gone. Maja nudged at her side, pushing her to leave. She picked up her sword, took one last look at Ville’s corpse and was gone with the snow.

………………….

The journey back to the sanctuary was long and spend in silence. No one spoke unless they needed to. Y/n’s eyes wouldn’t cease there production of tears. Her face long since gone irritated, the ring heavy around her neck. 

Maja walked in front of all the children, growling softly at Kheli, Niko, and Zan. By the time they reached the edge of the fold other Helios stood at the entrance awaiting them. 

They stared down at the young children, their eyes dull. There armor glistening under the sun, there helmets make each Helios look more frightening to most children. Y/n kept her gaze down as Maja growled at each Helios. Her teeth were bared, her eyes blood eyes sharp. 

“꒒ꀤꈤꃅꂦ꒒ꂵꍟꋪꋪꍟ, how did your journey fair?” Egon’s voice quipped. Y/n raised her chin, her face full of red lines, her eyes seemed more grey then white at the moment, and her lip wobbled oh so slightly. 

Her fingers shakes as she dropped the fake ring into Egon’s hands. His eyes moved to Maja for a moment. 

“ꀤ꓄’ꌗ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꎇꍏꀘꍟ ꂦꈤꍟ, ꀤ ꃅꍏꃴꍟꈤ’꓄ ꓄ꂦ꒒ꀸ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꂦ꓄ꃅꍟꋪ.” Egon nodded his head at her. He gently placed his hand on the back of her neck. His lips gently brushed against her forehead. He rested there head together, breathing in the earth smell of her hair. 

"Be careful child... Just because you are winning does not mean you've won." Egon whispered against her forehead. 

its always “wyd” and never “biagftsoybtpoftwtlwyfmwfbifidwtffafiicfawtmafwy”🙄

You are strong enough to survive the fall.

👑 Nazyalensky 👑

This. This. This.

things I want to see in any future installments of the grishaverse (by Leigh bardugo) include:

- inej doing her pirate thing

- jesper and Wylan chilling in their garden as explosions go off in the background

- kaz breaking into little/big palace and stealing the crown

- said crown being sat on his shelf back in Ketterdam

-zoya unaible to do anything about it as she then had to admit of the crown being stolen in the first place

- nina sends him another crown

-kaz starts a collection

-he still has Alinas hair dress thingy from the show

-nikolai tried to steal it once as sturmhond 

-it ended tragically and he had to run to the Ravkan Embassy to avoid several explosive devises set up on his way

-he lands into the geldcanal at one point and swims/rows his say down towards the embassies

-jesper and wylan wave at him as he goes past, having no idea whats happened, wondering what kaz will them happened when he comes over for the evening

-inej at the time is having tea with Nina and Zoya at some royal party in os kervo making deals between Ravka and fjerda

-she knows

-both about kaz s security regarding his little collecting (purely gathered trough spite) and Nikolai’s ongoing attempt to get the crown back as they’ll need it for some function

-she also knows that kaz doesn’t have the crown, he gave it to her for safekeeping

-its in her bag, Zoya does not know, and has not stopped glaring at her as if kaz would somehow feel that glare through Inej. 

-nina suspects because of certain bones imbedded into the crown

-she is trying not to burst into laughter and cause an international incident between their countries

-inej is kicking Nina under the table, she is starting to want to disappear into her captains hat that kaz had bought for her. Zoya is starting affect the weather 

-dealing with pirates is easier than dealing with Zoya, Nina agrees while she’s trying to distract Zoya so inej can make her escape

-Alina just sips her tea, glad to be invited

barbie has a great day everyday

ken only has a great day if barbie looks at him

THIS IS GOLD OML. Nikolai complimenting himself is so him. I need to steal this idea and make some

🐦‍⬛ KazBrekker The King Of Ravka and Sturmhond are together 👑 ThatOneKing Nuh un 🐯 ZoyaTheGeneral That is confidential information 👑 ThatOneKing It is 🐯 ZoyaTheGeneral Yes? 👑 ThatOneKing We have to fire a lot of people

______________________________________________________________

🧇 KooperomWaffles New poll guys! What’s your favorite Kooperom dish? 🧇 KooperomWaffles Guys

______________________________________________________________

☕ DregsOfficial

Why does everyone say Kaz is hot

🦁 TheDimeLions

We have eyes

☕ DregsOfficial

WTF?????

🔪 RazerGuys

Yeah

☕ DregsOfficial

bruh

✋ TheCoolestGang

He could kill me and I'd thank him ong

☕ DregsOfficial

67.221.48.167

We’re coming for you

______________________________________________________________

👻 TheWraith

I’m not with Dirtyhands, guys

🍰 TheQueenOfNeens

Oh honey

💥 JesperfaHEHE

Girl

💣 TheBoomTheBang

No

🌕 TheGhostOfMatty

Why are you lying

🐦‍⬛ KazBrekker

So true, mysterious pirate that I do not know

☕ DregsOfficial

That is such a big lie even you should be ashamed Kaz

🐦‍⬛ KazBrekker

Anika, you're fired. Pim gets your job.

☕ DregsOfficial

TRAITOR

______________________________________________________________

🦊 ThatOnePrivateer

Nikolai Lantsov is so hot

👑 ThatOneKing

You too bbg <3

🦊 ThatOnePrivateer

I’m gonna kiss you

🐯 ZoyaTheGeneral

This is public

👑 ThatOneKing

Okay?

🐯 ZoyaTheGeneral

Do this in your own time

🔥 TheTailorInRavka

Please

🪨 DavidSafin

This is why I do not like social media

👑 ThatOneKing

L

🦊 ThatOnePrivateer

L

🪨 DavidSafin

What does that mean?

👑 ThatOneKing

LOSER!!111!!!!!1!!1!!!!1!!!11!!!!!!!!

🔥 TheTailorInRavka

Nikolai leave him be

👑 ThatOneKing

No

______________________________________________________________

💎 RavkaEdits

Nikolai Lantsov is so hot

👑 ThatOneKing

Thx bbg

🐯 ZoyaTheGeneral

Nikolai you can’t respond to these

👑 ThatOneKing

L

______________________________________________________________

“I am going to kill you.”

“So long as you kiss me again before you do.”

the IT couple, no one can convince me otherwise

my ranking of the grishaverse ships:

(top being my favorite, bottom being my least favorite)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

wesper

helnik

zoyalai

genya and david

kanej

malina

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ kanej fans, please don’t come after me. i feel really bad putting it that low, but it just wasn’t as interesting for me as the other ones. i’m not saying i don’t like the ship, because i really do love kaz and inej together. i just like the others ones better

i could have explained why i put all of them where i put them, but… words :/

tell me if i missed any important ones

*aaaaaaaa*

please excuse that-

*restarting*

Hi ya'll!!

This is my MasterList ig-

*idk what to write here* but happy reading guys! Stay Safe and Have Fun!!

Grishaverse~

Kaz x Inej // Kanej

.•°HOPE °•. Prologue // Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // (discontinued for now)

Game Night With The Crows (The Dregs)

Zoya x Nikolai // Zoyalai

In Another Life (answered zoyalai au)

Headcanon divergence (answered zoyalai au)

Stay With Me

Helnik // Matthias Helvar x Nina Zenik

.•°Ghosts of our Past°•.

Prologue // Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3 (coming soon)

Pottermore~

Remus x Sirius // WolfStar

Beneath The Howling Moon

• Draco x Hermione // Dramione

Echoes of Silence

Hunger Games ~

• Katniss x Gale // Everthorne

Remnants of Ashes

hey, y'all!! gimme some Kanej or Zoyalai fanfics to write!!

PS: (totally not down with fever and writing a zoyalai fanfic where nikolai is down with flu-)

Edit: It's Out!! (Stay With Me)

Zoyalai au idea no 2. Canon divergence

Zoya's power did not reveal itself on her wedding day, it happened during her first night with the husband years later. She is 13 and accidently kills her husband before he even lays a finger on her. She is alone (her parents were paid and sent away long ago) with her newly aquired grisha powers, happily the servants help her and cover the death. She becomes a widow, with her late husband's money she doesn't feel the need to join the second army, so she hides her powers.

Years later when the fold is gone, the new king during his travels across Ravka stops in her estate. And one night his demon escapes.

*Genya is probably the general here...🤔

*Zoya's aunt and cousin join her after she becomes a widow

She was only thirteen when she became a widow. Married off to a much older nobleman for the sake of alliances, her fate had been sealed long before she could even understand it. Her parents, lured by promises of wealth and status, had sent her away without a second thought. And on that wedding night, in the quiet confines of her husband's lavish chambers, fear and desperation had gripped her heart.

It wasn't supposed to happen like this. She was meant to be a pawn in someone else's game, a tool to be wielded for power and influence. But when his hands reached for her, when the darkness threatened to consume her innocence, something inside Zoya snapped.

The power surged through her veins like wildfire, uncontrolled and raw. She hadn't even known she was Grisha until that moment, when the force of her newfound abilities lashed out in self-defense. In an instant, he was dead, his lifeless body slumped on the bed.

Zoya had been alone then, save for the servants who had heard the commotion and rushed to her aid. Fearful yet loyal, they had helped her conceal the truth, covering up the death as an unfortunate accident. She became a widow that night, inheriting her late husband's wealth and estate.

With newfound independence, Zoya chose to hide her powers. She had no desire to join the Second Army, no need to prove herself to anyone. Instead, she focused on managing her estate, rebuilding her life in the shadow of her past.

***

Present Day

Ravka had changed. The Fold that had once divided the land was gone, thanks to the efforts of Grisha and warriors alike. Darker days seemed to recede with the passing years, replaced by an uncertain peace tinged with hope.

Nikolai was unlike any king Ravka had known before—charming, cunning, and with a darkness of his own. During his travels across the kingdom, he stopped at Zoya's estate, seeking refuge and respite from the demands of his crown.

It was on one such night, when the wind whispered through the trees and the stars twinkled overhead, that disaster struck. A demon, a remnant of darker days, escaped its bindings and threatened to wreak havoc once more.

The air crackled with tension as Zoya and her companions faced the demon. It emerged from the shadows, a grotesque creature with eyes that glowed like hot coals, its form shifting and twisting as if it were made of smoke and darkness. The very ground beneath them seemed to shudder with its malevolent presence.

Zoya's heart raced as she focused her Grisha powers, feeling the electricity hum through her veins. Beside her, her aunt and cousin stood ready, their expressions a mix of determination and fear. Genya, the King's General, with her mastery of illusions, conjured shimmering images that danced around the demon, momentarily confusing its senses. Meanwhile, Zoya's cousin, skilled in elemental manipulation, summoned gusts of wind that whipped through the air, unsettling the demon's ethereal form.

The creature let out a guttural roar, its voice reverberating through the night. Shadows coalesced around its clawed hands as it lunged forward, aiming to strike at the heart of their defense. Zoya reacted instinctively, calling forth tendrils of lightning that crackled and lashed out towards the demon. The bolts of electricity sizzled through the air, striking the creature's shadowy limbs and forcing it to recoil momentarily.

But the demon was relentless. It surged forward again, claws slashing through the air with unnatural speed. Zoya dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding a lethal strike. Her aunt's illusions shimmered and flickered, momentarily diverting the creature's attention as it lunged towards a phantom image, only to find itself striking empty air.

In the midst of the chaos, Nikolai's voice rang out, commanding his guards to reinforce their defenses. Armed soldiers moved in around them, forming a protective circle as they launched arrows and spears towards the demon. Some projectiles passed through the creature harmlessly, while others seemed to strike true, causing it to emit a piercing shriek that sent chills down Zoya's spine.

The battle wore on, each passing moment a testament to their endurance and resolve. Zoya's lightning continued to dance through the air, each strike weakening the demon's shadowy form. Her cousin conjured pillars of earth that erupted from the ground, momentarily trapping the creature in a prison of stone before it broke free with a furious roar. Genya's illusions wove intricate patterns around them, creating distractions that bought them precious seconds of respite.

But as the night deepened and fatigue threatened to wear them down, Zoya felt a surge of determination. She gathered her power, drawing upon every ounce of strength within her. Lightning arced from her fingertips in a brilliant display of light and energy, illuminating the battlefield with its blinding brilliance. The demon faltered, its form flickering and wavering as if unable to withstand the onslaught.

With a final surge of will, Zoya unleashed a torrent of lightning, directing it towards the heart of the creature. The electricity engulfed the demon in a blinding cascade of energy, causing it to emit a deafening scream that echoed through the night. Shadows dispersed like smoke in the wind, dissipating into nothingness as the creature's form disintegrated before their eyes.

Silence descended upon the battlefield, broken only by the sound of their ragged breaths and the crackling remnants of dissipating energy. Zoya stood amidst the aftermath, her chest heaving with exertion yet her spirit ablaze with triumph. Beside her, Nikolai approached, his expression a mixture of admiration and awe.

"You are more than they say," he murmured, his voice carrying a weight of understanding that resonated deep within her soul.

Zoya looked up at him, meeting his gaze with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "As are you, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.

He stepped closer, the space between them narrowing until their breaths mingled in the crisp night air. "Call me Nikolai," he said softly, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from her face.

Her heart skipped a beat at the intimate gesture, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "Nikolai," she repeated, testing the name on her lips, finding a strange comfort in its familiarity.

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the weight of their shared experience hanging between them. Then, Nikolai spoke again, his voice low and earnest. "You've shown me tonight what true courage looks like, Zoya. And I... I am grateful to have witnessed it."

Zoya's gaze softened, her earlier defenses melting away in the face of his sincerity. "I couldn't have done it without you," she admitted quietly, her eyes searching his for any hint of doubt.

He shook his head gently, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No, Zoya. You have a strength within you that is entirely your own."

Her heart swelled at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest that had nothing to do with the lingering effects of her Grisha powers. In that moment, she realized that Nikolai saw her not just as a queen in waiting, but as a woman worthy of admiration and respect.

Before she could stop herself, Zoya reached out, her hand finding his and intertwining their fingers together. His touch was warm and reassuring, grounding her in the reality of their shared triumph.

Together, they stood beneath the canopy of stars, their hearts beating in unison as the echoes of battle faded into the night. In that fleeting moment of peace, amidst the remnants of chaos and uncertainty, Zoya and Nikolai found a connection that transcended duty and expectation—a bond forged in fire and shadow, bound by courage, loyalty, and the promise of a future yet unwritten.

And as the first light of dawn kissed the horizon, casting its golden glow upon their intertwined hands, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

Stay With Me

masterlist

Genre: Angst

Word Count: 2027

Summary: Zoya takes care of a sick Nikolai, who happens to be down with the flu.

---

The fierce winter winds howled outside, as Nikolai Lantsov lay in his bed, pale and feverish. The once vibrant and indomitable king now appeared frail, his skin flushed and clammy, his breath coming in labored gasps. The room was cold, despite the roaring fire in the hearth, the chill seeping through the stone walls and biting at Zoya's skin.

Zoya stood by his side, her expression a mask of composure that hid the turmoil within. She had seen him wounded before, seen him on the brink of death more times than she cared to count, but this was different. This was an enemy she couldn’t fight, an illness that didn’t respond to her powers or to any remedy they could find.

"Nik," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the wind. "You need to rest."

Nikolai’s eyes fluttered open, and he managed a weak smile. "Rest is for the dead, my dear," he replied, his voice hoarse. "And I am not quite there yet."

Zoya’s heart clenched at his words. "Don’t say that," she said sharply, her fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket. "You’re going to get better."

He reached out a trembling hand, covering hers with a touch that was both comforting and heartbreaking. "Zoya," he said softly, "we both know that’s not true. The healers have done all they can, and even you…" He trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.

Zoya looked away, unable to meet his gaze. She had tried everything, pouring all her power into him, but nothing worked. The flu was relentless, a silent killer that showed no mercy.

"I can't lose you," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Nikolai squeezed her hand gently. "You are stronger than you know," he said. "And Ravka needs you. You’ve always been the strength behind the throne, Zoya. You can lead them without me."

"I don’t want to lead without you. You are the heart of Ravka."

He smiled then; a ghost of his usual grin. "Then you’ll have to be its heart and soul."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them back. She had to be strong for him, for Ravka, for herself. "I don’t know how to do this without you," she admitted.

"You’ll find a way," he assured her. "You always do."

Hours passed, the night dragging on in a haze of fever and whispered conversations. Nikolai spoke of plans and contingencies, of allies and enemies, trying to prepare her for a future without him.

It was the hardest thing he’d ever done, but he knew it was necessary. He had to make sure she would be alright, even if he wasn’t there to see it.

"You know, when I’m gone, you should really redecorate this room. Maybe something less gloomy. Brighten it up a bit."

Zoya rolled her eyes, despite the ache in her chest. "Stop talking like that," she said, her voice hard. "You’re not going anywhere."

"Always the optimist," he chuckled weakly. "But seriously, Zoya. Promise me you’ll take care of things. Of yourself. Of Ravka."

"I promise," she said, her voice trembling. "But I’m not giving up on you. You’re too stubborn to die from something as mundane as the flu."

"I do like to make a grand exit," he admitted with a tired smile. "But just in case, you should know… I trust you. More than anyone. You’ll make a fantastic queen."

Zoya’s breath caught in her throat. "Don’t you dare," she whispered fiercely. "Don’t you dare leave me."

His eyes softened, and he reached up to touch her cheek. "I wish I didn’t have to," he said. "But you’ll be alright. You’re the strongest person I know."

She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes against the flood of emotions. "You’re not allowed to die, Nikolai Lantsov," she said, her voice breaking. "I forbid it."

He tried to laugh, but it quickly turned into a fit of coughing that left him gasping for breath. "Is that an order, my Queen?" he managed to choke out between coughs.

"Yes," she replied, her voice trembling as she handed him a cloth to wipe his mouth. "An order from your queen."

His smile faded, replaced by a look of profound sadness. "I wish I could obey," he said softly. "But some things are beyond even a privateer’s control."

The night dragged on, and Nikolai grew weaker, his breathing more labored. Zoya stayed by his side, refusing to leave him even for a moment. She held his hand, whispered reassurances, and tried to keep the fear at bay.

Nikolai's coughs continued to grow frequent through the night, each one more violent than the last. The sound echoed through the room, a harsh reminder of the relentless grip of his illness. Zoya clung to his hand, trying to pour her strength into him, but she could feel him slipping away.

The room seemed to close in around them, the walls a silent witness to their anguish.

"Stay with me," she whispered, her voice trembling with desperation. "Just a little longer."

Nikolai's eyes flickered open, and he managed a faint smile. "I'm trying," he coughed, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's hard, Zoya. So hard."

She brushed a damp lock of hair from his forehead, her touch tender despite the turmoil inside her. "You have to keep fighting," she said, her voice fierce. "For me. For Ravka."

He closed his eyes, a pained expression crossing his face. "I'm so tired," he admitted. "I don't know if I can."

Zoya's heart clenched at his words. She had never seen him like this, so vulnerable, so close to giving up. She had to be strong for him, had to keep him grounded in the world of the living.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them back. She had to be strong for him, had to show him that she could carry on. "I can't lose you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Not now. Not ever."

His eyes fluttered open, and he looked at her with a mixture of love and sadness. "You won't lose me," he said softly. "I'll always be with you. In your heart."

The minutes stretched into an eternity, the night closing in around them. Each cough wracked Nikolai's body, leaving him weaker, his breaths more labored. Zoya's heart ached with every labored inhale, every painful exhale.

"Do you remember," she said softly, trying to distract him from the pain, "the night we first met?

Nikolai's lips twitched in a faint smile. "I remember," he said, his voice barely audible. "You saw right through me."

"And you never gave up," she continued, her voice thick with emotion. "You fought for Ravka, for all of us."

His eyes opened, and for a moment, there was clarity in his gaze. "Promise me you'll keep fighting, even when I'm gone."

A sob caught in her throat, but she forced it down. She had to be strong for him, had to keep him grounded in the world of the living.

"I promise," she said, her voice breaking. "But you're not gone yet, Nikolai. Stay with me. Please."

"Zoya, I. .. I love you."

The words broke something inside her, and she felt tears spill down her cheeks. "I love you too." She leaned over him, pressing a gentle kiss to his burning forehead. "So much. Please, don't leave me."

He gripped her strong hands with his pale and trembling fingers and pressed her knuckles to his lips. "Be strong," he whispered, "for me."

And then, with a quiet exhale, Nikolai Lantsov, King of Ravka, grew still. His hand went limp in hers, and Zoya felt a profound emptiness settle in the room.

He was gone.

Gone.

For a moment, she couldn't breathe, couldn't think. She stared at his still form, unable to comprehend the reality of his death.

"No," she whispered, her voice breaking. "No, please. Come back. Please, Nikolai."

But there was no response, no sign of life. The man who had been her anchor, her strength, was gone, leaving her alone in a world that suddenly felt unbearably empty.

She clung to him, her tears falling onto his lifeless chest. "You promised," she sobbed. "You promised you wouldn't leave me."

She couldn't contain her grief any longer. She screamed.

She screamed, a guttural cry that echoed through the room and mingled with the howling wind outside. It was a raw, primal sound of loss and anguish, carried away by the winds that seemed to mourn with her.

Outside, the storm raged on.

Zoya's heart felt shattered, her entire being consumed by the void left in Nikolai's absence. She collapsed beside his bed, her sobs wracking her body.

Eventually, the healers came, their faces solemn as they gently took Nikolai's body away. Zoya stood frozen, her eyes fixed on Nikolai's still form, unable to fully grasp the finality of his absence.

She watched them go mechanically, her movements slow and deliberate, as though moving through thick fog. The world seemed to move around her, but Zoya felt suspended in a moment that refused to end.

It was Genya's gentle touch on her shoulder that finally broke through the haze. Zoya turned to her, tears streaming down her face.

"We need to go," Genya said softly, her voice breaking the silence that enveloped them.

Zoya nodded wordlessly, allowing Genya to guide her out of the room.

Each step felt heavy with the weight of the loss. As they walked away from Nikolai's bedside, Zoya couldn't shake the feeling that a part of her had been left behind with him.

Outside, the morning light filtered through the windows, casting a somber glow over the palace halls.

"Zoya, we need you. Ravka needs you."

Zoya took a deep breath, steeling herself against the pain. She had promised Nikolai she would be strong, that she would carry on. She couldn't let him down.

"I know," she said, her voice steady despite the tears still streaming down her face. "I'll be there."

Genya nodded silently. She knew this feeling.

"I remember when David..." Genya began softly, her voice carrying the weight of her own memories. "When he died, it felt like the world had stopped. Like I couldn't breathe without him."

Zoya looked at her, gratitude mingling with her grief. "How did you do it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "How did you cope with it?"

Genya sighed, her eyes reflecting the pain of her past loss. "At first, I didn't cope. I just existed, moving through the days because I had to. But then I realized... David wouldn't want me to just exist. He would want me to live, to find purpose again."

Zoya listened intently, drawing strength from Genya's words. "And did you?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Genya nodded, a small smile touching her lips despite the sadness in her eyes. "It took time, Zoya. Time and the support of friends like you. I found solace in helping others, in channeling my grief into something meaningful."

"You did everything you could," She murmured softly, brushing a strand of hair from Zoya's tear-streaked face. "He knew that. Nikolai knew."

"But it wasn't enough," Zoya whispered, her voice filled with anguish.

Zoya swallowed hard. "I want to honor Nikolai's memory," she admitted, her voice wavering. "But right now, I don't know how."

Genya reached out, squeezing Zoya's hand gently. "You will," she said with quiet conviction. "In your own time, in your own way. And until then, I'll be here for you, just like you were there for me."

They stood together in the alcove, the two women bound by grief and resilience.

As the morning light grew brighter outside, casting long shadows on the palace walls, Zoya felt a flicker of determination ignite within her.

She would carry on for Nikolai, for Ravka, and for herself, knowing that though his physical presence was gone, his legacy would endure in the strength of those who loved him. With Genya beside her, offering silent support and understanding, Zoya took a deep breath, ready to face the challenges ahead with newfound resolve and purpose.