Chapter 47: Before we drift apart.
(Get them tissues ready)

--♤--

Zaria wanted to send a letter to her sister, it has been a while since they came back from Fjerda and her sister surely must be worried.

As Zaria considers whether or not to send a letter to her sister Tamaya, she can't help but worry about her safety.

With most people searching for the crows, she knows that any communication could put both herself and Tamaya in danger.

Despite her concerns, Zaria can't help but wonder what her sister might be doing in the little palace right now. Is she safe? Is she being treated well? These questions weigh heavily on Zaria's mind, and she longs to hear from Tamaya and know that she is okay.

But for now, Zaria must put her worries aside and focus on staying safe herself, focusing on getting Inej back and becoming rich, hoping that the situation will improve soon and that she will be able to reunite with her sister once again.

Little Palace- Tamaya:

Tamaya and Elara went on the mission with Zoya and it went successful.

Elara was nervous, she never went to a bar or even stepped inside one though Tamaya seemed even more natural, like she was used to it.

Tamaya grinned at Elara's nervousness, "Relax, water girl," she said, taking a sip of her drink, "Bars are just like any other place, except with more alcohol and loud music."

Elara looked around nervously, taking in the dimly lit space and the rowdy crowd. "But what if something bad happens?" she asked, her voice shaking a little.

Tamaya chuckled. "Like what, exactly?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Elara shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe a fight breaks out or something." Tamaya smirked already used to fights thanks to her sister, "If a fight breaks out, we'll just stay out of the way and let the bouncers handle it," she said, waving her hand dismissively.

"But don't worry, nothing bad is going to happen. We're just here to gather information, remember?"

Elara nodded, trying to calm her nerves, she had never been in a bar before, and the loud music and rowdy crowd made her feel a little out of place. But she was determined to help Tamaya and Zoya with their mission, no matter what it took.

Elara wondered how Tamaya can be so calm in dangerous places like these, so she finally asks after gathering the courage.

"How can you be so calm?" she asked twirling the empty glass, Tamaya glanced at the girl, "Zaria used to be a belly dancer," she replied.

Elara looked at Tamaya in surprise. "Your step-sister was a belly dancer?" she asked, feeling a sense of curiosity.

Tamaya nodded, taking a sip of her drink, "Yeah," she said, "She danced for money in some of the rougher bars in the city. Sometimes, she would take me with her to gather the money."

Elara looked around the bar, taking in the rowdy crowd and the loud music, not a sight of a soldier, "And you're not scared of coming to places like this?" she asked, feeling a sense of admiration for Tamaya's bravery.

Tamaya chuckled, "I've been coming to bars since I was a kid," she said. "It's not that scary once you get used to it."

Elara nodded, feeling a sense of envy, "I wish I could say the same," she said, "My father never let me go out anywhere except for the ocean. It wasn't until Zoya and Nikolai took me to the Little Palace that I was able to see more of the world."

Tamaya listened intently, feeling a sense of sympathy for her "friend", "That must have been tough," she said, "But I'm glad you're able to experience more of the world now."

Elara smiled, feeling a sense of warmth from Tamaya's kind words, "Thanks, And how did you find out that you were a Grisha?"

Tamaya took a deep breath, thinking back to that fateful day, "It was my sister who tested me," she said, "She pricked my arm with a needle, and I healed almost instantly. That's when we both knew that I was a Grisha."

Elara's eyes widened in surprise, "That's incredible," she said, feeling a sense of awe, making Tamaya smile at the girl, feeling proud of her Grisha powers.

"Yeah, it was pretty amazing," she said. "But it also made me realize that I had to be careful. Grishas aren't always accepted in society, and we have to be careful who we trust."

Elara nodded, understanding the need for caution, "Of course, and how did your step-sister find out that she was a Grisha?" she asked, feeling a sense of curiosity.

Tamaya's smile faded, and she let out a sigh, Elara for a second thought that she was annoyed by the number of questions, "Sorry I-"

but Tamaya cut her off, "It was a terrible way to find out," she replied, "My so-called stepmother suspected that she was a Grisha, so she bought a knife and cut her arm. That's when they knew."

--♤--

Zaria was always gentle with her sister, and when she pricked her arm to find out if she was grisha, she did so gently that the girl didn't even feel a single hint of pain.

Tamaya had once asked her, "Why didn't it hurt when you pricked my arm?" asked the younger girl her sister who was counting their money.

Zaria looked up, "I would never hurt you, I was careful, darling." she said smiling at young Tamaya who jumped on her sister's bed, "how did you find out that you were a Squaller."

Zaria froze at the memory of the day, but before Tamaya could even utter a word her sister spoke, opening her arms while doing so, "Bring me the brush,"

Tamaya grabbed the brush and red ribbon before sitting in front of Zaria who wrapped her arms around the girl for a second, she started brushing her hair.

"Not every girl has a mother, mine was...bad. Very bad." Tamaya listened, even while brushing her hair she was gentle with it, when untangling a few strands, her touch was so soft.

"She...tried to do some experiment on me, Appa wasn't home one day, he was with Colm and while he was doing business, mother grabbed me forcibly and cut my arm with a knife, to find out I was Grisha, so...it ended pretty bad. I was crying, I was scared, I was in pain, blood all over the floor cause I fell and blasted her with the wind. Dad was very mad, I think that was the day he officially kicked her out."

Zaria stared at her sister's hair, "You and I have the same hair color as Appa's, and he was very gentle, so I am doing it with you, I want to be the person...uhm," she trailed off, gulping and wiping her tears before her sister could even notice.

"I want to show you, that I am just like Appa and not like mother. Besides, you are my one and only baby sister, I will do anything for you,"

As Zaria brushed her hair, Tamaya felt a sense of comfort and safety, she knew that her sister would always protect her and keep her safe, no matter what.

Tamaya turned around, facing her sister who looked at her with pure love, her sister was the image of her father, "I love you, Z." Tamaya said softly, feeling a sense of appreciation and admiration for her sister.

Zaria's heart melted and she sighed before pulling the youngest girl to her embrace, resting her head right on her heart, and placing kisses all over her hair.

"I love you too, T."

--♤--

Elara's heart ached as Tamaya told her the story, of sisterly love, she felt so bad for what Zaria went through, no human should experience that.

Tamaya was Elara's closest 'friend', she loved her, the Tidemaker found the Zemeni girl very interesting, she was smart, kind, and can be sassy, and she loved it.

Elara always wondered how Tamaya never got bored of her talking about the ocean, because most people would roll their eyes and get bored very easily when she talks, not listening to her, her father never did and the other grishas whispered to one another about how chatty she is.

Making her insecure, every time she would catch herself rambling a lot, she would stop and ask if it was too much, usually, they would never listen again or leave her alone and go to their friends, but Tamaya listened to her, and remembered every conversation they probably had.

she recognized her favorite drink and why she loves the ocean so much.

they loved each other, not as friends, but more than that, and Elara was so glad that she was doing this mission with Tamaya and not someone else.

She reached out and took Tamaya's hand, looking into her eyes. "I'm here for you, Tamaya. Whatever you need, I'll be there for you." Tamaya leaned with a mischievous smirk on her face. "I know, pretty girl. And I'm here for you too."

Elara blushed, her blue ocean eyes were sparkling, her cheeks turning rosy and the girl was beginning to regret chopping her hair because she wanted to hide, and smile like an idiot.

and no matter how hard she tried to fight off her grin, she smiled shyly at the girl making the raven-haired beauty lean back proudly and place a hand on her knee, her thumb rubbing.

"Your eyes sparkle and almost disappear when you smile, it's cute." Tamaya didn't care about the people glancing at them and judging.

The tidemaker, on the other hand, was about to explode at how hot she felt, Jesper had taught Tamaya how to flirt, even her sister sometimes.

Elara couldn't believe that someone as amazing as Tamaya would think she was cute, she wasn't used to receiving compliments or attention from others, especially not someone as beautiful as Tamaya.

But as she felt Tamaya's hand on her knee, rubbing her thumb in a comforting gesture, she felt a sense of calm and comfort wash over her, She knew that Tamaya was there for her, and that was all that mattered.

She leaned in and gave Tamaya a gentle kiss on the cheek, her soft lips pressed against the girl's cheek making her grin like an idiot, her hand reached to grab the girl's shoulder so she wouldn't fall but Tamaya already caught her hand and placed it right on her waist.

Elara pulled away, pushing the strand of shirt blonde hair behind her neck before getting up, "Thank you for everything, fire girl." just as she was about to walk away.

Tamaya got up and caught her hand with hers adorned with rings, she looked at the clock before deep into her pretty eyes, "hey, be careful." she warned looking around.

"Keep an eye out, they can kidnap you or rob you, and I don't want that to happen." they stood there lost in each other's gaze, but the clock was ticking.

Elara felt a surge of emotion within her, she knew that she was in love with Tamaya, and she had to contain her feelings a little longer, "I will, I promise."

Tamaya didn't want the girl to leave, the feeling of her warm lips was still there, their hands together, this moment was perfect, but the mission was there, they had to collect the information about the Jurda Parem.

"Be careful too." she nodded.

As she walked through the streets, she kept Tamaya's words in mind, watching her surroundings carefully.

She knew that danger could be lurking around every corner, and she had to be prepared for anything.

But even as she focused on her mission, her thoughts kept drifting back to Tamaya. She couldn't wait to be with her again, to feel her warm embrace, and to kiss her gentle lips.

--♤--

The mission went well, Zoya was proud telling Nikolai that she picked the right people for the mission and that they should take them more on missions.

Sure, Tamaya almost died if it wasn't Elara and her powers, and Elara almost died if it wasn't Tamaya's fighting skills, but hey.. not once did they regret it.

it's been a month since she didn't hear a response from her sister, the letter was supposed to be here today but it didn't appear, worst of all there was a small ceremony for their good job but Tamaya was not once focused, her mind filled with her sister.

"Moi tsar, Moi tsaritsa." she greeted bowing to Nikolai and Zoya who told her to rise, "No need for the formality, Miss Isla, congratulations on your first mission," she smiled at the king.

"thank you,"

Zoya nodded at Tamaya proudly, "You and Elara have amazing ears, we have the right pieces of information," she said making the girl beam, "I am glad that Elara and I gave you the right information, your majesty."

Nikolai noticed the way she was looking around, "is something bothering you, Miss?" Tamaya straightened her posture, "you seem nervous?" she cleared her throat in embarrassment.

"Well, I sent my sister a letter about a month ago, Mama sent me a letter yesterday as well saying that Zaria has an important mission where she may or may not make it alive, so I am worried."

Nikolai narrowed his eyes and so did Zoya, "where is your sister at the moment?" asked the Squaller, "she is in Ketterdam." the couple nodded, "I can send one of my men to look for her."

Tamaya sighed in relief, bowing her head at them, "Thank you so much, Moi tsar, Moi tsaritsa." as they continued talking about the mission, a hand suddenly landed on Tamaya's startling her.

Tamaya's heart skipped a beat as she saw Elara, in a light blue silk dress with pearl earrings and a pretty gold necklace, her short blonde hair held by a ribbon as always.

she looked like a princess.

Tamaya was only in a suit, she was never comfortable in dresses, her white button shirt, black pants with silver embroidery at the edges, she almost wore a tie for fuck's sake but decided against it, her gold hoop earrings, her black raven hair down like an ocean, simple yet elegant.

But Elara, oh Elara, she looked so beautiful, like those princesses her sister told her about, her hand slid up and her arm wrapped around the Infernis.

her eyes sparkled with joy as she talked to Nikolai and Zoya, and Tamaya couldn't help but admire her, feeling a sense of warmth wash over her.

As they continued talking about the mission, Tamaya leaned in and whispered in Elara's ear, "You look beautiful, as always, pretty girl."

Elara blushed, the girl's hot breath against her ear sent shivers down her body, feeling a surge of happiness within her, she smiled back up at the girl, feeling a sense of love and affection toward her.

"Thank you, angel. You look stunning too."

Now Tamaya couldn't focus on a thing except the pretty girl who smiled and thanked people who congratulated her, "Tamaya, come walk with me," spoke Genya while wrapping an arm around the girl's.

she nodded, and both walked down the familiar hallways filled with guests, "have you seen Elara? She looks stunning," said the redhead to Tamaya who smiled and nodded her head.

"she does, she always did," she replied grinning at the memory of the pretty girl in her blue dress, the girl didn't even fight the urge to look behind, hoping to catch the girl.

"you're in love with her,"

Tamaya was taken back, shaking her head and exclaiming, "What?! No!" but Genya shook her head in amusement, "Yes, you are, you look at her like she's the most beautiful thing in the entire world."

"Because she is," she whispered and Genya raised an eyebrow down at the girl, "see."

"Okay fine, I mean...nothing makes sense without her, the way her eyes sparkle and almost disappear when she smiles, the way she talks about the ocean- I am so in love with her, Genya. I want her to look at me, and only me."

Genya spoke, stopping and standing in front of the girl, "If you don't tell her, someone else will, You'll regret it if you don't try." Tamaya knew Genya was right, but she was also scared.

What if Elara didn't feel the same way? What if their friendship was ruined?

Taking a deep breath, Tamaya nodded resolutely and made her way through the crowd of guests, she spotted the girl near the refreshment table, surrounded by a group of admirers, mostly boys.

Tamaya's heart sank a little at the sight, but she steeled herself and made her way toward Elara, wrapping her arm around her waist once noticing how uncomfortable she looked.

"Sorry boys, I will take her from here." her grin was so fake, and it immediately disappeared as soon as she dragged Elara away.

"Thank you, they wouldn't stop talking no matter how many times I told them I wasn't interested," sighed Elara in relief, her cheeks rosy at Tamaya's hand on her waist.

"I noticed," with that, they walked around the huge garden, Tamaya listened to the girl talk about how much boys annoy her, the faint light from the fire around them kissed her skin making her even more golden.

She looked so beautiful here, more beautiful than she ever thought possible.

Overcome with emotion, she stepped closer, to Elara, and reached up to touch her hair, trailing her hand down her neck.

"You're so beautiful," she whispered, staring into Elara's eyes. She glanced away, at her lips, before bringing her gaze back to the eyes that were the color of (whatever thing that is that color).

Elara didn't say anything, openly staring at Tamaya's lips, inviting her to do what she really wanted to do.

Leaning forward, Tamaya kissed her, and they both shut their eyes, pressing more into each other.

Tamaya was in heaven, she had dreamed of this moment and yet they could never have lived up to the real thing.

The shape of Elara's lips against her own made her hum in delight, lost in the feel of the softness. The taste of her was unbelievable.

She reached her hand up, pulling her even closer, Elara melted in her arms like ice under the sun, she stood on her tiptoes and held the girl by her cheek the other hand grabbing hold of one of her black locks, twisting it.

As they broke the kiss, Tamaya looked at Elara, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "I...I don't know what to say," she murmured her voice barely above a whisper, cheeks burning.

Elara smiled at her, her eyes shining with love like they always did, "You don't have to say anything," she said, before leaning in to kiss her again.

Tamaya felt like she was flying, lost in the moment, and consumed by her love for Elara.

--♤--

Back to Zaria, she moved around a lot, for fuck's sake she couldn't stand still once, leaned against the wall, where the maps were, this place was scary and it reminded her very much of the forest where her father died, and the drug was making her blood burn and her skin itch.

she couldn't stand still to the point where she had to climb a tree and look down at the crows, but before, she noticed the black poker card box hanging from Jesper's pocket, the red crow design sparkling, did he steal it from the crow club?

so she sneakily grabbed it, her feet dangled, and Kaz's shirt slid off her shoulder no matter how many times she tried to fix it, she opened the box and pulled out the cards, they were black with the symbol of a crow in red.

While the crows talked she looked at every card boringly, hoping the time will go by quickly,

"Once the job is done, Kuwei and any other convicts, Grisha, and disinherited youths who may or may not have prices on their heads- can lie low in the Southern Colonies." she looked up from the black spades, tilting her head and looking down.

Jesper frowned, "Where will you be?" he asked before she even spoke, "Right here. I've still got plenty of business that requires my attention." she mocked him, rolling her eyes, she just hoped that one day Kaz would just stop talking about business and they both go together for a drink.

'stop dreaming, Zaria' she thought shaking her head, she hated herself for wishing that such a thing would happen between them.

She looked back down at the cards, the first poker card was a heart with the letter K, "What the fuck?" she whispered with a frown, turning the card only to see the crow and 4 symbols.

Why a heart specifically? Even the fucking cards? am I going insane? WHY THE LETTER K?!

she thought looking at the card before back down at Kaz, she blinked, heat rushing to her cheeks and her eyes went to the Batsard of the barrel.

she froze, his eyes were already on hers, she almost fell back, "What's wrong with you?" Kaz asked, narrowing his eyes and looking up at the girl who gave him the same expression.

Zaria shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts, "uh...Nothing, just continue," she said waving her hands at him, he looked at her one last time before at the crows.

she looked at it again, studying the intricate details of the heart and the letter K.

"Why do I keep thinking about this?" she muttered to herself, feeling a sense of frustration building inside her.

She tried to push the thought out of her mind and focus on the heist at hand, but she found herself unable to shake the feeling that there was something important about the card.

In the end, she decided to keep it with her, tucked safely in her pocket near her heart. She wasn't sure what it meant, but she had a feeling that she would figure it out eventually.

And maybe, just maybe, she would have the courage to confront her feelings for Kaz. Hey! She never listened to her heart and it is maybe telling her that it's a sign, but she will never do as told, never listen to that heart of hers.

The heart and the letter K.

"wait a minute," said Nina, "I thought Kuwei was going to Ravka," Kaz raised an eyebrow, "Why would you think that?" he asked the Heartrender, "When you sold your Crow Club shares to Pekka Rollins, you asked him to send a message to the Ravkan capital. We all heard it."

Pekka Rollins, Kaz's eyes darkened at the mention of that filthy man, "I thought it was a request for aid," said Matthias, "not an invitation to bargain."

They had never discussed giving Kuwei to Ravka, Dirtyhands considered them with some amusement. "It was neither. Let's just hope Rollins is as gullible as you two."

"It was a decoy," Nina sighed, "You were just keeping Rollins busy."

"I wanted Pekka Rollins preoccupied. Hopefully, he has his people trying to chase down our Ravkan contacts. They should prove difficult to find, given that they don't exist."

Kuwei cleared his throat to cut down the tension, "I would prefer to go to Ravka." he said playing with his sleeve, "I'd prefer a pair of sable-lined swimming trunks," said Jesper earning a roll of eyes from his best friend.

"I'd prefer a drink and to go back to my sister," she said laying on the tree, her left leg and arm dangling as she stared at the leaves, "Jes," she called throwing the poker cards box.

"I- when did you steal them-"

"earlier." she replied looking to the side, listening to Kaz's calming voice, "But we can't always get what we want." she turned around, looking down at the crows like an owl. A furrow appeared between Kuwei's brows.

The limits to his understanding of Kerch had apparently been reached and surpassed, "I would prefer to go to Ravka," he repeated more firmly. Kaz's flat black gaze fastened on Kuwei and held.

"oh shit."

Zaria finally had interest sparkling in her eyes, her chin on the palm of her hand as she watched the scene, drama, "Kuwei, darling..." she called the boy once noticing Kaz's sharp gaze, Kuwei squirmed nervously before looking up.

she shook her head, lips pressing firmly, the boy gulped and spoke, "Why is he looking at me this way?" she knew what he was feeling at the moment since it happened to her many times.

Zaria opened her mouth to answer, but Jesper beat her to it, "Kaz is wondering if he should keep you alive," said Jesper, "terrible for the nerves. I recommend deep breathing. Maybe a tonic."

"Jesper, stop," said Wylan and a tree branch went flying to the Sharpshooter's head, Jesper glared at Zaria who sighed and looked at Kuwei brushing off his sharp stare, "Ignore him."

The zemeni boy took a deep breath, "Both of you need to relax." he said patting Kuwei's hand, "We're not going to let him put you on the ground." and Kaz raised a brow.

"Let's not make any promises just yet."

"Come on, Kaz. We didn't go to all that trouble to save Kuwei just to make him worm food." Zaria rolled her eyes at the teenagers before jumping down the tree, landing on the ground with a thud.

she moved to stand beside Kuwei, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Why do you want to go to Ravka?" she asked, unable to hide her eagerness.

she wanted to visit her family and tell them that she is okay, that everything is fine.

Nina nodded and moved to stand beside the raven-haired girl, "We never agreed to that," Matthias said not wanting to argue about this, especially not with Nina.

They were supposed to set Kuwei loose to live an anonymous life in Novyi Zem, not hand him over to Fjerda's greatest enemy, Zaria may even accompany the boy.

Nina looked at Matthias and shrugged, "Maybe we need to rethink our options." Kuwei spoke slowly, choosing his words with care especially when Kaz Brekker's eyes were on him still.

"It's safer there. For Grisha. For me. I don't want to hide. I want to train." Kuwei touched the notebooks in front of him, "My father's work can help find-" He hesitated, and exchanged a few words with Nina.

Zaria looked at Nina then at Kuwei, "An antidote for parem." exclaimed the heartrender, clasping her hands together, beaming so brightly the entire place warmed.

Jesper tipped back farther in his chair, Zaria was still confused, "what's an antidote?" she whispered to Jesper, trying to pronounce the Kerch word, the Zemeni boy smiled, "a treatment," he replied in their language.

She turned almost immediately to Kuwei, hope in her eyes, "a treatment? for the pain?" she asked leaning towards the youngest boy, was that what he had been scribbling about in his notebooks?

"Really?" she almost cried in joy, so the pain will stop and she will no longer suffer. "I think they may be about to burst into song," said Jesper chuckling at the happy girls.

The prospect of something that might neutralize the powers of parem was appealing, and yet Matthias couldn't help but be wary, as always, "To put this knowledge in the hands of one nation-" he began. But Kuwei interrupted.

"My father brought this drug into the world. Even without me, what I know, it will be made again."

"You're saying someone else is going to solve the riddle of parem?" Zaria asked tilting her head, Was there truly no hope this abomination could be contained?

"Sometimes scientific discoveries are like that," said Wylan, "Once people know something is possible, the pace of new findings increases. After that, it's like trying to get a swarm of hornets back into their nest."

"Do you really think an antidote is possible?" Nina finally asked narrowing her eyes, "I don't know," said Kuwei, "My father was a Fabrikator. I am just an Inferni." Zaria shook her head, 'so the drug will be eating us alive then?' she thought turning to Wylan, a sparkle of hope in her eyes.

"You're our chemist, Wylan, what do you think?" spoke Zaria turning to the young boy who shrugged, "Maybe. Not all poisons have an antidote," he said making Jesper snort.

"That's why we call him Wylan Van Sunshine." Wylan rolled his eyes at the sharpshooter.

"In Ravka, there are more talented Fabrikators," Kuwei said making Zaria nod her head, "They could help," she said watching as Nina nodded emphatically.

"It's true. Genya Safin knows poisons like no one else, and David Kostyk developed all kinds of new weapons for King Nikolai, And other nice things as well. Very peaceable" Zaria spoke leaning against the table, Nina blinked, "How do you know Genya and David?" asked the Heatrender.

Zaria looked up, "Appa knew Genya, they were like siblings and helped each other many times," she replied at the memory of her father coming back once from Ravka and telling him about the Tailor.

Both the girls looked at the Fjerdan who shook his head, "This isn't a decision to be made lightly." Kuwei's jaw set, "I would prefer to go to Ravka."

"See?" said Nina her voice high-pitched, "No, I do not," spoke Matthias firmly again, "We can't just hand such a prize over to Ravka."

"He's a person, not a prize, and he wants to go." Zaria looked left and right with raised eyebrows, "Do we all get to do what we want now?" asked Jesper, "Because I have a list."

"same, I agree with Jes." she replied making Jesper nod and fix his hat, "thank you, Z," and with that, there was a long, tense pause, then Kaz ran a gloved thumb over the crease of his trousers and spoke.

"Nina, love, translate for me? I want to make sure Kuwei and I understand each other." something is gonna happen, everyone turned to Zaria as soon as Kaz spoke, "why are you all looking at me?" she asked in annoyance.

"Because you can talk to him so he wouldn't say something...you know, brutal," said Jesper making Zaria scoff and roll her eyes, "I'm not his fucking wife, since when does Dirtyhands listen to someone?"

"Since you came..." whispered Nina earning a death glare from the raven-haired girl, "Sorry darling, but I'm not saying shit." spoke Zaria raising her hands in surrender, "Maybe he'll say something...kind, who knows?" said Jesper leaning back with crossed arms.

Zaria turned towards Jesper, "Jesper, darling, I wonder how many years you have been staying with Kaz, I have been here less than you and know that right now he will either say some bad shit that will crush you, or make you feel so stupid" she stated and she was right.

Kaz shifted forward and rested his hands on his knees, a kind older brother offering some friendly advice, nothing bad, but oh no, they were wrong.

"I think it's important that you understand the changes in your circumstances. Van Eck knows the first place you'd go for sanctuary would be Ravka, so any ship bound for its shores is going to be searched top to bottom. The only Tailors powerful enough to make you look like someone else are in Ravka unless Nina wants to take another dose of parem." Matthias snarled.

"Which is unlikely," Kaz conceded, "Now, I assume you don't want me to cart you back to Fjerda or the Shu Han?" Zaria pressed her lips into a line, It was clear Nina had finished the translation when Kuwei yelped a "No!"

"Then your choices are Novyi Zem and the Southern Colonies, but the Kerch presence in the colonies is far lower. Also, the weather is better, if you're partial to that kind of thing." Zaria nodded in agreement, she stood now beside Kaz with crossed arms.

"The weather is amazing," she said and Kaz resumed his words, "You are a stolen painting, Kuwei. Too recognizable to sell on the open market, too valuable to leave lying around. You are worthless to me."

She wanted to punch him in the back of his neck, "Kaz!" she exclaimed smacking him with her scarf, "Nina don't translate that." she ordered earning a glare from Kaz, how dare she? did she just smack him- she glared back.

He sighed in annoyance before turning back towards Nina not affected by her smacking him, "Then translate this: My sole concern is keeping you away from Jan Van Eck, and if you want me to start exploring more definite options, a bullet is a lot cheaper than putting you on a ship to the Southern Colonies."

Zaria sighed and shook her head at him, so done with the bastard of the barrel.

Nina did translate, though haltingly, Kuwei responded in Shu. Nina looked at Zaria before speaking what he had just said, "He says you're cruel." Zaria chuckled softly earning another sharp look from Kaz.

"I'm pragmatic. If I were cruel, I'd give him a eulogy instead of a conversation." Zaria whispered "Fair enough" and Kaz leaned back moving his bad leg.

"So, Kuwei, you'll go to the Southern Colonies, and when the heat has died down, you can find your way to Ravka or Matthias' grandmother's house for all I care." she smacked him again with the scarf, not once touching him.

"Leave my grandmother out of this," Matthias said with a scowl, and finally Kuwei gave a stiff nod. Though Matthias had gotten his way, the dejection on Nina's face left a hollow feeling in his chest.

Kaz checked his watch. "Now that we're in agreement, you all know what your responsibilities are. There are a lot of things that can go wrong between now and tomorrow night, so talk through the plan and then talk through it again. We only have one shot at this."

Zaria was a little sad that she wasn't going to Ravka, but Inej came first, always her sister from another mother.

"Van Eck will set up a perimeter. He'll have her heavily guarded," said Matthias earning a small nod from Kaz, "That's right. He has more guns, more men, and more resources. All we have is surprise, and we're not going to squander it."

Zaria shushed him immediately, her finger in front of his eyes to tell him to shut up, she grabbed her dagger and moved, and a soft scraping sounded from outside.

The crows were on their feet and ready, even Kuwei, Zaria disappeared into the darkness and spoke, "Saints, Rotty, you have to be quieter. I almost killed you." she said and Kaz could hear the roll of her eyes in her tone.

"Sorry miss, it's the boots, we're glad to see you back on your feet again," Rotty and Specht slipped into the tomb. Matthias released a breath and returned his rifle to where he kept it, always within arm's reach.

Zaria followed behind them, her dagger, "What business?" asked Kaz, how didn't he notice the steps? if someone attacked them they are dead, "The Shu have set up at their embassy," said Specht, "Everyone on the Lid is talking about it."

"Numbers?"

"Forty, give or take," said Rotty, kicking the mud from his heavy boots, "Heavily armed, but still operating under diplomatic flags. No one knows exactly what they want."

"We do," said Jesper, "I didn't get too near the Slat," said Rotty, Zaria's heart dropped, she missed the Slat so much, she missed sitting and falling asleep in Kaz's room, going through his poetry shelve.

"But Per Haskell's antsy, and he's not being quiet about it. Without you around, work's piling up for the old man. Now there are rumors you're back in the city and had a run-in with a merch. Oh, and there was some kind of attack at one of the harbors a few days ago. Bunch of sailors killed, harbormaster's office turned into a pile of splinters, but no one knows details."

Zaria turned to Kaz and she swear she saw the devil behind him, his expression darken. He was hungry for more information.

Matthias knew the demjin had other reasons for going after Inej, but the fact remained that, without her, their ability to gather intelligence had been severely compromised.

Zaria wanted to tell him that she can go and gather information, but she knew that she was never better than Inej, and she never will be.

"All right," said Kaz, "But no one's connected us to the raid at the Ice Court or parem?"

"Not that I heard," said Rotty, "Nope," said Specht, Wylan looked surprised, "That means Pekka Rollins hasn't talked." Kaz's eyes turned into slits at the mention of Pekka.

"Give him time," said Kaz, "He knows we have Kuwei stashed somewhere. The letter to Ravka will only keep him chasing his tail for so long." Jesper tapped his fingers restlessly on his thighs.

"Has anyone noticed this whole city is looking for us, mad at us, or wants to kill us?" not one city, but two, Novyi Zem then Ketterdam for her, "So?" said Kaz casually.

"Well, usually it's just half the city." Jesper might joke, but Matthias wondered if any of them really understood the powers arraying against them. Fjerda, the Shu Han, Novyi Zem, the Kaelish, the Kerch. These were not rival gangs or angry business partners.

They were nations, determined to protect their people and secure their futures, "There's more," said Specht and Zaria took a sip of the water Nina offered her.

"Matthias, you're dead." she choked, Wylan immediately tapped her back and the girl looked away in embarrassment, "Pardon?" Matthias' Kerch was good, but perhaps there were still gaps.

"You were shanked in the Hellgate infirmary." The room went quiet, the crickets could be heard, Jesper sat down heavily, "Muzzen is dead?" Asked Zaria sadly.

"Muzzen?" Matthias could not place the name, his eyes were glued on the girl in confusion, "He took your place in Hellgate, so you could join the Ice Court job."

His mind was fogged with memories, he remembered everything, Muzzen. Matthias should not have forgotten such a thing, "I thought you said you had a contact in the infirmary," said Zaria turning to Kaz.

"To keep him sick, not to keep him safe." Kaz's face was grim, "It was a hit." poor Muzzen didn't have a family except for the dregs and now he was gone, little by little the crows are slipping and she didn't want that, she wanted all of them to stay together forever.

"They wouldn't resort to such an underhanded tactic. Hiring a killer? Murdering someone in his sickbed?" said Matthias not sure he believed them.

Jarl Brum and his officers had done worse without a twinge of conscience, much worse. "Big, blond, and blind," Jesper said, "the Fjerdan way."

He died in my stead, Matthias thought, his heart aching terribly. And I didn't even recognize his name. "Did Muzzen have family?" Matthias asked at last. "Just the Dregs," replied Kaz, and Zaria's entire face fell, tears in the corner of her eyes as silence fell.

"No mourners," she was the first to whisper, wavering but no one noticed.

"No funerals," Matthias replied quietly. They didn't deserve this. Muzzen didn't deserve this. Inej didn't deserve it. No one did. All that for some stupid money, colored papers with numbers on them.

Zaria swallowed hard, looking at the faces of the only friend she had left, once they were seven now they were six (including Kuwei).

How long before another light went out?

She wanted to freeze this moment in time, before life pulled them all in different directions and tore them apart.

Before the inevitable end of an era, and the breaking of bonds that had once seemed unbreakable.

She knew with cold certainty that nothing lasted forever. But...crows never separate...

...right?

She thought sadly, watching every crow with pure love, they'll still be friends after all is finished...right?

She didn't want their friendship to end, they were a family, what would life become when they aren't together anymore?

A tear fell but she immediately wiped it away. Do not think of that Zaria, we will stay together, we are crows! She thought wiping the tears and dabbing her cheeks.

Her lower lip trembled as she looked at the teenagers in front of her, even she couldn't believe her own thoughts anymore.

--♤--

BRO IT'S BEEN A WHILE! DAMN but i'm back, the ending broke me</3 sister Zaria<3
Bro Crooked Kingdom will be full of angst, y'all going to have have to buy more than 50 boxes of tissues