—𝐊𝐚𝐳 had Anya go a different way, knowing the Inferni was going to be going after him. He sent her a nod of reassurance."Get out of here." Anya hesitates but leaves anyway. If anyone could handle himself it's Dirtyhands. She makes twists and turns throughout the little palace, her body high on excitement. She knows something bad is going to happen, so she turns around and acts on instinct. Searching the halls, she hears a commotion. Anya sneaks around, trying to get inside without being noticed in case it isn't who she is looking for. She makes it up the balcony only to hear a grunt of pain. Anya races towards the edge, hoping to see what it is. She notices Kaz holding a small column, his foot placed over the Inferni's hand, holding it down. "Unlike a spider, I only need one good leg. However, you..." Kaz slams the column on his hand, making a sick crunching noise. The inferni lets out a scream of agony. "Look like you need both hands."

Kaz twists the column breaking more of his bones, enticing a scream. Kaz whacks the Inferni on the head, knocking him out. He drops his weapon of choice and limps out. Anya notices his limp is more noticeable, wanting nothing more than to comfort him, but she notices the Inferni stirring. She watches as the Inferni steals the fire off of one of the candles.

"Wrong." Kaz turns around with a frightened face. As he goes to throw the fire at Kaz, Anya throws a knife, lodging it in his head. Kaz looks up to see her, watching her slightly frozen in fear. Anya jumps down, her eyes not leaving the body. She walks over, meeting Kaz by the dead body.

"This way!"

Kaz walks over to Anya, grabbing her face. "We need to go."

"I know."

"You saved my life." Anya nods and Kaz places a kiss on her lips. She hums and kisses back for a moment.

"I can't take my knife now. It will be covered in brains." Anya pouts.

"Only you could kill a man and be upset over your knife covered in brains."

"Yes. I expect a gift for saving your arse and a new knife."

"Anything." Kaz presses one last kiss on her lips before walking away, Anya tucked into his side. She was afraid to leave his side, fearing that he would somehow be killed.

"In here!"

Kaz and Anya spot Inej hiding behind a wall. Together the trio attempts to get out of the Little Palace unnoticed. Being spotted now would be the death of them. The Wraith and the Saving Grace walked ahead, using their stealth to their advantage. Anya would walk back everytime the coast was clear, wrapping her arm around Kaz's waist helping him walk. She knew he didn't like the pity, but his pain was unbearable. The trio finally got outside, spotting Jesper leaning on a column. Jesper turns around at the sound of their footsteps.

"What happened?" You okay?"

"She's real, Jesper. She made the light sing."

Kaz turns to Jesper with an unreadable look, "We lost her."

"Did we?" Jesper chuckles.

"Jesper, what do you know?" Anya asks.

The Crows walk towards the carriage Jesper had ready for them. "We don't know where she is."

"Don't we?" Jesper laughs again.

"Okay, what's so funny?" Anya questions.

"Just ask."

"Jesper..."

"Just ask." Jesper gets up on the carriage, Inej following his lead. Kaz helps Anya up, before getting on himself. There wasn't a lot of room, so Anya perched herself on Kaz's lap, shifting her weight so she was sitting on his good leg. "Just ask."

"Fine. Do we have a fix on where the target is?" Kaz asks Jesper, who simply smirks and cracks the reigns, allowing the horses to go forward.

"Is he not going to answer us?" Anya whispers to Kaz.

"Apparently not."

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Halfway through the ride Kaz told Jesper to stop, allowing him and Anya to go sit inside the main part of it. The two sit pressed up against each other, now in their respective clothes. Kaz pulls out some yellow daisies, giving them to Anya. Anya had a surprised look on her face, which quickly turns into a small smile.

"I said I'd get you flowers, so..." Anya places them on the bench, climbing onto Kaz, straddling his lap. She starts littering kisses all over his face, whispering thanks in between each one. Kaz chuckles, enjoying her reaction to such a small gift. Anya presses a small kiss to his nose, leaning her forehead against his. "You're lucky I adore you." Kaz and Anya's eyes go wide at his confession.

"What?" Anya breathes.

Kaz swallows, "Nothing."

"No, no. You just said you adore me."

"When?"

"Kaz Brekker don't you dare lie to me." Kaz swears under his breath, cursing himself at his little slip up. "If it's any consolation I adore you too." Kaz meets her eyes, a vulnerable look in his eyes. "You heard me. I'm crazy about you, trauma and all." Kaz has no idea what to say, so he just leans in and kisses her. Savoring this moment with his girl, basking in her love - even if they didn't say those words specifically they knew - her touch, just her in general.

They reach a secluded spot on the edge of a town, being forced to break away from each other. Their skin flushed, lips swollen, marks on their necks bruising, clothes half hazardously thrown on. Anya helped straighten out Kaz's coat, placing his hat on her head, walking out of the carriage. Inej had a knowing look in her eye, while Jesper took a moment. When he finally understood, he let out a loud gasp, pointing to the two of them accusingly.

"You didn't."

"We did." Kaz says. "Now let's go if you want those kneecaps." Jesper hurried forward, covering his knees with his hat.

"Not the kneecaps!" Inej shakes her head, stepping into pace with Anya.

"Did you really just shag in the carriage."

"Yep."

"Good?"

"Ketterdam bay! Was it good? Yes!" Inej chuckles shaking her head at Anya.

"Grace let's go!"

"Sorry, our favorite brooder is waiting for me."

"Go on." The group wanders to the back of the carriage, waiting for Alina to make her presence known. Together they watch as the lock hearts up, falling to the ground. The top of the trunk lift open, watching as Alina pops her head open. Jesper moves his hand to his gun and Anya places her hand on one of her knives. Alina climbs out of the trunk.

"We don't want any trouble."

"Neither do I, so I'll just be on my way." Aline tries to move, but is blocked by Kaz's cane.

"Clearly, you want out of East Ravka. But we can help you." Alina looks towards Inej for confirmation, who nods her head fast. "We have a secure route through the Fold."

"I prefer to travel alone."

"Company is better when you're not." Anya says.

"Don't be rash. You stick with us, everybody gets what they want."

"I'm not being anyone's captive ever again." She looks towards Kaz. "So step aside and let me pass."

"I'm afraid we can't let that happen." Jesper goes to reach for his gun. Alina let's her light shine in their eyes, blinding them. Anya groans in pain, pushing her hands into her eyes. Kaz checks on Anya, making sure she is okay. When she nods he lets out a sigh of relief. "Split up. We have to find her."

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authors note: anya protecting her man is a mood. THEY ADMITTED FEELINGS. i mean granted we knew they liked each other given the circumstances, but it was never out in the open. KAZ GOT ANYA FLOWERS!!! i repeat it's time to die alone at this point. kaz goes above and beyond with her and it's amazing. i just want this in my life. i'm feeling like shit so i may double update or not depending on how much i get done today. i plan on just binged writing today. so sick days!! ANYWAY, i hope you enjoyed!!!