—𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 boomed over Ketterdam, like a bass at a rock band concert. The sound blocks out the noisy streets, even if it is just for a moment. Anya walks through the bustling streets trying to get to the Crow Club. Her hood blocks her face from view, she walks through the shadows trying not to drag attention to herself. After a few moments, she slithers from the shadows, removing her hood, and strutting into the club.

Anya walks straight over to the bar and signals the bartender to get her a shot. When he slides it over, she picks it up and tosses it back, not even giving a reaction. As she slides the second shot down her throat, a gunshot rings through the club, effectively silencing it. Oh Jesper, she thinks. Chuckling to herself, she heads towards the origin of the noise. As she nears the table, she sees Kaz standing there, his cane on the table.

"No loud noises at the table, Jesper." Kaz says. "You'll scare off the pigeons."

"Wouldn't want that boss." Jesper replies.

"Shouldn't you be on the door?" Kaz questions.

"Yeah, right away, boss."

Kaz gives Jesper a glower and switches his cane from one hand to another. He goes to walk away, so Anya walks up next to him. Giving Jesper a nod in greeting, receiving one back.

"What is it with you and birds?" Anya questions Kaz, but receives no response, as Rotty joins the conversation.

"Early for action, innit, Kaz?" Rotty asks.

"What do you want, Rotty?" Kaz questions.

"Someone stole a DeKappel from a merch's private residence last night." Rotty informs.

"Is that so?" Kaz questions sharing a look with Anya, who tries not to snort.

"It's a painting. A landscape of Ravka. The Fold. Oil on parchment."

"I know who DeKappel is." Kaz snaps.

"Well, he don't do nudes, so I've never heard of him." Rotty says as Anya pulls a grossed out face.

Kaz turns around, "Get to it, Rotty."

Rotty reaches into his coat and pulls out a miniature painting of it. He faces it, showing it to Kaz and Anya.

"Worth something like 10,000 kruge." Rotty informs.

Kaz takes one look at it before looking around the club. Anya watches him, noticing he seems uninterested as her.

"The thief had to get past four roving guards, high fences, padlocked doors, and a security system designed by one of them Grisha witches." Rotty continues.

"Fabrikator." Anya interrupts.

"Whatever. The point is, either it was a group effort or a ghost."

Anya has a smirk that grows on her face when he says that. Kaz lightly taps her with his cane, a similar smirk on his face. When she looks up, she can see the gleam of pride in his eyes. All due to her accomplishment.

"Why does this concern me?" Kaz asks Rotty.

"I've got a buyer lined up. Legit money. So uh... if you hear a whisper..." Rotty clicks his tongue and winks at Kaz.

Kaz leans in, "Who can hear a whisper here?"

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Kaz turns around and walks away, using his cane as support. Anya right on his heels. They climb up the stairs walking into Kaz's office. Kaz holds the door open for Anya, before closing and locking it. Kaz turns and walks away and sends a smirk to the painting. The very same one Rotty was asking about.

"I wonder where that painting is?" Anya asks.

"Yes, it is a strange thing, who would be able to pull that off." Kaz questions.

"Um, me."

"You're the one who stole it."

Anya hums and walks over to his bed. She sits on it, legs crossed, facing Kaz's back. Her fingers playing with the charm bracelet Kaz got her for her birthday last year. The bracelet held a crow, a cane Kaz got as a joke, and the letter K. The K charm was her favorite, seeing as Kaz had a small A engraved on his cane. Kaz takes off his jacket and hands it to her, allowing her to wrap it around herself. Anya doesn't pay attention as Kaz starts to wash his hands, wanting to respect his privacy. After a moment, the sound of rain gets louder, causing Kaz and Anya to look towards the window. Seeing it slightly cracked open, Kaz and Ayna share a look, before Kaz goes back to his task at hand. A figure steps out of the shadows.

"Hello, Inej" Kaz says. "What information do you have for me tonight?"

Anya and Inej share a nod of greeting, " A lead on a job. A big one. Enough to change lives."

"It doesn't take much to change someone's life in the Barrel." Kaz states.

"It's true. A little goes a long way here." Anya says.

"A million kruge?" Inej questions.

Anya and Kaz snap their heads up. Anya knows Kaz will do anything for money, meaning she is going to be right there beside him.

What's the name?" Kaz asks Inej.

"Dreesen. A wealthy merchant."

"Dreesen. I've heard of him. He could afford it." Anya says.

"The question is, what's worth a million kruge to him?" Kaz questions.

"He's looking for a crew willing to cross the Fold into East Ravka and bring back something." Inej explains.

Kaz turns around to look at Inej. Kaz and Anya say, "The Fold?"

"Well of course, certain death pays a million." Inej looks down, Kaz turns around, " He didn't say what he wants nicked?"

"No." Inej answers still looking at the ground. "But, he's taking meetings tonight, starting at midnight."

"I don't like this." Anya says.

Kaz nods his head at her signaling that they will talk about it later.

"Tell me you followed him." Kaz asks Inej.

"Of course she did." Anya says.

Inej breaks into a smirk, "He brought someone in from a ship. Took a way back to his house in the Garden District to avoid attention. I would have followed him inside, but Dreesen hired some private security. I would have had to use my knives to get closer."

"Private security?"

"It must be something big if he needs that." Anya states.

"Anyone we know?" Kaz questions.

"A Zemeni man. I think his name is Tendo. You know him?"

"Yeah. He gambles at one of Pekka's clubs. So I won't have leverage on him. But Pekka will."

"And how do you plan on getting that leverage?" Anya asks.

"I'll find a way."

Kaz goes over to his desk, Inej on his heels. Anya stays on his bed, moving her position so she is sitting against the headboard. She pulls Kazs' coat tighter around her body, welcoming the warmth it provides. Burying herself further in, she drowns herself in his cologne. She feels like she is being dragged under by the tide, but welcomes it, and allows herself to sink lower.

Kaz and Inejs' discussion becomes nothing to her like background noise. Sitting in Kaz's bed she realizes just how tired she is. Anya allows herself to close her eyes, but not allowing herself to fall asleep. It's an art; one she managed to perfect. However she slowly becomes more tired, and she finally allows herself to sleep. The last thing she remembers is Kaz talking about a miracle of some kind.

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authors note: so first offical chapter done. i know it may not seem like a lot, but it is over 1000 words and i wanted to get something out. the chapters may become longer, but seeing as i dont want this to be a short book i may only do shorter parts of the show, but also incoperating some origional ideas. hope you enjoyed!!