𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐨

Ⅱ 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔

"WE ARE IN THE LITERAL BOTTOM OF THE BARREL," JESPER COMPLAINED. Silos reached the sky, slaughterhouses and workshops lined the streets and the black fumes clouded the sky.

"Stadwatch don't patrol down here. We're safer," Kaz reasoned. "Inej, what did you find?"

Inej walked past Jesper, making him jump slightly as she spoke, "We're accused of murdering Tante Heleen."

"Wait, what?" Jesper said in surprise. "We didn't do that, though. Wait, did you do that?" Jesper asked, turning his head to Brey.

"If it was me, she wouldn't be recognizable," Brey commented, clasping her hands in front of herself. "I put my bets on Rollins."

"He framed us for murder," Kaz nodded.

"He wanted to punish us for taking the job after he warned you off," Inej said in agreement. "There's also someone else, Cantal, I don't who she is. Or was.

"I do," Brey nodded.

"Okay, I get it. Brey pisses people off. But why take it out on Tante Heleen?" Jesper questioned.

Kaz tapped his fingers against the crow's head. "She held the deed to the Crow Club," Kaz answered simply. Jesper let out a soft breath and Brey shook her head slightly. "We cut a deal so Inej could help us with the Sun Summoner, so Rollins killed her."

"He owns the club. Everyone who works there now works for Pekka Rollins," Inej explained. "There's more."

Inej held out her wrist, displaying her brothel tattoo. "The Menagerie," Kaz said softly.

"He owns that now, too. Along with everything else the Menagerie owns," Inej said, her eyes dancing between them.

"So, Stadwatch are everywhere and Pekka's untouchable," Jesper repeated. "Never thought I'd miss the Fold."

Kaz reached into his pockets and pulled out a stash of cash, handing it to Inej. "What's this for?" Inej questioned.

"We aren't the only ones under a false accusation," Kaz started. "Your Saint has a new bounty on her head. This time from Fjerda."

'They think she's in cahoots with the Darkling," Jesper added.

"This is your ticket to go and protect her. Go to Third Harbor. Find a stevedore named Jari. He'll put you on a cargo ship out of here."

"You're sending me away?" Inej questioned, looking down at the money.

"I promised you freedom," Kaz said simply.

"This isn't freedom, Kaz," Inej pointed out. "My indentured contract is owned by Pekka-

"I'll take care of it," Kaz snapped. "It isn't your fight now. It's mine." Kaz turned and walked off. Jesper looked between the girls before they chased after him.

"Kaz!" Brey called.

"I'm not leaving you," Inej echoed. Kaz stopped and Jesper caught up with them. "Not now. What happens to Saints is fate. What happens here is up to us."

Inej held out the money and Kaz snatched it. "Fine, but stay in the shadows," Kaz ordered. "Both of you. We reconvene in two bells at the end of Rozenstraat. look for a workshop around the back. Brey, I need you with me."

"Where are you going?" Inej questioned.

"I need a Heartrender for what comes next. One who isn't already owned by Pekka. Ears open for one," Kaz ordered before walking away, Brey following close behind.

"What do you need?" Brey asked, looking up at Kaz.

"Take care of that informant of yours. And I need Alkemi," Kaz answered. "I know you have other informants and whatever gets me a Grisha before I reach the Crow Club is enough. Offer them a job, I'll need them later."

"I know where one is," Brey said with a smile. "Before you reach the club." Brey stepped away, her hands raised and glowing.

𓅨

ACE SPUN THE SLIM SWORD IN THEIR HAND. They reached for a small red rag and wipped the end of the red blood. A man had tried to rob them. He was bumbling and drunk, muttering random words about selling the katanas and knife's for the weeks rent. Now he was short twenty kruge and three fingers short. Four rhythmic knocks sounded against the oak wood door and Ace shot up, holding the sword tight.

Panic swelled in Ace's stomach. Had the drunk man made enough of a sentance to find Ace guilty? Ace wished not, hoping for room service of hot water for their rose teas. Ace hid the blade behind their back and cautiously reached for the door handle, opening it slowly. Ace gasped softly as they recognized the woman with bright blond hair. "You took my advice," Brey hummed, smiling slightly.

"I uh- it was the only one I knew."

Brey smiled and tapped her fingers on the doors entrance. "As much as I'd love to sit and chat, try whatever Shu treats you've brought," Brey stepped through the door and Ace shuffled aside, letting the girl pass through. "I have a job offer. My boss needs an Alkemi and if you provide those services he'll give you something in return."

"What kind of job?" Ace questioned. They moved back to the wooden bed with the paper-thin mattress and grabbing the casing for their sword, sheathing it quickly.

"A dangerous one no doubt," Brey shrugged. "Are you in or out?"

Ace followed Brey through an open window to a club called 'The Kaelish Prince'. Although Ace swore they read the sign right Brey had muttered something about a Crow. They walked up the stairs in absolute silence, hiding in the shadows, avoiding the eyes of the patrons below.

Brey led Ace to an office where a man in completely black stood waiting. "I was here first," The man grumbled.

"Had a run-in with some Lions," Brey said with a shrug. "Got you an Alkemi. Ace Rafan."

The man turned, his dark shark-like stare made Ace want to crawl into their skin and never come out again. "Brey said you had a job, and I need something," Ace stammered. "Protection."

"From?" The man questioned.

Ace stayed silent and Brey chuckled making Ace feel even more out of place. "I just need it, I'm more than an Alkemi, I have more skills to offer," Ace started. "I'm a master swordsman, and archer, I have Kruge."

"Very well," The man nodded.

"What are we doing here Kaz?" Brey questioned, stepping forward.

"I had Wylan-"

"Raske was an option," Brey interrupted.

"Create a bomb," Kaz finished, his dark eyes still staring down at Brey. "Wylan however was missing one part of a piece I need. I'm told an Alkemi can get it. A serum that eats through woods like a mutated termite."

"You're going to destroy the club? Our home?" Brey hissed. "Brekker-"

"Hanser."

"Don't you dare use that name."

"I can do it," Ace spoke up, trying to defuse the tension. She shot a look to Brey. "It's just a building. Buildings can be rebuilt, but homes are made."

Kaz looked at Brey and Brey sighed. "I didn't know they had provinces."

Kaz looked back at Ace and he motioned to the bomb. "Get on with it," Kaz ordered.

Ace moved past the pair and ace lifted their hands over the box. "Do you have a powder? Or a liquid? I need something to act as the placeholder." Ace turned back to the pair, looking between them.

Kaz looked at Brey and she scoffed. "Why is it always me?" Brey huffed. She pulled out a small silver flask and handed it to Ace. "This better work."

A few moments and strange fingerwork later, Ace stepped back from the bomb with a smile. "Done," Ace confirmed. "It will be stationary for an hour."

"Can you make it longer?" Kaz asked looking up at Brey.

"You can't mess with science," Ace spoke up.

"He can't, I can," Brey said with a smile. Brey's hands hovered over the black box that housed the bomb and rings of green light spilt over the explosive. "Whenever you need it, just give me the word," Brey said as she pulled her hands back.

"You'll know when." Kaz pulled out his pocket watch, checking the time. "We're late, we have to hurry."

"I need my swords," Ace spoke up. "I left them at the hotel."

"I'll take them," Brey confirmed. "Rozenstraat workshop, before this goes off."

.

Brey led Ace through to the workshop and they could hear the muffled voices of the other crows. "Can I get anyone some tea?" A meek voice questioned and Brey groaned internally.

"No one wants tea Wylan," Brey scoffed, walking through the back door. The boy looked up, moving to fumble with his hands as he looked away.

"Who's this?" Jesper asked, his long legs outstretched in front of him on the steps, Inej standing by him.

"Ace Rafan, Alkemi," Ace introduced her hands at her sides.

"How much are you paying them?" Inej asked.

"Irrelevant," Kaz and Brey said quickly.

"Who's bluebell over there?" Brey asked, pulling a chair and slumping back.

"Nina Zenik," Jesper answered, his eyebrows shooting up.

"Weren't you working with Arken?" Brey asked, looking up at Nina who stood on the left.

"It was more of a limited partnership," Nina corrected.

"Did you trust him?" Kaz asked.

Nina scoffed, shaking her head. "That turncoat? Not on your life. He was shadier than an oak at three bells."

"What's your price?" Brey asked, raising a brow at Nina.

"I've expended the legal avenues on my problem," Nina started. "Every clerk in the city says the same thing. 'The judge will see you in six months'."

"And so you're looking for the not-so-legal route on what, exactly?" Kaz questioned, taking a small step forward.

"I'm told you could free someone from Hellgate," Nina started. Kaz looked to Inej and Jesper who shrugged. "Someone, I say as if he's anyone, and in truth, he's the love of my life," Nina continued as if trying to convince Kaz.

Kaz looked back at Brey. She stood and walked to Kaz's side, whispering. "Could you?" Kaz asked, so quiet Kaz was unsure he heard himself.

"In an unbelieve mess and chaos, far more trouble than its worth right now," Brey shrugged, just as quiet. "I have someone inside, an informant just as indented as Maxim."

"Can we trust him?"

"I have dirt on shit he's done for Rollins, Tark, even merchant council lies," Brey stated. "We can't trust him, but we can trust he won't tell." Kaz nodded and the two stepped apart.

"Getting a release from Hellgate is damn near impossible, and with the gates of hell opening up with everyone to cut off our heads, I can't do anything," Brey stated as she paced the room. "I however can get you a visit."

"In exchange for your services," Kaz added.

"What do you need me for?" Nina questioned quickly.

"The aftermath," Kaz said simply. "Follow me." He made his way up the stairs, Jesper and Brey hot on his heels. Wylan and Ace quickly followed and by the time they reached the roof Nina and Inej joined them.

They stood along the lining of the cobblestone roof. Kaz stood in the center, Inej and Brey on either side. They looked over the dark streets of Ketterdam only illuminated by the occasional sickly yellow streetlight. 

"Brick by brick," Kaz muttered.

Brey pulled her hands together and the hold on the explosive released. A moment later a large explosion shook the ground of the city. Bright orange and blue flames lit up the sky like fireworks as the Kaelish Prince, the Crow Club, went down in flames.

The sound rattled through Brey's core and her hands shook as she released a small breath. "What was that?" Jesper questioned, short of breath.

"The Crow Club," Inej answered.

"I had some really nice hats in there," Jesper complained before moving his attention to Wylan. "Was that yours?"

"It's too big..." Wylan muttered.

"We had the Alkemi rig it," Kaz said,

"I take it we're now in the aftermath?" Nina questioned, looking up at Kaz.

"This doesn't help us clear our name, Kaz," Inej pointed out. "This is war with Pekka Rollins, the King of the Barrel."

"The Barrel doesn't belong to kings," Kaz hissed. He turned and left the others to look over the town. "It belongs to bastards."

𓅨

❝ i am never bound by 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 ❞