CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO.

Spotting the pastries, Liliya's face turned into a grin. Her hands swaying by her side as she kicked the door closed. After the near death experience the previous night, she felt better. The dizziness was gone and she finally felt like she could breathe again. The night with Aleksander had been nice, even when she woke up from a nightmare, he comforted her in his own way.

Liliya was just glad to see Genya and spotted the redhead sat on Liliya's bed, flicking aimlessly through a book. She didn't even look up until Liliya had snatched the bag of pastries and strolled over to the edge of the bed.

"Ignoring me?" Liliya asked, cocking an eyebrow. Genya looked up from the book and placed it on the side before shuffling over next to Liliya.

"No. I was waiting," Genya explained. Liliya nodded and then opened the bag of pastries. She pulled one out for Genya and the other for herself, taking a bite out of it. Her legs swinging, skimming across the wooden floor. Genya took the pastry and took a bite,.

"Good," Liliya said, nodding before she added, "How are you?" It felt like so long since the two had last spoken. In reality, it had only been two days before but it was still strange. Liliya had felt so disconnected from Genya but she knew it would get better. Once the Sun Summoner was found, it would all get better and they could continue with their lives. She could be around Genya more and just enjoy the redhead's company.

"Exhausted. But you look awful," Genya commented rather blatantly. Liliya scoffed and let her body fall back before she took a bite out of the pastry. She let her hands rest against her stomach for a moment before swallowing the food.

"Being poisoned will do that to you," Liliya responded. Her hand twitched at her words but she reminded herself that everything was fine. She drank the concoction and slept all night. She had done exactly what the healer had told her to do.

"What?" Genya asked as she turned her body around to face Liliya. Her jaw dropping slightly. Liliya quickly realising that nobody had been told about that yet. She sat back up and took a bite out of the pastry.

Once she had swallowed it, she began to explain, "Someone poisoned me. We think it was in the food so Ale-Kirigan is checking. He will probably stop me from leaving the Little Palace." A small frown spread across Liliya's face at the last bit. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck at the Little Palace all over again. It had take her long enough just to convince Aleksander that she could leave and that had been with conditions.

"Isn't that a good thing?"Genya asked, noticing the frown that appeared. Liliya shrugged and then moved to sit against the headboard. Still eating her pastry as she looked at Genya. The redhead then moving to sit next to her. The two just enjoying each other's company in the silence while Liliya tried to formulate what she was thinking.

"I suppose but I'd rather find the Boy than sit behind Palace Walls," She explained as she turned her head. Genya sighed and took a bite out of the pastry before placing it in her lap. She tilted her head back against the wall.

"You'd be away from the danger," Genya argued. A small frown spreading across her face that it only took a minute for Liliya to see. It was weird seeing Genya frown or worry about Liliya. Genya usually didn't seem bothered by her reckless behaviour. It put Liliya on edge slightly.

"Genya," Liliya said softly. It was almost said like a warning and Genya quickly snapped her head to face the other woman.

"What?" She said, quickly becoming defensive. Liliya let out a soft sigh and instead tried to let a playful smile appear on her lips. Lighting the mood felt like the best idea in the moment.

"Are you worried?" Liliya teased though there was some genuinity behind it. She wanted to make sure that Genya was okay, soothe any anxieties. Genya - of all people - deserved to not be anxious. After everything that had happened, that Liliya had caused, Liliya was sure she would do anything to help calm the redhead's nerves.

"You have been injured so much, do you expect me not to?" Genya argued. Liliya frowned slightly and Genya took another bite out of the pastry, looking away. A frown on her face too though she was better at hiding her emotions. Liliya had never really mastered that ability especially around people she cared about.

"I trust that you know I can look after myself," Liliya argued and Genya rolled her eyes, finishing off her pastry before speaking.

"Kirigan can look after you. He looks after all of us, even me," The woman corrected and Liliya nodded. Though Liliya tried, it had mostly been Aleksander that kept her alive. Every time that she had been injured, he appeared and saved her. Or stopped her from bleeding out.

"You're right," Liliya muttered, nodding her head. Her hands moving to adjust the cuffs of her sleeves as she tried to work out how she could get them away from this topic. She knew that it could only end badly.

"Do you love him, Liliya?" Genya asked and that was the exact question that Liliya had been hoping to avoid. She knew that it was coming and she had been asked it before. Both times she knew the answer but some part of her didn't want to admit it. Especially for Genya who she cared for just as deeply.

"I do," Liliya nodded, saying what they both already knew. The jealousy hit Genya like a bag of bricks and she gritted her teeth, turning her face away. Trying her best to pretend that it didn't bother her but it did. They both knew that it bothered her.

"He doesn't love you," Genya muttered, the bitterness in her tone. Liliya sighed and pushed her fingers through her hair. She shoved the last of the pastry into her mouth before huffing out of her nose.

"I know," Liliya said softly. It was sad to admit but they both knew it. Aleksander was not one to say it or probably feel it. Liliya clung to that sliver of hope that maybe he did but if he did, she would never know. He would never say it.

"Then why stay with him," Genya asked, her frown deepening as she turned her head to look into Liliya's eyes. The redhead glanced down at the cuffs of her kefta before sighing and looked up again.

"Because he cares for me and it's better than not being around him. We are the same, Genya. Shadow Summoners. That's rare. Nobody understand me like he does," Liliya decided. It was something that she had only just realised as she spoke those words but it was the truth. Nobody knew her like Aleksander did and there was no hope of anyone ever understanding her like that. Nobody knew how it felt to be a shadow summoner except him. He was the only one that seemed to exist.

"I understand you," Genya argued as she reached out to take Liliya's hand. The woman smiled softly but only ended up shrugging.

"You try to but... it's different with him, Gen," Liliya responded and she pushed her hands over her face, "I'll always care for you, you know that but you've got David," Liliya said, attempting to soften the blow. She wasn't trying to be cruel but she knew that she needed to tell Genya. After so long of floating between the line between friends and lovers, there had to be a decision. Liliya had made that and she was sure that Genya had made that two. They both had other people they loved so much.

"He doesn't even look at me," Genya muttered softly as she stared down at the covers. Her fingers running across the patterns on the sheet. She then cleared her throat and pushed neutrality onto her face, not allowing herself to be sad or show the sadness. She couldn't.

"So I'll make him look," Liliya said simply, a smile spreading across her face. She knew that Genya and David were supposed to be together. She had always promised Genya that she would help her and maybe it was time to finally follow-up on that promise. But she just had to find the Boy first.

"Li," Genya said, a warning to her tone. Liliya grinned and turned to face her friend, taking her hands.

"I'm serious. I'm not good enough for you. I never have been and we both know that. You deserve him. He's clever. I've even heard he's quite funny when you get to know him. A complete softie and loves to go for late night strolls. Hard-working but makes time for his friends," Liliya said, trying to show Genya. David was the one for her and they both knew it. Liliya had always been aware that she wasn't good enough but Genya's love had blinded her. Now, she just had to get it out and make sure Genya knew this.

"How do you know this?" Genya asked curiously, raising an eyebrow. Liliya smirked a little and shrugged.

"I observe," She said nonchalantly. In truth, Liliya always kept an eye on David. She had always been curious about him and wanted to make sure that he was worth Genya's time. It turned out he most definitely was. Better than Liliya ever would be.

"Li, I care for you. I don't want to lose you," Genya muttered. Suddenly it didn't just feel like they were talking about their relationship. Her eyebrows pulled together and then Liliya intertwined their fingers.

"You won't. I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere even if there is danger ahead. I have a promise to keep to you. You are going to get David and that means I can't die. I still have to play matchmaker," Liliya responded, smiling a little wider as she tilted her head. She then leant forward and pressed a soft kiss to Genya's head. The redhead's head fell into the crook of Liliya's neck and Liliya pulled her closer.

The silence ebbed between them for a moment. Enjoying the touch of each other. It was a bittersweet moment and felt oddly like a goodbye but it never would be. Not a goodbye. Liliya knew she was going to get out of this alive and Genya was going to get David like she had always deserved.

"So how is our General?" Genya asked after a moment. Liliya chuckled and let go of the redhead. The two of them moved to lie down next to each other. Genya lay on her side to watch Liliya's face. Meanwhile the other girl was staring up at the ceiling, her eyes following the patterns on the ceiling.

"Grumpy, cuddly," Liliya said, the smile on her face widened a little. He had been especially cuddly after what had happened the previous night. It was cute but she knew he would never like anyone knowing.

"He's like a cat," Genya chuckled and Liliya giggled, nodding her head in agreement. Her eyes crinkling and her grin widening, spreading across her face. It was ridiculous how accurate that was.

"Yeah. I think that's pretty accurate but so is David," Liliya argued as she turned her head to face Genya. Genya thought for a moment before nodding in agreement, "Kirigan is like a grumpy old cat. David is like the quiet young cat that doesn't quite know how to interact with people," She finished and Genya grinned though tried her best to hide her amusement.

"Don't call him that. He's intelligent, just reserved," Genya defended and Liliya grinned even wider. Her face aching from how much she was smiling. It was completely ridiculous really. They were just talking about boys but she had never felt more content than in that moment.

"A compliment? Did Genya just compliment someone?" Liliya teased, the amusement laced her tone. Genya then proceeded to playfully slap Liliya's arm. The redhead moving to sit up and staring at the younger woman with a pout on her face. Genya looked up at her and raised an eyebrow.

"I swear to the Saints," Genya warned and then Liliya moved to tickle the girl. However, Genya ducked out of the way and grabbed a pillow from the side.

"What you gonna do, Gen?" Liliya teased as she looked over to the pillow, cocking an eyebrow. Then the pillow was whacked at her face. Liliya let out an 'oof' as she fell against the bed. The pillow smacking her multiple times as Genya moved on top of her. Liliya tried her best to fight back and eventually got hold of her own pillow, whacking Genya in the head.

The younger woman fell back on her knees and the two continued to trade blows until they were exhausted and giggling. Lying next to each other in a heap and Liliya glanced to the window. She was going to be late to her training with Roma and Tomas but she wasn't sure that she entirely cared.

***

The night was late and Liliya was only just getting back to the room. She was exhausted but exhilarated at the same time. She had been training with Arina and had got a little banged up but it was nothing that she wasn't used to. A few bruises on her arms and nothing more. She had expected Aleksander to be in the office still but when she strolled into the bedroom, he was reading in bed.

"I thought you had a late meeting today," Liliya said as she closed the door behind her. Aleksander hummed in response, the hum not indicating anything in particular. She shrugged it off and then took her kefta, blouse and pants off. Her bruises were pretty obvious on her naked skin but she didn't entirely care so she took no notice. Her fingers ran across her bare arms and she debated getting a bath.

But a part of her just wanted to be back in bed with Aleksander. She wanted to cuddle up with him and so, she slipped her night dress on and got in bed with him. Her hands resting on her stomach. She usually waited for him to finish his book until she moved closer.

So the wait began and she entertained herself with what she had been talking about with Roma. He had been amusing as he always is and she was in stitches from his jokes rather than his punches. It was almost cruel that he couldn't be amusing more often but when he was comfortable with his friends, it came out.

The grin spread across her face as she stared up at the ceiling and she glanced to the side only to find Aleksander watching her.

"I am not a grumpy cat," He said matter of factly. His words took her back and she grinned even wider. She moved to sit up and shuffled closer to him.

"I know you're not, Aleksander. It was a joke," She responded. He watched her for a moment, trying to work out whether she was lying before he went back to his book. He began to read again and she rolled her eyes, "Actually maybe you are," She shrugged. He looked up again and arched an eyebrow, challenging her to say it again.

Liliya grabbed a hold of his book and placed it down on the bedside table before sitting in his lap. Her fingers ran through his hair as she looked into his dark brown eyes. Her fingers running down his face until she cupped his jaw.

"We will be leaving tomorrow to track the boy," Aleksander said and Liliya nodded. Her smile widened a little more. She was glad that they were leaving. Hiding behind the Palace walls was becoming more exhausting and Liliya had found herself antsy. Aleksander knew this too so he tried his best to placate her.

"Good. I'm glad you finally listened to me," She muttered before she pressed a few soft kiss to his head. She then trailed her kisses down to his neck. Letting her teeth gently nip at the skin of his neck. He let out a soft groan and she smirked, pressing herself against him, "Milaya," He warned softly.

"Let me show you how much I love you," She muttered. Not even thinking about the words before they had slipped past her lips. Upon realising what she had said, she paused but he didn't say anything. So, she continued. Her lips trailing down to his collarbone. Pressing a few soft kisses to them before she lifted her head, looking into his eyes.

His fingers ran through her hair and he gently tugged on her hair, pushing her head back. She tilted it back and his lips attacked her neck. Covering the skin in red marks before he moved back to the spot that made her whine the loudest. His mouth gently sucking to create a mark. Her fingers trailing against his chest, gently running her nails across the skin. Creating scratches down his chest that made him groan against her skin.

Once he was done with the hickey on her neck, he trailed his kisses down again. Pushing the strap to one side and pressed kisses along her shoulder. Enjoying the taste of her skin.

"Aleksander..." She whined softly. He hummed in response and trailed his kisses towards her collarbone. His hands wrapping around her waist and pulling her tighter to his chest. His kisses grew from aggressive to loving and then four words escaped his lips that she hadn't expected.

"Saints, I love you," He whispered softly. Her heart thumped against her chest and she was quick to cup his cheeks. He looked into her eyes and all she could see was pure adoration. She then pushed her face against his. Kissing him passionately and aggressively. Unable to stop herself. His tongue dominating the kiss as they moved to lie down.

Their clothes quickly discarded to the floor, their bodies pressed together. Indulging in each other after their soft-spoken confessions. They soon drifted into sleep after they'd drawn as much pleasure as they could from each other. Her body was exhausted and when the sun came up the next morning, she wished for it to go down again.

Aleksander was already up and dressed when her eyes finally stayed open. Her hands resting at her sides, feeling the warmth of where he had just been. Blinking against the light, she turned to face him. He was stood at the door, conversing with someone. A voice she recognised as Roma and she wanted to hide. He could see her. He had definitely seen her.

Their relationship was certainly no secret but something about having Roma see her there made it worse, embarrassing almost. A soft sigh left her lips and she adjusted to try and hide herself. Aleksander heard her movement and briefly glimpsed back before focusing on Roma again.

The pair then stepped out into the War Room and Liliya slid out of bed. Quickly noticing how her whole body ached. Her lower half in particular ached. Her hips bruised from his touch and her thighs covered in marks from him. The previous night had been dangerous and likely a bad idea but Liliya wouldn't take it back. None of it.

That meant she just had to suck it up and get dressed, pulling her clothes on. She had the intention of bathing before they left but that would be impossible. So, instead, she opted for fresh clothes and washed her face quickly.

Once she was changed, she slid out into the war room and the smile spread across her face. She hoped she didn't look too much of a mess. That would have made it much more embarrassing but her hair looked fine in the mirror.

"Our plans have changed," Kirigan said. His voice startled her and she hadn't realised that everyone was staring at her. Liliya nodded and then crossed over to the table. Leaning over. Roma was looking at the hickeys that littered her neck. Tomas had passively observed before staring up at the ceiling. Lev was looking at Kirigan's neck that held a few marks from Liliya before looking back to the redhead again. It was obvious what had happened and yet they were still observing them.

"What has changed?" Liliya asked, gesturing to the map. Hoping that the distraction of the Boy would be enough, it should be enough. Her hands rested against the edge of the table as Roma cleared his throat. He then pointed to a town near the Shu Han border. It was a village in the middle of nowhere.

"The Boy has been found and captured by a set of First Army officers. They informed us this morning. The message only just came through. That is our destination," Roma explained. Liliya nodded as she pushed her fingers through her hair. That made sense and that was good. It meant that she didn't have to track or waste much time. Now it was just finding out if he really was the Sun Summoner or if information had been wrong.

"Well are we ready?" Liliya asked as she stepped back. She grabbed a tie from her pocket and quickly began to pull her hair up. They would get to the camp quicker by riding their horses and they needed to get there as quick as possible. There were Shu assassins everywhere so the boy only had a limited time. The camp was constantly going to be in danger.

"It would be too dangerous for you to come with us," Lev said. Liliya scoffed and glanced over at Aleksander and then moving her gaze between the men. She couldn't tell if they were being serious.

"I'm finding that Boy," She said seriously and Roma sighed. He then began to roll up the map as Aleksander stepped back from the discussion, "If this was what General Kirigan had told you, I don't care. I am going with you," She added, glancing back at him. A look of indifference on his face as he watched the conversation unfold.

"This was our choice. The Boy had already stabbed you. What is to stop him from hurting you again?" Roma asked. Liliya stared at him, narrowing her eyes.

"This time is different," Liliya said quickly. Unsure whether to reveal exactly how it was different. If anyone found out she could summon shadows, they might view her how Kirigan had been viewed. As somebody to be feared. She didn't want that.

"How is it different? You have the same abilities, Liliya. It's too dangerous. None of us want you to get hurt again. I've already had to watch you nearly die once," Roma said as he placed the map to one side. It seemed he had made his mind up about this but Liliya was convinced to change his mind. So, she made a few quick hand movements and there was a wall of shadow in his face that shoved him back.

"Do not walk away from me, Roma. I know what you all think of me but I am stronger than you think," Liliya said as she stepped closer. It had always been like this. The men went and the woman stayed behind. It had become exhausting and Kirigan had helped ensure that it didn't continue. Yet here it was, happening again. He could stop it if he just spoke.

"Was that you?" Roma asked as he glanced at where the shadows were and then back to Liliya. She nodded and then glanced at Kirigan. He was still holding a neutral expression and she wondered what he wanted. Maybe he hadn't said anything because he wanted her to reveal her abilities. She didn't know but she was sick of being treated as less than.

"I'm not just an Inferni anymore. I can summon shadows just like General Kirigan and I say that I'm going. So, let's go. I'm sure General Kirigan wants to know if we have found our Summoner," Liliya said as she crossed the dumb-founded men. Kirigan watched her walk and had to stop the smirk from spreading across his face. The boys then followed behind and he followed last. The group heading to the stables.

***

author's note! so... this chapter... was something, huh? yeah IDK HOW WE GOT HERE BUT HERE WE ARE, and like this is like really close to the end, i still haven't wrote ahead, i didn't write anything yesterday and i'm currently STRESSED over school and exams and everything is a mess but here it is, here's the chapter, I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT Y'ALL ARE GONNA SAY, thank you all for reading and i hope you enjoyed!! <3