fights are never a good choice.... ever

Oh shit, was Valeriya's first thought when Alina pointed at Zoya. Alina was for sure going to get her ass kicked. Zoya scoffed, glancing at Valeriya - trying to pinpoint whether or not she'd heard Alina correctly.

"I've been training her since she was ten," Botkin commented, most likely attempting to sway Alina from her decision. That was probably a good thing. The Darkling might not appreciate his new trophy being bruised.

Zoya stepped forward towards Botkin and Alina with a smirk on her face.

"Care to back down?" Zoya asked, putting her hands on her hips and leaning back into a relaxed pose. This was going to be a shitshow. Valeriya made up her mind and decided to just enjoy the free entertainment, rather than stop her best friend from beating up the sun summoner. Nadia and Marie shot glances toward Valeriya, presumably trying to get her to keep Zoya in check.

No one could do that. It was much better to let the trainwreck happen and deal with the aftermath.

"I'm not all to familiar with the concept," Alina shot back, a blank expression on her face.

This was going to be interesting.

"Fighter's ready?" Botkin asked. Zoya and Alina took their stances and waited for Botkin's cue. "And.... fight!"

Alina marched right up to Zoya - who was standing perfectly still - with her hands in cute little fists and tried to swing at Zoya. She missed, Zoya skillfully moving out of the way and letting her fall to the ground. Apparently, Alina decided to throw her whole body into the punch. Zoya must have really pissed her off.

Zoya started walking away from Alina, but the latter brushed herself off and popped up like a jack in the box.

"We fight again," Alina demanded. Zoya turned around and Botkin started them again. Alina once again tried to punch Zoya. Instead, Zoya moved to the side and gripped Alina's arm. She flipped Alina over her shoulder and tossed her onto the ground with a thud. The crowd gasped and Valeriya let out a laugh. She did feel slightly for the girl, as Valeriya had been in the same flipping situation multiple times.

Valeriya saw Zoya whisper something to Alina - which was probably a rude comment - and Botkin warned her to be careful.

Alina punched Zoya across the face for whatever she said after Zoya began to walk away. Valeriya hadn't been paying much attention though, as Nadia had walked over to her and asked to spar.

When Valeriya turned to look at Zoya, she was punched in the collarbone by Nadia. As she watched Alina fly across the training center thanks to Zoya, Valeriya felt the thick, worn chain from under her kefta break and slip down her chest. Her ears rang as she heard the slight noise of the ring hitting the rocks.

Without thinking, Valeriya yelled, "You bitch!" Her arms instinctively moved in the way that caused her to bring Nadia to her knees, gasping for breath. Valeriya was broken from her stupor when Zoya set a hand on her shoulder. Nadia was released.

"What was that your stupid ring that you hold onto even though whoever gave it to you isn't coming back," Nadia retorted after catching her breath. Valeriya ran up to her and punched her in the nose, most likely breaking it.

Nadia got up and quickly ran over to where Marie was checking on Alina.

Valeriya fell down to her knees and began looking through the gravel, trying to at least find the ring. The chain was a cheap one she picked up across the Fold but the ring? That was her most prized possession. Zoya spotted it and went to pick it up, but Valeriya's hands were quicker. She clutched the ring, hiding it from spectators' (including Zoya's) view. No one knew the true importance of the emerald ring, nor did they realize what was engraved on it, or who gave it to her.

Botkin hastily made his way over to Valeriya and Zoya (who pulled Valeriya up to stand) looking awfully angry.

He grabbed Zoya's arm, "What were you thinking? Against the Sun Summoner? She's an enemy no more than I am." He released Zoya after shaking her a little bit and grabbed Valeriya.

"And you! You know very well that the use of Heartrending towards other Grisha is not allowed," he accused. "Not for any reason," he added, seeing how Valeriya was intending to snap back. Zoya, however, stayed quiet.

He grabbed both of them then and shoved them in the direction of the exit. "Go!" he said. Valeriya and Zoya both knew his unsaid words. They would have to face the Darkling for their punishment.

And they were both worried, but for different reasons.

author's note!

OMG WE ARE ALMOST AT 5K READS!!!!!!!!!!  I can't believe it...  I was shocked when there were 100 reads... then 1K.  When I made this book, I did it because I'm totally in love with Nikolai and couldn't get enough of the fanfics here.  I never expected it to blow up like this!

So, as a special thing for so many readers...  How would you guys like a special chapter that's a story about Nikolai and Valeriya when they were younger to celebrate 5K?

Anyway, thank you so much and I love you guys!!