parting gift

Even though it was confirmed that the girl was Yalie, the pit didn't secede from Valeriya's stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go very wrong. The girls ran to each other and hugged tightly - never wanting to let go. Of course, life had other plans for her.

Jesper, the Zemeni boy, pulled Yalie away from Valeriya. They joined their other two friends in a huddle, whispering about something. Valeriya stayed next to the horse and petted its mane. She kept an eye out for anyone that was coming to attack them. She didn't know what she'd do if any other Grisha came. On the one hand, this was Yalie, her sister; on the other hand, she wasn't what these people were capable of or what they'd come here to do.

"Vale," Yalie's voice called out, breaking her older sister from her thoughts.

"Hhm?" Valeriya muttered, looking at Yalie.

"We're going to get going, we'll be inside the carriage and they'll be driving the carriage," Yalie said, pointing to her three friends.

"Do I have to come? If I leave it's deserting. They'll kill me," Valeriya's hands shook. She wanted nothing more than to accompany her sister and catch up - especially about the fact that she was still fucking alive.

Yalie looked at Kaz, her blue eyes meeting Kaz's piercing brown ones. There was a silent exchange that ended with Kaz shaking his head curtly.

"I can't stay," Yalie whispered, her eyes filling with tears. She grabbed Valeriya's hands and squeezed them.

Valeriya released Yalie's hands and unclasped the sunflower necklace.

Tears flooded her vision and she said, "This was given to me by my best friend. Next time I cross the Fold, find me. We'll spend the day together and catch up."

A tear rolled down Yalie's cheek. She took the necklace from Valeriya and clasped it around her neck. After a quick glance back at Kaz, she knew it was time to go.

She jumped back into Valeriya's arms and squeezed her tight.

"I love you Yana," Valeriya said, signing into Yalie's arms.

"I love you too Vale."

She released Valeriya and ran off toward the carriage. Valeriya watched as they pulled away - then, when they were out of sight, she fell to her knees and sobbed.

Yalie was right at her fingertips and she was too selfish to go with her.

"Vale!" she heard me calling. She wiped her eyes and turned towards the entrance.

It was Zoya. "Are you alright, love?" Zoya asked when Valeriya reached her.

Valeriya nodded hastily, "Just a bit overwhelmed."

"Because of the Lantsovs?"

Partially. "Yeah."

Zoya took Valeriya's hand in hers. "Well I'm not dragging you back in there."

Valeriya's heart lifted, but it shot back down when Zoya continued. "Kirigan needs our help."

♕

Helping Kirigan was as horrible as it seemed. Not only was that bastard down there, but so was Ivan. The man stood way too fucking close to her and Zoya refused to meet her gaze. Instead, her eyes were focused on the man on the chair. As far as Valeriya knew, they found the man in Alina's dressing room and he was somehow connected to Yalie and her friends. Of course, the others in the room didn't know that, but Valeriya wasn't an idiot so she put it together.

Ivan muttered under his breath to Valeriya, explaining that they were there to see if he was lying and provide any extra persuasion as necessary. Valeriya hated torturing people.

Valeriya was listening to the man's heartbeat and nodding to confirm Ivan's deductions based on the questions that the Darkling asked. The Darkling moved closer, causing Valeriya to jump backward - straight into Ivan's chest. She reacted to his arms, steadying her by pushing him away.

Suddenly, the man - the Conductor as he was known - became even more scared. His heartbeat became so loud in Valeriya's ears, drowning out the Darkling's words.

"Nina Zenik." Valeriya's mind pushed out the Conductor's heartbeat. Kirigan mentioned Nina. Kirigan's words began registering in her brain and she realized that this was the man who helped Nina get out. Too bad he was going to die - she could have used him.

Quickly, she shook that thought out of her mind. Who knew if the Darkling somehow manifested the ability to read minds? The Darkling raised his hand, signally for Ivan and Valeriya to move behind him and exit the space using the wooden door. Valeriya squeezed Zoya's arm and wasted no time in hurrying away.

She was ready to sleep this god-awful night off.

author's note !

Hey guys!  So sorry it's taken so long for this chapter, school's been psycho.  but..... THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR 10K READS!!!  I can't believe we've come so far with this book!  Every time one of you guys adds it to a reading list, votes, or comments, it makes me so happy!  (just ask my sis accio_via how much I talk about you guys lol).  

Anyway - before the end of the year next month, expect another chapter with some more Nikolai references and a 10K bonus chapter!!  

Love you all!!! <<333