𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 — man-eater

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 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐀𝐈𝐑 was cold against Aleksa's cheeks, and she was certain they were a vibrant and hearty red. The sky had darkened considerably, the moon hanging high like the DeKapple within Kaz's office, and Aleksa found herself nuzzling deeper into her coat, or rather, her Kefta.

 The clothes on her back, a few spares and the Kefta draped around Aleksa were the only things she had left from her time at the little palace; and the golden chain around her neck, of course

 The Kefta wasn't quite like any others that the Grisha within the second army donned. There were three variants of each Kefta; the silk Kefta worn by Grisha in the Little palace within the summer months, they were far lighter and breathable.

 There was the wool Kefta, worn in winter, and finally, the Kefta that was donned within combat; they were made with corecloth by the Materialki and had been designed to withstand bullets. Then, of course, there was the design. Each faction of Grisha had a different colour Kefta or embroidery to symbolise and dictate which order the Grisha belonged to and which particular power flourished at their fingertips.

 The white kefta made with golden cuffs were worn by servants within the Grand Palace. The purple keftas were donned by the Materialki, the red worn by Corporalki, dark blue for the Etherialki and finally, there was black.

 The colour of onyx was worn only by the General of the Second Army; general Kirigan; however unbeknownst to many of the Grisha serving under the general; Aleksa donned such a colour too. The black sleeves of her kefta covered her fingertips and the tail trailed down to her ankles.

 The one difference between Aleksa's kefta and her brothers was the lack of embroidery. Aleksander wore a grand Kefta; entirely obsidian with intricate embroidery crawling over him, much like the shadows he weaved. Aleksa's was bare and looked as plain as any old, black coat.

 It had been Alexander's way of concealing her, making sure that nobody knew of her abilities; she never really understood why. Perhaps he was frightened of the two being separated once more, maybe that was why she had been caged like a bird with clipped wings.

 Aleksa stared down at the sleeves of her kefta, imagining what looks would be sent her way had the sleeves and lapels been covered with crawling shadows made of thread and yarn. People would have sold her out, it was all people within Ketterdam knew to do. She'd have been sold for the highest price, whether that price was met by her brother, the Shu, the Druskelle or anybody else who was eager enough to hold a shadow summoner in chains.

 She hated the thought. But the kefta that cloaked her body from the bite of the nighttime air was a favoured possession; it reminded her of Aleksander, the brother she missed so dearly, and she knew it was a symbol of his protection. Even though she had run from him, the kefta he had given her as a gift still kept her safe in the midst of many a gun and knife fight.

 Inej stood by Aleksa's side with her bronze fingers twitching near her knives; the sight of the brothel made her shudder, it made her want to stab a knife into the name hung high on the sign as though it were a proud symbol.

 Jesper had left the two moments ago, and had taken to hopping around the street, fingers glazing over the hilts of his pistols. He was full of energy and needed to move, Aleksa understood it well, yet she had been taught to conceal it.

 The shadows around them called out to her, just as they always did. They begged and pleaded like old crones as she passed them by, as her gaze drifted on. They wanted fun, they wanted to play, but it wasn't exactly the time for that.

 Aleksa hated when she couldn't use her abilities. Her skin would glow and shine like the sun, her body would feel as light as a feather and any aches and pains would fade into nothingness. Her skin would buzz with electricity, as though stood at the eye of an oncoming storm. Now, she felt bleak and tired.

Her fingers flexed and the shadows rustled like leaves on a tree; the only one to notice was Inej.

 "Aleksa." She chided softly, though already she could see the moon shining high on Aleksa's cheekbones as renewed vigour flooded her flesh.

 The Shadow Summoner exhaled a deep breath, fingers falling limp by her side, "I know."

 Inej said nothing further, her lips thinned into a tight line as she hurriedly switched her gaze from their Shadow Summoner to the Zemeni sharpshooter who was clearly enjoying his time galavanting around in the dark while they waited for Kaz and the Heartrender that would be trailing behind him like a lapdog.

 Aleksa swallowed a breath of the cool, night air. It, despite being the air that swam through Ketterdam like a canal rat, felt fresh. The coolness prickling at the pink tips of her ears, nose and cheeks combined with the renewed vigour sprouted from her entanglement with the Shadows banished all fatigue from her body.

 They heard Kaz and the Heartrender before they saw them; the familiar click of his cane that was sure to send many others scuttling in the opposite direction was a welcomed sound for Aleksa.

 Heels clicked behind the boy draped in ink-black clothes; a tall woman, only made taller by her thin scarlet coloured heels. She had a flush to her cheeks, likely from the contrasting warmth of the brothel, to the cool air ofKetterdams streets. She clearly recognised Kaz, for her beady, emerald coloured irises darted to him and her lips quivered momentarily.

 Kaz sported a smug, crooked smile; and though there were times that Aleksa wanted to punch it off of his pretty face, tonight was not one of those times. They had their Heartrender and were well on their way to securing their job. Securing one million Kruge.

 Aleksa fell into step with Kaz, the thud of his cane and the dull and heavy fall of Aleksa's boots chimed at once, until Jesper bounded forth like a pup with too much energy on its hands.

 He practically skidded to a stop, and Aleksa was certain there was a kick up of unsettled dust as he did. The sharpshooter winked at their Heartrender who scowled at him and instead stared at the back of Aleksa's head, slowly moving from her to Kaz. 

Finally, after ten minutes of walking silently beneath the moon, the Heartrender spoke "I really appreciate the new business, but you've only paid for an hour of my time, and I have to be back at the Orchid."

 Kaz's cane nudged Aleksa's ankle; clearly he wasn't in the mood to talk for himself. Aleksa rolled her eyes and shoved her most luminescent grin onto her lips. They shined beneath the moonlight, a thin layer of gloss alighting them like stars.

 Even the Heartrender sucked in a breath.

 "Oh, sweetheart," Aleksa cooed in a sickly sweet tone, honey dripping from her silver tongue, "I wouldn't need an hour to make you sweat — Ouch!"

 Kaz had jabbed his cane against her leg, firmer this time. His dark eyes gleamed.

 Aleksa kicked his cane, and he just barely stopped himself from stumbling, "Stop it." She hissed as a billowing gust of cool wind tossed her hair over her shoulders, kefta rippling around her.

 She turned around, walking backwards as she assessed the Heartrender, "The Orchid isn't safe tonight, your life may be in a wee bit of peril because of this job... I'd suggest taking a short holiday, see the sights..." Aleksa grimaced, "If you can find any sights in Ketterdam."

 "Are you threatening me?" The Heartrender recoiled, her steps faltering until Inej halted behind her.

 "Threaten? No, no, I'm far too pretty for that, that's why Kaz does it," She narrowly avoided his cane again and was incredibly tempted to have her shadows pluck it from those gloved fingers of his, "I'm warning you. It isn't us you're in danger with..."

 Kaz's jaw tightened, "It's Pekka Rollins."

 The Heartrender almost sneered as she spoke in her heavy accent, "My boss would call the stadwatch on him."

 "Which is why your boss is already dead."

 Kaz turned away from them then. The gates to Dreesen's place was just ahead, gleaming beneath the limelight of the moon. The trees around them rustled in the howl of the wind, and just as Alkesa craned her head to scan the area, the shrill caws of a bird rang out, one overlapping the other like a harmony.

 Aleksa smiled as she too, spun away from the Heartrender and caught the pointed look from Inej; the bird's call was far too recognisable to them. It had been Cas. No doubt preening his feathers and settling into a ruffle at the lack of attention he was presently receiving. Come nightfall, he was used to Aleksa's fingers running through his feathers whilst Kaz glowered and tutted.

 Aleksa was just a step behind Kaz's sharp-lined silhouette when the man behind the gate caught sight of them. He didn't move from his spot, podgy figure rooted to the ground, "Who are you lot?"

 "Shall we see if you're really as charming as you think you are?" Kaz hummed to Aleksa who simply shrugged.

 "I could be half as charming as I think I am, yet still be a million times more charming than you, pretty boy."

 "I'm not so sure."

 "No? Odd. I seemed to have charmed you just fine." Then she worked her magic and strolled towards the gate, leaving Kaz behind to banish the twitch of his lips. Her fingers slowly curled around the cold, gleaming bars of the gate and ever-so-gently, she rested her cheek upon her hand, "I'm here to see Dreesen."

 The man took a step, eyes roving over the four undone buttons of her shirt, the corset that pushed her chest high, and the gleam of her lips in the midst of the moonlight. His voice lowered, "You," He scowled at her company, "And your friends?"

 "Well of course. It wouldn't be very safe for me to walk around Ketterdam alone now, would it?"

 Kaz bit back a crooked grin, he felt the side of his face rise before he schooled it once more; if there was ever anyone other than himself who truly belonged in Ketterdam, it was Aleksa. She thrived in the chaos of the clubs and bars, she adored chugging drinks with the burly men who stood a foot taller than her, and she truly melted into the shadows. Nobody had ever caught her off guard without being left bleeding in the streets.

 The man's eyes lingered on her, scarcely darting to her company but his eyes held a certain gleam in them when Aleksa slowly trailed her hand down the cold metal gate and into her pocket. He didn't flinch as though she had a weapon; from the way she appeared, it didn't look like she could so much as gut a fish without dissolving into a puddle of tears.

 Kaz narrowed his eyes as she procured a small pouch from her pocket and held it by the thin loop of thread that kept it secure. It swung limply in the air, jingling lightly.

 "Come on." Aleksa whined, her voice low, "The visit will be quick... It'll be short and sweet," a playful gasp tumbled from pouted lips as she delicately pointed a finger towards herself, "Just like me."

 The man let out a booming laugh, the deep lines on his face folded and Aleksa wanted the shadows to swallow him whole. His hand had come to rest on his bulging gut, no doubt filled to the brim with whiskey, "All right, hand it over then, sweetheart."

 Aleksa did so happily. The coins jingled within the pouch, and inside the roomy pocket of Aleksa's kefta, her fingers curled around one of the coins, her light touch feathered over a hole at the very centre of the metal and a sweet smile alighted her face. He'd never know, and she'd have to thank Jesper.

 The man looked over the pouch, his hand weighing the contents. He regarded Aleksa again, thanks to the cluster of coins resting in his dirty palm, he was no longer in debt to Pekka; or that's what he thought, "Alright then, in you get."

 The gate was pulled open and Aleksa moved aside, waiting for Kaz. He paused at the gate, his eyebrow crawling up his forehead as he tilted his head towards the Shadow Summoner, "Where did you get the money, Aleksa."

 She had leaned closer, catching his words before they were gobbled up by the wind. She merely winked and allowed her fingers to pinch the coin in her pocket once more, "In due time, dear pretty boy."

 He scowled, yet as ever, there was an annoying buzz in his gut. Perhaps he had become infested with poisonous wasps.

 His cane clicked as he trudged forward, not sparing a single glimpse at the man Aleksa had fluttered her eyelashes at. Though a scowl threatened to pass over his features.

 As they approached the door, Aleksa finally pulled the coin from her pocket. It glinted in the dark, chipped edges illuminated by the burst of moonlight splitting the dark canvas of sky... the hole in the very centre gleamed. Aleksa flicked it into the air and Kaz snatched it into his gloved fingers with ease.

 "The pair of you left that useless pouch of coins on the table... Thought it would come in handy. Though I made sure to fish that one out," Alesa tapped the edge of the coin that was still pinched between Kaz's thumb and pointer, "Just in case my charm wasn't enough."

 "Just in case? And here I thought you said your charm could end a war."

 As ever, there was no thanks for what she'd done, no pat on the back for getting them inside; yet Aleksa never sought praise. She wanted the job as much as Kaz; even despite the fact that her chances of running into her brother were greater. The mystery of the job, the danger; it called to her.

 "I could absolutely end a war, Kaz, but some coin doesn't hurt either... Men are easy to bribe." Aleksa turned, eyes seeing through the darkness as though it were daybreak. She wiggled her fingers at Jesper, Inej and the Heartrender, "Come on."

 They were shortly escorted to a rather grand office; one with large golden doors with intricate carvings. It almost made Aleksa roll her eyes. The wealthy within Ketterdam always did favour atrocious decor. They flaunted their wealth like a preening peacock.

 The doors opened soundlessly, no creak or whine anywhere to be found; very unlike Aleksa's bedroom door back at the Slat; it sounded like someone had tried to throttle a cat.

 There was a man behind the desk, older than the one at the gate, or the one that had led them throughout the hideous building. His hair was greying, a thick moustache settled above his lip whilst the lines in the skin around his mouth and eyes grew deeper. He eyed them, watching Kaz as he moved in front of the others, then Jesper and the sparkling handles of his guns that peeked through his swishing coat. His beady eyes narrowed at the knife on Inej's hip, and then his gaze settled on Aleksa.

 He almost laughed at her, yet quashed his chortle and settled for, "One look and I can tell." He pointed a pudgy finger in their direction, waving it towards the left side of the group, ignoring Aleksa and the Heartrender peering over her short form.

 He arose from the chair, and ever so slowly padded his way to the front of his desk. His ashen hands splayed on the expensive timber as he leaned against it, "What could you have possibly done to associate yourself with them."

 Aleksa blinked slowly. She knew she ought to answer properly and banish the lingering thoughts of causing a stir. The room was tense, and the tip of Kaz's cane was ever so close to her ankle. But when had that ever deterred her?

 "I'm a cannibal." She droned, her lips thinning as she studied the room, eyes landing on the many trinkets stuffed within a mahogany cabinet.

 "A man-eater." Kaz quipped, nodding almost sagely and Aleksa had to hide behind her curtain of hair to keep her wobbling lips out of view.

 Jesper choked, swiftly patting at his own chest to play his laughter off.

 Dresen stared for a moment longer, "Yes." He said, "You look the type."

 Aleksa didn't know whether to laugh until she cried, or if she wanted to lunge forwards, put a fork through his chest and spear his heart like a steak; she settled with grinning at him... Oddly flattered.

 "That's beside the point." Dresen spoke again and the desk creaked beneath his weight, "I'm not meeting anybody 'till midnight."

 Kaz cleared his throat and the shadow cast by his silly little hat made his features seem darker, sharper, "We heard you needed a Heartrender."

 The Heartrender, still silently swaying behind Aleksa, elevated a hand. She wiggled her fingers in a wave and endeavoured to stretch her red-coated lips into a smile, though it was certainly closer to a grimace.

 A smirk curled at Dreesen's lips as she waved, and with a single movement, the man stood, "All right, she stays." He looked pointedly to Kaz, "The rest of you, out."

 The Heartrender made to move closer, and though Aleksa was about as imposing as a bunny, she frowned. Her glistening ocean-blue eyes narrowed and before Kaz could even lift his cane to prevent the woman from abiding by Dreesen's rule, Aleksa held her hand out, "No."

 "No?"

 "Nope. We brought her here, we paid for her time, and we will be reaping the rewards."

 Dreesen chuckled, his eyes flitting to Kaz, "You have a fiery one, don't you."

"Have?" Aleksa repeated, almost in disgust. It felt as though a vine had coiled around her again. Twisting and turning until it gleamed like silver, and curled like a cage. "I suppose we'll be leaving then, yes? Heartrender?" Aleksa chimed, her hand slipping to the crook of the woman's arm, "We best get you back."

 "Don't you dare."

 There was a man standing in the corner, Aleksa had noticed him immediately after entering the room. The way his coat bunched on his hip was a clear indicator of the gun that was secured to his waist. The man brushed his coat back, calloused fingertips trailing over the hilt of his dull weapon. It was no match for Jesper's showy pistols.

 Said sharpshooter had copied the man's actions, each side of his long tweed coat was flung back as he lovingly caressed his guns, all the while his eyes were trained on the man he opposed. He clicked his tongue in a tut and shook his head.

 "She stays," Kaz announced, his eyes never deviating from Dreesen. He observed him through a narrowed gaze, the way his mouth curled at Aleksa who still had an arm looped with their Heartrender, "And we get an exclusive on this job."

 "No businessman worth his salt hires his first applicant." Said Dreesen.

 "No. No, I understand. Though I will have to report you to the guild for kidnapping and harbouring a prisoner without chain of title"

 Kaz resisted the urge to grin as he watched Dreesen's lips thin and his skin pale. He dared a look to his side, catching Aleksa's eye. Her lips had curled.

 "You wouldn't." Dreesen hissed, though the desperation within his belly for the job to see the light was obvious. His eyes darted to and fro between Kaz, Aleksa and the Heartrender.

 "No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."

 Aleksa stifled a grin at that. The words had been hissed from Kaz like a snake as the boy beside her stood tall and never faltered. Aleksa cocked her head to the side as Dreesen glowered, her light strands of mousy-brown hair trailed over the Heartrenders skin causing the woman to shiver.

 Dreesen finally stood, and the desk moaned in relief. He stood eye to eye with Kaz, yet still managed to look down his nose at the boy. He inhaled deeply, staring the Bastard of the Barrel down... until the Heartrender stuck her hand in the air once more; the tattoo on her wrist was like a beacon to Inej.

 "I have to be back in an hour." She muttered, the scent of cheap rose perfume tickled at Aleksa's nose.

 The Shadow Summoner finally pulled her arm free as she regarded Dreesen, "Oh, no worries." she cooed as Dreesen snapped his dark stare from Kaz, "I think we're just about to get started, yes?"

 Dreesen sneered, yet after a moment he finally conceded and knew he had to accept, "All right, come on."

 With that, he breezed past the lot of them and shuffled his way out of the door, and Aleksa couldn't help but huff in amusement as the man who had flashed his dull pistol hurried after his boss. She rose a brow at Kaz, "Maneater?"

 "Come now, Aleksa. I've seen the looks on men's faces after they leave your room."

 "Just what are you implying, pretty boy?"

 His lips pulled upwards crookedly despite the nagging feeling in his gut that made him want to push out of the room and away from her. It always seemed to rear its head whenever somebody brought up her nightly escapades.

 "We have a job to do." Was all he supplied before he turned his back on her, his black wool coat rippling as he trailed off.

 She watched him go, "One day I'm going to ram that cane so far up —"

 A voice broke her rant. Motherly as always, yet still laced with amusement, "Aleksa!"

 "Coming, darling Inej."

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06-03-2022

i hope you all enjoyed this chapter; sorry for the break between this one and the last, it's just that I've grown very tired of watching as my read count goes up, yet people still don't comment or leave feedback.

If this continues i will be scrapping my books and I'll wrap up my time on wattpad; this may seem drastic, but i only share these books to see what you all think, to see what parts resonate with you. i adore seeing your comments and the lack of them recently had made my motivation drop, and my love for writing is fading.

So, please remember to comment throughout the chapter and tell me your thoughts <3