𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍 — ensnared 

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 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍 and Aleksa had found herself alone within the deepest depths of the dark with but one crow to keep her company; darling little Cas.

 When the sun had begun to fade from the sky, Aleksa had finally bid the bartender goodbye, scooped up the remaining biscuits she had yet to stuff into her gut, and padded towards the door.

 The winter cold that erupted when the moon was present had chilled her bones and crawled over her skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. Cas had swooped from the gutter, talons finding their place upon her shoulder as the left head of the mangled bird nuzzled into her hair.

 The familiarity of the Palace was astounding, considering she had never truly had the time to take in the view. Pointed towers stood tall, looming over her like monsters. The gates were topped with sharp points, threatening to tear unwanted visitors into bloody little pieces.

 She had approached with the stealth and grace of a feline; prowling along the edges of the tall walls that kept all but Grisha and royalty at bay. Her one job was to scale the wall and make her way to the courtyard, ready to assist Jesper in their hasty escape.

 She had gotten in just as easily as she had left all that time ago. The billowing darkness that caressed the earth at the peak of night was more than eager to be bent to Aleksa's will. The shadows moved like slithering snakes as tendrils coiled around her body, shielding her from view.

 The wall had stretched high, threatening to throw her from the bricks at a moment's notice; but thanks to her time around her beloved Inej; Aleksa was most certainly a competent climber — though there was no doubt in her mind that Inej would have scaled the crumbling bricks in less than half the time she had.

 The shining black leather of Aleksa's clunky boots were covered in a thin layer of mud, a cluster of dewdrops ready to trail back to the ground. The blades of sodden grass and the whisper of winter air did nothing to quell the burning bundle of nerves that had settled within the pit of Aleksa's stomach.

 Climbing the wall and groaning when the tiniest piece of rubble cut into her skin had been a welcomed distraction, yet now as she stood silently beneath the shadows of a large fern tree, her fingers twitching as she kept the shadows at her command, she felt... Nervous. The feeling was not a common one.

 Aleksa prided herself in being somebody who felt only a sliver of fear, of anxiety. The prospect of heists and the possibility of being caught had never scared her away. The sound of booming gunshots had never made fear paralyse her to the spot.

 Yet now, even beneath the guise of the shadows, even as her skin was illuminated from the use of her power; she was almost terrified at the thought of Aleksander's face coming into view.

 They were siblings, yes, but that didn't mean that he had to be forgiving towards her. Her throat bobbed with a harsh swallow at the thought of his fingers clamping around her wrists, a snarl on his lips as he dragged her back to the cage she had become oh-so accustomed to.

 She'd never see her crows again; if Aleksander chose to let them live, that is. He'd likely to try to string them up and burn them to cinders with the use of an Inferni, or stop their hearts with that Heartrender he kept close at hand; Ivan. Or perhaps he'd do it himself. Maybe he'd steal their senses, plunge them into darkness and let them rot.

 She'd never get to help Inej out of her indenture, and she'd never see her friend reunite with the family she missed so dearly. She'd never get to watch Jesper finally pull himself away from the tables and make his own way in the world. She'd never get to see Kaz tear Pekka Rollins into pieces. 

 She'd never see him again.

 The thought brought her more discomfort than she'd have liked. The feeling of longing for something she hadn't even lost yet. For someone she didn't even have. The thought was like a punch to the gut; she didn't have him, not at all. yet she wanted him all the same.

 Of course. Aleksa, the very woman who could charm a nation with a single look had decided that Kaz Brekker — the man with an aversion to touch and had all the charm of a brick wall — was the very person she wanted by her side.

 How pathetically foolish.

 It was comical, how the night could start with nothing but fear as Aleksa scaled a cool wall and hopped into the grounds of the most secure building in all of Ravka without a single person to stand witness... to then watching as the alleged Sun Summoner scuttled from her pretty little party with horror etched into her features. Though that wasn't quite the comical part; if anything it made Aleksa wonder just what the girl had seen or heard to make her flee just as she herself once had.

 No, the comical part had been watching as this so-called saint hauled herself into the trunk of a sleek, black carriage all of her own volition. Jesper — who had almost screamed like a child when Aleksa had sauntered out of the shadows — had been utterly beside himself as the duo leaned against an old and ugly statue, watching as their prize caught herself.

 "I can't believe it." Jesper wheezed, planting the palms of his hands on his knees, "She just — Ha!"

 Aleksa felt a laugh bubble at the very back of her throat; they had secured the Sun Summoner without lifting a finger. They had snagged their prize from beneath the nose of Aleksander and were ready and waiting to leave the Palace within a moment's notice. Easy-peasy.

 But there were too many things that prevented her laughter from blossoming into the cool night; the Sun Summoner was running from something. She had been pampered within the regal walls of the Palace — doted on like royalty. She had developed her abilities and had been promised to become the very woman to tear down the Fold and set their country free... So why run from that?

 Something wasn't right, and whilst Jesper revelled in his elation, Aleksa pondered. Could it have been the pressure that made her flee? The fear of not being able to accomplish what so many people had prayed for? Or was it something more?

 Aleksa's thoughts drifted to Kaz and Inej. If Alina Starkov was no longer prancing around the Palace as sunlight erupted from her palms... Where were the crows? They had no need to remain inside and increase the risk of being caught... Actually, where was Arken for that matter?

 Not that Aleksa could say she cared for the Conductor... But it would be nice for them to have a way back through the fold, rather than doing their utmost to board a skiff without the correct papers.

 "Come on," Jesper spoke quietly, voice fading into the night as he nudged Aleksa with his pointy elbow and nodded towards the carriage, "Better get ready or your ankle might suffer again."

 Aleksa frowned as she rolled said ankle and felt the dull ache of a bruise that seemed to perpetually stain her skin thanks to Kaz, "How he never hits you is a mystery."

 "Oh he has a few times, but I think it's becoming a means of endearment for the ole' boss," Jesper's brows danced upon his forehead as his insinuation left his plump lips — ones still swollen from his rumple in the hay with the stable boy.

 Aleksa refrained from rolling her eyes as Jesper hopped onto the carriage, holding out a hand for her to grasp. His words had sent a jolt over her skin, snuffing the anxiety that threatened to spread an outbreak of goosebumps, "Oh, shut up."

 "No, no." Jesper hastily pushed Aleksa to sit, "You can't possibly tell me that Kaz doesn't have a soft spot for you." 

 She remained silent, not a single argument or rebuttal coming to mind as the sharpshooter grinned in victory. She had noticed, and that was the problem. She had noticed when his voice lost all of its coldness and was rendered somewhat soft. She had noticed the stares — ones she'd frequently return with diligence... But at the same time; Kaz Brekker was not the kind of man that one should ever pursue.

 He was cold and could be rude to those he deemed his friends. He would grow bitter and harsh as he spat spiteful words. He lacked trust. Aleksa, whilst having noticed the way he let her get away with so many things, whilst having easily picked up on the slight changes of his demeanour around her... Knew that Kaz Brekker would never be open to her.

 He was the lockpick, but also the lock. Completely impossible to crack.

 Aleksa brightened her face and was thankful for the cold that bit at her cheeks and kept them delightfully rosy, "That's because I'm the favourite child, sorry."

 "Only because you get us free drinks."

 Aleksa scoffed, perfectly pink lips parting as a harsh rush of air slipped them by. Her hand raced to her heart, utter offence written on her face before she winked, "And because I'm adorable."

 "You, bug, are a minx." Jesper whispered as though the words from his tongue were a secret never to be told, yet even he was certain that every sad little person that roamed Ketterdam shared the same mind.

 "Thank you, Jes." Aleksa drawled out, rolling her eyes before casting yet another glance over her shoulder, hoping that Kaz and Inej would soon come into view

 Jesper winked and the pair settled into silence once more. The only sounds to be heard were the distant cheers and bustling chatter of those within the palace, the chirps of birds that flocked the trees; one of which included Cas who was happily picking at his feathers; keeping two sets of watchful eyes on the Summoner.

 The night remained still for a short while and Jesper — ever the boy who couldn't remain still or silent — had eventually started tapping his foot and whistling a tune from his lips as Aleksa leaned against him, head settled on his shoulder.

 The sound of hurried footsteps and heavy breathing snapped both Summoner and sharpshooter upright; Aleksa's fingers curled inwards, ready to draw the shadows forth if need be, however, all attempts were silenced as Kaz broke through the darkness, Inej trailing after him.

 Kaz was a slate of cold stone, just as ever. His limp was far more visible than it had been when Aleksa had seen the crows off, waving them goodbye as they left her behind to complete the heist. It had been subtle, but now his good leg slammed with every step, eager to offer relief to his left. His hair was dishevelled, almost every strand was out of place and some hung before those pretty eyes.

 Inej on the other hand, looked as though she was locked in a daze. Her eyes were glazed over and the remnants of tears had begun to bubble on her waterline; eyelashes catching the droplets before they could trail over her cheeks. Her fingers were shaking by her side, curling into fists before she unfurled them once more.

 "What happened?" Jesper asked the pair as he eyes the gaunt and pale face of Kaz, as well as the glistening eyes of their Wraith, "You okay?"

 Inej peered up at them through wide eyes, "She's real." her voice was as light as a feather as her eyes moved to Aleksa, "She made the light sing."

 Kaz was bathed in shadows and his bitter eyes were hardly visible. Aleksa curled her fingers, drawing the darkness closer to her palms. Kaz was paler than usual and he spat his words, "We lost her."

 The Summoner and sharpshooter shared a look, and whilst Aleksa remained silent with a smile tugging her soft lips higher, Jesper outright cackled as he regarded the pair who still panted as though they'd ran the length of the palace, "Did we?"

 "We don't know where she is." It sounded as though it pained Kaz to utter such words, and it did. A sharp shooting pain raced through his knee and he sucked in a breath, eyes narrowing at Jesper whose face looked ready to split in sheer joy.

 "Don't we?" Jesper laughed once more and Aleksa had to elbow his ribs to shush him. the sharpshooter regained his composure, though his lips were lopsided as he watched the Bastard and the Wraith share a look, "Just ask."

 Aleksa shuffled closer to the edge of the carriage, her arm stretching out, fingers wiggling towards Inej. Inej sighed heavily as she let emotion finally cloud her judgement. She had seen the Sun Summoner, a Saint. She had watched as the ballroom was bathed in light, glittering like stars clustered in the sky; her heart had pounded against her ribcage, and it was full of hope again.

 But then the crashing tidal wave came tumbling through. Inej Ghafa had killed somebody that night. It had been like muscle memory to throw her knife and watch as it embedded itself within the Inferni's skull. Her arm had remained in the air, frozen, as though she hadn't even realised the blade had left her fingertips.

 Kaz had thanked her in the way that Kaz Brekker did. He had hurried her along and promised she'd soon get another knife to replace the one left in the man's skull. There was no thanks, for Kaz Brekker almost seemed physically incapable of uttering the words. But the gesture was well meant. At least Inej thought so.

 Her stomach twisted again, and her hand tightened around Aleksa's as she accepted the Summoner's help onto the carriage. She had murdered somebody, she had blood on her hands... The guilt was overwhelming and threatened to pull her under the crashing waves. Yet as she looked around her, the grief lessened. The crows were safe, all of them.

  Aleksa's hand remained hovering in the air, and though she hadn't spoken a word, Kaz knew it was meant for him. She knew well that the chances of him accepting her help were slim to none, yet she offered all the same. He had caught her stare, watching as she narrowed her gaze on his uneven steps; she had caught onto the fact that his leg had been causing him far more grief... So her hand remained before him.

 He inhaled sharply as his leather-bound fingers curled around her wrist. She didn't copy his actions nor allow her fingertips to brush his skin or entrap him, but she did pinch at his sleeve as an anchor to pull him up. The moment both feet were steady, his hand lurched back and Kaz resisted the urge to cradle it to his chest.

 His throat was clogged with thick air as he slumped onto the carriage, digits immediately coming to soothe his knee.

 Aleksa threw a look over her shoulder, watching as Inej muttered beneath her breath, hands clasped together and resting by her heart while Kaz's fingers worked his knee. He met her gaze and appreciated that she never thought to ask if he was alright, nor mention his dishevelled state.

 "Go on." Jesper prodded with an insatiable grin. His fingers drummed on his knees as he gifted Kaz with his pearliest of smiles. His brow rose higher until Kaz finally sighed.

 "Fine." Kaz relented with a slight sneer, "Do we have a fix on where the target is?"

 Jesper only smiled once more, fingers curling around the reigns of the horses that had been patiently waiting. A single harsh flick spurred them into action, hooves digging into the gravel as they took off towards the gates.

 Aleksa could feel her lips rising higher, splitting into a grin that was sure to hurt her cheeks. She and Jesper looked at each other from their peripherals and it was enough for them to burst into haughty laughter.

 Neither said a word to satiate the confused and curious stares of their fellow crows. Aleksa ignored the light kick in the back from Inej, and the unrelenting glare from Kaz as she simply enjoyed their escape.

 The night had been filled with so many variables that could have turned out so terribly wrong. Aleksander could have found them, Kaz, Jesper or Inej could have been caught, Arken... Aleksa sobered, where was Arken?

 For now, she quelled the question and enjoyed the wind that brushed them by, jostling her hair — though Inej was clearly growing frustrated as she swatted the locks away.

 Cas caught up and landed easily on Kaz's shoulder, utterly oblivious to the murderous intent within Kaz's eyes as he glared at the creature. Inej finally settled, hands cupping the top of Aleksa's skull to keep her unruly hair in place, and Jesper grinned as he led the carriage forth...  unbeknownst to two of the crows, their Sun Summoner was safely tucked away right beneath their very noses.

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DATE: 29-10-2022

:･ﾟ★ damn, eleven chaps left for act one. that's MAD. anyway; love y'all.

don't forget to let me know what you think; and remember that i now require a particular number of comments and feedback before i consider releasing the next part (this is just to ensure people remain engaged and supportive, as well as to allow me to see what you all enjoyed most!), please give me a follow, and please do NOT leave comments telling me to update; they'll be ignored and you'll be muted, much love <3