Shadow And Bone X Reader - Blog Posts

This is so adorable ONG 🤩💗🥰

Warmth

Nina Zenik x Child!Sister!reader.

Notes: I imagine the reader like 9-10. I just really wanted Nina so I made this. Requests are still open.

This is like a blurb/Drabble because idk the difference.

Warnings: Fluffy, a little bit of angst, very short.

You watched her hands hold the strains of your hair and worked her magic, she was braiding your hair. You missed her warmth, you missed the older sister who kept you safe. “Am I hurting you?” She asked. You shook your head and smiled at her, “Just thinking.” Shrugging your shoulders to kept her at bay, but she didn’t believe you.

“Hmm.” She finish one braid and then put her head on top yours. “You need to practice lying if you’re going to be around kaz.” You laughed at her comment. Her eyes lingered on you for a moment. She was worrying about you. “So, what’s wrong little one?”

“Just thinking how you left and I thought you were dead.” You answered in your head because couldn’t say that out loud but it was true. You had been at the little palace and training when you were tested, and you came to live with her. Then she disappeared without a word, no goodbye or anything. Then the fold expand and everyone hated grisha, you were hunted and hidden. The worst part was you had thought she was dead.

“I was just thinking of how much I missed you, I was so scared I’d never see you again. It’s just…Nice to be back with you.” Her heart broke but healed at the same time. Her arms wrapped around you and pulled you closer as she kissed your head. You smiled and giggled when she wouldn’t stop pressing little kisses on top of your head.

“I’ll always come back, little sister.” She looked up at you in the mirror. You felt whole with her back, her smile and arms wrapped around you. Closing your eyes relaxed and she went back to your hair.

It’s been nice here, even in ketterdam. The group- The crows they called themselves was interesting to get to know. You were so young they couldn’t believe what it was going to be like having you around. They all warmed up too you quickly, even kaz- Tho he didn’t admit it.

Matthias scared you. You knew who he once was but he made Nina so happy. He was a big man, and you didn’t know about him, but he never showed you any harm. “He’s a teddy bear.” Nina called him. And sometimes you could see why.

But in this moment it was just the two of you, a moment between sisters. And that was enough.

Moon Helios

a/n: Omg I’m so excited. So much happened this chapter and my Aleksander’s here. Finally took me long enough 😬. The main series starts now! I would like to remind everyone to look at the trigger warning now. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Always please enjoy.

꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꈤ꓄ ꀤꌗ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ

Word Count: 5,439k

Series trigger warnings:Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, S/A, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act II : The Fold

Chapter Eight

It was nightfall, the clouds has blocked the moon from view. The letters lay heavy in her lap. There was only one she truely wanted to open. Her lovely Drazan who had never once swayed from her loyalties. The letter on tea stained paper smelt of pine. Opening the letter it read.

     To my beloved amber,

The days grow shorter every day that I am not in your presence. All is well enough here, worry not. I’ve taken charge of the youngling’s classes as you requested. Niko has been helping me a great deal. He misses you, I think he still blames himself for your leaving. Lord Egon is still devastated and unmoved. He refuses to join in any of the celebrations. I suppose he only ever enjoyed them because you did. He runs council adequately enough.

 I fear for him sometimes, the other masters grow more brazen with each passing day. Master Kai has demanded my sister’s hand. Arabella has tried to sway our father but to no real avail. I will soon plead my case to Lord Egon, I know he would act in our favor. Master Kai is relentless in his pursuit of her, my little rose bud. I fear for her sometimes, that I will awake and she will be gone. 

I don’t truly know what to do, it would be easier if you were here. You’d fixed this whole thing and probably kill Kai for us. On a happier note Adam has found himself a bride, she’s quite the gem. They are due to be married in the coming year. You would like her, she rather feisty, and always challenging him. She never wins but it gives us all a good laugh. 

Kheli is all the same, he still teaches the youngling’s dance class. He was always more particular about dance than our blades. He has yet to ask Adara to dance with him. It’s rather pitiful to watch. She is always staring right at him too. It’s amazing how much a coward some can be. How I can be

Nevertheless almost everything is well. I fear you will be called back soon. I know you’re busy in the ravkan army. Why you decided to join will never be understood by the others. I hope Alina and Mal are well. I’m sure you’re all still catching up a ton. How’s Maja? I’m sure she misses the smoked meats I would bring her. I miss you greatly. I’m sure we will see one another soon. 

         With all my Love, your Devoted Helios

                                 Drazan Vlaev

Y/n sighed into the air of the night. She too missed Drazan, he was a rare light in her life. The saint herself must’ve sent him to her. She looked about the camp without a care. All these soldiers knew nothing of her faith.

They all looked down at her, like she was less than them for it. A faith they didn’t understand. Cultist they all whispered as she walked. Like she was a mad for believing in a higher power. They had saints, why couldn’t she have just one. 

The Sol Saint was one of prophecy, they had to believe in a being that didn’t exist yet. All Helios were bound by blood to this saint. No one would deny her faith. She bled, She killed she loved, and she would betray anyone for her saint. Those were the sacrifices of a Helios. 

But deep within her  mind, she pondered . Could she sacrifice Alina? Could she sacrifice Mal? Could she sacrifice all those she cared, dear to her heart? For something she wasn’t even sure it was real. Would she do it? This was the kind of question she should be asking herself. She was a Helios first before anything. Before a sister, before a daughter, before a friend. 

She had earned the title that had been bestowed upon her . 

The Blood Helios, none who ever encountered her had left with their lives. She bathed in their blood by herself. And then offered it upon the altar of her saint. 

She was the Blood Helios, and no one would deny it. 

She stood next to Mal as the Skiff was boarded. Maja sat obediently as her side, her snout raised high in the air. Y/n rolled her soldiers hand off her gun to Mal. She pet the soft curls of Maja’s white fur. With the soft roll of her shoulders the armor poured down her body.

From her neck it came like silver tears, slowly enveloping her body. Mal raised his brow as she took the gun back. He stares in awe along with the others whom had never seen the cultist in her armor. Y/n moved to the front where Natacha stood, the Inferni in charge of this skiff.

“Looking as lovely as always.” Y/n smiled at the dark skinned woman before her.

“You’re not to shabby yourself.” The words were soft. The pair had become akin to friends. They often flirted softly with one another, truly it was all playful banter. Y/n turned her head, Alina was on the skiff. What in the world was she doing her. 

Y/n quickly moved over, her small family was arguing quietly. Maja’s eyes followed Alina and Mall tenderly. 

“Alina get off this fucking Skiff.” Y/n grabbed into the girls arm. Alina smirked triumphantly and moved past her. 

“Tell them you’re too sick to go.” Mal pleaded.

“I’m never that sick.” Alina argued.

“Lie if you have to!” Y/n gripping tightly into Alina.

“And what’s your lie? I’m with you.” Y/n shared a look with Mal. She gently pushed her sister it to his side.

“Mal, fix this.” Y/n then turned around, her blood boiling. She smelt the smirk coming off his sister. How stupid could she been. She could all but feel the vibrations of anger coming off the other cartographers. What has her sister done.

Natacha sent her a small look of concern as Y/n stood back by her side. Y/n’s eyes never left Alina’s. She clicked her tongue, Maja moved to her side. The large wolf sat down and growl at any soldier that got too close to her. Natacha clapped her hands moving forwards, Y/n followed suit. 

“Here’s how it goes. We go into the Fold, it gets dark but we like it dark. That keeps us from drawing attention. That’s how we travel. The only light we use is the blue one at the mast.” Y/n kept her eyes on Alina. She looked so defenseless standing alone.

“It’s weak but safe.” Natacha continued. 

“But you’re an Inferni, right? So why are you here if we’re supposed to keep things dark?” Raisa asked. Y/n rolled her eyes at the stupid question, cartographers were the smartest. 

“For when the dark comes to keep you.” Raisa raised her brow. 

“And what’s about the Cultist?” Y/n turned her gaze to the cartographer leader. 

“For when we cannot defeat dark with fire, we send in someone who will devour the darkness.” Natacha’s voice carried an emblem of anger. The other soldiers turned to her with fear in their eyes. Y/n saw the small smirk that was sent her way. 

Natacha never ceased to amuse her, and to feed into the cultist, rumors that many believed about her.

“Where’s your general? Kirigan?” Mal asked. Y/n blinked a few times at the mention of the Darkling. He could stay in the dark where he bathed. The skiffs sail was released and the  skiff jutted forwards.

“That’s our cue.” Natacha and Y/n moved in sync. Y/n now stood at the front of the skiff and Natacha by the blue light. From above the squaller began to move the skiff towards the fold. 

Natacha sent a small nod towards Y/n, with a smile the Helios moved towards her sister’s side. Y/n stood in front of her as the small ribbon holding her hair back came loose. From the front the sergeant began to speak, but these words did not matter in her mind.

Alina was on a skiff, Mal was in this skiff. The two people she never wanted to see the inside of the fold. The heavy winds blew her hair back, the ribbon followed off. Y/n barely turned her head to look at it. Alina’s scarf had too come off. 

She watched the two pieces of fabric float through the wind. Her eyes followed them till they passed the dock. On the dock a man stood, shrouded in black. He watched the skiff so intently, Y/n knew he couldn’t she see herself staring back at him. 

It didn’t matter, as Alina sough out her armored hand. Y/n clutched it softly as Mal. came to her side.

“I’m pretty sure this the first time I’ve seen you all armored up.” Mal’s words should’ve brought a smile to her face. It didn’t.

“In we go.” Natacha mumbled. Y/n reached to her side, pulling out the small cuff. It was of pure gold and has a sun rested in its middle. She placed it in her forearm. The metal infused with her silver armor, a soft glow embroidered it. 

From her hand a crossbow of light emerged, an arrow already knocked in it. The glow died down quickly as she raised the crossbow. She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Alina and Mal were now her top priority. All others could be forsaken. 

The darkness enveloped her body, it as oddly warm to her. It encased her, welcomed her home as it always did. Opening her eyes she listened to the growling of the Volcra that flew around them. She could feel every vibration they caused. Terror coated Alina’s face as she clung onto Y/n. 

As the skiff moved slowly, Y/n watched the darkened sky’s. When the first marker approached she rolled her shoulders. The holy cuff didn’t shine as it did in the sunlight. It was muted now, but no less dangerous.

“Marker one.” Natacha voiced as she passed the two sisters. Alina looked behind her to the Inferni.

“How many more are there?” Y/n opened her mouth to soothe her sister. Not many Y/n would lie.

“Thirty seven.” Natacha said walking away. Y/n sighed softly as she watched Alina’s face drop. Mal looked back at the two sisters. With a nod from Y/n he tore his gaze away. The anger Y/n felt was all the same, Alina should not be there. 

The volcra above screeched and growled as they flew. The rhythmic vibrations of there wings was enough to lull Y/n to sleep. It seemed to push at her eyelids, to force them down. She could never listen to closely to the volcra or she would sleep.

Raisa’s accusatory gaze found Alina’s as they passed a fallen ship. A particularly loud growl frightened the gunman into to ready positions. Y/n remained where she was. She pushed Alina to sit on the floor as she joined the grisha. They moved about the skiff quietly, but no where near as silent as Y/n. 

With all the armor on she was still as silent as snow. Slowly the blue light began to go out. Natacha moved to it quickly, hitting the glass. Y/n quickly moved next to her and opened the lantern. She sprinkled in a soft blue powder from a small pouch at her side. She blowed softly on it, the blue flame caught once more. 

Natacha and Y/n shared a calm look for a few seconds till the sound of a lighter interrupted the peace. Y/n whipped around to see one of the soldiers holding a lit lantern. A tremble seemed to be through the air. 

“Blow it out! What are you doing?” Natacha whispered, there was a tremor in her. From behind the boy came growling. Horrible, gut wrenching growling. From behind the boy a Volcra rose to its full height. Y/n shot out the golden arrow from her bow quickly. 

The Volcra screeched and flew away with a limp. It was all too late though. Another Volcra swarmed down, grabbing the boy. It bit down onto his leg and flew off no matter how many arrows she shot. The lantern fell down, its fire quickly emerging across the wooden boards.

From all around the Volcra growled. Y/n looked back at Alina, she was crouching next to the fire. Y/n stood in front of her sister, crossbow knocked with another arrow. Like the demons they were the Volcra swept through the skiff. The squaller moving the skiff was gone next. 

Y/n began to fire automatically, each golden arrow erupted in sunlight when piercing the flesh of the Volcra. They reappeared after every shot fire. Raisa was gone next, the Volcra having taking a bite of her shoulder. The blood drips onto her face as the Volcra carried her away. Y/n dropped down, shielding Alina as the side broke down in flames.

Y/n stood back up her hands going back to her cross bow. She fired each arrow as a body fell next to her. Alina’s vibrations were quivering as she shrunk away from the man’s still moving corpse. Y/n coughed as smoke rose up. Her helmet slowly infused into her neck.

Y/n pulled the thing off, she needed to be able to see Alina. Her eyes drifted for a seconds to Mal. A Volcra swept over him dangerously close. Y/n shot out an arrow. It wasn’t fast enough. Mal ducked before the Volcra could grab him. The crossbow disappears in a buff of gold as she reached down. 

She pulled the twin daggers from her side, lodging them into a Volcra that swept too close to her. They cried out in pain as she raised her hand, the daggers flying back to their master. This was a suicide mission and Y/n knew it. Not many would survive this. 

Y/n looked down at Alina for a seconds. She knelt down and handed her sister a dagger.

It was a subtle plead.

“Don’t move.” She commanded as she moved away. She couldn’t let all these people die, it would be a shame to her abilities if she couldn’t save them. Her dangers flew from her hands and came back. It was like a dance as she moved quickly around the skiff, killing any Volcra in her path.

Maja barked wildly, attacking all the Volcra in sight. The ones that got to close to her and Alina that was. Her teeth were coated in black. 

“Come at me! Come at me you cowards!” Natacha screamed as a Volcra took her by the shoulder. Y/n threw herself forward towards the Volcra. Her dagger flew into its neck as she tore its head from its body. It’s blackened blood sprayed all over her as she caught Natacha in her arms.

She was breathing hoarsely, there was a hold in her neck. Y/n pushed her hands into the large wound on her shoulder. Tears flooded her eyes, this wasn’t happening. Natacha had always been kind to her. Didn’t care for her extreme faith. 

“No no no no no no! NO! Don’t close your eyes!” Y/n held her friends tore body as she died. Her blue kefta was destroyed as she laid down her body. This wasn’t supposed to happen, not to them. Y/n stood up and her daggers formed into large swords. They sliced the Volcra clean in half before two grisha.

Y/n heard screaming, Mal’s screams. She turned around, sweat and blood dripping down her face. She threw herself forward quickly. Blood seemed to envelope her vision as she stabbed into the flying demon. Mal’s body dropped down as Y/n pieced its wings. The stupid animal dropped down, its blood all over her. Y/n coughed as the blood dripped into her mouth. 

She crawl desperately over to Mal, who was held by Alina. She hadn’t protected them like she promised. She failed them. She gripped into Mal’s other hands as the chaos continued around them. She could feel his vibrations, they weren’t as strong as normal. 

She failed.

Tears covered his face as she whispered his name, “Mal?” Maja whined softly and licked the side of his face. 

The fire flickered around, its lights illuminating her face. The two sisters clung into him as nothing else seemed to exist. Her mouth tasted of iron and rot. She could help but sob as she held him. Her family, her small family was about to be smaller.

His vibrations echoed in her ears as she sniffled. Alina cried at her side as they held him. They two refused to let go of him. Her armor fell she clung to him, his skin to buzz. She felt a ringing in her ears, like a twinkle. 

“I’ll meet you two at the meadow.” His words froze her sobs as he spoke. She couldn’t let such a thing happen. She cried softly as she felt wind blow around her. Alina was pulled up, a volcra’s claws around her waist. No……

Y/n still clutching Mal’s hand threw herself up. Her bare hand caught into Alina’s, fear and panic all over her face. It was warm, as she clung into her family her body became warm. A light began to grow out of her body and she clung to them. 

Light exploded from her body, the overwhelming sensation grew as another source of light grew with her. It surrounded around the skiff, throwing the shadows back from the world. Then her world was blank.

Everything was foggy, her vision, her hearing her mind. She could feel every vibration around them. The heavy hands around her, as her legs laid limp. They dragged her to gods know where. She was bleeding, somewhere in her body she was bleeding. Probably her leg, it felt like it was on fire.

Where was Alina. 

Where was her sister…..

Well her saint she supposed. She watched it happen, her sister could summon light. Alina has saved them all. What was left of them she guessed. 

She could hear the loud and quickly movement of the guards, the healer that ran next to them.

“Mal…. Lina…..Maja….” She coughed as she felt a bone boop back into place. 

“Careful! Are going to hurt her dragging g her like that!” The healers voice was timid but loud. The men dragged her didn’t listen as she moved. Her ears rung, she could feel the blood dripping down her ears. Her armor was covered in a thick layer of blood.

Maja barked loudly as she followed. The men tried to kick at her. Y/n jerked away ready to kill them for trying to hurt her wolf. Maja growls as she followed them. Her fur was covered in black. Y/n knew how much she hates to be messy. She would give her sweet girl a nice hot bath once this was over. 

She opened her eyes to a fuzzy worlds. Grisha moved out of her way, dread coating their faces. She must’ve looked like animal, wounded and bloody. Her hair fell, covering her face. 

“Where is she?” The healer squeaked at the sound of her voice, rough and dangerous. The young healer and blinked a few times as she held her hands together.

“Behind us,” She paused looking at the man dragged Y/n. “Stop dragging her like that! You’re going to break her arm.” They did not listen as the healer followed them. The black tent was moved aside and she was forced in. Her knees hit the ground, her armor clanking. She coughed for a seconds and took in a breath.

She focused herself, listening to the vibrations of the world. A hush has fallen over the tent. It opened once more and she felt Alina. Her eyes jumped open as she felt her sister pull away from the guards. Alina’s trembling hands wound around her shoulder. The cold bits of armor touching her sister’s skin.

Y/n hugged her sister tightly, her hand resting atop her head. Alina smelt of smoke, not the normal scent. Her legs and body was weak. But she smiled at Alina as the girl pulled back. 

“Bring them closer.” Her eyes snapped to the voice before her. He stood, back to them as guards grabbed into the girls. Her elbow forced its way to a guards face when her tried to grab Alina. She stood on her shaking legs, hiding her sister behind her.

She took a small step for them, Alina clung to Y/n. Her smaller frame hidden behind the grime covered armor of her sister. Y/n would not let this man anywhere near her sister. Her…. Her saint. 

Slowly the man turned, her eyes went blank. It was him. The Darkling, The black general, the shadow summoner. He was the man who plagued her dreams. His dark eyes were the ones that she would think about. 

Alina grabbed onto Y/n’s hand, her armor now covered her once more. Y/n glare at him, piecing into those dark eyes like she never had.  If only looks could kill. 

“Closer.” His words were like honey to her ears. All she could feel now was him. His vibrations were steady, like an unmoving mountain with the force to shake the earth. Y/n would not submit and move closer.

She remained right where she stood. A pillar of strength and might. A Helios ready to slaughter any in her path. Alina gently nudged her, obviously afraid of reprisals. Y/n took a small step, Alina followed behind.

“Well?” He asked. The glare did not leave her face. She studied him, he was perfect. At every angle he was perfect. Just like in every dream he was perfect. He was taller than her, like in her dreams.

“Well what?…” After a few seconds Alina timidly added, “Sir.” 

She hated the way Alina sounded so afraid. The way she hide behind the strength that her sister held. Her hand trembled still.

“What are you? His gaze wasn’t on Alina. They two stared deeply into the other. Y/n’s e/c eyes refused to break away. His dark origins watched her every move. Like a hawk he stared at Y/n.

“Alina Starkov, Assistant Cartographer, Royal Corps of Surveyors.” Alina trembled. She didn’t speak, she didn’t owe the Darkling the luxury of her name. His eyes didn’t leave hers. He just waited in silence for her name. Glaring at him she relented.

“Y/n Starkov, Private Commander, Royal Corps of Combat, Blood Helios of the First Army” His lips perked up at the sound of her voice. She didn’t like that at all. 

“They’re all gone.” Alina mumbled.

“It’s our fault. That’s why we’re here ain’t it?” She whispered clinging into Y/n’s hand. The Darkling raised his hand suddenly. 

“Answer the question.” Why was he speaking like that. Why was he staring at her. They way he spoke, moving like he was trying to coax a frightened doe towards himself. Is that what he thought her? A scared doe? And not the blood thirsty beast. Maja growled as the Darkling slowly leaded against the table behind him. 

“What are you?” Y/n felt Alina flicker, she was confused.

“A mapmaker, sir.”

“A Helios.” They laughed. A growl came from Maja and Y/n in sync. They dared to laugh int here faces. Where was the honor in this grisha.

“Quiet.” They all went silent. Maja too quiet down and sat by her side. He hadn’t even raised his voice an ounce. He made Maja just sit down by her side. No one had even done such a thing to her wolf.

The Darkling stared at her, his eyes trailing down her. He tore his eyes away looking around the tent. 

“So who actually saw what happened?” There was a hush over the crowd. His eyes turned to the dirty Suli girl at there side. She was one of the grisha whom she decapitated the Volcra in front of.

“Zoya? You manned the main sail.” His voice was a bit more harsh now. A twinkle of anger was on his face.

“We were attacked barely two markers in.” Zoya swallowed and continued. “Someone lit a lantern.” His eyes trailed back to Y/n’s. 

“And?” 

“The Volcra went after the ruffle man and our Inferni first, the Cultist tired to kill most of them but-

“Cultist?” He asked. She moved her eyes to Zoya, they seemed to darken. Y/n had saved her life. Ungrateful fucking girl. Cultist they still called her. After she saved them they would still call her cultist. 

Zoya frozen back a little upon the question. She looked back at Y/n and the Darkling seemed to make the connection.

“The armored one was killing the Volcra.” Zoya restated. She couldn’t even be bothered to call her what she was. Helios, was it that hard to remember. The Darkling nodded in her direction, his eyes never leaving Y/n.

“And then there was a searing light, one white and other a more silver color.” Zoya finished.

“It was them.” The other voice rang out. Y/n glare at the man who spoke. Alina hid further behind Y/n.

“Our Helios and mapmaker.” He tilted his head.

“Is this true? Can you both summon light?” Alina shook her head in shocked. The Darkling followed her motion mocking her. He mocked her sister. Her saint! The fear that radiated off Alina was enough to make Y/n want to kill this Darkling. 

“Where did you grow up?” Y/n wasn’t sure how to answer. For her first twelve years it was in Keramzin, but after that it was in the sanctuary. She wouldn’t tell him where her home was. She didn’t need to.

“Keramzin.” Alina muttered, The Darkling’s eyes remained on her own. Like he expected a different answer. He would get none. 

“And when were you tested.” Never, that was only answer. They hadn’t been properly tested. The scars on their hands were proof enough.

“You don’t remember?” He asked. She pushed Alina further behind her body as the Darkling moved towards them.

“Well let us just make certain.” Every step he took was a personal attack. He removed his ring and pushed a small claw like blade from it. She felt Alina quiver in her grip. Her heart sank to the bottom pits of death as she took a step back.

“Lift up your sleeve,” He paused looking at her. “Remove your armor.” He stood right above her. She didn’t think, the dagger manifested before she could stop herself. It pressed into his stomach as she clutched it. 

“Move closer, and I will gut your intestines out and shove them down your throat.” A collective gasp rang through the tent. The oprichniki took a step towards her, the threat that she was. He simply waved them off, like fussing children.

“Why do they call you cultist?” He softly asked, the faintest of smirks on his face. She twisted the blade in her grip. 

“Because I have killed and will kill for my faith.” He hummed once. Her heart began to beat loudly in her ears. Its intensity changed, beating harder with every pulse. She choked in her breath as the dagger hit the floor. 

She stood there as she felt her body begin to shift. Her gaze tired to the other grisha, the ones in red kefta’s. One of them had his hands together, he was messing with her. It wasn’t enough to shake her though. She coughed softly as she took long slow breathes.

Another soon joined him, then another, and another till all the Heartrender’s stood firm. Her body sank to the ground as she fought the effects. Blood dripped down her nose, mouth and ears. She coughed as she tried to force her way back up. 

The Darkling took small steps around her. His eyes never leaving her fighting crumpled form. She watched in horror as he grabbed onto her sister, her Alina. Maja growled and barked loudly, piercing through all their ears. However the wolf refused to leave Y/n’s side as she tried to fight.

The room began to buzz as she hands shook. The vibrations of every living thing amplified. The heartrender’s hands began to shake as the dark room began to shift. Slowly she lifted her body, fighting there manipulations of her body with her own. 

The first grisha who stood to stop her glare, his harsh eyes trying to force her back down. It was too late now, her armor had deflected most of the others. Her vibrations only grew as others covered their ears. 

The moment she stood up right a wave of light hit her. She body froze as she watched. From the small cut came a blaze of light. It was the sun ten fold. Her mind was blank. Alina really was her saint. The very saint she was supposed to protect with her life. 

She fell to one knee in shock as the lights slowly faded away. Alina’s eyes drifted over to Y/n’s so fearful of what she was. The two sisters didn’t have words. What words could they express.

Alina was her saint. The being she’d been worshiping since childhood. A saint that was prophesied to come. No one knew when, it was an old tale. 

Y/n had killed for her, in the name of her sister. Her saint that she never knew about. How could she now know. Before the globes, before she left she held Alina. Held her hand, her body so many times. 

The two were always cut up, maybe that was why. She couldn’t move as the oprichniki grabbed into her. She watched for a few fleeting seconds as they dragged her sister away. 

Her body flew up trying to follow. A right hand gripped into her arm. She looked back and there he was. The Darkling. Her natural enemy. What was she to do now. She pulled away, she wiped at the blood. 

“Where are you taking her!” He tilted his head. 

“What are you.” Again with such a stupid question. 

“Where is she going?” He stared down at her, marveled at what we before him. She blinked a few times, unsure. 

“Let your armor fall.” Scoffed out loud, her eyes rolling back. She would sooner die, she would sooner kill every single person in the tent than let him any closer. Maja barked loudly, he sighed once. 

The same heartrender from before held his hands up. Whining Maja slowly laid down, her eyes fluttering. She felt his arm tightly around her. She jerked away, trying to reach her wolf. 

“Stop it! What are you doing! STOP IT!” She yelled. He just looked at her, like a predator would its prey. He has no idea she was the apex in this situation. His gaze was so strange as she jerked her arm. 

“Lower your armor.” She didn’t stop, he froze for a moment then added a gentle, “Please.”

She sighed as the armor slowly rang back up her body. Her uniform was tattered and blood seeped through the pants. Her pulled her closer, his grip around her sleeve. She could smell him, it was intoxicating. She looked up at him, her mask breaking for a moment.

She was afraid, angrily she was afraid. What kind of soldier was she to be afraid of her enemy. That was how wars were so often lost. His hand gently grabbed her broken sleeve pulling it up. 

His bare hand went to regrab her. She shock for a few seconds, terror engulfed her. It was like the water was forcing its way down her lungs once more. Her secret was about to be exposed to her enemy. Her breath left her body in pieces.

“Please… don’t.” She’d never begged before. His eye softened as his bare fingers brushed against her flesh. They just stared for a while. Something inside her changed, like a small switch was flipped. His grip became more prominent and there it was. Shadows erupted from him, casting themselves all over. 

And then without so much as a prick she was glowing. Her body was warm as silver began to spread out of her body. It was like a ragged inferno that only grew. Around them the shadows mixed with her silver, twisting and braiding together. 

Gasps came from all those in the tent, it was like eating the formation of a star. She didn’t move, didn’t breathe as it all stopped. A real smile came onto his lips as she stood horrified. 

Blasphemy…. That was what her life now was. She was blasphemous. 

“A moon summoner…” He paused and then there was a softer voice. “And an amplifier.”

She was ruined now, nothing would save her now. 

Divider create goes to @astralnymphh

i want more mal fics

⊱┊at the end of the day

— pairing ; malyen oretsev x reader

— warnings ; descriptions of a fight, blood

— note ; first fic/blurb about shadow and bone - also not edited

you watched from the sidelines — wincing at every sound of skin hitting skin; holding your breath whenever mal’s head whip to the side; watching blood spill.

fights between first army men were normal — occurring whenever there were no orders being yelled out to the squadrons, or when sitting in the cold became too much.

pressed shoulder to shoulder with the men and women in the crowd, you were shoved side to side as they roared with excitement — taunting, cheering, and betting on who would come out victorious.

“get him mal!”

“you got this!”

the men that you knew as dubrov and mikhael shouted from mere meters away from you — the look of excitement covering their faces instead of worry and dread.

dread that their friend wouldn’t make it out the same way he entered.

a strong punch to his jaw sent mal tumbling into the crowd, dubrov and mikhael catching his hastily. as they steadied him, mal cast a quick look around the tent, his eyes immediately finding yours.

you didn’t need to mouth a word to him, your eyes speaking enough. be safe.

with a swift nod back, mal readied his hands once more, the white fabric that was wrapped around them stained with blood, growing more red as it absorbed the blood from split knuckles beneath.

and before you knew it — the man standing across from him fell.

—

as soon as the fight finished, you walked off — preparing the things that you needed to tend to mal’s wounds.

what felt like hours, mal had finally arrived — a large grin covering his face, and eyes sparkling as he replayed the fight in his head.

“sit.”

his quick feet brought him to sit on the crate in front of you — the grin still ever so present on his face.

holding a single hand out, mal laid his hand in yours, watching as you unraveled the blood soaked material.

he didn’t speak as he watched your hands work. as rough and calloused as they might have been from years in the first army, your worked gently — hands slowly peeling and removing the wrap without hurting him any further then he was to the best of your ability.

even in the midst of war, you had a gentle soul.

“so, what’d you think?” mal asked, his eyes flickering between your working hands and your concentrated face.

“it was sure something.”

“you’re not impressed?”

“how could I be when your here bloodied and bruised day in and day out due to stupid fights for foreign money?” you set his hand down on his thigh and gestured for his other one.

“hey, foreign money is hard to come by here-“

“it’s foreign money mal — it means that it’s useless here,” you muttered.

despite all your focus on tending to his hands, you still bit back quick and sharp — while your soul was gentle, your mouth wasn’t.

but maybe you had gotten that from him.

“we’ll be rich when we get out of here though,” mal spoke gently, his eyes focused on your face, gouging some sort of reaction.

“if we do mal, if.”

“when.”

sighing you let his hand fall to his lap — the gentleness that was used for his other hand now gone. “fine, when. I just don’t understand why fight have to be a nightly occurrence — can you not take a break for one moment and actually heal?”

“you patch me up after every fight — i’m healed perfectly fine for the next one,” he casually shrugged, pulling new bandages out of your shoulder bag which sat on the grass.

“healing as if physically — not mentally, mal,” you grabbed the material out of his swollen hands, taking it upon yourself like you usually did, to wrap his hands correctly. “a year from now, your hands won’t even be able to write properly-“

“if they can still pull a trigger, then they’re perfectly fine-“

“mal.”

you looked at him with harsh eyes — an ounce of you begging for him to just listen for once. and he did — he leaned back slightly, and lowered his head slightly.

“I don’t mind patching you up — in fact, if I can help, I will,” you tied the knot as you finished wrapping his hand, moving onto wrapping the next one. “but seeing you with split brows, swollen hands, and bruised eyes — I can only take so much. seeing you like that is hard for me.”

mal didn’t speak for a few moments afterwards, waiting silently for you to finish wrapping this hand until he did.

instead of pulling his newly wrapped hand away from yours, he brought his other hand to a close around it — your hand sandwiched between his. “I’m sorry — I really am,” he rose to his feet, pushing himself closer to you as he did so. “but if I have to fight every night for the rest of my life, just to end up alone with you — then that’s something that I would do in a heartbeat.”

“you don’t have to spill blood to be close to me, you know that right?”

he smirked, his eyes twinkling with something that you’ve come to know as mischief. “yeah, but it’s a win-win situation — I have my fun, and still end up here with you at the end of the day.”

“you’re a pain.”

“only for you.”

Beauty and the Beast ~ Darkling/Aleksander

One, two, three, four

😍

Vengeance & Vanity

Part 4

Pairing: The Darkling x Fem!Reader

Summary: You and Aleksander have established your place on the throne, and begun your search for the Firebird. Threats still linger on the horizon, and the two of you must plan ahead.

Word Count: 2.5K

My Masterlist

A cloud of dust hits your face, prompting yet another coughing fit.

“You’re doing this on purpose.” You remark through your weezing. Aleksander raises a brow at you, the corner of his lips twisting into a small grin.

“These books contain centuries worth of knowledge, it’s bound to be a little dusty. There’s no need for dramatics.”

“The poor Corporalnik that will have to restart my lungs might disagree.” You grumble, opening the cover of the offending book. Aleksander’s eyes twinkle with amusement as he sits down facing you. It’s rare to see such boyish charm on his face. The last few months have been difficult for you both. You have been slowly regaining your strength after recovering from the wasting sickness. Through your frustration and tears, Aleksander has been nothing but patient. His confidence in your abilities has been unfailing, as he has been teaching you to summon with one hand. He’s certain that you will soon master summoning from pure will alone. You don’t know how he does it all.

The two of you have been ruling Ravka with varying levels of success. The Little Palace has been reestablished, the damage done in the attack was repaired almost immediately. As often as you can, you and Aleksander walk along the path that leads from the Grand Palace to the Little Palace. You can only marvel at the changes made in the last few months. The previous King had always been cautious of the Grisha, and in order to ensure their safety, Aleksander had encouraged the Grisha to work within the Little Palace. There had been limits on what the Grisha had been allowed to work on so that they could not be seen as a threat to the monarchy. Now that the King was gone, the Fabrikators’ workshops had a colossal influx of ongoing projects, and collaboration between the orders. After years of hardship, the Grisha were finally beginning to thrive.

Despite the good you have both managed to implement, there are still several matters that continue to both trouble and vex you. The Apparat has been drawing more followers into joining the leagues of the Sun Cult. You are certain that the Apparat has ensured that Alina remains hidden. He is now reliant on the faith of her followers, with her in his custody, he can gather enough soldiers to pose a threat to you and Aleksander. Unfortunately, your raids have only uncovered crazed fanatics - no Sun Summoner or Apparat.

The other matter is the reason why you and Aleksander are tucked away in the library of the Grand Palace, breathing in dust and decay. When he first became the General of the Second Army, Aleksander safeguarded a number of Morozova’s journals and other books documenting the existence of his amplifiers. Whilst a number of them were stolen after your first attempt at removing the monarchy, Aleksander had the foresight to conceal a number of the books in one of the passages under the Little Palace. The two of you have been reading these books to the point of obsession, in an attempt to locate the Firebird.

Several years after the creation of the amplifiers, a Squaller explorer known only as the Bone Hunter sought to find Morozova’s creatures. The Bone Hunter’s journal documented their search, and is one of Aleksander’s most valued pieces. Not only is it the first documented mention of Morozova’s amplifiers, but the Bone Hunter is the only known person to have ever seen the Firebird. You and Aleksander have been scouring the library for the past few hours, attempting to decipher the words of the journal.

It’s written in Old Ravkan, so Aleksander has no trouble reading it. You had learnt how to read Old Ravkan, but you sometimes took the translations too literally, much to Aleksander’s amusement. The landscape and borders of Ravka have changed over the centuries, and the Bone Hunter was not the best at recounting geography. They often described significant trees, which was of no help to you or Aleksander. Trees lasted centuries, but these journals’ age exceeded the majority of Ravka’s forestry. At any point in which the journals mentioned rock formations or rivers, you and Aleksander would scour map after map, looking for any place in Ravka that the journals could be referring to.

You had both agreed that the two of you would search for the Firebird together. Leaving the capital without either of you to defend it had seemed like a poor decision to you, at first. Aleksander had reasoned that the Grisha and nichevo'ya were more than capable of defending Os Alta, and that it might take both of you to take down the Firebird. The first few entries that describe the Firebird detail its ferocity, how it had torn men apart and seized them with its talons before soaring up into the air, dropping the hunters to their deaths. After reading over these entries, you begin to agree with Aleksander. The thought of facing the Firebird alone is terrifying, but the two of you can do anything together.

»»---------------------►

Evenings are always reserved for you and Aleksander to spend time alone. During the day, neither of you stray too far from the other, after all, you rule side by side. The Tsar and his Tsaritsa. Aleksander nearly always has a hand on your back as you walk through the corridors. Your knees brush while you are sat in council meetings. But once you are in the privacy of your own rooms, the two of you are attached at the hip. You won’t leave Aleksander’s arms all night. You bathe together, taking the time to wash one another, then curl up on the sofa by the fire. Sometimes you both bring whatever books you’ve been reading, on rare occasions you will convince Aleksander to read aloud to you. Other nights you will simply spend in each other’s arms. Aleksander will trail his fingers over your skin, his thumb circling your cheek as he cups your face in his hand.

In these quiet moments you will share your dreams with each other. You both have the same plans for Ravka, but these moments are sacred and not to be tarnished with the stressors of the day. At night, the two of you are free to talk about your life together. Aleksander wants to live somewhere in the South of Ravka, where it’s warmer. You want to become a writer - to document discoveries in the Small Science, or create commentary on the lives of Grisha, or analyse historic texts. Aleksander wants to take you horse riding, just the two of you, travelling across Ravka together. These private dreams are what keep you both going. The thoughts of Ravka at peace, of Grisha living in safety, which allow the two of you to finally live solely for yourselves.

It’s during one of these evenings that Aleksander shares an idea with you.

“Do you remember when we first met?” He asks, tilting his head to look at you. Your legs are draped over his thighs, your body pressed against his side.

“Of course.” He lifts a brow at you, encouraging you to recount it, at which you laugh softly as you remember. “I tried to pick your pocket.” He hums fondly as he casts his mind back, and you add quietly. “You know, you’re the only person who’s ever caught me.”

“Do you want to know why that is?”

“You sensed the presence of your soulmate?” You suggest with a small smirk. A smile tugs at his lips, and he laughs lightly.

“Close, but no.” You glance at him curiously, waiting for him to elaborate. “You were bending the shadows.” You frown at his explanation.

“How? I couldn’t summon for weeks after I arrived at the Little Palace.”

“I think you did it subconsciously, bending the shadows slightly, so that you would remain hidden while you rifled through my kefta.” You pause for a moment, thinking his words over.

“So I wasn’t actually a good thief, just a secret Shadow Summoner.” You comment, a small amount of dejection in your tone. Amusement twinkles in his eyes as he regards you.

“I have another theory.” You nod, and he continues, “I think you could bend the shadows further, and completely hide yourself.”

“Become invisible?” He nods,

“I didn’t see you, I sensed your shadows.” He reasons, and your brow creases as you think it over. “I discussed this with the Fabrikators, David thinks it might be possible.”

“Have you ever tried to do it?” Aleksander looks away from you at that question. Staring into the fire, his dark eyes reflecting the flicker in the hearth with startling clarity.

“No, I haven’t.”

“What’s wrong?” You ask him, your voice scarcely a whisper.

“I think that my mother’s affinity for the shadows was a result of Morozova’s experiments, which she then passed onto me.” You watch his face carefully, as you think over his words. It’s likely. Morozova was incredibly eccentric. A lot of his experiments weren’t fully articulated in his journals. Even with Aleksander’s explanations, you still don’t fully understand how Merzost works. “Whilst I have more experience, more power in the sense of using Merzost, I believe that, with the right amplification, the scope of your power will exceed my own.” Your heart hammers in your chest, as you attempt to process all this information.

“That’s why you believe the Firebird should be mine.” He nods,

“The most powerful amplifier in existence.”

“But you can summon the shadows? We’re still both the same?” He looks away from the fire for the first time, eyes searching your face. He recognises the look in your eyes, the fear of being the only one.

“Of course we are, milaya.” He reassures you, tracing his fingers delicately over your cheek. “You and I are two of a kind.” His voice is soft, and warm with the underlying affection he reserves only for you. “Though I suspect you are more of a Shadow Summoner than I am.” He remarks with a small chuckle, which you frown at. “It can’t be a coincidence, you and Alina appearing within a century of each other. You’re closer to her age than you are mine.” He reasons.

“If this is you attempting to play matchmaker, I’m afraid she’s not my type.” You remark with a smirk. “And I’m already quite taken.” Aleksander cups your face as he lifts a brow.

“Really? And who might this lucky suitor be?” You smile as you lean towards his lips, brushing your nose against his as you reply,

“Only the Tsar of Ravka.” Aleksander moves forward, capturing your lips with his own in a kiss filled with adoration. There’s a tender smile on his lips as he pulls away, pressing his forehead against your own.

“Moya Tsaritsa.” He sighs against your lips, as the two of you lean into each other’s embrace. “Moi sol ye tselai.” My sun and stars. Your own smile widens, as you whisper,

“My Aleksander. I love you more than anything.”

»»---------------------►

Over the course of the next week, you attempt to master bending the shadows. Aleksander offers you suggestions and pointers, and you’re soon able to disappear from view. Of course, Aleksander can still sense your presence, he would recognise the tug of your shadows anywhere. Corporalki can still detect your heartbeat, something you found out when you were attempting to sneak up on Fedoyr - much to your disappointment. David was delighted when he heard that you had managed to bend the shadows. You had visited him in his workshop and he had rattled off a number of other theories he had, which you had some trouble following. Luckily Aleksander had appeared to inform you of an emergency meeting before you became too confused.

“Has something happened?” You ask Aleksander as you follow him through the halls towards the War Room. His shoulders are tense, and the shadows around you both are eager to shift as you walk by.

“One of our Tailors has returned from the North with information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining Royals.” Your eyes widen as you look at Aleksander, hardly daring to believe it. That after so long, you might be able to finish this. You had heard from some of your spies that Alina had escaped from the Apparat, if this is true then it’s likely that she will have sought out Prince Nikolai. Meaning that both the Royals and the Sun Summoner could finally be within your grasp.

The assembled Grisha bow as you and Aleksander enter the War Room, and you both take your places at the head of the table. Thankfully, the meeting opens with the report from the Tailor. He’s young, though most Grisha feel young to you now. He explains how he had joined up with a group of rogue Grisha who planned to lend their support to the Sun Summoner. Which led him to the Lanstov’s hideout. The Monastery of Sankt Demyan.

The Tailor shows promise of being a good spy. He answers all questions about the hideout. About the number of supporters gathered there, and the weapons being developed. One of the archivists produces some blueprints of the monastery, created during its renovation into an observatory a few hundred years ago. The Tailor confirms that the layout remains the same, detailing the functions of each room. This is what you’ve been waiting for, the means to coordinate a strike against the resistance and secure yours and Aleksander’s position on the throne. The Tailor also informs you that the Sun Summoner had recently arrived at the hideout. It almost seems too good to be true. Of course, it’s likely that something will go wrong, but now you have a direct course of action, and Aleksander always has a plan.

The meeting goes on for several hours, as your council contemplates a number of different strategies for your strike on the hideout. You organise the necessary resources and debate the most efficient route into the mountains. It’s late into the afternoon when you and Aleksander are finally alone.

“I would have liked you to have the Firebird’s power before facing her again.” Aleksander admits. You take his hands in your own.

“I wasn’t at my strongest the last time.” You remind him. “Our scouts have reported possible signs of the Firebird in the valleys of the Sikurzoi, which aligns with what we’ve gathered from the Bone Hunter.” He nods along with your words. “Once this has been taken care of, we can search for the Firebird ourselves.”

His fingers trace their over each of your knuckles, before his touch slides up your forearms, drawing you into his arms. You lean your head against his chest. Reassured by the familiar feeling of his kefta against your cheek, and the faint beating of his heart under it all. He traces his hand over your cheek, and you look up at him. You can see contemplation in his eyes, and you know he’s trying to make a decision. A small smile flickers across his face.

“I have something I need to ask of you.” You wrap your fingers around his wrist, squeezing lightly to convey your support.

“Anything.”

»»---------------------►

V & V Tag List: @hummelmi @james-bucky-barnes-bitch @scarlettels @visd3stele