Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Epilogue
Kaz Brekker
Don't Be Ridiculous 🌸
I Hear a Symphony
Thank you ⚫️(?)
Saints⚫️🌸
Ben Barnes
Unspoken Words ⚫️🌸
Requests are still open! Here’s my prompt list if you want or otherwise I like to get request based on song titles!!!!
I didn’t want to write this I really didn’t but I am beyond disappointed at season two. I have nothing against Six of Crows however I watched for Shadow and Bone. Alina’s character arc was ruined, the Darkling was discredited and Mal was glorified. Don’t get me started on how there was more screen time for the crows in a show that wasn’t even theirs.
The plot was completely abandoned and ruined from the S&B books. The relationship between Alina and the Darkling were complicated and intricate, with deep and personal battles. The show got rid of all dimension in favour of Mal, which in the books was good for nothing.
Season two of Shadow and Bone was written for the spin off which isn’t deserved.
I don’t care if they cancel, but I will not be watching season three and will forget season two ever happened.
I don’t mean to sound pushy or impatient. Im genuinely just curious as to know if you’re still active and plan on writing?
I understand writers get writers block and you are spending your own time to produce these fics for us for free.
This is in no means by anyway trying to sound like I’m demanding or interrogating you about this but like I said I’m just genuinely curious.
I completely understand what you're saying! The main reason why I stopped posting wasn't writer's block (but it did contribute A LOT) it was mostly the lack of new content. I posted a fic one time that included spoilers from S&S and some people did not like it. I guess I should've considered that the tumblr crowd followed the shows more than the books I know, but it just felt very repetitive writing about the same storylines from book 1 when the sequels were that much better.
But alas, the time has come when season 2 is coming and I can openly write again. For now I'm bulk writing so expect new things v soon (I have 13/67 requests written, I don't think I can rush any quicker lol)
For those who don't already know, I posted a lot on a03 during the hiatus I took from here. Mainly storylines from S&S and R&R but also KoS !!
Hey. Uh so the little death fanfic was rlly good. Are you going to make a part 2 of it or anything similar to that?
Yes of course!
I've been waiting until season 2 aired as a good bit of people have never read the books. I also don't know what the show is keeping in and taking out and don't really want to confuse anyone!!
In the wake of season 2 of shadow and bone premiering in two weeks, this author has made the decision to revive this blog and let their creative juices flow. Let requests, smut and angst begin.
You didn't speak a word, didn't move a muscle. The anger raged inside of you like a storm, tearing every rational thought down on its path. it didn't help that even though he lied to you, your love for him never dwindled. You might as well have been back at Kribirsk, for you were so in your head you didn't pay attention to anything going on around you. The only thing that broke your trance was the unmistakable sound of volcra closing in. You listened to their shrill cries, the wails reverberating across the Fold.
'I should just tear this down' You heard Alina urge, desperation seeping into her words. She was powerless, only her words had any effect. You longed to help them too, to end the volcra's suffering but that couldn't happen without you sacrificing yourself in the process. Alina had her heart set in the right place, but you wouldn't ever let the Fold fall.
'And what can you really do on your own?.....besides, it would be a monumental waste of power.' Aleksander was quick to shut her down, his own reasons for keeping the Fold standing up against hers.
They swopped lower and lower, their black wings visible from beneath the shadows. You peered closer to the edge of the skiff, looking out for more of the poor creatures and spotting one right above the skiff.
Reaching your hands out in an attempt to move the volcra, a bright flash of light beat you to it, the rays burning your skin like nothing you'd ever felt in your life. Your knees hit the deck before you could register what was happening as your hands gripped the edge of the skiff. It hurts. A silent groan left your lips, too quiet for anyone to notice. The burning continued, this time in your mind. It left a buzzing sound behind so loud it echoed along the walls of your mind, deafening you in the process. The pounding was paralyzing.
Nobody on the deck noticed the Deputy General kneeling in pain, they were all too fixated on the Sun-Summoner and the Darkling to glance an eye in your direction. Alina's light had hurt you, hurt the child of Merzost as if you were a volcra.
Even in the depths of the Fold and in your home, you were too weak to spare a look at what was going on at the front of the deck. The skiff was approaching Novokribirsk now, the natural light from the other side filtering through Alina's tunnel. You had been bent over in pain for majority of the trip and still, nobody noticed.
You felt a lull in the skiff's movement, but the pain in your head was still too much. It stung and pulsed, dulling every single sense in your body. There was nothing else you could concentrate on but the pain, this horrid debilitating pain. You grasped at your power, trying to calm your spiraling heart rate, trying to stop the blood from rushing so quickly but you were stumped; helpless. Your eyes had long shut tightly, seeing only a pure white sight. Not even your mind spared you the safety blanket of darkness.
A hand on your shoulder suddenly snapped you out of it, grounding you back to the deck of the skiff but its touch disappeared almost as soon as you'd felt it. The buzzing was still deep within your skull, playing like an out-of-tune violin. You snapped your head up, meeting the eyes of none other than Ivan. His expression read one of fear and utter terror and you didn't understand why.
You stood up wearily, coming face to face with the heartrenderer, and watched as he took measured steps away from you before coming to Aleksander's right hand yet again. You looked to Aleksander, though your eyes were still squinted in pain, you could make out his unforgettable stature.
'And I shall do mine.' His arms were outstretched- ready to pounce
You turned your attention to the skyline and watched as the light from Novokribirsk mellowed and the view of the port diminished. In horror, you watched as the Fold expanded, as directed by Aleksander, and destroyed the lives of many in the process. You could hear their screams and shouts; the pain.
But you also felt a surge of strength and of power. It fought the buzzing sound idly as you watched the shadows bleed into the air.
'WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!' You ran up to the front of the deck, shoving him aside and watching with wide eyes the damage that had been done. His hand came to entangle around your arm but you shoved him away, both with your strength and a gust of wind.
You turned your head to look at him but instead found your eyes looking to Alina, who took it as her queue to further project the tunnel of light into the docks. A volcra flew by, disintegrating into the wrecked town and its surroundings. Novokribirsk was gone. Zoya looked at it with pure terror and dread and an earlier conversation came back to you, one where she spoke of her family. Oh Saints.
'No you don't' He took hold of Alina's hands and brought back the shadows already pooling at light's edge. The screams ripped through the air once more, the volcra cries stabbing at your heart again. You turned your head to look back to Zoya when a strand of your hair caught your attention. It no longer contrasted the black kefta at all. You ran to the small mirror on the deck and stilled at the reflection.
The person staring back at you in the plane was not you. The girl in the mirror donned black hair. Hair so dark it left no traces of other pigments. Her eyes were a glittering onyx with small black capillaries shooting through the whites of her eyes. Black veins poked out from under her kefta collar, and upon further inspection, the same black veins traveled down to her hands, curling around her wrists like a bracelet. The running of the veins was like a design, it flowed like a pen on paper drawn by an artist. They were Merzost.
You stared at yourself in shock. This was not you; it couldn't be. But the girl in the mirror said otherwise.
A scream broke you out of your trance, the familiar name snapping your neck to its origin. Mal.
Mal lay splayed out on the ground with blood pooling out of his mouth and Alina perched next to him, reaching for his hand. The foreign dignitaries stood frozen as they watched the scene play out, their fear filling the atmosphere pungently. The skiff abruptly moved, its sails once again filling with air. Zoya stood at the top, hands outstretched and eager.
'General Kirigan, this will only turn the world against you and all Grisha. You’ll be seen not as a savior, but a heretic.' The irony.
In a swift motion, Ivan takes control of all their hearts and one by one they drop dead-like lifeless dolls. A gasp escaped your lips as your position is once again known and Aleksander's eyes land on you, all of you. His brows raise at your appearance.
'I’ll have to give that speech again now, Y/N, won't I? Or will you have the decency to join me next time?' He directs your way.
'Me? Are you insane?' Your anger could no longer contain itself as you launch the Cut his way knowing well he would dodge it. He moved to the side, launching one your way too. Instead of dodging it, you split it right down the middle, sending it over the rails. The skiff picked up its speed, making you slightly lose your footing and Aleksander noticed too.
'ZOYA' He roared up to her in warning, but you willed her not to listen. Instead, she egged the skiff forward.
'You promised me!' Two slivers of shadows crept up your legs and wrapped themselves around your wrists, pulling your hands away from each other and rendering you useless.
'That was before you murdered a whole town!' You strained your arms, trying your hardest to loosen the grip of his shadows. 'You took her light, General. If you wanted to be like me you could have just asked' Even in the face of his betrayal, you still couldn't bring yourself to say his name in public. His name was sacred, it was your secret.
'I don't want to hurt you Y/N' He took calculated steps toward you, eyes flooded with despair. His hand came up to your hair, taking a piece and inspecting it carefully 'What happened?'
'I came onto this skiff, that's what happened.' you spit. 'How are you alright with what you've just done?' Your own previous experience haunts your mind for a brief second, the occurrence still a trauma. He on the other hand looks unbothered. Another day at work.
'I did what I had to -' His words get interrupted by the sound of gunshots, ones you can feel zip by your ear and head his way. He sends the cut flying behind you and the shadows at your wrists let up just as a knife embeds itself in his chest. You watch as the same veins on your body crawl up his neck. His are more abundant, nothing like yours in appearance, but they are there.
'It will take more than THIS' he rips the knife out and folds his hands in front of him and the shadows race forward 'You stay in the dark' The back of the skiff now settled itself into the Fold, the volcra flying above like the predators they are.
Zoya. You take a look at Aleksander whose eyes are closely watching you along with Ivan's.
'Don't.' His words are clear but you don't care. Zoya is back there. You listen to his steady heartbeat and feel the air in his lungs. The Fold's nothingness swims in his lungs, swirling from each breath he takes. Without thinking, you knock the air out of him and slam his body against the rail of the skiff, running to the back of the skiff to help Zoya. Just as you clamber up the stairs, you see her blue kefta dropping to the ground and a volcra swarming toward her.
'NO' You knock it out of the way and cushion her fall with a gust. A Suli girl runs over, checking on Zoya briefly but turns to you. The volcra circle over the skiff.
'Ready?' You nod. The young girl nods back and clutches knives to her chest. You count the number of pulses on this side of the skiff, too many to risk.
You start by sending out your flames and then the shadows, filling the volcra's lungs with the tendrils while she attacks it with her knives. Its shrills are pitiful but you block them out. It doesn't seem to give up as it flies closer to her, completely ignoring you. The wind blows it away briefly before a man with a cane goes toward the volcra mercilessly. You curse out loudly, knowing that the noise attracts others, you can feel them coming.
'Alina, for Saints sake!' You shout as you watch her from your position laying on the ground, not even trying. You run back down to the deck, only one thing on your mind. If she can't light it up then I will, but as you run, his strong hands come to lock yours behind your back and one comes to your throat.
'Was this the plan all along? He says in your ear and his hold tightens, slowly blocking off your air. His voice is strained and you could swear he sounds hurt.
'I came back for you, it's always been you.' you plead. You still love him, you do. But my morals and my love are two different things.
'I really thought I could trust you again. But you only ever want what is mine.' Your vision turns blurry as you feel your chest contract. Ivan. 'If you love something let it go, isn't that the saying?' Your head bops forward slightly which seems to be enough for him to let your drop to your knees in front of him, right next to a dying Mal.
As you try to regain your awareness, the sounds of volcra in your head become too much to bear. They drown out everything as they approach the skiff, silently letting you know they will kill everything on the other side of the light. You struggle to get up, hands clawing at your throat as air enters your lungs again. As if that wasn't enough for your already frail body, another flash of light expels from Alina. The burning sensation overwhelms you again, dwindling your will to live. It burns worse this time, singeing you all over. A scream of pain erupts from your lips as you watch the veins on your hand become darker and darker.
A hand around your waist surprised you as it helps you get up from the ground. 'It's okay, It's okay' Aleksander. His forehead is pressed up against your temple as you continue to cry out in pain. You open your eyes briefly and look at the hand holding your waist- void of a Stag bone. The shock is barely enough to let you forget the pain though.
'It hurts' Your own tears burn as they roll down your face.
'I know' He leaves a kiss to your temple before leaning down to your ear 'I love you, you can still keep the promise Y/N. Please' His arms tighten one last time before leaving you feeling cold in the absence of the Fold.
Slowly, the reality of the situation settles in your stomach. He just said his goodbye, and I never told him I loved him too. Everything stills again and nothing seems to process in your mind. Maybe I'm dying, maybe Alina killed me.
You can hear her shout for Mal as he and Aleksander battle it out on the unlit sands. You can hear her struggling as Ivan collapses her blood vessels. You can hear Ivan's lifeless body drop to the ground. But your mind refuses to cooperate.
Even as a volcra sweeps down and grabs Aleksander mercilessly, you push your body past the limit and jump overboard, letting out pathetic shouts of plea to the volcra, bring him back to me, please. Your powers don't rise to your call, your mind won't listen.
The light shoots out again from a now awake Alina, but your numb now, the pain had reached its limit.
Zoya begs for you to come back to safety, Mal grabs your limp body and tugs you back but you shove him off with the last of your strength. The Crows stand by on the deck and listen to your heartbreaking sobs. Nobody misses the way the atmosphere in the Fold shifts with every cry, how the usually empty place emanates one single emotion; anguish.
They sit and watch in fear and astonishment as volcra fly above you, never once attacking. They watch as they settle on the sands, heads cowering to your shaken body, and they listen to the cries, ones very alike in pain to yours.
They watched as the Little Witch loses her soulmate, in the one place she ever knew as home.
-----------------
Epilogue.
Masterlist
Taglist (tell me if you want to be added to the Little Witch taglist!!)
Of course I do!! These are all related to the Darkling in one way or another, it's my guilty pleasure to read these!! A lot of what I read, well most of it, is AU set in the books, but I have compilled a list for those who haven't read them too!
For those who haven't read the books:
All we need by Violenne
Set in an AU after TV show S&B in which the Darkling wins the battle on the Fold and Alina goes with him to the Little Palace. BriLliaNt!!
And what if it is insignificant by sclozova
Alina doesn't run away after Baghra speaks to her. I have re-read this like 5 times. 10/10 plz read.
Terrible, Beautiful, Unsaid Things by Orlissa
An AU where during the Winter Fete, Alina and the Darkling do it before she runs away, and after the battle on the Fold, she finds herself in a tricky situation. I usually am not fond of this trope, but damn this was sooo goood.
For those who have read the books:
The Darkest Minds by OMG_Mangos
It's still being written, with only 5 chapters out but it is AMAZING. Trust me!!! It's basically bad ass MC who challenged the Darkling in every way possible. The writing is immaculate also. I'm eagerly waiting for the next chapter.
Stags and sacrifice by loudsilence99
Based after the events of Ruin and Rising, but it is absolutely wonderful. It's a complete work, with 22 chapters of intricate writing and gorgeous imagery. 10/10 LOVE IT.
My Little Sun by sanktajenn
Also an AU after Ruin and Rising, but it is terrific. Read it all in one day, might have cried I don't remember. But it is beautifully written.
Heart of Darkness by darklesmylove
An alternative bridge between Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. Ya'll this had me pulling at my hair for hours. A work of art, a masterpiece; a must-read. 43 chapters of magic.
I don't want to be alone... tonight by moonshine_xo
Set during Siege and Storm. It makes me cry every time. Beautiful and intimate and kinda fluffy?
Let me by serpenteve
That scene in Ruin and Rising where Alina visits the Darkling but re-written. Ughhhhh amazing. Chef's kiss.
Hey just send loves for u 🥰 Take care, hope your day is good! - P
Thank you P!!! I’m amazing now that I get to get back to what I love doing which is writing!!!! I might start writing for other people too…… I’ll just have to see what requests I get!!!
Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25
Kaz Brekker
Don't Be Ridiculous 🌸
I Hear a Symphony
Thank you ⚫️(?)
Saints⚫️🌸
Ben Barnes
Unspoken Words ⚫️🌸
Requests are still open! Here’s my prompt list if you want or otherwise I like to get request based on song titles!!!!
Heyyyy guys just posted part 25 of Little witch eeeekkkk. I’m sorry I was gone for so long, I really didn’t mean to but I was just so busy with work I wanted to cry, I missed writing so much!!!!!! I have lottsss of requests but if u have something send it in!!!!
The black kefta hung from the tent hook elegantly, its blue thread glistening in the rays of the morning sun. The night had been swept away from you in the blink of an eye with the bright light peeking into the tent like an unwelcome guest. The big bed was also empty, Aleksander's side cold and vacant with no trace of his signature warmth. His scent still lingered though, the thick sheet soaking in his presence as much as you.
The kefta felt particularly heavy as you lifted it around your shoulders and clasped its belt around your waist. You would be boarding the skiff any minute now ready to play along with whatever plan Aleksander had. Truth be told, you would follow him to the ends of the earth and back. He was your silent stone to lean on, the shoulder you wanted to cry on. His company brought comfort and security to you that nobody else had ever given you, not your parents or siblings, nobody. Whether that be plainly down to Merzost or your love for him, you didn't know and didn't care.
'promise me you'll run and hide'
Aleksander wasn't selfless or humanitarian, he always put his life goal ahead of everyone, ahead of you. But this time he was begging you to run, to save yourself if something happened. But what could possibly happen on the skiff of all places? The words were meant to be reassuring no doubt, but they felt like a goodbye and that hurt. It's just a normal skiff journey to Novokribirsk you kept telling yourself despite that daunting dread pooling in your stomach.
Alina had arrived not long ago, his signature black carriage carrying the cuffed Sun-Summoner and bringing her to her tent. You hadn't yet had time to see her, so now you walked with determined haste, ready to give her a piece of your mind as you whipped the tent flap opened.
She stood dressed in a black gown still void of a black kefta no doubt, her hair neatly styled in a regal updo with glittering jewels hanging from a golden chain. But that wasn't what caught your eye, it was the Stag antler sticking out from her collarbone, the skin red and irritated. Her usually expressive face was blank, no emotion visible on her pale skin. Despite her state, you could basically feel the buzz of her power from where you stood. The amplifier was doing its job.
Her eyes found yours with a sharp glare and anger flooded her whole being. With her quick demeanor change came the clenching of her fists and a slight spark of light, small and pathetic you thought, does she not have an amplifier?
'You betrayed me' She stood up and took a couple steps towards you so you did the same, coming face to face with the living saint.
'I did no such thing. Now sit down before you hurt yourself' You seethed and she faltered, sitting down with a defeated sigh.
'Are you here to take my light too like he did? I'm sure there's enough to go around.... you know if you'd have asked me and told me everything then this never would have happened.'
'What are you talking about Alina?' Your angry expression shifted into one of slight confusion at her words.
'Don't act like you didn't know. I know you're not innocent, Baghra told me as much.'
'Don't listen to a word that wrench says.'
'Then who can I trust? Huh? You? Aleksander?' She threw her hands up in desperation and leaned her head back against the wall. ''I can't trust anyone, only Mal....but his life is being held over my head like a bargaining chip.' Her voice broke toward the end of the sentence but she recovered, squaring her shoulders and looking ahead at the tent wall again. 'Even though I can't physically to anything, you two still have your insurance don't you?'
'You need to stop speaking in riddles Alina, the Apparat has rubbed off on you too much.' At his mention, her eyes squinted at you in anger, seemingly aware of his situation back in Os Alta.
'Riddles? Do you prefer lies?'
'No. I choose to omit the truth and say what one wants to hear.'
'I would know'
'Why do you keep saying we took your light? We gave you the Stag' You circle back to her previous accusation, not caring for her petty allegation.
'No, he took my light with the Stag. I can't do anything, nothing. He took it all and is using it against me. Just like you told him to right?' You pause, what.
'Excuse me?' You stared at the girl incredulously. Aleksander did what? 'Alina if you are lying to me I will burn Malyen to a mere ember.'
'Don't you think I would have done something to you right now?' Her voice sneers at you with a poison you've never heard from her before but then it softens to a pitiful infliction. 'Did you not know?'
'Of course I didn't!' You shoot up out of the chair, knocking it over in the process. She just accused Aleksander of taking her Grisha power, of stripping her from the one thing the Saints gave her, light. What you did was nothing compared to this, you never took it all, that would be immoral, sinful. But he did.
'I was wondering why you didn't just take it yourself, I mean you wouldn't need the Stag in the first place.' Because he didn't trust me enough that's why I didn't do it.
'How did he do it?' You stared impatiently at her, your feet feeling restless and your whole body on edge. The anger started to bubble in your gut, slowly raging fire throughout your body.
'He had David use Merzost to join us together using the Stag antlers. He took everything from me. I swear.' She looked petrified, broken. It made sense now why you could feel the power and she couldn't use it, why the antlers didn't quite fit around her collarbone, they didn't belong there. 'How do I fix this?'
Her pleading eyes stared into yours, begging for a solution you didn't have. You turned your head away, deep in rageful thoughts when a loud voice echoed over the rest, she could be lying. This was Alina Starkov after all, she could very well be lying about it all. But it would fit with Aleksander's hints here and there, his need for your validity of loyalty. It made sense.
You once again looked to her, eyes glaring into her own, and whispered with honesty 'I don't know.'
Just as you said aloud your sorrowful admission, the tent flap opened with a whoosh and the man himself entered donning his signature poker face. You took your steps backward, silently excusing yourself from the situation. You could feel his inquisitive stare on you but you ignored it, instead opting to quickly look at his hand. Saints. There, embedded into his hand was a bone fragment of the Stag. You bit down the gasp of horror and clenched your fists. How did I not see it yesterday?
You averted your eyes to Alina's once again and gave an almost missable nod and left.
What in Saint's name is he going to do and how can I find out before my conscience gets the better of me?
*****
You stared at the skiff and watched as the foreign diplomats boarded, each with a slight sheen on their brow. The Fold was an exhausting fear, one children and adults alike shared.
You looked to your left and spotted Aleksander and his troop of Grisha heading your way. While he spoke to Alina, you chose to stand alone and think, think of all the ways right now could go wrong. There were too many possibilities to count.
As the sea of keftas got closer, you walked on board, ignoring once again the look shot your way by Aleksander and Zoya alike.
Your steps were loud in your ears as your feet dragged on the wooden deck. Your head was still swirling with thoughts and scenarios, Aleksander being at the forefront of all of them. Why did he not tell me? Why is he doing this? What is he doing? It was a never ending turmoil.
The whirlwind of your mind was momentarily broken by the movement out of the corner of your eye. Alina was being chained to the deck, all freedom diminished. Aleksander stood behind her, unclasping her cloak to reveal a stunning golden kefta. You could see their lips moving and you could hear their voices, but your brain refused to process anything. You were shell-shocked, your eyes glued to his hand and the antler sticking out of it.
The skiff moved and jostled from side to side on the sands, the Squallers raising the winds to fill the sails. He dropped his hand but your eyes followed its movements. They flicked a sliver of light momentarily and you swore your stomach turned over and inside out. He must have felt your burning gaze on him because he looked up and searched for the target of your stare but it still wasn't enough to break your eyeline.
He appeared at your side suddenly , the same hand reaching for yours but you moved away on instinct. He moved to in front of you, gripping your chin up and forcing you to meet his eyes. They were cold and disconnected, like they usually were when he was deep in his revenge plans. It scared you, it always did.
'Why didn't you tell me?' You said calmy depsite the storm in your mind.
'It's for the best' He whispered, thumb carassing your cheek.
You roughly shoved his hand aside and walked away, choosing instead to stand next to Alina. You could sense her power on him but you could also hear the Merzost aspect calling out to you, begging to be taken into your grasp.
Before Alina had a moment to register your presense, the skiff entered the glorious sands of the Fold. As the shadows wafted in your hair and loomed between your fingers like water, your worries dissapeared and your head cleared. Your lungs breathed the familiar air in and out, spreading the feeling of home throughout your body.
Your eyes shut on their own accord, basking in the Unsea feeling as long as you could manage before all hell broke loose.
____________________________
Part 26
Heyyyyy besties guess who's back!!!!!!!!!!!
Masterlist
Taglist (tell me if you want to be added to the Little Witch taglist!!) @theonelittleone @searching-for-gallifrey @0-artemis @lostysworld @xceafh @fire-in-her-veinz @patdsinner33 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @wizardwheezes @aleksanderwh0r3 @tomhollandisabae @hotleaf-juice @justmesadgirl @exo-1204 @houseofdupree @oberonpascal @eireduchess @lunas1x1 @adoringb @grisha-of-shadow-bone @rosiethefairy @carlywhomever @allisjustok @keepdaydreamingbb @luciadiosa @azkahanif
Heyyy guys I know it’s been a hot minute but good news, my schedule is FINALLY clearing up and if all goes well I’ll have some time to sit down and write next week eeeekkkk. I’ve missed writing so much you have no idea and I’m so sorry about the impromptu hiatus😭😭😭
Hey, how are you?Hope everything is fine and you have a wonderful day - P
Hellooo P yeah I’m good for now I just have so much shit to do it’s not funny. I barely have two seconds to sit down and write and it makes me so upset 😭😭
You stared at the black shadow wall with a pit in your stomach. Aleksander was away looking for Alina and the criminals while you were instructed to go to Kribirsk and prepare for the upcoming Fold journey. Although your trust for him had returned faithfully the night previously, the small voice in the back of your head still screamed caution whenever the thought of him popped up in your mind.
The night was cold and dark yet the veil of shadows still managed to stand out with its nothingness. Aleksander made this, the Unsea is his creation.
You take a quick look around you, inspecting the surroundings quickly before slowly taking a step into the nothingness.
Aleksander may have created the fold using Merzost, but you were Merzost. Being in the fold felt like home. That headache you’d had since before the fete suddenly disappeared, alleviating your senses and sharpening your wit. You held out your hand in front of you, illuminating your way through the shadows with your fire, and sat down next to a wrecked skiff. Volcra sounds echoed throughout the haunted space and the lightning momentarily lit up the darkness with its flashes but to you, it was peaceful and tranquil.
You sighed loudly and lay your head in your hands in defeat.
———————
‘I’m an elemental’
‘I know that’s why I’m worried’ you skewed your eyes to the older man sitting on your tiny dinner chair.
‘What are you talking about?’
‘The first elementals showed up after the creation of the Fold’ he took his cap off and looked out the window where the rain pelted against the window. His visit was unexpected and unwanted.
‘And?.....Magnus what’s the point of this?’ You threw the blood-stained cloth down onto the table.
‘I think that elemental lives are tied to the Fold.’
‘How could you possibly think that? Get out, I have things to do’
‘I walked through the Fold, unscathed’
‘You got lucky’ You inspected the wound on your arm intently, the gash seeping crimson.
‘The volcra saw me and ignored me.’
'Luck shows itself in weird ways' A silence settled over the two of you.
'I know you can feel it too. That feeling of belonging whenever we're in there.' He looked at you with a burning gaze, boring a hole in the side of your head. The old man had nothing but pity on his face as you turned away, shaking your head no.
________________
He was right.
The silence enveloped you in a warm yet cold hug that was even more comforting than that of Aleksander's touch. Merzost spoke to you in a hushed whisper of sweet assurances in your ear; it seeped relaxation into your bones and warmth to your heart.
You had felt it the first time you crossed the Fold with Aleksander by your side but you didn't know what it was; a power trip perhaps. It was as if a heavyweight was lifted off of your back, your muscles relaxed and your head cleared. As time passed and Fold journeys became more frequent, your nerves about crossing completely disappeared.
You were drawn to the dark because you were the dark.
The shadows of the space twirled around your hands. They glistened in a way that was both beautiful and disastrous. This place has taken so many lives, so many good people yet I have the audacity to call it home.
The volcra continued to fly overhead, swooping lower and lower until their feet touched the ground with a heavy thud. The snarls that erupted from their throats were ghastly and revolting, but you listened, hearing the pain and the sorrow in the depths of the sounds.
Your eyes shut tightly again, attempting to shut off the sounds once they got too much. You were one with the Shadow Fold, one with the demons that dominated the realm, it was only fair you understood their suffering even though it was like a dagger to the heart.
'I'm so sorry'
______________________
'Where were you?' The smooth voice scared you as the tent flap closed behind you.
Aleksander stood in the black tent with his back to you reading over a scroll. His oprichniki guards were nowhere to be seen, the only trace of his arrival being the heavy black cape draped on the armchair in the corner of the room.
'Ummm, I needed to get some fresh air' You followed suit and gently took off your furred cape, taking your time to unbutton the small and frail buttons. The sand from the Fold still stuck to the bottom of the garment, dirtying the Etherialki blue color.
'You were gone for some time'
'I have a lot to think about, you know with King and Queen breathing down my neck.' You placed the cape down next to his and made your way to the fire, sitting down in the plush black chair. 'Besides, when did you get here?'
'Right after dusk, Alina will be here in the morning.' He placed the paper down on the desk and sat on the chair next to yours, shifting to get comfortable.
'And the Stag? Your letter was vague'
'She has the amplifier.' You nodded slowly and let the words settle over you. Ravka's most powerful amplifier had just been given to a Grisha who didn't want it. Ironic.
Aleksander's hand came up to your cold one, enveloping it in his heat. He brought it to his lips and left a simple yet effective kiss that melted your hesitant exterior. You stood up and dragged him up with you, crashing your lips with his.
Almost immediately, his arm came up around your waist, pulling you closer. He deepened the sweet kiss, pushing for something more. The atmosphere in the room shifted, your disappearance long forgotten as he moved you toward the cot. He pulled away suddenly, cupping your confused face in his warm hands.
'Whatever happens on that skiff tomorrow, promise me you'll run and hide if things go sideways'
Your eyes widened at the statement while worry pooled in your stomach. Your own hands went to his arms, clutching his forearms tightly. 'Aleksander, what in Saint's name do you have planned?'
'Nothing that will hurt you.'
---------------------------
Part 25
Oh my god I know it’s been absolutely ages since I last updated I’m so sorry I’m just so busy 😭
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How many more parts of little witch will we be getting? Such a wonderful series!
So currently I have no plan hahaha I’ve been working abroad for the past 2 weeks and haven’t had time to write or anything so I think I’ll need to sit down and plan it out 😂😂😂
Aleksander walked into the dungeons not long after you, Zoya briefing him as you stood over the man who had caused a ruckus in your Palace. You were getting tired of his lies and fibs, basically begging to force the information out of his yourself but alas Ivan had some morals, telling you that the truth would come out of him in due time without the need for torture. Pity.
'I've been swindled, hoodwinked' he cried and you huffed, retreating to Zoya's side in annoyance. This man had some nerve lying in a room with 2 Heartrenderers.
'My guards tell me that they caught you fleeing the scene of the crime.'
'Yes, I followed them.'
'Followed whom?'
'They come from the other side of the Fold. From the start, they seemed, just, a bit off to me...-' You banged the back of your head against the wall in frustration, your patience wafer-thin. Zoya too looked done with the situation. Her jaw ticking in a telltale sign of annoyance.. '-So I ran.'
'How much of that is true?'
'He did cross the Fold with the others-' Ivan started but you cut in to finish.'-the rest were lies.'
You watched as Aleksander and Ivan entertained the man but your nerve had snapped for these theatrics. You needed to get the information and act on it, not make a spectacle. The man was already practically dead so why was he even trying to cover up his true identity?
Aleksander pulled up his sleeve and the tally on his arm was visible from your place at the wall. Countless journeys through the Fold burned into his skin in line form, a tradition used in all of Ravka by members of the public and First-Army.
'That is certainly entertaining. You are the Conductor, Arken Visser, are you not? You smuggle Grisha out of my palace! You help them abandon the war effort.' You were getting tired now, Aleksander had always played with his prey but this was dragging on and you had a growing list of urgent things to do: a dead Inferni to tend to, a missing sun-summoner to find, and a royal proposal.
You sighed loudly again, starting a slow pace around the dimly lit dungeon. To Arken you looked intimidating, his terrified eyes followed your steps around him, but all you were doing was keeping your boredom at bay.
'No. I deal in legal indentures. I don’t mess with Grisha.'
'Lie' both you and Ivan mused.
'I don't need them to tell me'
'Saints, hurry this up' You muttered under your breath as you rounded around to Zoya again. Being the good soldier she is, she ignored you. Your ears perked up and actually started listening as the trembling man confessed his ties with Zlatan, only then did your petty behavior pause momentarily.
'You put on a disguise. And you played at being assassin'
'That’s right.' You smiled at his concrete confession, having enough evidence now to use and to kill him. You thought back to the Inferni in the chapel as Arkin mentioned the Ketterdam thieves, did they do that too?
Aleksander turned his head to the side toward Zoya signaling for her to leave. You looked to Ivan and nodded in her direction, instantly assuming you were to stay. Ivan looked less than happy but obliged.
'And the dead Inferni in the chapel? Was that part of the thieves' plan?' You spoke up.
Arkin looked up at you with wide eyes 'That was not me, I swear. I can't be sure it was them either' You scoffed as his heartbeat remained steady indicating no lies. Great, I don't even have the murderer. Aleksander walked away from him, throwing a glance your way as he walked away too. You didn't need to be told what to do, you just did what you yearned to do the second you laid your eyes on the Conductor.
'Tell me how I can help' He shouted as you took a step back creating a distance.
'You already have.' Aleksander's voice echoed in the halls. You raised your hand with elegance and looked into the man's eyes one last time before his demise. Shadows pooled around your feet and fire enthralled the clothes on his back. The vein in his neck grew prominent as your other hand clenched into a fist. His shouts and screams were silent in your ears, a skill you had managed to master years ago to preserve your sanity.
'You don't mess with Grisha, Arkin.'
*****
Hours had passed and the work never stopped. Sleep was long forgotten that night. Aleksander was beside himself too, the search for Alina and the Stag weighed on him heavily, and now with the added search for Nina Zenik he hadn't slept a minute too. You needed to tell him about the Queen, as minutes ticked you cursed your cowardliness and fear. You were scared to tell him. You admitted it, but that fear was nothing in comparison to dread bubbling inside of you on how he would react.
Your steps were slow and lazy, the winter fete gown still on your body. There was a burn on the bottom of it from Polin, the twin sister of the dead Inferni. Upon telling the woman her brother was dead, her grief overcame her and momentarily had a mind of its own. You told her it was okay, but the smell of smoke still loomed around you like a reminder of the night.
Your frame was now in direct line of vision of the open door of Aleksander's study. Fedyor stood in the center of the room, his red kefta eerily similar to the roaring fire. You hesitated to walk in, but your feet dragged you in any way. Compared to Aleksander who'd been in the same predicament as you, you looked chaotic. Your once gorgeous gown was now dirty and burned gown, your hair falling down your shoulders in a tangled mess and the undereye bags contending with Aleksander's kefta. You looked like you'd been to hell and back. So when Fedyor cast a worried look at you on his way out, you simply shrugged and sat down in the chair, shoulder slacking and eyes drooping.
'I'm leading a team to search for the criminals at sundown, care to join?' He closed the doors and walked to a teapot, pouring a mug and handing it to you with a gentle kiss on your head. A sweet gesture but not sweet enough to push your worries aside.
'Aleksander sit down' It came out in a clipped tone and surprised him.
'What?
'Sit down' You waved your hand and the gust of wind pulled out the chair opposite you. Waiting until he sat down, you took your sip of the hot liquid. His body settled into the chair then his eyes studied your face too closely for your liking so you cleared your throat and turned your head away from him, suddenly feeling shy.
'I spoke with the Queen.'
'And?' He was alert and upright, leaning closer to you in an abrupt second. You blew out a breath and choked down the lump in your throat. You were most certainly not going to cry. You started ranting, letting your words run free and take over the panic in your mind.
'Ummmm, well it's definitely not what you think. It wasn't what I thought anyway. I thought maybe she would ask me to be her advisor or something I don't know bu-'
'Y/N what did she say?' He was growing impatient.
'She wants me to marry the Prince. Not just her, the King too.' You set down the hot mug and smoothed out the disaster of a dress on your lap. Your lips pulled down into a frown but you willed yourself not to cry. Don't cry.
'.....what?' His eyes were wide now, you could see his jaw clench.
'It didn't feel like a question. I think she has something on me.' You had been trying to push that thought away as hard as you could but you felt safe telling Aleksander. 'She didn't explicitly say it, but her words weren't kind or gentle. It wasn't a proposal. It felt like a 'do this or else' kind of situation' You played with the handle of the mug to distract yourself from his gaze and your urge to let the waterworks flow.
'I don't know what to do.' As if the burning in your throat wasn't enough, your steady voice cracked toward the end of that sentence, letting the first tear drip from your eye. You let go of the mug and crossed your arms against the table surface.
He didn't say anything just sat back in the chair, letting a hand through the softness of his black hair. Somewhere deep down you felt relief- relief that he wasn't jumping at the opportunity to marry you off.
'Are you sure? What would it be?'
'I can't be sure but I'm being careful. There's only one thing it can be' You let your head fall into your folded arms, shielding away from him in case the sobs you were holding back burst out of your seams. There was only ever one thing you had done that could be used against you and to this day it haunted your nightmares. The gruesomeness of it keeping you up at night.
'Did you give her an answer?'
'No.' The table shook as his fist came down on it harshly after a brief and stealthy silence.
'You're not doing it. No way' You heard his chair move back and his boots walk toward you. His hands came to pick your arms up off the table and haul you up to his height. All his attention was fixed on you. 'Did you hear me? No. I mean it. Don't do that to yourself.'
'It didn't seem like a choice Aleksander'
'Then make it one. Over my dead body are they going to take that away from you' His grip on your arms tightened as he spoke those words and you had no shadow of a doubt he meant them. You had your ups and downs together, but Aleksander rarely ever lied about things like this.
'You don't belong with them, you belong here in the Little Palace and you're not leaving again' His gaze was hot and intense, the anger and rage from the night building up and boiling over.
In that moment, Aleksander had snapped. The Crown was taking you away from him, just like they had done with Luda and countless others. He swore to protect you all those years ago and he was finally going to do right by you.
'I'm not letting that sobachka take you away from me.'
---------
Part 24
Masterlist
Taglist (tell me if you want to be added to the Little Witch taglist!!) @theonelittleone @searching-for-gallifrey @0-artemis @lostysworld @xceafh @fire-in-her-veinz @patdsinner33 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @wizardwheezes @aleksanderwh0r3 @tomhollandisabae @hotleaf-juice @justmesadgirl @exo-1204 @houseofdupree @oberonpascal @eireduchess @lunas1x1 @adoringb @grisha-of-shadow-bone @rosiethefairy @carlywhomever @allisjustok @keepdaydreamingbb @luciadiosa @azkahanif
The night had crept in hours ago, putting the temporary camp into a deep sleep but you and Aleksander were more than awake. He was staring at you with the slightest glint in his eyes, tears of fear building up against the dam he had built oh so many years ago. He was never this scared in his life, his heart was palpitating, palms sweaty and hands shaking as you looked into the distance, eyes fixed on the black silk banners surrounding the tent.
You hadn't said anything since he started talking and it terrified him. You always had so much to say but now you were silent, your lack of words tugging at his heart. He shouldn't have told you the truth, he should have just kept his damn mouth shut but lately the nagging feeling of guilt clung to his mind like a wound. You deserved to know who you shared your bed with, who you chose to spend your precious life with and it was his job to tell you, not Alina or Mal.
He'd planned to do it much later, back in the palace perhaps but your horrified expression as David mended the collar into Alina had jolted him awake and into action. He had Alina removed from the tent and settled you onto the cot, spilling his life story like a nasty secret. Your face was as blank as the canvases in the Palace art room. There was no nod of understanding or small touch of the hand. Your body language remained completely neutral as he rambled and ranted, the anguish of a thousand lives taking its effect on his mind.
'Say something, please' He couldn't stand this silence, he yearned to hear your voice even if it spat insults his way.
You took in a deep breath and bent your head cradling it in your hands, pressing your palms into your tired eyes. 'I would be lying if I said the thought didn't cross my mind once or twice'
'And you never asked me about it?'
'Your past is your past, Aleksander
'I love you Y/N, I really do, but I'm not sorry for all the things I've done and will do. I will not hate you if you run, your heart is pure and I don't fit into it. I won't stop for you.' You could see the clear battle in his eyes as he spoke the words. He wouldn't stop for you, that much you knew and it didn't surprise you. A leader above all else.
'But I've never told you that before, that I would leave you, did I?' His eyes were wide with surprise, the incredulous statement shocked you too. It flowed out from your lips like a defense.
'You would stay?' Despite everything he'd done, and all the things he would do that you didn't dare think of, you couldn't imagine leaving his side. He brought a strange comfort to you, his darkness a contrasting light in your life. On paper and in history, he was the villain, the killer, the blight. But for you, he was the root of your happiness, the main character in the memories that brought you immense bliss.
He had blood on his hands, lots of it, but every time he was with you he made sure to wash it off. By your side, he was the man little Aleksander always wanted to be. Happy and boyish, content and at ease.
'I've learnt to love you, all of you. The ugly and the horrid'
'I don't want you to be with me and hate me Y/N, that would hurt more than you walking away from me'
'I never said I'm okay with what you're doing ....but I don't think I can live the rest of my life knowing I could've stayed with you' You returned your stare to the black silk banner, engraining the eclipse logo onto the walls of your mind like a tattoo.
You could never hold an ounce of hate for him, but no doubt you would hate yourself for turning a blind eye to his schemes. You didn't think it was even remotely possible to despise him. Perhaps it was toxic and unhealthy but your heart offered no other option. The pain of leaving him would destroy you. He was your rock and the shoulder you cried on, he never judged you or turned against you so why would you? 'I'll hate your actions and perhaps myself, but never you. Never'
'That brings me little comfort'
'Which part?' You scoffed but knew it was the latter. Aleksander obviously loved you, you had never doubted it. Not when women of the Little Palace threw themselves at him or even when Alina had come. He had always made it his first priority to let you know you were thoroughly loved by him. He woke you in the morning with those three words, whispered them in your ear as you fell into a slumber by his side.
Much like your love for him, it hurt him to see you loathing his most precious jewel. In his eyes you were perfect; his other equal half and there was nothing to dislike.
A quietness enveloped the tent again as you reflected on the decision you had hastily made. You searched for a sliver of regret, guilt, anything but nothing was there. You truly meant you would stay.
'Promise me one thing' You turned your whole body to him now, tucking your knee under you. 'Promise me that when you're with me you'll be Aleksander. Not the General or the Heretic. No trying to convince me to join your crusade. I'm not going to try to change you, Saints know it's futile, so please don't make me want to' You were like him now, tears gathering in your eyes at the fear of refusal.
His hand came up to your face, wiping a small tear away with his thumb in a gentle touch. Your eyes closed at the contact, your skin craving more of the surety that ebbed through him.
'Have I ever done otherwise?' No. Never. 'I promise. I promise to be your Aleksander. Your partner in life and in due time husband. There will be no talk of war or unrest. We will live in our own little world.; perfect and peaceful. You're my escape Y/N, that's why I love you so much it hurts'
Your heart swelled at the mention of marriage and that was enough to finally wrap your hands around his neck, holding him as tight as you could manage.
He was the Black Heretic. He was cruel and conniving, but you loved him and he loved you.
