R&R

Doveryat'

A Grisha Trilogy Fanfic

Chapter Five

The ride by coach felt longer than it really was, but thankfully it was uneventful. We had to travel to Ryevost first, where we planned to gather the final supplies we would need before journeying into the vast and inhospitable place that was Tsibeya, where bitter winters and grueling summers ruled. It was only when my feet touched the ground on the Ryevost streets that I begun to feel restless.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mal dismount the coach from his place beside the driver. It had been his choice to sit outside away from us. Part of me was grateful, and another part was torn about the distance he seemed adamant on keeping between himself and the group. I knew Mal well enough to know he would never feel comfortable among the Darkling and the other Grisha, but I also knew that was due to his clear dislike of associating himself with anything and anyone tied to the Darkling. The only reason he was even here was because he was only a foot soldier and had no choice but to obey the powerful man that commanded the Second Army.

A part of me pitied him for it. I almost scoffed at the thought. To think that the day would come when I pitied Mal, the Mal that I had always looked up to and admired, felt far more dismal than I could have ever imagined. It did well in dampening my mood, and I almost didn't recognize my alias, the alias I had practiced on our way here.

"Repeat it over and over in your head until it stops being a second thought, until it feels as familiar as your own," the Darkling had instructed as we sat on the coach leaving Os Alta.

I looked up to see Genya beside me, nudging me forward towards the group that had already begun to walk away from the coach. The sun was beginning to sink down towards the horizon, and I wondered if we would spend the night here or leave under the blanket of night. I knew for a fact we would have to cross the mountains of Petrazoi, a feat I wasn't looking forward to at all, especially in the chill of night.

Still, as I looked around, there was something comforting about being able to walk through the streets of Ryevost. As a river city, one of the largest at that, the noise and bustle was an unexpected relief. I had been at the Little Palace for so long that the activity of this city felt foreign yet familiar at the same time, and thanks to Genya's wonderful ability of hiding our identities, I didn't have to worry about being recognized by anyone.

I took in the smell of roasted lamb and freshly cooked bread, and eyed the stalls full of fruits, cheese, and other dried meat as we continued walking down the street. We stopped at a stall for new bedrolls, and I laughed aloud at the face that Genya made as she looked at it with open disdain.

"If I had known this is what I had signed up for, I would have stayed behind and let you fend off for yourself," she whispered to me as we tied our respective purchase to our traveling pack.

I raised an eyebrow and smiled at her questioningly.

"So you're telling me you rather attend to her highness and bask in the warm radiance that is Zoya?" I countered and almost laughed again as Genya exaggerated an even worse face than before.

"Honestly, what would I do without you? Only you would make me glad I'll be sleeping on the cold ground before long. Although…"

I saw her smile turn impish as she glanced up to where David was tying his own bedroll.

"I wouldn't mind the cold as long as someone shared body heat…"

I giggled at Genya enthusiasm where David was concerned and his own obliviousness to it all. Any sane man would have jumped at the smallest of signs of interest from a woman like Genya and made sure to have her to themselves as much as possible. Sometimes I really wondered what it was that went through David's head when it came to women.

Still, Genya's comment made me realize that for the past two nights I had slept beside the Darkling. I had really enjoyed my time spent with him, and a part of me was disappointed that this hunt would mean we would have no privacy to ourselves. At least, I highly doubted we would. As I glanced up to see him, I felt the familiar flutter in my chest and warmth that seemed to spread through my body. He must have felt me watching him, because his own gaze turned in my direction. The unfamiliar honey colored eyes seemed to bore into me, and I took a deep breath. Then he smiled at me, that same breathtaking smile that I saw him rarely show anyone but me, and it brought a wave of pride as I smiled back at him.

Once we were all done readying our pack, we once more moved forward.

"Avoid contact with soldiers and Oprichniki, they shouldn't recognize us, but it's best to remain cautious," the Darkling's smooth voice sliced through the noise of the people around us, and I nodded in understanding.

I hadn't noticed the soldiers until he mentioned them, and now I saw that there were many soldiers about the city. Many were on duty, olive coats with rifles on their backs as they stood vigilant on watch. Those off duty were recognizable by their carefree attitudes as they laughed, ate, and drank with their comrades, some even trying to have some luck as they talked up a girl walking about.

I glanced at Mal, who still wore a cold expression with a frown on his face. I wondered if he missed his old post, his old comrades and friends. Were Dubrov and Mikhael still with the same regiment? There were so many questions I wanted to ask him, so many things I wanted to forgive and forget for the sake of old times. But the more I looked at Mal, the less likely it all seemed.

"We should leave immediately and head northwest, then follow the river to the mountains," Mal said so that the Darkling could hear.

I was walking behind the two, and was able to catch their short and curt conversation.

"Patience Mal," I saw Mal's body visibly tense and bristle at the familiar use of his name, a familiarity I knew he wouldn't appreciate coming from the Darkling.

"While you and I may be used to long and trying journeys, some of our companions are not. We will rest here for the night and gather some strength, then set out first thing in the morning," his reply was calm and I saw Mal glare.

There was no doubt in my mind that this conversation spoke more than their words did. It was about control. Mal should by all rights and reason be the one to make the decisions on the hunting party, and even though the Darkling was as eager to find the stag as Mal was to finishing this task, he still chose to stay the night as a way to undermine Mal's authority. The knowledge made me uneasy and torn. While I was just as eager to move on and find the stag, all it took was one glance at Genya and David to know that the Darkling also had a point. I highly doubted either of those two had ever had to go on a journey longer than from the Little Palace to the Grand Palace since they had arrived to be Grisha. This would be no walk in the gardens, and I was glad that we would stay and rest before leaving on such a grueling journey for their sake if anything.

"Of course, moi soverennyi."

I picked up on the unveiled disdain that Mal spoke his title with, as if it was poison that left his lips. My own body would have tensed if I wasn't more concerned about Ivan's reaction from his place on the other side of the Darkling. As I feared, Ivan seemed ready to throw himself at Mal with a feral look on his face, but all it took was a light touch from the Darkling to hold him back. The Darkling himself was composed as he continued walking, only sparring Mal a glance devoid of anything but calm.

"You shouldn't use such a title so freely, we are still trying to remain inconspicuous after all. And there's only one man that answers to that title."

I could almost hear Mal grinding his teeth in exasperation as he tried to keep whatever composure he could. If I wasn't so concerned about the safety of each of them, I would be awestruck at what I was seeing. Mal had always been so cool and collected, yet faced against the Darkling he was ready to fall at the seams. There was no doubt in my mind the Darkling was the one in control, and that's what tore at Mal the most. His last comment made sure to remind Mal of his authority, his power over the Second Army and his influence as a result.

The Darkling truly was a fearsome enemy to make of. It was no wonder the King relied on him so much.

This time Mal remained silent as we walked, but I didn't miss the way his fists were clenched white at his sides.

By the time we reached an inn near the northwest part of the city, night had already fallen and lamps lit the streets. It wasn't so late that people had retired to their homes, and some stands were still open as well as several taverns. We checked into one of the better kept inns and took three rooms; one for Genya and me, another for Ivan and the Darkling, and the last for David and Mal. As much as a part of me wished the sleeping arrangements could be different, I knew this was the best way of making sure everyone would be alive the next morning the way things seemed to be going. There was no doubt in my mind the tension would remain thick in our group, and I could only hope that words wouldn't escalate into blows.

"It's best if we all try to rest as much as possible so we may be ready by first light. Tsibeya will be no easy crossing," the Darkling looked at each of us individually, and we all nodded at his suggestion.

"If we're done here, I'll take my leave," Mal spoke with cold eyes as he regarded the Darkling.

"Very well," the Darkling replied, "Be sure to rest easy, you'll be our most valuable asset in this hunt."

Mal said nothing as he turned around and headed towards the entrance of the inn. Confusion rose up in me, and I unconsciously took a step forward.

"Where are you going?" I called out and frowned when Mal ignored me and simply kept walking. I was about to go after him when the Darkling's hand on my shoulder stopped me.

"Leave him, there are only two things a man seeks at this hour; a tavern or a harlot. Neither of which he will want company for."

The Darkling's words made me frown as a mix of unwanted feelings washed over me. Feelings I wanted to ignore. I simply looked away from the retreating back and towards the stairs that would lead us towards the rooms. As I made my way over to Genya so that we could walk together, the Darkling once more held me back, his hand grabbing onto my arm this time.

"If you wish, you may join me for a short walk once you're settled in your room," his words were whispered so only I could hear, and the sound of his husky voice made me feel the familiar heat spread through my body. I nodded numbly, and smiled his way before continuing onto Genya who was waiting for me at the foot of the stairs.

I hadn't even managed to take off my traveling pack before Genya asked what I knew she would.

"So what did the he say?" she asked shamelessly, a knowing grin on her face, and I didn't have to ask who she was talking about. Despite trying to give nothing away, I could feel my face flush at her outward question and I knew whatever I said would be taken as a lie.

"He asked me to join him for a short walk," I replied, knowing better than to lie.

"Oh he wants to take a walk alright, a walk down Sasha Street!" she laughed as she sat on one of the beds. I could feel my cheeks redden more as I took off my pack and placed it at the foot of the other bed.

"Maybe he just want to discuss the final plans of the hunt and the amplifier," I replied with a shrug.

Genya made a very unladylike sound of disbelief and I turned to see her grinning suggestively.

"Is that what you want?" she challenged, and I looked away.

"Not really…" I admitted.

"Oh you have it bad," she laughed again and I pouted at her teasing.

"Oh don't pout, go and have some fun, you deserve it considering we're about to hunt an elusive mythical beast throughout one of the worst places in all of Ravka. And besides, with the tracker gone, I can go and make sure Dav-Pavel doesn't get lonely."

I ignored the mention of Mal and simply grinned at Genya's suggestion. I truly did hope something came out of the trip for those two. Genya deserved true love and happiness.

"Control yourself Aglaya, or you'll scare poor Pavel," Genya just rolled her eyes and made a shooing motion with her hand, and with a laugh I exited the bedroom and made my way to the room across, where I knew the Darkling and Ivan were rooming.

I hesitated for only a second before reaching up with my hand and tapping softly against the wooden door. I only had to wait a few moments before the door opened slightly to reveal the face of Ivan. Seeing it was me, he smirked that annoying knowing smirk of his before and I had to resist the urge to glare at him before he retreated back into the room. I heard footsteps coming my way and soon it was the Darkling's unfamiliar yet familiar face that looked back at me. It truly was a sight that would take getting used to, even if it was temporary. Still, I had to admit I preferred his natural appearance and I found myself missing his dark hair and quartz eyes.

As the Darkling stepped out of the room, I moved aside to give him room in the small hallway. I felt myself shiver when he placed a hand on my lower back as he guided me towards the stairs that would lead us back to the inn's lobby.

"What do you have in mind for this evening?" I asked, looking up at him briefly as we descended down the stairs.

I couldn't help but bask in the warmth that pooled where his hand rested on me, and I tried to resist closing my eyes and the urge to purr like a kitten being petted.

"Well, as much as I would love to take you to a tavern and see how you are in a drunken stupor, you would do us little good in the morning," I looked at him with a disbelieving gaze and laughed.

"How do you know I can't hold my alcohol? I was in the first army after all, and kvas is as common as water among the regiments."

He raised an incredulous eyebrow.

"Would you care to wager on your tolerance than?" he challenged, but before I could think of a witty reply we had already reached the door.

As we exited the inn and into the street, the chill of the night made me shiver, and I couldn't help but blush when the Darkling's arm moved from my lower back to around my shoulders as he pulled me close to his side. Without realizing it, my own arm wrapped around his waist as I leaned into him and sighed in contentment at the warmth that followed.

"This is nice…" I said after a few minutes of silence and walking down the streets. If I had been alone, I would have been cautious of my surroundings, but knowing I was with the Darkling made me feel safe and without a care of what went around me. It was almost enough to make me forget that tomorrow would be the beginning to a tiresome and maybe impossible journey.

"Hm…?"

I smiled and reached up to stroke the hand that rested around my shoulder with my free hand.

"Being able to walk freely like this… not having to worry about titles and prying eyes, duties and reputations. Just being… normal," I replied.

The streets were mostly empty by now, and despite the chill in the air, the night felt peaceful and inviting as the moon hung high in the sky and illuminated the buildings and streets as the last of the lamps begun to die down. I was glad for the privacy, for this moment that seemed to belong just to us. It was odd, that only days ago I had felt so skittish and nervous around this man, and now all I seemed to feel was comfort.

"Normal…" I looked up at the low breathy sound of the Darkling's voice, before he chuckled.

"What do you consider normal exactly?"

I couldn't help but frown at the unexpected question. What did I consider normal? What was normal for two beings that differed so much from everyone else? As I thought about it, it was more than just our powers that separated us from the rest of the population. We came from completely different upbringings, as far as I knew. Then again… there wasn't a lot that I truly knew about the Darkling. I had always imagined that he had grown up trained to be who he is. The son of a noble family perhaps. But where was he born? Who were his parents? When did he discover his powers? How did he take over the Second Army?

"What's your name?" the question left my lips before my mind could even process it first, the question that had been burning inside me for some time now.

A heavy silence followed, and I was quickly beginning to think that my question would go unanswered when he spoke again.

"It has been a long time since I've spoken my given name…" he said as he stopped in the middle of the street.

I stopped along with him and turned to look up at him. His eyes looked far off, as if he was transported to a different place in his thoughts. I raised my hand and placed it against his cheek softly, and smiled when his eyes once more focused on me. His hand came to rest atop of mine as I cupped his cheek.

"Tell me…" I said softly, as if coaxing a frightened animal.

He closed his eyes and leaned against the palm of my hand. It felt as if time itself stilled, and yet a lifetime went by before he spoke again.

"Aleksander…" he said as his honey colored eyes opened to stare back at me, and I surprised both him and myself at the laugh that bubbled through my lips. The surprise in his eyes was quickly replaced by amusement as his lips quirked into a smile.

"Does that amuse you?" he asked as I tried to contain my grin.

"Quite. It's very disappointing to hear such a common name. I expected a name of grandeur and sophistication to match your personality."

It was true, I had never expected such a common name to belong to the Darkling. I had known many Aleksanders, and heard of even more.

"Well then, forgive me. I didn't intend to disappoint you," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Still… I like it… Aleksander," his name came out as a tentative whisper from my lips as I tested it out with my own tongue. There might be many Aleksander's in Ravka, but there was only one Aleksander that mattered to me. Only one that could make me feel as I did in that moment.

I watched as the smile fell from his lips and the playful glint in his eyes was replaced by something else, something more carnal and familiar.

"Say it again…" he voice dropped to a husky tone as his hand tightened around my own and his other snaked around my waist to pull me closer.

I gasped and closed my eyes when his head dipped down to graze the bare skin of my neck, his warm breath tickling the surface and making goose bumps rise in its wake while a familiar heat pooled in my stomach.

"Aleksander…" I whispered again, and this time I was rewarded with the warmth of lips against my own as his mouth crashed against mine in a hunger unlike he had ever shown before.

The passion in this kiss was different than any kiss we had shared before. It was all consuming, as I felt the desire that rose between us in every inch of my skin, as if my entire body was being set aflame. As our tongues found each other and our hands grasped for whatever we could seem to reach, I repeated his name in between breaths, and the hunger seemed to only increase each time. Before I even realized it, he had pulled us into an alley, and he pushed me up against the wall of a building and trailed kissed from the base of my neck and up to my mouth and cheek.

"I want you Alina," he whispered into my ear, and just his voice was enough to make me bite my own lips in desire.

"I want to ravage you, to make you scream my name," I closed my eyes as he spoke, my breaths coming out in pants as his hand begun to unbutton my coat and his hand slipped underneath my blouse. His fingers trailed against the skin of my stomach, making me shiver at his touch. Despite the cold, all I felt was heat and lust, and I wanted nothing more than do as he wanted.

"Tell me what you want Alina," his fingers paused in his ministration, and I almost whined in disappointment.

I opened my eyes to look at him, the same intense hunger in their depths that I had no doubt was reflected in my own. My hands trailed up his torso until they paused around the nape of his neck and my fingers wove into his hair.

"I want you… Aleksander," I whispered, before pulling him closer so that his lips were on mine again. His hand began to move again, and I leaned into his touch.

CRASH

Instantly we were on alert as our lips broke apart, my senses immediately honing onto the sound that interrupted us. The annoyance I felt was pushed back by the weariness that came from the loud noise and as my lust filled mind cleared, I saw that containers that normally held waste had been toppled over. In the darkness I saw a figure walking away, and my heart thundered in my chest.

Even in the darkness, I knew who it was.

Mal.

The passion that had only moments ago melted away as it was replaced with dread. I looked back at the Darkling, and something in my gaze must have told him the moment had come and gone because he released me from his grip and placed some distance between us.

"We should get back," he said, and I nodded numbly, as if I lacked the energy to reply with words.

My body felt like lead as we walked through the alley, and the chill that had been easy to ignore now chilled me to the bone. As we came to the end of the alley and we rounded the corner, I froze in my tracks and felt as if my heart had jumped to my throat and stopped beating there and then. Leaning against the wall of the building, stood none other than Mal. As we exited, I saw his gaze turned to us, and even in the dim lighting I saw as he glared in our direction as a blur of emotions fleeted across his eyes. As he glanced from the Darkling to me, his gaze held my own.

"We need to talk."

His words were final and firm, leaving no room for argument and bordering on threatening. I could feel the tension in the air and saw the Darkling tense up beside me.

"You don't have to talk him," the Darkling spoke, his tone tense with apprehension as he took a step forward to stand slightly in front of me.

I saw rage rise up in Mal's gaze as he stood straight, and I knew that if I didn't do something here and now he might just lose it completely. I grabbed the Darkling by the wrist and pulled him back, walking forward in the process.

"No, Mal's right. We need to talk," I caught Mal's gaze and held it, willing him to calm down. I saw his shoulder sag ever so slightly, and I knew it had the intended effect.

I turned back to the Darkling and saw the concerned look on his face.

"It's okay, I'll be alright. We'll be back at the inn in no time," I smiled encouragingly and held his gaze until he seemed satisfied. He nodded and stepped away before walking back in the direction of the inn, but not before making sure to send Mal a warning glare.

Even after the Darkling was out of earshot, neither of us spoke, and the tension seemed to only grow thicker while I begun to shiver. I saw something flicker in Mal's eyes, something akin to guilt, and I tensed up when he began to walk forward. Fear was not something I had ever felt when it came to Mal, but lately he had been so unlike himself that I didn't know what to expect. But no matter what I expected, it certainly wasn't what happened next.

As Mal closed the distance between us, the last thing I expected was his arms wrapping around me in a comforting hug. My eyes widened and as I tensed in his embrace.

"Saints Alina, what happened to us? We used to be best friends, and now we can't even speak to each other," the sound of his voice caused my chest to tighten. This was the Mal I remembered, the soft spoken Mal that always managed to comfort me, that always made me feel that I had someone there for me, no matter how bad things were. I could feel my eyes water, and before I could even try to hold back the tears, it was as if a dam broke inside me. The hurt at Mal's distance had finally broken, and I sobbed in his arms, my body shaking with the strength of it all.

He held me, making shushing sounds as he stroked the back of my head until my sobs subsided and only hiccups remained.

"I don't know whether to hug you back or punch you," I finally replied, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand. I was a snotty mess, but in that moment, I didn't care. I looked up through puffy eyes to see him force a smile.

"I'll gladly take the punch, I think I deserve it."

"If I break your nose, you can't complain," I replied, but even as I said it, I hugged him back anyway.

"For a second there I was scared…" I admitted. I felt Mal tense in my arms, and he broke away from me. His eyes closed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry Alina, but just everything about him makes me so… angry. Just thinking about him makes me want to punch something."

"Mal—"

"No Alina. Let me talk," the tone of his voice froze the words in my throat, and I only closed my mouth and waited for him to continue.

"Ever since that day, the day that you saved me in the fold, I've hated him. But it's more than that. I've hated myself. Hated myself for not doing anything while he took you away, as if you were his for the taking."

I had to resist the urge to speak up as Mal begun to pace back and forth. I wanted to tell him that there was nothing he could have done, that in reality the Darkling did what he had to do for the good of Ravka.

"You may not understand, but that's how I felt. You saved my life, and I did nothing but stand there as he took you. And after that, it wasn't the same. I could hardly eat or sleep, and not a day went by I didn't repeat that day over and over in my mind."

His words struck a chord in me, reminding of me of all the times I had thought of Mal and the last glance I had of him as I was led away by the Darkling's guards. I had missed him every second that I spent writing those letters and more, but I had never stopped to wonder if Mal had felt the same for me. The reality of the situation hit me hard, reminding me of how inconsiderate and self-centered I could be, forgetting that in my misery I wasn't alone.

"And even though I knew that we were hunting the stag by orders of the Darkling, I signed on anyway. Because a part of me thought that if I did this, I could make things right and help you. Help you where I failed you that day."

There was something in his eyes, something that told me that this Mal that stood before me had seen things that had changed him. And it was all my fault. Everything he had been through and seen, was because of me. My heart clenched painfully at the thought. I wanted to speak again, to apologize for everything that I had unknowingly put him through. For being happy to have found a purpose and a place where I belonged while he suffered for my sake. The thought was enough to make my eyes water once more.

"But I don't want to be angry anymore Alina. I don't want to be angry at myself for things I had no control over. I don't want to be angry at you for finding a place with the Grisha, for… being with him of all people."

I could feel the anger and hurt in his voice, and as I took a step forward he raised a hand to stop me.

"But don't ask me to pretend this is easy Alina. That it took losing my best friend… to make me realize I loved her..." the sincerity and hurt in his voice barely registered.

His confession was like a nail through my heart. I felt as if all the air in my lungs left me all at once, as if I was trampled by a herd of horses and drowned all at the same time. But the shock was soon replaced by something else. Something completely different. For so long I had waited to hear those words from Mal, thought that only in my dreams could I ever hear to hear it. But here and now, his words caused a different reaction in me.

My feet moved forward as I approached Mal, and before he could see it coming…

I raised my hand and slapped him.

Dun dun dunnnn.

Cliffhanger! I think this is the first time I do this to you guys huh? On the bright side, I finally updated! Yaaaaay! And you guys will be happy to know that I have planned out the rest of the story, and now all that I need is time and muse*hint*hint* to sit down and actually write and finish it. You're reviews are always encouraging and I am determined to see this through to the very end, even now that the series is over. So now that that is said and done... onto my feelings about Ruing and Rising.

Truth be told... I was disappointed. Not so much as the content, but the lack thereof. There is still soooo much left to the imagination when it comes to the Darkling. Literally, all I cared about was knowing his history. I expected Alina and Mal to defeat him and live happily ever after yadda yadda. I'm fine with a predictable plot, that's not what interested me in the book in the first place. My heart hurt when Alina killed him. It hurt really bad. But the qualities that attracted me to this series were the Grisha and the Darkling, both of which are hardly talked about or given a background. We find out his name, good! We find out Baghra's relationship to Morozova and the source of their powers. Great. But what about Alina? What about where she comes from if she's unique from all this talk of "there is no one else like us"? Sure you can easily assume that nature wants balance and because Baghra was born, a sun summoner had to be created to oppose/balance it(and I will be including this in this story), but never is it mentioned! How did the Darkling gained a foothold within the palace? How was the Second Army formed? Was it the Darkling or someone else? How did he fake his deaths? How many were there? Will we ever know? The only other history we have is the prequel story that's included in the collector's edition(which I got solely for that prequel story). And even that hardly touches on anything! Besides the importance of his name and his relationship to his mother which we get in the book anyway. I liked it, but want more of that sort of thing. Will we get that? Who knows(I hope so).

I also remember reading that Durasts and Materialski would be having larger roles in R&R. Did we see that? Besides David's genius, not really! I want to make another complaint about something I think she could have done, but because I plan on using it myself in this story I'll keep it to myself until then. Which won't be until near the end of the story as I've planned it so far.

Now for the good.

I liked Misha and Baghra's relationship. I thought it was the most adorable thing in the world.

I like the steamier scenes between the Darkling and Alina(duh), and his devious but of so confusing human side.

I like the twist of Nikolai becoming a hybrid monster of the Darkling(really didn't see that coming). My darker side thinks that if Mal had died and Nikolai had stayed in this creature form permanently, the book would have been more satisfying and Alina would have grown into the woman and Queen I think she could be. I like tragedy if you can't tell already.

Hence why I liked the scene where Baghra sacrifices herself and you see that human and tender moment with the Darkling.

I loved loved loooooved, the unexpected pairing of Nadia and Tamar. Maybe it's just me, but I typically don't expect books like these and their targeted audiences to have a lesbian couple, kudos to Leigh and what I hope is support through literature. If I can think of a plot, I might just have to try my hand at writing this couple.

Besides that, I like Morozova's tale and history.

Buttt, that's about all I liked in the book. Like I said, I think the Grisha universe is beautiful and mystifying, and I just kind of wish it could have been expanded on rather than being so focused on Alina. But I guess that's to be expected with a first person perspective. Hopefully that just means that's not the end of it and more can be expected from it.

Other than that, I'm done with my ranting! Sorry guys, none of my book worms have read this book so I don't really have anyone else to rant to. So please, feel free to talk to me about your thoughts on the books. I would love a good geek our or discussion on it. Trust me, I'm a know geek for a reason, if you can't tell from this already.

Oh! One more thing. Speaking of being a geek, I'm also a huuuuuge Anime geek. I've literally grown up on books and anime, and I recently started seeing an Anime called Blade and Sould that I kid you not, has a female version of the Darkling as its main Antagonist. Literarally, its the story of this woman who uses dark magic to try and take over the country. She looks like a female version of the Darkling and even commands Darkness too. She had her faithful army and guard and I geeked when I saw it.

Seriously, just look up "Alka vs Jin Varrel in Blade & Soul" on youtube and you can see for yourself.

Okay now I'm done! Hope you liked this chapter and didn't mind my ranting.

Leave a review my way :)