CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

Liliya was sweaty. A light sheen across her pale skin as she walked by Arina. The pair both looked equally as sweaty. Still panting softly from their training. Thankfully, there was a distinct lack of injuries. Liliya had a bruised cheek and Arina's lip had been split but nothing major. Everything was relatively calm that day. Though Liliya was still tender after her return from travel.

Arina grabbed her arm and veered the redhead towards the Lake. Grisha were walking past with grins and loud chattering voices. Liliya knew that they would be going to eat but Liliya didn't particularly feel like eating and Arina seemed to feel the same way. So the two walked over to the lake, sitting on the edge of the pier.

Their shoes and socks discarded and feet sunk into the late. It was an autumn day but the sun was shining. It warmed their faces and the cold lake water cooled their sore and aching feet. The training was always brutal to their feet.

"I'm surprised you're even alive, Li," Arina said as she turned her head to face the other woman. Her hands rested behind her back, propping her upright. Liliya on the other hand was lying down, her arm over her face.

"Do you have that little faith in me?" She asked curiously. Arina frowned and nudged the woman with one of her hands. Liliya moved her arm and lifted her head slightly, raising an eyebrow. Arina then turned back to face the lake.

"After Roma and Lev..." Arina trailed off, unsure of how to phrase it. They both knew and saw what had happened. Neither of them were in good shape and had nearly died. Nobody wanted to admit that though. Not even Aleksander liked to acknowledge that he nearly lost two of his men to Isaak. It was a terrifying thought.

"Isaak is somebody I can handle. We both know that," Liliya attempted to reassure but she knew that her voice sounded off. She could barely handle him. She needed Aleksander's help still and with her using her shadows less due to it's negative effects on her. It was the reason she had looked so terrible. Genya had helped her with that discovery. A rather frustrating one.

"Just don't get yourself killed," Arina said. The concern laced her tone and she turned around completely. Her feet lifted out of the water and rested against the wood as she stared down at Liliya. The redhead looked so relaxed.

"I could say the same for you. Travelling across the Fold like you do. You treat it like a vacation," She teased in return. Arina scoffed and nudged Liliya with her wet foot. Liliya groaned and opened her eyes, sitting up. She then wiped the water off her pants before she sat up completely, crossing her legs.

"It's not as scary once you've done it the first time," Arina countered, a small smile on her face. It confused Liliya that Arina would be so willing to cross to the other side. So many people hated the Grisha there. Liliya had experienced that first time during her time with General Zlatan. That was over a year ago but still their words stuck with her. They had attached themselves to her like a tumour and nothing could quite get rid of it.

"How are you parents?" Liliya asked, shaking her head of the thoughts. General Zlatan was someone that needed to be dealt with. She just hoped that Aleksander had a plan. They had been playing the long game for now but Liliya didn't know how long that long game would last before everything fell apart and civil war broke out.

"Happy that I'm still alive," Arina shrugged. She sounded passive but there was a hint of a smile. She simply didn't want Liliya to know and Liliya didn't mind. If Arina was happy, she was. Arina deserved to be happy.

"Good," Liliya nodded before she moved again. Her feet falling over the edge of the pier and splashing against the surface of the water. Droplets spraying up the leg of her pants and across the water. Ripples spreading across the lakes surface. The sun still shining and reflecting off the water in the most beautiful way, "I hope you're happy I'm still alive," Liliya added, breaking the silence. It wasn't uncomfortable by any means. Liliya just much preferred conversation.

"I wasn't optimistic," Arina admitted with a small shrug. Liliya snapped her head back to look at the black-haired woman. A frown on Arina's lips before she cleared her throat, removing the thoughts of Liliya's death from her mind.

"And why was that?" Liliya asked. It wasn't meant to sound malicious but she was sure it did. She expected Arina to have more faith in her than that. She expected Arina to know that she would come back alive. It was slightly disheartening to hear those words.

"Lev and Roma said that they were sure you'd end up six feet under," Arina admitted, waving her hand around callously. Liliya scoffed. The boys knew nothing. She had no idea why they would even say that. A part of her wondered if they knew something but she knew that it was unlikely. They couldn't see for looking half the time.

"And what do they know?" Liliya sneered. Arina found her words to be a comfort and a smile appeared on her lips.

"Absolutely nothing," Arina responded, her smile growing into a grin. Liliya smiled back and nodded her head. She pressed her hands against the wood of the pier and dragged her back against the post that supported the pier.

"Exactly so don't listen to them. They're both sexist pigs," Liliya reassured. Arina nodded and stretched her legs out, leaning forward to touch her toes.

"Don't I know it," The black-haired woman muttered. Liliya nodded and let her head fall back. Her gaze falling onto the sky. The blue was slowly turning stormy and the clouds invaded. The sun disappearing behind the stormy grey. Rain was coming but it would be a blessing rather than a curse. At least to Liliya. She liked the rain and it would cool her down before she had to go and train with Alina. The Sun Summoner. The girl she had finally gained trust with.

"Oh I wanted to speak to you about Alina," Liliya said, her gaze moved back to Arina. The black-haired woman's arms were pushed behind her back, stretching the muscles out. They had both neglected to do a cool-down so she was making up for it. However, at the mention of Alina, Arina's eyes widened.

"I tried to give her time to study!" She quickly defended as she moved her arms down into her lap. Liliya scoffed and kicked Arina playfully with her barefoot. The black-haired woman scrunched up her nose and pushed Liliya's feet away.

"That's not what she said," Liliya argued. A sing-song-y tone to her voice. Arina rolled her eyes and smacked Liliya's pants before she shuffled away a little.

"And you believe her?" Arina pouted. Liliya nodded and then moved to sit on her shins. Her hands moved out to grab Arina and pull her back before she shuffled away from Liliya completely.

"I do because I know you. You love to train," Liliya argued as Arina collapsed into her lap. The black-haired woman's hair splaying across her thighs as they stared at each other. Amused looks on their faces.

"I don't love to train," Arina argued as she pushed herself to sit up. Liliya scoffed and rolled her eyes before she sat down properly. Her shins had already begun to hurt but it felt better now. Her arms rested behind her back as she stared up at the sky.

"You do," Liliya said. Arina sighed and nodded, her gaze moving to the water. Watching it more slightly with some subtle movements of her hand.

"Okay, fine. I liked beating the Sun Summoner. It was a nice ego boost but I did say to study," Arina gave in. Liliya couldn't be sure it was the entire truth but she wouldn't be surprised if it was. Alina had a habit of not listening to her superiors. Liliya personally didn't mind because once you had gained her trust, she was easy enough to manipulate.

"She just didn't listen?" Liliya suggested.

"Exactly," Arina nodded in response. Liliya smiled and pushed her fingers through her hair, pushing the red locks away from her face.

"That sounds like our Miss Starkov," Liliya mumbled. Arina nodded and moved to put her feet back in the water. Her hand movements stopping and the water stilled on the surface. Liliya watched for a moment before she joined Arina's side.

"It does," Arina said, nodding in agreement. The two girls then just stared at each other for a long moment before breaking into smiles. They had honestly missed each other's company more than either of them knew. The past year had been a strain on their friendship but every time they came together it was as if nothing had happened at all.

It was the kind of friendship that Liliya needed. The unwavering loyalty that would hopefully mean that whatever came next, everything would be fine. Arina would not leave and nobody would betray them. Aleksander had something over Genya but Arina. Arina was more difficult. She had a family who weren't Grisha so Aleksander's plans weren't exactly in her best interest. She didn't know what would happen. She just hoped that everything would be okay.

***

Liliya had been lying in bed all night and found herself constantly going over her conversation with Arina over and over again. The entire conversation wasn't what bothered her. Everything else was fine but... Roma and Lev. Arina had implied that they knew she was going to die which didn't make sense. There was no way that they would know. They have faced Isaak but Roma knew how easily he had been beaten.

Liliya wanted to know how sure they had sounded. Needed to know what they were thinking and more specifically what Arina had been told. If this was intentional, if they wanted her dead there was going to be another thing coming. It was lucky that they were gone from the Little Palace despite what Liliya had requested. Aleksander sent them somewhere else.

But Liliya needed to know so she rushed to find Arina. The black-haired woman was throwing her fists at a punching bag in the training rooms when Liliya barged in. The door slamming against the wall as she walked inside.

"I haven't been able to get what you said off my mind," Liliya said. The confusion and annoyance and unsurety laced her tone. Mingling into a tangled ball of emotions that were ripping Liliya's chest open. The feeling of betrayal slowly sinking in like a dagger in the back.

"What? The comments about Alina?" Arina asked curiously as she pulled her fists away. The sweat was beading down her temples and there was a sheen of it along Arina's olive skin. Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion.

"No about Lev and Roma. They were sure I was going to die?" Liliya asked. Her arms crossing over her chest. Arina walked over and grabbed a cloth, wiping the sweat off her face as she tried to think. The whole conversation felt sudden and confusing. Arina was still slightly disorientated.

"Uhm... yeah. They were telling me how you were going to get killed. It was almost guaranteed. Isaak was a maniac," Arina explained. The hand that held the cloth was vaguely making gestures as a way of explaining what she meant. Liliya nodded and turned around to the door. She was ready to leave but quickly realised that it wouldn't be enough. So she turned back.

"Did you hear them say anything else?" Liliya asked. Her words were frantic and quick. She had to know what was going on.

"No I don't think so," Arina shrugged as she balled the cloth up and threw it back to the bench where she found it. It barely landed on the edge of the wood.

"They left last night. You must have heard something," Liliya responded. Arina stared for a moment before she shrugged. She then crossed back over to the punching bag and lifted her fists. But Liliya grabbed her arm and pulled her back, "Arina. I think they knew that Isaak was going to kill me," Liliya added, attempting to get Arina to remember anything. It was all important. There just had to be something. More proof.

"I heard them talking in the healers wing," Arina offered, racking her brain trying to remember the converastion. Her hands rested at her sides as she thought, her eyes briefly closing, "They were talking about how they had succeeded and that they would be protected," Arina said. Her words were slightly unsure but with a reaffirming nod of her head, it seemed that it was the truth. Liliya gritted her teeth and nodded.

"They sent me to my death. Those sexist pigs. When they return, I will burn them," Liliya said. The anger lacing her tone as she stepped back. Roma and Lev had exchanged her life for protection from Isaak's wrath. Not that it would matter. Isaak got what he wanted no matter what happened. No matter what promises he made. He killed everyone. They were stupid and Liliya knew exactly what she would do if she ever saw them again.

"Liliya," Arina said quickly, rushing to grab her arm. However, Liliya shoved Arina away and stared at her. The anger scolded Arina who flinched back at the movement of Liliya's hand.

"No, Arina. They sent me to my father to kill me. If they happen to contact you, tell them if I ever see them again, I will burn them from the inside out," Liliya seethed. Her gaze rested on Arina's face. The black-haired woman stared back, unsure and slightly afraid. The red-head's hands were fisted at her sides, her jaw clench. The anger rolling off her in waves.

"Liliya." Arina softened her voice but Liliya stepped back, rolling her eyes.

"Go back to your training," Liliya said as she turned around. When she didn't hear Arina move, she looked back, "That's an order!" She practically shouted. Arina glared before rolling her eyes. She moved back to the punching bag and Liliya left the room.

Nobody dared go near her as she escaped the training rooms. Her nails digging into her skin as she stormed through. Ideas of what she could do to punish Lev and Roma playing in her head. The various torture she knew she could use. She wanted to watch them burn. They would be a reminder of what happened if you crossed an Inferni. She wanted to burn their organs, make them scream in agony until finally their brain gave in and they were dead.

She wanted it to be painful. After everything that she had been put through, she wanted someone to feel her pain. But before she could unleash her anger on anyone, she knew what she had to. The plan needed to go ahead. If Isaak's influence was spreading and more people were willing to be loyal to him. More Grisha were willing to betray her and Aleksander, the plan had to be enacted quicker.

So, Liliya steered herself towards Alina's quarters. She knew the way without even having to pay attention. Servants and Grisha alike swerved out of the way of the raging Inferni. Nobody wanted to be scathed by her so they kept out of the way. When Liliya reached the door of Alina's room, she knocked three times. They were likely more aggressive than necessary but Liliya was hot-headed and trying to stay composed.

The door opened to reveal Alina. She was dressed but without her kefta. She looked wonderful but when didn't she. Liliya walked past her into her room and Alina just stared before she closed the door. Liliya took a few deep breaths and then said, "Alina. We need to talk." The black-haired girl stared at her for a moment, furrowing her eyebrows.

"I thought we weren't meeti-" Alina began as she walked over in front of Liliya. The redhead, however, cut her off by cupping her cheeks with her hand. Their eyes meeting. The stormy blue meeting the brown eyes of Alina. Her eyes were always so beautiful and Liliya knew what she wanted to do.

"Can I kiss you?" Liliya asked. Her tone serious and the anger dissipating. It was still there but desperation overwhelmed her. The betrayal and hurt clawed at her chest but she needed to kiss Alina. She just had to.

"What?" Alina asked, staring up at the woman. Her hands moved to rest against Liliya's. Liliya's were warm and her face was flushed from the storming around the Little Palace. Alina noticed how flushed she was and all she could feel was confusion.

"I want to kiss you..." Liliya reiterated, pleading with the black-haired girl. Alina stared at her for a moment, biting her lip before she moved her hands to rest against Liliya's kefta.

"O-okay," Alina mumbled. Liliya's smile grew and she pulled Alina closer. Their lips connecting in a soft but passionate kiss. It was tentative from Alina's end. The girl seemed slightly unsure but she soon relaxed into it. Her hands resting against Liliya's black kefta, The kiss was short and Liliya pulled back, resting her forehead against Alina's.

But then Alina wrapped her arms around Liliya's neck and pulled her in for another kiss. This one was much more passionate. Alina pushing her tongue into Liliya's mouth. She clearly wanted this. She felt comfortable with this and Liliya was glad. Her hands moving from Alina's cheeks to her waist, pulling their chest against each other.

The kiss was passionate and the two were quickly breathless. Panting as they pulled away. Alina's head moving to rest against the crook of Liliya's neck. A soft chuckle escaped the redhead's lips and she felt the need to make a quip but held herself back. She didn't know how much Alina would feel comfortable with so she just sat there. Getting her breathe as they felt each other's chests lift with each ragged breath.

"You're a wonderful kisser, Alina," Liliya whispered, a teasing lilt to her tone. Alina smiled against Liliya's skin but just pulled back. The black-haired girl was flushed, the pink coloured her cheeks and it made Liliya grin even wider, "You're beautiful," She added. Alina shook her head and pulled back slightly, unsure what to say.

***

author's note! hello my lovelies! a thing finally happened that i know some people will be very excited for!! it has been a long time coming and WE'VE HIT THE MIDPOINT which should mean like idk 13/14 more chapters left of this before we close up act two, it's a mess, it's amazing, i'm excited but yes THIS CHAPTER REVEALED EVERYTHING, it's a big ol thing for the plot and this chapter is stupid important for literally the rest of the plot, we have everything to go off of from here!! so i'm very excited, but i hope you enjoyed! i can't wait to hear your thoughts! love y'all <3

also slight rant about the gifs, WHY OH WHY DO ALL THE FCS HAVE TO HAVE KISSES WITH TALL LOVE INTERESTS, these girls are the same height canonicially but NO ALL THE BOYS ARE TALL SO THE GIFS DONT LINE UP HOW I WANT, anyway, imma not complain, sorry