chapter twelve. ketterdam

 "I wish I'd brought flowers," said Wylan.

 "Something," he added, gripping the old railing of the browboat, his knuckles nearly turning white. "I've never visited my mothers grave—and when I finally do I haven't got anything to give to her." Wylan shakes his head, black hair coming down in front of his eyes. Aria sighs, reaching forward and pushed the overgrown hair out of his eyes, smiling softly. "What kind of flowers do you bring to a grave?" Wylan asks, shoulders slumping as he braces himself against the railing, practically allowing himself to rip at the seams one and for all. "I've never visited a grave before. At least I don't think I have. Perhaps—"

Aria places a hand on his back. "Wylan, we'll pick up some gardenias at a little shop, okay? You've got to calm down," Aria said softly, going to rub the small of his back.

Wylan let a breath and nodded. "I know. Gardenias sound good. That should do," he said with a somewhat content tone, placing his hands back on the railing.

"Do you remember her?" Jesper asked, leaning up against the railing, back to the sea, head lopped to look at Wylan.

Wylan shook his head. "I remember her curls. They were the most beautiful reddish gold," he says.

Jesper smiled, looking to the coal black locks that had begun to grow into light curls across his forehead. "Same as yours," he said. "Before."

Wylan turned his face away, looking up to the sun. His face flushed pink and he nodded. He cleared his throat and tried to shake away the feeling crawling up throat. "She liked art and music. I think I remember sitting at the piano bench with her," Wylan recalled, messing with the strap of his satchel. "It could've been a nanny. One day, she was sick and going to the country so her lungs could recover, and then she was gone."

Aria pushed herself to face Wylan, barely having enough room on the crowded browboat. "What about the funeral?"

"My father told me she'd been buried at the hospital. That was all. We just stopped talking about her. He said it didn't pay to dwell on the past...I don't know," Wylan's tone faltered as he rested his chin in the palm of his hand, eyes getting lost in the murky colored sea. The outline of Ketterdam drew further and further away as they headed towards the countryside. "I think he really loved her. They fought all the time, sometimes about me, but I remember them laughing a lot together too."

Jesper let out a breathy laugh, closing his eyes as the sun rained down on him. "I find it hard to imagine your father laughing, even smiling. Unless he's rubbing his hands together and cackling over a pile of gold."

Aria let out a scoff, mirroring Jesper's movements. If it was one thing Aria loved, it was the sun—the warmness on her skin, especially when it came with the spray of the ocean. She longed for it most of the time, it was refreshing to be on a boat, even though the last time they were was on the Ferolind. Even though the browboat was filthy and crowded, and there wasn't one spot for them to sit, Aria was bathing in comfort.

"He isn't evil," Wylan said.

Jesper shot him a look. "He tried to kill you."

Wylan shook his head. "No, he destroyed our ship. Killing me would have been an added benefit," Wylan corrected.

Aria raised her brows and let out a huff. "Oh, then you're absolutely right. Not evil at all. I'm sure he also has good reasons for not letting you grieve for your mother."

Wylan let out a breath of defeat and messed with the threading of his coat. "It wasn't all his fault. My father seemed sad most of the time. And far away. That was around the same time he realized I wasn't...what he'd hoped for."

"How old were you?" Aria asked hesitantly.

Wylan picked at the threading of his coat now. "Eight, maybe? I'd gotten really good at hiding it."

Jesper softly furrowed his brows in genuine curiosity. "How?"

The faintest of smiles found its way to Wylan's lips. "He would read to me or I'd ask one of the nannies to, and I'd memorize whatever they said. I even knew when to pause and turn the pages."

There was a sort of an impressed glint in Jesper's eyes—one that caused his eyes to stay glued to Wylan. To Aria, it seemed Jesper wasn't looking at Wylan's current features, he was looking at the face of Kuwei—he was looking at Wylan. The real Wylan.

"How much could you remember?" Jesper asked, eyes unmoving.

"A lot. I sort of set the words to music in my head like songs. I still do it sometimes. I'll just I can't read someone's writing and get them to read the words aloud, set it all to a melody. I can hold it in my head until I need it," Wylan explained.

Jesper looked away, back to the sky. "Don't suppose you could apply that skill to card counting."

"Probably. But I'm not going to."

"Misspent gifts."

There wasn't even a beat of silence before Wylan spoke again. "You're one to talk."

Jesper scowled. "Let's enjoy the scenery."

────────────────

 The night before sailing had been rough.

 Inej laid in the furthest corner of the tomb, fast sleep. Near her Matthias and Nina did the same, but Aria Antonov and Wylan Van Eck sat in silence in the front of mausoleum in Black Veil, facing each other from opposite corners of the small confined room. Chill air from the ajar steel door leading into the tomb blew through Aria's hair, who sat closest to it. "Wylan?" Aria had asked, knees hugged to her chest, trying to find Wylan's eyes in the dim candlelight of the bleak room.

Wylan looked up abruptly, as if coming out of a daze. "Y—yes?" He asked, shaking his thoughts from his head, as if his daydream was grasping and attempting to grab him back, causing him to stammer. Aria tried to smile, but only plastered a small tired lopped quirk of her lips onto her face. Aria stood and stretched before crossing the room, sliding down the cobblestone wall and fell next to Wylan, leaning her head against his shoulder.

"What's on your mind?"

She felt Wylan shift his head and place it on hers. "My father," he admitted.

Aria moved forward and looked at him. Her brows furrowed the slightest bit. "Are you stressing over him again?" She questions.

Wylan shakes his head. "No, no...just thinking about..."

Aria cocks her head. "About?"

Wylan sighs and turns himself to face her fully, crossing his legs underneath him. Aria hesitated but did the same, her knees pressed against Wylan. "This one time, when I was young. Like eight or so, I was playing in my father's study."

Aria formed a real smile now. "I had no business being in there. But it was all so fascinating. He had all this nautical decor—and so many books. I tried to...read. And one time, when I slammed a book too hard on a shelf—a boat in a bottle at the top shelf fell and shattered." Aria could picture it in her head. A small freckled, wild haired Wylan Van Eck standing above the debris of a bottle and broken wooden boat.

"When my father figured out my mother had tried to lie on my behalf...he wasn't happy. That was one of my earliest memories," Wylan said, casting his glance away from Aria's.

Aria scooted an inch closer, her dark mess of hair falling over her face before she attempted to blow it out of her face. She gave a waiting glance. "My father sent me to Belendt—a school for art and music. He sent two of his men to watch me as I traveled there on a ferry. And one of them...cornered me and grabbed my throat," Wylan stopped short, shoulders slumping as he screwed his eyes shut. He rubs his throat as if he was feeling it again.

"Wylan—"

"I jumped over the edge of the boat. I could barely swim. I couldn't even keep my head above water. My father he was trying to—" Wylan chokes.

Aria lurched forward and hugged Wylan. "Don't say anymore. It's alright," she said.

Now, as Aria walked side by side with Wylan through the small sleepily village, she finds his furrowed brow holds the hardships he's been through. Though he wore Kuwei's face, part of Wylan was still there, within him. "This place is wonderful," Aria breathes, hands unfurrowing her hair from its pinned up position. Coal colored hair fell around her shoulders, blowing with the warm breeze—the smell of grain and flowers filled her nose. Aria smiled contently, looking to Wylan and Jesper who walked in tandem with her steps towards the wagon.

"Wonderful? It reminds me too much of home," Jesper grumbled, readjusting his hat.

Aria huffed. "And?"

"Fresh air, big fields, the only sound filling the silence is the hum of bees," Jesper said. "Disgusting."

Aria laughed, shaking her head. "I may just go back to Novyi Zem for you then. I need a break from the Barrel," Aria breathed, eyes fluttering shut. She counted her steps against the gravel path, the distant sound of animals from a farm not too far away, and the soft chatter of a fading village falling behind them.

A playful scoff came from Jesper. "A break?"

Aria nodded, opening her eyes to look at him. "Not everyone can fall asleep to gunfire like it's a lullaby, Jesper. This is more my speed," she said, finding Wylan looking down at his feet as he took he each step.

"What do you think, Wylan? A little Crows getaway to a place like this?" Aria asked.

Wylan kept his pace, eyes flickering to each of his feet as he stepped. Aria and Jesper exchanged a glance. With a small frown, Aria nudged Wylan towards Jesper. The younger boy fell into a hold underneath Jesper's arm, the Zemeni boy slinging his arm over Wylan's shoulder. Aria followed the same movement and suddenly Wylan was sandwiched between the two, now alert to his surroundings. "I was talking to you, you know." Aria said.

"What—oh, sorry. I was a little distracted. What did you say?" Wylan questions.

Aria snickered, shaking her head. "Nevermind that, what's on your mind, Wy?"

Wylan just shook his head. "Oh, nothing. We best—"

"Find a way to the quarry! I've always wanted to finish someone's sentence perfectly before," Jesper said, grinning.

Wylan's lips formed a thin line and he coughed awkwardly. "Uhm, no. Just a general store."

Aria's brows shot up. "But you told Kaz the mineral—"

"It's present in all kinds of paints and enamels. I just wanted to make sure I had a reason to go to Olendaal." Wylan admitted.

Jesper gawked at him, mouth ajar. "Wylan Van Eck—you lied to Kaz Brekker!" His hand went over his chest and clutched it. "And you got away with it! Do you give lessons?"

Wylan couldn't help but the proud grin that formed on his lips, Kuwei's bright teeth shining. They located a general store halfway up the main village street, and it took them only a few moments for them to purchase what they needed. When they exited the shop, a man beside a wagon waved them over. "You lot looking for work?" The man asked skeptically. "None of you looks up to a full day in the field." His eyes went to Aria.

"You'd be surprised," said Jesper. "We signed on to do some work out near Saint Hilde."

The man nodded, "you doing repairs at the hospital?"

"Yup," Jesper said easily.

"Your friends there don't talk much." The man noted, looking at them curiously.

"Shu," said Jesper with a shrug.

Aria gave an awkward smile and waved, nudging Wylan to do the same. The man offered them a spot on his wagon, saying he'd drop them off at the gates of the hospital. When the man allowed Wylan onto the wagon, he questioned the flowers that were tightly gripped in his fist. "For his sweetheart—right, Hans?" Jesper asked, practically signaling a cue over his shoulder. Wylan and Aria exchanged a look before smiling and shoving the flowers into Aria's chest. Aria gripped them as gently as she could and dramatically sniffed them before hugging Wylan. The man belly-laughed and hoped onto his horse before kicking it off towards their destination.

The wagon rattled and jumped harshly, and Aria almost keeled over from the way her bones practically cut into all her organs. Jesper grabbed his side. "I don't really need my spleen in one piece," he winced, grimacing.

The man's beer belly jiggled as he laughed. "It's good for you! Jogs the liver," he exclaimed. The three exchanged a look and tried to enjoy the rest of the ride. Luckily, a mile later, the wagon slowed down before two stone posts, his horse neighing and wildly shaking its head.

"This is as far as I go," said the man. "Not a place I want truck with."Aria furrowed her brows in confusion. "Too much suffering. Sometimes when the wind blows right, you can hear 'em laughing and shrieking."

The three exchanged somewhat terrified glances. "You sayin' it's haunted?" Asked Jesper, placing his hands on his hips.

The man shrugged. "I suppose."

Aria jumped down from the wagon, boots hitting the dirt road—a cloud puffed up from the impact. Brushing herself off, she thanked the man. "When you're done here, head up the road a couple miles. I got two acres that still need working. Five kruge a day and you can sleep in the barn instead of out in the field," he shifted his eyes to Aria. "And you can help the other ladies in the coop."

Aria wanted to huff and shake her head, to grumble about how she was perfectly capable of doing dirtier work. Instead, she gave a polite nod, grabbed the strap of her bag and headed off down the path next to Wylan.

"We're walking back," Jesper said, hand back on his side. "I think I bruised a rib."

When the driver had gone far enough not to see them, they removed their caps and coats to reveal more formal wear. Jesper and Wylan wore dark suits—with Aria in a similar getup except paired with a long skirt beneath a more fitted blazer. She quickly fixed her wind blown hair and pinned it up as nicely as she could, dusting off her boots to look presentable.

As they walked towards the hospital, Aria handed back the flowers. "Remember to tell them you were sent by Cornelis Smeet," Aria repeated Kaz's earlier words. Wylan nodded, stopping to look at the building. His brows knitted, his nerves evident on his face. Aria smiled softly and walked to him. "It'll be alright," she reassured. Wylan turned his head and nodded, swallowing hard.

The drive was lined with neatly cut hedges and poplar trees. When the building came into view, it was three stories tall and built of clean white stone. "It doesn't really look like a church," Aria pointed out.

"Maybe it used to a monastery, or school?" Wylan suggested, shifting the flowers from hand to hand. "Jesper, do you remember your mother?"

A slow, bright smile came onto Jesper's face. "Yeah, she taught me to shoot." Wylan wanted to ask further, but he turned to Aria and asked the same.

"Aria?"

Aria shrugged. "Not a lot, really. She was Shu. Only dressed in traditional Shu wear. I was taken before I could really develop any real idea of her. She always sang hymns to my brother and I—"

"Brother? There's more of you?" Jesper asked.

Aria scoffed, rolling her eyes. "He's like me—but he stayed at the Little Palace."

"He hasn't come looking?" Jesper asked, his tone softening.

Aria shook her head, she swallowed hard. "No," she admitted. "I don't think he wants to."

The closer they drew to the building, the more silent it got between them. There was a full garden with wisteria and purple blossoms. Aria could almost smell the sweet floral scent through the breeze. On the other side of the building was a fenced area with a wrought iron gate with a large statue of Saint Hilde in front of it. Wylan clutched his gardenias tighter. "That must be the cemetery," he guessed.

A woman walked towards them, dressed in gray work clothing, pushing a wheelbarrow mounded with earth. "Goed morgen! How can I help you?" The three of them stopped, turning to look at her. Her smile was bright and she looked happy, sunkissed cheeks and curly blonde hair falling from a bun.

"And a fine morning it is! We come to you from the offices of Cornelis Smeet." Jesper greeted smoothly. The woman wiped her hands on the front of her loose blouse and reached for his hand, shaking it.

"On behalf of the esteemed Councilman Jan Van Eck." Wylan added, Aria could hear the quaver in his voice.

The woman shook Aria's hand then Wylan's. Her cheeks were full and rosy. "Of course. But I confess to being surprised. Mister Van Eck has been so generous with us, yet we hear from him so rarely. Nothing's wrong, is it?"

"Not at all!" Wylan said.

"Just a new policy," said Aria. "More work for everyone."

The girl grinned. "Isn't that always the way. And I see you brought flowers?"

Wylan looked down at his gardenias. "We...yes." As they went up the white steps, Aria felt a pull at her sleeve. "Aria...there are bars on the windows." Aria looked in direction of his eyes, frowning at the sight. She placed a hand on his arm and shrugged. "Maybe they're just antsy?" She offered, grabbing his hand and pulling him in tow to catch up with Wylan and the girl.

They entered the front parlor. It was so pristine and quiet. It was a delicate white decorated with blue tulips. It didn't look like any church Aria had seen before. Beside her, Wylan inhaled deeply. The smell of wisteria was comforting. Aria squeezed Wylan's hand before dropping it. The woman stopped at a large desk and sifted through a file cabinet before pulling out a thick file. "Here we are, Marya Hendriks. As you can see, everything is in order. You can have a look while we get her cleaned up. Next time you can avoid a delay and notify us ahead of your visit." The woman smiled before walking off.

Wylan set the gardenias down on the desk and he turned to Jesper. "What is this place?" He asked frantically. "What did she mean get her cleaned up?"

Jesper flicked through the folder, his eyes skimming the page. Wylan lurched forward and grabbed Jesper's blazer. All Wylan saw was a meaningless scrawl on the pages. "Jesper, please..." he begged. "Read it to me."

"Wylan...I think your mother's alive."

Wylan swallowed hard. "That's impossible."

Aria looked over Jesper's shoulder to read the page. "Your father had her committed."

Wylan shook his head. "She got sick. A lung infection."

Aria grabs the folder from Jesper. She points to the words even though Wylan doesn't understand it. "He states she's a victim of hysteria, paranoia, and persecution disorder."

Wylan grabbed the wall. "She can't be alive. He—he remarried. What about Alys?"

Aria grabbed his shoulder to steady him. "I think he had your mother declared insane and used it as grounds for divorce. This isn't a church, Wylan. It's an asylum." Jesper said.

Jesper pulled Wylan into a chair, pressing against his shoulder blades. "Put your head between your knees, focus on the floor, and breathe, Wylan." Aria crouched down and rubbed Wylan's knee. Wylan forced himself to inhale and exhale almost mechanically, eyes focused on the blue tulips, gripping the life out of Aria'a hands 

"Tell me the rest."

"You need to calm down—"

"Tell me the rest!" Wylan demanded.

Jesper blew out a breath. "There's a Transfer of Authority in the file. It's a copy."

Wylan continued to stare. "What? What is that?"

Jesper cleared his throat. "This document, witnessed in full sight of Ghezen and in keeping with the honest dealings of men, made binding by the courts of Kerch and its Merchant Council, signifies the transfer of all property, estates, and legal holdings from Marya Hendriks to Jan Van Eck, to be managed by him until Marya Hendricks is once again competent to conduct her own affairs."

"The transfer of all property..." said Wylan.

A woman, a nurse—opened the door near them, smoothing her apron. "We're ready for you. She's quite docile today. Are you all right?" She asked, looking to Wylan.

"My friend is feeling a bit faint. Too much sun after all those hours in Mister Smeet's office. Could we trouble you for a glass of water?" Aria asked, playing a smile.

"Certainly!" said the nurse. "Oh, you do look a bit done under." She disappeared behind the door and Aria spun on her heel back to Wylan. Jesper grabbed Wylan's shoulders.

"Wy, listen to me. You have to pull yourself together. Can you do this? We can leave. I can tell her you're not up to it, or I can just go in myself. We can try to come back some—" said Jesper.

Wylan took a deep, shaking breath. "I'm fine," he said. "We're not leaving."

When the nurse returned, Wylan took the water from her and almost chugged it in one gulp. She then led them through the door she entered from. The nurse took them to a glassed-in porch. A canvas was sat on an easel near the window. Wylan stopped. "She paints," he said flatly.

"All the time," said the nurse. "Quite the artist is our Marya."

A woman in a wheeled chair sat, head dipping as if she was fighting not to doze off. Her hair was a faded amber, shot through with gray. "You have some visitors, Miss Hendriks."

The woman looked up to them, eyes sharp. "Should I...should I know you?"

Aria found the hurt hidden on Wylan's face. "We met long ago. When I was just a child." He practically choked out."

Aria placed a hand on Wylan's shoulder and leaned forward. "We have an hour before we have to walk back. Talk to her," she said.

"About what?"

Jesper sighed. "Remember what you said to Kaz? We don't know what may happen next. This is all we've got." Jesper said. He crossed to where the nurse was. "Tell me, I'm ashamed to say I didn't catch your name."

The nurse flushed. "Betje."

The nurse looked to Wylan and his mother. "We'll be fine here. I'll just run through some routine questions. All part of the new policy," he said in a clear tone that almost sound like him.

The nurse nodded and awed at Jesper. "Well then, I think we might have a quick look around."

Aria bid a nod to Wylan before following Jesper out. She followed loosely behind Jesper and the nurse, who's cheeks  were pink and she was giggling far too much at whatever Jesper had been saying. Aria wanted fight the thought of Kaz Brekker when he came to mind. How he'd been somewhat distant since the Ice Court but still found his way to stay as close to her as possible. At the side of her chair, behind her, his eyes always glued to her.

The night before she went with the Menagerie into the party in the embassy, Kaz had spoken to her. I want you to know...her fingertips had ghosted over his skin. What was he going to say? The curiosity had been killing her lately. Or the way he looked at her in those raspberry colored silks that night. The nod he gave her. The way he turned his back to her as she spoke to another man.

"Aria?"

Aria looked up, eyes wide. Jesper stood in front of her, amused. "Daydreaming?"

Aria nodded. Jesper smirked. "Ohh, is it about a certain someone?" He asks. Aria snaps her head to him. "Oh, you so are! Brekker!" Aria shoved him as they approached the pale blue door they had entered into earlier. The nurse led them back to the room where Wylan and Marya would be. "So, you do fancy him?" Aria was silent. Jesper snickered.

When they opened the door, Wylan jumped up, pale as a ghost. He pushed his way out the door with a nod to the nurse—Aria followed behind him quickly. "Wylan!" She called, jogging to keep up with him. When they were out of the hospital, finally on their own again. Wylan collapsed to the ground, right in the middle of the road. Aria lurched to catch up, practically toppling on top of him. "Wylan!" She cried.

Before she could even ask, Wylan's body racked with harsh and ragged ugly sobs. He buried his face in his arms, body shaking all over. Aria sat down next to him, unsure of what to do. "It's okay," Aria tried.

"No, it's not." Wylan cried.

Jesper crouched down on Wylan's other side, squeezing his arm. "You're right, it's not. It's rotten. I'd like to string your father up in a barren field and let the vultures have at him."

Wylan shook his head. "You don't understand. It was me. I caused this. He wanted a new wife. He wanted a heir. A real heir, not some moron who can barely spell his own name." Wylan spat, clenching his jaw. He cried hot, angry tears—jaw clenched and brows furrowed.

"Hey," Aria said softly. "Your father could have made a lot of choices when he found out you couldn't read. Hell, he could have said you were blind or you have trouble with your vision. Or better yet, he could've been grateful about the fact he had a genius for a son."

"I'm not a genius."

Jesper scoffed. "You're stupid about a lot of things, Wylan, but you're not stupid. And if I ever hear you call yourself a moron again, I'm going to tell Matthias you tried to kiss Nina."

"With tongue!" Aria added.

Wylan wiped his nose on his sleeve. "He'll never believe it."

"Then I'll tell Nina you tried to kiss Matthias." Jesper corrected.

"With tongue!" Aria repeated. "Look, Wylan. Normal people don't walk up their wives up in insane asylums. They don't disinherit their sons just because they didn't get the child they wanted. You think my family wanted a mess like me for a kid? You didn't cause this. This happened because your father is a monster dressed in a quality suit."

Wylan pressed his palms to his swollen eyes. "That's all true, and none of it makes me feel any better."

Aria thought. "Well, how about this? Kaz is going to tear your father's damn life apart."

Wylan hesitated. Kaz Brekker was the most brutal, vengeful creature Wylan had ever encountered. Wylan pushed himself off the ground. "That actually does help." He said. Suddenly there was an eagerness in his eyes—Aria suspected he was eager to bring Kaz's plan to light.

Aria and Jesper exchanged a look and followed Wylan's movement to stand. "Thought it might. If we don't get on that boat, no righteous comeuppance."

"Alright, then. Come on. Let's go steal all my dad's money," said Wylan.

"Isn't it your money?"

"Okay, let's go steal it back."

The three of them broke into a run. "I love a little righteous comeuppance," said Jesper. "Jogs the liver!"

────────────────

 "Wait up," Aria said, jogging after Kaz.

 Kaz turned to look at her, brows shot up slightly. He stopped at the top of latter, offering a gloved hand. Aria took it with a heaving sigh, brushing her hands off on her trousers as she reached the roof. "You're a quick one tonight, Kaz. Like a mouse," Aria said, smiling as she following him towards the window leading into Van Eck's house.

Kaz huffed. "Mouse?" He questioned, tucking his cane underneath his arm before sliding the window open slowly.

"Oh, sorry. Rat." Aria corrected, snickering to herself before hopping into the house first. It was her job to head down to the lower floor to let Wylan in. He wasn't up to the climb—she felt bad for leaving Wylan on his own, but part of her needed to go with Kaz to the roof.

They entered through the servants quarters, but all the staff were down on the lower floors with Van Eck's guests. Wealthy merchants were filling their bellies of lager and fine dining in the first floor dining room, listening to Van Eck blabber about Saints knows what.

Aria made her way to the staircase ahead of Kaz, pulling her hood up and mask over the lower part of her face. The two made their way down the second floor—Kaz grabbed her wrist when two of the party-goers were...well, Aria's face twisted into disgust as they pushed their way into one of the many rooms. Her cheeks flushed and she shook her head and moved further down the hallway. When they turned the corner, her eyes landed on the guard stood at attention. Kaz's cane nudged her hip, silently signaling her to stop. He flashed her his watch and then—a brief pop and a flash of flight at the end of the hall. The guard looked up and marched down to investigate.

The two made a break for Wylan's old bedroom, which was now turned into a nursery. Kaz moved to the window and unlocked it, sliding it open and allowed Wylan in. Wylan froze at the sight of his old room. It was painted with a seascape mural—a bassinet shaped as a tiny sailing ship, complete with flags and a small captain's wheels. Wylan swallowed hard and rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head.

When they opened the door, the guard was back at his post in front of Alys' door.

"Well?" Kaz asked to Wylan.

Wylan snapped his head to Kaz, brows knitted together. "It's a slow-burning fuse," said Wylan. "The timing is precise."

Kaz gave an impatient huff as the seconds ticked by. When the pop sounded, the guard returned to the window. Kaz gestured for the two to follow him along the hallway. Kaz made quick work of the lock to Van Eck's office. They were inside in moments. Aria ordered Wylan to shut the blinds to the window as she locked the door, before snapping her fingers and illuminating the room from pitch darkness to a dim warm illumination coming from her hand. "Behind the painting," whispered Wylan.

Kaz'a lips quirked up as he stared at the painting. Aria even gave a hush laugh. "Which member of your hallowed line is that supposed to be?" She asked.

"Martin Van Eck, my great-great grandfather. He was a ship's captain, the first to land at Eames Chin and navigate the river inland. He brought back a shipload of spices and used the profits to buy a second ship—that's what my father told me anyway." Wylan explained. "That was the start of the Van Eck fortune."

"And we'll be the end of it," said Kaz. "Quite a resemblance." Kaz noted, staring at the high brow and stern blue eyes.

"Except for the red hair, I always took after my father. And his father, and all the Van Eck's. Well, until now." Wylan gestured to his hair. Kuwei's hair.

Aria and Kaz took each side of the painting, lifting it off the wall. He handed it off to Aria and she set it down as gently as she could.

"Look at you," Kaz crooned. He admired it for a moment, then abruptly snapped his head when the light from Aria's hand went out. Raised voices came below, starling her. "Aria," came from his mouth in a hush, sharp tone. She muttered an apology and let out an anxious breath, snapping once more. "Let's go, the clock is ticking." Kaz said.

Wylan removed two jars from his satchel. On their own, they were nothing special. If they are combined, it was to supposed to burn through the safe. Wylan took a deep breath and held it away from his body. "Stay back," he warned, dumping the contents of one jar into another. Nothing happened.

"Uhh," Aria said.

"Well?" Kaz said.

"Move please," Wylan said, removed a balsa glass pipette and drew a small amount of liquid and dripping it down the front of the safe. The metal began to dissolve, and gave an uncomfortably loud crackling for the small room. The smell wafted towards them, smiling like sharp metal. Aria choked out a cough, covering her nose and mouth with her sleeve. Kaz and Wylan did the same.

"Trouble in a bottle," said Kaz through his sleeve, his face twisted in disgust.

Wylan worked steadily, Aria and Kaz just stayed back. Aria moved back and forth on her feet, starting to get antsy.

"Quicker," Aria warned.

"If I spill a single drop of this, it will burn straight through the floor and onto my fathers dinner guests." Wylan said.

"Take your time," said Kaz.

After what felt like a millennia, the hole was big enough to reach through. There was stacks of kruge and a small velvet bag. That was what Kaz snatched up first. His arm made contact with the edge of the hole, he winced in worry. He dumped the velvet bag over and found a large ring. He tucked it into his pocket and handed a stack of kruge to each of them. Wylan grimaced. Kaz almost laughed. "Does this bother you, merchling?"

"I don't enjoy feeling like a thief."

"After everything he's done?" Asks Aria.

"Yes."

Kaz huffs. "So much for righteous. You do realize we're stealing your money?"

Wylan shrugged. "Jesper said the same thing, but im sure my father wrote me out of his will as soon as Alys became pregnant."

"That doesn't mean you're any less entitled to it."

Wylan sighed. "I don't want it. I just don't want him to have it."

"What a luxury to turn your back on." Kaz muttered as he shoved the money into his pocket.

"How would I run an empire?" Wylan said. "I can't read a ledger or a bill of lading. I can't write a purchase order. My father is wrong about a lot of things, but he's right about that. I'd be a laughingstock."

Aria shook her head. "Pay someone to do it for you."

"Would you? Trust someone with that knowledge, with a secret that could destroy you?" Kaz and Aria exchanged a glance. They would do that for each other.

"When people see a cripple walking down the street, leaning on his cane, what do they feel?" Kaz asked. "They feel pity. Now, what do they feel when they see me?"

The corners of Wylan's mouth quirked upwards at the corners. "They think they'd better cross the street."

Kaz smirked. "You're not weak because you can't read. You're weak because you're afraid of people seeing your weakness—you're letting shame decide who you are. Help me with the painting, dearest," Kaz said mockingly, and Aria leaned forward.

"Think on it," Kaz said as he straightened the frame. "It's shame that lines my pockets, shame that keeps the Barrel teeming with fools ready to put on a mask just so they can have what they want with no one wiser for it. We can endure all kinds of pain. It's shame that eats men whole." Kaz explained.

"Wise words," said a voice.

The three of them whirled around. Pekka Rollins stood there, a smug grin on his disgusting face, behind him was a cluster of Dime Lions carrying pistols. "Kaz Brekker," Rollins mocked. "Philosopher crook."

"This thing never keeps time quite right," Pekka said, shaking the watch in his hand. "But I can't resist a fine bit of shine. Don't suppose you kept the one you took off me?" He asked Kaz, who remained silent. He returned the watch to his pocket. "Right about now, my lieutenants should be rounding up your crew and a certain priceless hostage at Black Veil. I've also prepared something special for the Wraith," Pekka grinned. "An extraordinary asset, that girl. I didn't like the thought of that particular arrow in your quiver, so I found someone even more extraordinary to take care of her."

Aria felt the sick feeling settle into her stomach. Pekka signaled to one of his men who threw something—and suddenly Aria's arms were bound to her chest and she was toppling to the floor with a hard thud. Wylan gasped and knelt down to her, trying to get the wire off. It was cutting into her arms, and Wylan tugging it only made it tighter.

"Did you really think you're that hard to find, Brekker? I've been at this game a long time. All I had to do was think of what I would've done when I was younger and more foolish."

Kaz swallowed hard. "You're working for Van Eck."

Pekka Rollins shook his head. "I'm working with Van Eck. After you came to me looking for cash, I had a feeling he might have need of my services. He was hesitant at first, hadn't had the best luck making deals with Barrel boys. But that little stunt you pulled with his wife drove him right into his loving arms. I told Van Eck you'd always be a step ahead of him because he can't help but think like a businessman."

Kaz looked to Aria wriggling on the ground, blood starting to leave tracks on her blouse. His jaw clenched.

"He's a savvy one, no doubt," continued Rollins. "But a man of limited imagination. Whereas you, Brekker, think like a villainous little thug. You're me with a lot more hair and lot less style. Van Eck thought he had you all tied up on West Stave, he felt pretty good about calling the stadwatch, too. But I know you're a lot more slippery than that."

"And you knew I'd come here?"

Pekka Rollins laughed. "I knew you couldn't resist it. Oh, I didn't know what plan you'd concoct, but I knew whatever scheme you devised would bring you here. You couldn't pass up the chance to humiliate Van Eck, to take back what you think he owes you."

"The deal is the deal," tried Kaz.

Rollins tutted and shook his head. "You take things too personally, Brekker. You should be focused on the job, but you're too busy holding a grudge."

On the floor, Wylan tried once more to pull at the wire holding Aria together. She cried out, blood drawing even more. "Stop, stop!"

Kaz flinched at the sound—squeezing his eyes shut, and Rollins took this into account. When he opened them again—it wasn't Kaz Brekker. Someone else had come to front. Dirtyhands. That's where you're wrong," said Kaz, jaw clenched, teeth gritting. "I don't hold a grudge. I cradle it. I coddle it. I feed it fine cuts of meat and send it to the best schools. I nurture my grudges, Rollins."

"I'm glad you've kept your sense of humor, lad. Once you've served your time in stir—assuming Van Eck let's you live—I might just let you come work for me. Shame to see a talent like yours go to waste," said Rollins.

"I'd rather be cooked slow on a spit with Van Eck turning the handle," Kaz snapped.

Rollins' grinned. "I imagine that can be arranged too. I'm nothing if not accommodating."

Rollins looked down to Aria and he took a few steps forward, crouching down. She tried to squirm away, but he reached down and gave the wire a harsh tug. Aria choked out a cry. Kaz took an involuntary step towards Aria, but one of the Dime Lions marched towards him.

"Don't touch her—" Wylan tried. Rollins gave him a hard shove.

"What makes you think Van Eck will honor his agreement with you any more than he did with us?" Kaz asked.

"Because I have the sense to get cash up front. And my demanded are decidedly more moderate. A few million kruge to rid the Barrel of nuisance I'd like to see gone anyway? Most reasonable." Rollins walked back to his crew. "Fast is, Van Eck and I understand one another. I'm expanding, growing my territory, thinking bigger. The Kaelish Prince is the finest establishment East Stave has ever seen, and it's only the beginning. Van Eck and I are builders. We want to create something that outlasts is. You'll grow into it, boy. Now hand over that seal and come quietly, don't you?"

Kaz drew the seal from his pocket. He hesitated.

"Come on, Brekker. You're tough, I confess. I've got you cornered and outnumbered, and your dearest Inferni all tied up. You can't make a drop from that window, and Van Eck has the stadwatch lining the street below. You're done for, toasted, swinging in the wind. So don't do anything foolish." Rollins warned.

Aria saw through hot burning tears that in one hand Kaz held the seal, and the other held the jar of auric acid. For a moment, she forgot the pain—the wire cutting into her arms and into her ribs—her eyes widened.

"Get ready, help Aria up," Kaz ordered.

Wylan did so, eyes wide. "Kaz—"

Kaz smashed the jar on the ground and the room filled with heat in an instant. "See you on the other side," Kaz bid, smashing his cane into the floorboards. The wood gave way almost instantaneously, and suddenly they were smashing into the first floor and onto a dinner table that collapsed beneath their weight. Aria groaned and did her best to jump to her feet with Kaz pulling her along.

Van Eck was screaming after them as they sprinted out of the house, tripping over each other and jumping over hedges and flowerbeds and towards the boathouse. Rotty waited in a rowboat at the gondel. "Wylan!" Aria roared. Wylan moved quickly and released every rocket, flash bomb, and demo creation towards the Van Eck estate. The house practically burst into light and smoke—some parts of it even burning up.

Kaz and Rotty pushed their oars as they moved into the traffic of Geldcanal. "I thought it was in and out without him ever knowing?" Rotty asked.

"Things didn't really go to plan. Help me, would you?" Kaz handed the oar to Wylan and revealed a small knife, grabbing the wire that bound her. He pulled at it to get a grip on it, eyes finding her teary ones. "I'm sorry," he murmured before slicing it. Aria let out a gasp and looked at her shaking hands.

"We have to warn the others," Wylan gasped as he gave the oars back to Kaz. "Rollins said—"

"Pekka Rollins was there?" Rotty asked.

"We have to go back to Black Veil, the others—" Wylan said.

"Wylan, shut up, I need to think." Kaz snapped, earning a glare from Aria. After a few moments, he decided. "We're going to the warehouse district."

"What about the others?" Aria asked.

"Jesper and Matthias are fighters, and there's no way Pekka's going to risk harming Kuwei. We're going to Sweet Reef." Kaz said.

"You said we'd be safe on Black Veil," Wylan protested.

"There is no safe. Not in the Barrel. Not anywhere." Kaz rowed relentlessly. His brow was sharp.

"What do we do now?" Wylan asked quietly, barely audible.

"Pick up a pair of oars and make yourself i useful," said Kaz. "Or I'll put your pampered ass in the drink and let your father fish you out."

emma / 2023
edited: 5/29/23