Chapter 39

Arken meticulously seated each of them in his train, instructing them to remain perfectly still and underscoring the importance of not shifting their weight. Inej, ever watchful, couldn't help but notice the multitude of scratch marks on Arken's arm, each one a testament to his successful crossings through the treacherous Shadow Fold.

Arken, his voice tinged with anxiety, explained that while the tracks were not yet complete, he had rigged slats on the car that would align with the eastern track. The turbines on the train generated sufficient wind to propel them in the right direction, provided no one moved.

As they waited in tense silence, Jesper surreptitiously mixed a potion from the vial Hadrian had given him into the alcohol in his hip flask.

Growing increasingly anxious, Arken seized Jesper's hip flask without hesitation and took a desperate swig. Unbeknownst to him, it contained Jesper's concoction from Hadrian's vial.

As the liquid coursed through his veins, Arken's eyes glazed over, and he fell into a trance-like state. His grip on the flask slackened, and it slipped from his fingers, forgotten.

Jesper, a hint of surprise in his voice, remarked to Kaz as they watched Arken become still and unresponsive.

Inej, testing him, muttered, "It's as if he's turned into a statue."

Jesper, smirking, spoke up to Kaz, "This potion is quite handy, isn't it? Maybe we should acquire more from Hadrian."

Kaz nodded in agreement, muttering, "Indeed, it is."

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as the noise from the train seemed to attract nearby Volcra, grotesque creatures with long, filthy claws, leathery wings, and rows of razor-sharp teeth. Their blood was as dark as the Fold itself, and they had become blind from residing in its depths, relying solely on their acute sense of smell to detect human blood.

Kaz's calculating mind quickly assessed the situation. He realized that under normal circumstances, their train should have easily outpaced the Volcra. He turned to Jesper, a hint of concern in his voice.

Kaz: "Jesper, it appears we're falling short by four pounds of the required coal."

Jesper's face tensed as he muttered with a mix of frustration and worry, "Shit."

Jesper began to panic, his eyes darting around for a solution. Meanwhile, Kaz retrieved the medallion Hadrian had given him, its surface glowing with searing light. The brilliance of it caused the Volcra to disintegrate into nothingness.

This momentary reprieve bought them enough time to safely navigate their way out of the Shadow Fold.

Inej told Kaz"You should really thank, Hadrian after this."

Kaz agreed.

While in Ravka, Baghra observed Alina's progress with a discerning eye, her stern expression unwavering. Alina summoned a larger ball of sunlight, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Baghra, in measured tones, declared, "That is all for today."

Alina, panting and frustrated, shot a brief glare at Baghra. Seeing this, Baghra let out a sigh before speaking her mind.

Baghra, her tone blunt, stated, "Don't mistake my dissatisfaction for hatred, girl. I only dislike you because of your stubbornness. You are becoming a burden to a boy I care about."

Alina, puzzled, furrowed her brows before realizing who Baghra was referring to.

Alina, her voice soft, muttered, "Hadrian."

Baghra nodded and continued, her voice tinged with concern. "Yes, he's already weighed down with responsibilities. He doesn't need someone who appears to lack purpose or direction."

Alina felt a pang of hurt, knowing she cared deeply for Hadrian. But she also understood that she had been neglecting her own responsibilities, just as he had.

Just then, Luda entered the room. Baghra, initially unaware of her daughter-in-law's presence, smiled slightly. Luda returned the smile and shared some news.

Luda, speaking cheerfully, announced, "Kirigan and Hadrian wish to discuss something with Alina."

Baghra, now noticing Luda, nodded approvingly and replied, "Good, you can take her, dear."

Luda smiled and turned her attention to Alina, who had been lost in thought. Alina questioned Luda about the impending meeting.

Alina, curious, asked, "What do Hadrian and Lord Kirigan want?"

Luda, aware of Alina's reservations, tried to reassure her. "I don't have all the details, but it seems the King wants to know more about your training. They might want to showcase your abilities once more."

Alina frowned, feeling like a pawn in their political games. Luda sensed her discomfort and offered solace.

Luda, comforting her, said, "Don't worry, this could be the last time you have to deal with the royals. Hadrian and Kirigan are working to ensure you receive better training."

Alina nodded, feeling a sense of purpose and determination growing within her. She couldn't run from her destiny any longer.

In the dimly lit chamber of the Little Palace, Hadrian and Kirigan sat across from each other, their expressions grave. Hadrian had a map of the Shadow Fold spread out before him, his calloused fingers tracing the treacherous terrain.

Hadrian, his brow furrowed, stated, "Kirigan, we can't afford any mistakes in Alina's training. The Fold is a dangerous place, and we need her at her best."

Kirigan, nodding in agreement, replied, "I understand your concern, Hadrian. Alina's powers, along with yours, offer our best hope against the Fold, but she's inexperienced. We must tread carefully."

Hadrian, leaning in, emphasized, "She's got potential, but potential alone won't get her through. We need to push her harder."

Kirigan, stroking his beard, conceded, "I agree, but we must exercise caution. She is already a target, and unlike you, she lacks strength. Her safety is paramount."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Alina, accompanied by Luda, entered, their eyes filled with determination.

Luda, addressing Hadrian, informed him, "I was bringing Alina from Baghra's training."

Hadrian, seeing a very tired Alina, inquired, "How did the training go?"

Alina frowned and replied, "She does not like me very much, but I now have control of my abilities."

Alina, with renewed determination, asked, "I heard you were discussing my training and the mission through the Shadow Fold."

Hadrian, with a reassuring smile, responded, "Indeed, we were, Alina. We need you to be prepared, as there will be a ship traveling through the Fold in the coming month."

Alina nodded with a resolute tone, saying, "I'm ready to learn, General Kirigan. I want to do whatever it takes to protect our people."

Kirigan, with a reassuring smile, added, "That's the spirit, Alina. We'll train you well, but remember, caution in the Fold is crucial."

As they continued their discussion, plans were made, and a sense of purpose filled the room. The fate of their world rested on Alina and Hadrian's shoulders, and together, they would face the perilous journey through the Shadow Fold.

Amidst the oppressive darkness of the Shadow Fold, a formless figure began to take shape. A chilling whisper cut through the eerie silence: "Kirigan my son, I am coming for you.