Aleksander Morozova - Blog Posts

It's been a long time since my artist friend and I decided to make a collab and it's finally finished ✨

Unfortunately he's not on tumblr, but I'll leave links:

Twitter

Telegram

Reddit

Instagram

Also only Nikolai

some sketch with Aleksander :>

I decided that since I drew darkolai, I should share them with other fans of this unpopular pairing :")

Monster from Epic the Musical gives me Darkling vibes and I don't really know how to explain it.

Can I request an angst Aleksander Morozova fix where is wife just head there son and it was a really hard birth and all he can remember is her scream and cry while clutching his hand. She’s asleep and the baby wakes up, at first Aleksander is a bit apprehensive to hold him but doesn’t want his wife to wake up. So he hold the baby and when he sees that the baby has Y/n’s eyes he just falls in love. Sorry if this was long. Hopping you have a wonderful day ❤️❤️❤️

Pairing: Husband!Aleksander Morozova x Wife!Reader

Warnings: There is none, it just a BIG OL' FLUFFY FLUFFY BEAR

When Aleks heard about the baby he was scared but also delighted. He knew exactly what NOT to do, but he didn't know what TO do. And not to mention the state of the world. It was no place to raise a child. But nontheless, he was elated to be starting a family with you, his wife.

Aleksander was by your side when your water broke. He stayed by your side as you were in labor. He watched you cry and scream. Listened as you yelled bloody murder for your child to come into the world. He wiped your tears and swiped the sweat off your forehead. Held your hand as you squeezed it so hard it felt it would fall off from the lack of circulation.

Once the baby was delivered he almost felt disappointment. His wife had been in pain and not only could he not help her but he was part of the cause.

You pass out after the baby was cleaned and fed. You held your daughter in your arms but Aleks was yet to. But the baby starts wailing right after you fell asleep and Aleksander knew he could at least help with this.

He walked over to the cradle and held out his hand. He was trying to muster the nerve to go up and lift the baby. You had already decided a name, Luna. He walked over and created shadows to amuse the child, but she just continued crying.

He picks her up, just like the nurses had. Dealing special attention to her head and trying his best to support her. He looks down at her as she stops crying. He had nothing but a loose tunic on, having abandoned his kefta and other layers while you were in labor. The baby is flush against he exposed chest as he holds her.

He continues to stare down at her before he notices her eyes. She had the same eyes as you, a light grey. He had poured pools upon pools of love into eyes just like those and this time was no different. As soon he saw the familiar eyes on Luna's cherub face, his heart had melted.

You woke up in the morning to see Aleks napping with Luna on his chest. Luna laid there in the silence of the early morning to see your husband. You admired the two, your two favorite beings in the same room as you. You were exhausted but you were happy. You were irrecoverably and irreversibly happy. No one would take this from you, No one at all.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

A/N

Thank you so much for the ask, I absolutely loved writing this! Have a great evening to anyone still awake, and amazing day to anyone getting up. Again, my inbox and messages are always open if you want to send in a request or just talk. Love y'all, mwah!

Anybody Call A Doctor (I'm 1000 Degrees In Love)

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Lantsov!Reader

Warnings: Mostly fluff that I wanted to be smut

Chapter 3 of "The Bunny and It's Shadow"

Aleksander slowly starts kissing down your body with a tenderness you had not expected. He kisses every inch of your skin, and all your insecurities and worries melt away. You knew you loved him and he loved you, you knew this was going to be forever, even if nothing else was.

You watch as he travels down. The admiration and utter devotion in his eyes, evident as he looks back up at me. My heart skips a beat as I make eye contact with him. He also made me feel special and the intimacy of this moment pours over me like a refreshing shower.

You and Aleksander had done this before. The fleeting makeouts in his room and quickies in the hallway. Him whisking you away into his chambers or a bathroom to let out your mutual frustrations. But, now you’re married, it’s 100 times more intimate. It was coveted, it was sweet, it was something you’d only dreamt of doing with Aleksander. Never knowing that you’d ever be able to marry him.

You snap out of your haze of reflection as he reaches down between your thighs. He knew what to do to make you come undone quickly, but he didn’t want it quick. He wanted to savor this moment, cherish it like an ancient relic. You being his most prized possession. He thrust a finger in your cunt, slowly pumping it at a steady pace. Stretching you out for him, despite your numerous other times taking him.

He adds another, and another, whispering sweet nothings into your ear and the air around you. Kissin down your neck, littering your collarbone and neck with love bites. Knowing that you wouldn’t be able to hide them in the morning, purposefully making sure that they would be bright purple and noticeable when you had to face your friends at breakfast. He made you feel safe and on the edge at the same time.

He teased you like you were a puppy jumping up at a treat right before it was pulled away. And you loved it. It might have seemed cruel, but you did. His mere attention made you feel like a star shining bright in the midst of a void of darkness.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

The next morning, you woke up to the smell of violets. They had a very distinct smell for you because they were your favorite. Your nanny as a child would always pick them and bring them to you. Those were some of your happiest memories, happily playing with your older brother, Nikolai, and your shared nanny.

You turn to see Aleks still asleep. He looked so peaceful there, lying in the morning sunrise. The orange light illuminates his skin, making him glisten like a gem. He was a gem to you, the most precious, beautiful, perfect gem of the world in your eyes.

His eyes flutter open and he catches you staring. You blush as a smile spreads across his face. He reaches for you, pulling you back into bed and you let him. You trusted him with everything, your heart, your life, everything. He whispers in your ear, “Morning, Mrs. Morozova.”

You can feel his grin on your neck and you look back at him, “Mrs. Morzova is hungry right now, Mr. Morzova.”

He chuckles before shrouding the room in darkness. He grabs your wrist to amplify your new-found power, illuminating the once pitch-black room with stars. You both look in awe, completely and utterly amazed to see not only the beauty of your stars, but your respective stars and shadows mingling together, in harmony.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

You head to breakfast with the rest of the camp and your skin prickles with the stares of everyone. You had forgotten about the marks Aleks had given you. You feel a hand on your back leading you to a fairly empty section by the stoked out fire. You know it’s Aleksander, you lean into his touch, and let him guide you.

Breakfast had a tension thick enough to cut with an axe. You slowly eat your food as Aleksander casually talks with Ivan beside him, leaving you swimming with awkwardness. You turn and talk to Fedyor, but you feel the eyes boring into the back of your head.

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Once Breakfast is thankfully over, you start packing up to head back to the Little Palace. You knew Aleksander had duties and you wanted to move out of the Main Palace as soon as possible.

The trek back home was easy, simple. It was actually quite calming, you grin every time you see a flower. You had studied them for hours as a child, continuing far into your adulthood, ever the anthophile. But you were still nervous, you had to face your parents not only about the failed Fjerdan engagement and your marriage to Aleksander, but about your powers as well.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

When you're back at the Little Palace, Aleksander immediately tells the servants to move your belongings into his, or your now shared chambers. You follow him into his war room, wanting to relax after the ride home. Aleks asks for tea before sitting down on a chair he’s had for years. The leather worn from both of you napping in it after a long day of Aleks’ work.

You climb into his lap and wait for the tea. He cuddles you and grads a purple and black blanket to lay over the two of you. The tea arrives and you guys sip the tea in silence, enjoying each other’s company. But your mind is racing a million miles a second, because what are you going to do about your powers? And more importantly, what are you going to do about your parents?

Your mind snaps out its trance as Aleks exclaims, “Anybody call a doctor!”

You turn to look at him and he’s grinning before saying “I’m a thousand degrees in love.”

You smile at each other. In a soft, sweet, domestic way. You were in love and you were going to cherish every second of it.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

A/N:

Hey guys! This is the third chapter of Aleksander Morozova series, I'm writing this while collaborating with @lost-tothe-centuries! I have been swamped with classes so I am sorry for the wait. We'll, lemme know what you think. Also, always remember that my DMs and requests are always open if you wanna talk. Love y'all! Mwah!

"Will You Take My Hand, Dear?"

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Lantsov!Reader

Warnings: Mostly fluff that alludes to smut that'll be in the next chapter with a dollop of angst

Chapter 2 of "The Bunny and Its Shadow"

You take Aleksander's hand as he leads you into the hall, belongings in hand. You watch in disbelief as you pass by all the bodies on the floor, unsure if they're dead or just knocked out. Either way, you can't bring yourself to wrap your head around the idea of Aleksander doing something like this. Risking everything that he's fought, scraped, and crawled for, to make sure he could be safe, to make sure his Grisha were safe.

You feel guilty. Why would he take that chance? The chance of everything falling apart, for someone he knew for such a short time. He had lived countless lives, worn various names, but what you hadn't known is that he hadn't loved anyone in those lives. At least not since her. Not since Luda.

Of course Aleksander had told you about Luda. The same night he talked of his past, he gave you his explanation, told you his reasoning for each individual cautious step he took to get here. Told you every ounce of pain that shot through his heart, as the king's guard shot through her's.

What you don't understand is why he would jeopardize all of his progress, possibly even risk war, for someone he's known for a mere 3 years compared to his comparably much, much longer life. You had talked about your insecurity of the time you had spent together and what it meant to him. How you felt that when you inevitably began to grow older, you would longer have any appeal. That he would cast you aside for a younger, prettier girl.

Or maybe he would think you were too much work. Your constant need for affection and clingy nature, he might some day find annoying. That you're broken to an extent that he didn't want to put the effort into. That you would be left heartbroken and alone, like you had been a majority of your childhood.

He promised every single time that he would never do such a thing, that he would find a way for you to live a longer life. But your insecurities and fears always found a way to shine through.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

Before you could pull yourself from your haze of self-doubt and fear, Aleksander cut through it. He always found a way to get to you when you were upset. Whether it be drowning in your minefield of thoughts or simply upset about what happened in the real world. Your current events being evidence of the ladder.

He squeezed your hand in reassurance, somehow knowing that you're sinking into the quicksand of your mind. As you walk out, into the frigid weather Aleksander leans over to whisper to you, "Ivan, Fedyor, and some other Grisha are in the woods. I didn't want to risk anyone's lives but my own. I much prefer them helping from a distance granted our location."

As soon as you're in sight Fedyor smiles and waves at you. Ivan standing beside his husband, with his usual cold demeanor. Once you're in arm's reach though, Ivan is quick to wrap a kefta around your shoulders, asking you, "Are you okay?"

You're quick to ease his worry and wrap your arms around Fedyor. Always comforted by the pair ever since they figured out that you and Aleksander were more than just ‘kind acquaintances' . Fedyor reciprocates your hug, meeting your need for affection from him with a similar need of his own.

Aleksander patiently waits behind you as you greet the small group of Grisha that had accompanied him. Once you turn back to him he's already staring at you with eyes that you can only describe as absolutely lovestruck. As he admires you with a small smile, he tells you, "Let's get on the road, Milaya." Your cheeks slightly flushing as he used the pet name in front of anyone other than Genya, Ivan, or Fedyor.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

You ride on Aleksander's horse on your way to your wedding venue. After multiple hours, you were out of Fjerda, everyone was exhausted, and the horses needed a much deserved break.

You set up camp for the night slinking into Aleksander and Your's shared tent. Although you're far from Fjerda, the weather was still quite chilly. As a result you were quick to snuggle under the blankets of your shared cot. It was a good few minutes before Aleksander arrived, coming to bed and pulling you close to him.

With your time away from each other, Aleksander couldn't stand another minute away from you. Every minute, every second, that ticked by where you weren't by his side made him antsy. He held you like you were the only thing precious to him in the world, because you were. You meant more to him than any title, he would risk anything and everything for you. He would scour any place, any country you could be in. He would burn the world down till it was ash if that's what he needed to do in order to find you.

When you tell him about your insecurities and how you feel like you aren't worth certain things, it hurts him. It hurts him emotionally and physically pains him. He has never loved anyone since Luda, that was until you. You had shone bright like a star in the night sky, a beam of light in the depths of his shadows.

He loved you with the entirety of his heart and soul. He would give you the world, make it kneel at your feet if that's what you wanted. You were everything to him, and he wished that his love for you was enough to prove that. That it scared him when he thought of you passing away. That he would lose his little star and be shrouded in darkness again, cold and alone.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

When you awoke in the morning, Aleksander was gone, but you heard his muffled voice outside the tent. You sat there as you listened to the best of your ability, until Aleksander opened the tent to presumably lay back down with you. Obviously shocked by your consciousness, he asks you, "How'd you sleep?"

"Oh I don't know, I guess I kind of missed you," you teased back at him. He seemed to understand that you were joking and that you actually did miss him dearly. He leans over you and pecks your lips before he turns away from you as he talks, "We need to get back on the road soon, I only paid the officiant for today."

You shoot up before you start getting dressed, remembering today is your wedding.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

You quickly get ready and are on the path to the venue, the venue Aleksander still won't tell you about. Around noon you arrived there, and by 4 you were getting married. You wore a lavender dress with embroidered sage green vines, one of the first gifts Aleksander had given you.

You felt pretty and Aleksander confirmed the fact. At the altar he stood in a kefta that you can only assume Genya made for him. It was his signature black kefta, with lavender embroidery instead of its usual black.

As you exchanged vows in front of your best friends and to the love of your life, you felt tears welling in your eyes. A few days before, you thought that you'd be meeting a different man at the altar, a stranger. But here you were in a small town in the middle of Ravka, marrying the man you never fathomed you'd be able to, during one of the most gorgeous sunsets you'd ever seen.

Aleks looked at you in question as he asked, "Will you take my hand, Dear? Will you let me drag you down into the shadows and depths to love with my entire being?" You could only answer him with a kiss, unable how to answer with words. As you kissed your husband it was filled with love and unsanctioned want. You opened your eyes to see Aleksander's eyes widen with amazement as he looked above your heads. You swiftly looked up to see stars intertwining with Aleksander's shadowy tendrils.

He looked down at you and said, "You-You're a Star Summoner. You're Grisha."

You looked around at your small group of Grisha, including Fedyor and Ivan who were staring at you with both shock and complete awe. They all fell to their knees as they looked at you, them all saying the same phrase, "Sankta Y/N"

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

Aleksander grabbed your wrist amplifying your new found powers, and pulled you over to where they had set up camp. He got tired of dragging you along, as he was much faster than you could keep up with, so he picked you up bridal style carrying you the rest of the way.

Once you were inside your shared tent, Aleksander set you down on your cot. Though he practically threw himself at you in a much less graceful and much more hungry, lust-filled manner. He leaned over you before he smashed his lips to yours, you meeting the kiss with equal vigor. He nipped and bit on your bottom lip before slipping his tongue into your mouth.

You didn't pull away until absolutely necessary. As you both pant, trying to catch your breath, you heard him whisper, "We can live together forever now."

Your heart swells with the admission, the fact that you were Grisha and you would never lose Aleks. That he would be by your side for as long as you both lived. You reply to him, "You're right my love, I'll never have to leave you now." You were too happy to recognize the anger you had towards your parents for hiding this, and also honestly you’re a little preoccupied.

Aleksander slowly starts kissing down your body with a tenderness you had not expected. He kisses every inch of your skin, and all your insecurities and worries melt away. You knew you loved him and he loved you, you knew this was going to be forever, even if nothing else was.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

A/N

Hey guys! This is the second chapter of Aleksander Morozova series, I'm writing this while collaborating with @lost-tothe-centuries! I had some pretty good response and engagement in the first chapter, so here you go! I hope you guys enjoy! Also, always remember that my DMs and requests are always open if you wanna talk. Love y'all! Mwah!

"Where'd You Go Bunny?"

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Lantsov!Reader

Warnings: Some HUGE angst with a little bitty pinch of fluff

Chapter 1 of "The Bunny and Its Shadow"

You weren't sure when you fell for Aleksander, and Aleksander didn't know when he fell for you. But you both knew you were completely, irrevocably, irreversibly in love with each other. Although the worst part was the secrecy. Stuck with longing gazes when seen in the day, and sneaking around each other's chambers whispering breathless sweet nothings in the dead of night.

Nonetheless your heart was his and while everyone saw this evil monster or scary general, you saw a scarred man with a damaged past. Even when Aleksander broke down one night, telling you everything, begging on his knees for you to not leave him. And while you were shocked, you knew you could never leave him, not now, not ever.

But your heart broke the moment your dad called you to his chambers one afternoon, and as you walked in to him conversing with his greasy advisors, you knew something was off. Your heart dropped as he's told you that you're to be married to some Fjerdan Prince. That he was going to be sending you away to Fjerda to prepare for the wedding.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

You didn't even get the chance to tell Aleksander goodbye before your father had you stuffed in a carriage on the bumpy journey to Fjerda. The roads are covered in snow and the wheels of your carriage getting caught on unlevel dirt and stones. Your mind racing as you wondered what would happen to Aleksander and what would happen to you.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

Aleksander was slightly caught off guard by your inability to visit his chambers the first night. Though he understood, maybe you just didn't feel like seeing him that night. But as the days ticked by he wondered if you had left him, like you promised you never would. Quickly reprimanding himself, trying to desperately escape his insecurities.

After a week and half, he broke. He spent the last 10 nights wondering where'd you'd gone, asking himself, "Was it me, did I drive her away?" Running himself up and down the wall, slowly going manic at the musings of what could've happened swam around rapidly. On the morning of the 10th day he asked Genya if she knew anything, knowing you spoke of your fondness towards her. She of course knew of the nature of the two of you and your relationship, so she was quick to tell him when he asked.

To say that Aleksander was shocked would have been an understatement. He was swept into a whirlwind of emotions as Genya explained. First his spirits quickly being lifted from knowing that you hadn't left him of your own volition, just for them to be dragged right back down to the knowledge of you being engaged so someone in Fjerda.

He was swiftly caught in a flurry of emotions, from severely depressed, to a dash of happy, to upset, to angry, and finally full on rage with intent of killing your father. But he knows homicide won't fix anything yet, and he has to come up with a plan and fast.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

Your 2 weeks in Fjerda were the worst of your life. Not only had your whole life come crashing down, you had to try and conform to Fjerdan marriage customs. Which were drastically different from Ravkan traditions, as you addressed in your letters to your father. (Which he was either ignoring or not receiving.) You had yet to have met your fiance and you were meant to be "quiet".

But you of course didn't fit any of these ideals, you were an outspoken, confident woman who would at least like to meet the man she's meant to marry. Though because of your personality you were' obviously punished, in ways that you would rather forget but are forced to live with. But you received gifts like a comb and bracelet from your fiancé, which while well-intended were much unwanted.

But one night, a scream ripped through the silent halls in the dead of night. You quickly shot awake, quick to hide in the corner of the room, because while you were confident and Aleks had shown you some maneuvers to defend yourself, you were scared at that moment. But then you heard a familiar voice, calling out for you down the halls. You inched closer to the door as you heard footsteps approach. You watch as your door flings open and you see the exact person you had missed the past few months, your lover, your devil, your Aleksander.

He quickly pulls you into his arms as soon as he sees you. Both of you feeling tears welling up in your respective eyes. You hear him telling you tearfully, “Where’d you go bunny?” You had finally been reunited, after almost 3 months of abuse and longing he was here, he was holding you. For the first time in while you felt safe.

For a long while you two just held each other, before he lifted his head from your shoulder, his eyes red from the tears that now left a wet patch on your nightgown. You stared into each other's eyes, until he cupped your cheek and kissed you. You kissed him with equal vigor and love, as you sat there letting each other's languid movements communicate what you were not able to in the moment. You hadn't disconnected until you both needed to take a breath.

As you caught your breath in silence, Aleksander reached to cup your cheek, he told you, "Let's get you packed and ready to go." Your heart skipped a beat as you got up to start collecting your things avoiding your engagement gifts before stopping in your tracks to ask Aleksander, "Wait, where are we going to go?" He looked up at you and sweetly replied, "We can't be late for our wedding," before continuing his motions to clear your belongings out of the room. You stood there in shock and skin buzzing with the anticipation of marrying the man you truly wanted to.

∾ ▩ °º❤️º°  ▩ ∾

A/N: Okay guys, this is my first chapter of a new series I am writing for Aleksander Morozova! I am collaborating in this idea with @lost-tothe-centuries and I am so excited to see how you guys feel and hopefully attract more of a S&B Audience. Also remember my inbox and messages are always open if you ever want to talk! Love y'all! *Mwah*

Moon Helios

Act II - The Blood Helios

Cast

Y/n Starkov

The Blood Helios

“I was born of blood, sworn by blood, I enter alive and leave dead.”

“I AM THE FIRE THAT’S GOT ME THIS FAR!”

Aleksander Morozova 

The Darkling

“You and I are going to change the world.”

We… crave what we can never have.”

Alina Starkov

The Sun Summoner

“I never asked for this!”

“You are a Helios! Your duty is to me! Your Sol Sankta!” 

Niko Dubinsky 

The Loyal

“Must you always be covered in blood when we meet?”

“I’m sorry for this…. But when you’re ready, you’ll find me.”

Egom Waldow

The Lord Helios

“Your leisure had been gushing red long before I ever influenced you.”

“Get your hands off my daughter.”

Malyen Oretsev

The Tracker

“You’re different now, something is different.”

“I’m pretty sure this the first time I’ve seen you all armored up.”

Ares

The God of War

“Get up! Do not go down like that. Get up and scream, bite, kick! Go down like the vicious woman you are.”

“You could never disappoint me. You’ve done what I’ve asked for.”

Kheli Vemra

The Trusted

“May I have this dance?”

“The younglings for looking for you.”

Adam Peev

The Friend

“The tree is on the throne room for you.”

“I’ve never seen you look at anyone like that.”

Drazan Vlaev

The Devoted

“I know what that means, I cannot accept it.”

“I laid siege on the wall of your heart’s fortress many times. Crumbled it a little but never broke it down. For him, you opened that gates.

Divider create goes to @astralnymphh

A/n: This is the being of Act II. This will go over the first season of s&b. Also this fix gets a whole lot darker from here in out. Like a lot. Also the imagine of Alice above isn’t ment to mean anything. It is just a visual representation of a girl in armor. That is somewhat what Helios! Readers armor looks like.

Edit: I don’t know how I forgot about Drazan, he’s a new character and you’ll learn more about him in a minute.

Moon Helios Act I Faceclaims

Niko Dubinsky

Isla Vernio 

Egon Waldow

Rosica Nevera

Kheli Vemra

Zan Ostrowski

Adam Peev

Alina Starkov

Malyen Oretsev

Ares

Aphrodite

Poseidon

Moon Helios

a/n there isn’t much triggers in this chapter but a slight panic attack. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK and enjoy

꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꎇꂦꈤ꓄ ꀤꌗ ꎇꀭꍟꋪꀸꍏꈤ

Word count : 2.1k plus

Series trigger warnings: Child abuse, anxiety, religious trauma, racism, manipulation, division of canon, Alina hate?, trauma, ptsd, bullying, insomnia, self-neglect, mental health issues, guilt tripping, cult theme, blood consumption, cannibalism?? Lost of murder, talks of SA in other characters, Sexual acts, future smut, predatory behavior(not from Aleks) and all other shadow and bone stuff

Act I : Necklace for a Lifetime

Chapter Four

The trainees stood in the forge covered in soot and dust. Another year had passed in there training, and now it was time for them to truly demonstrate their loyalty to the Sol Saint.

Y/n stood with Isla in front of her and Niko as her side. Y/n had woken up early to fix up Isla’s hair. The curls were twisted and carefully down up in a ponytail so the hair was out of her face. Niko was still learning how to help up with Isla so Y/n had extra work.

Niko was now learning how to remember what all the clicks from Isla’s clicker meant, along with all the taps she’d give. Though Niko was a bit behind, he was learning quickly. Y/n rubbed her eyes and bite back a yaw. 

Y/n had a restless sleep. Every night since she had that episode in the arena she’d dream of that man, and his dark eyes. Sometimes Y/n would find a strange comfort in his eyes, sometimes she’d feel almost at peace.

Now that they were old enough, they could send letters home if they wanted. Y/n had wasted no time in sending multiple letters to Alina and Mal.

It only be a matter of time before she got a reply. Niko’s family already replied to him with great happiness that their son was still alive. Isla’s family hadn’t responded yet, they were residing in Novyi Zem. Her family was furthest away, but Isla remains positive.

Y/n could only roll her shoulders as Kanos instructed them on how to forge there armor. Kanos walked each child to there own heated furnace and spoke softly with each for a moment before going to the next. Kanos practically ripped Niko away from Isla and Y/n.

Y/n looked over at Isla and froze. There was no way Isla could do this. She would get hurt, surely this would be dangerous. Isla gently grasped Y/n’s hand.

“Your vibration are fuzzy, what’s wrong.” Isla asked. The sound of Isla’s clicker brought Y/n such comfort to hear. Y/n gently rubbed Isla’s arm and held her for a moment. Y/n peered down at her with a slight grin.

“Nothing, just excited for the forging ceremony.” Y/n answered as she felt her palms go a bit clammy. Isla went narrow eyed and raised a brow. Another trainee was taken.

Isla grabbed Y/n’s clammy hands and held them for a moment. Y/n stood upright, tension in her muscles, but head held high. Y/n seemed to master the ability to hide her emotions from almost everyone. Just not her, Isla was too intoned with Y/n’s vibrations.

“Just because my sight hasn’t come in doesn’t mean I can’t feel when something’s wrong.” Isla clicked. Y/n rolls her eyes as she felt Kanos walking toward them. Quickly Y/n pulled Isla into tight embrace. Y/n hooked her arms around Isla’s waist and pushed her head into Isla’s neck.

Isla always smelt of roses and wildflowers. Wildflowers that made Y/n think of home. Isla smelt like home. 

“Be careful when you use the forge.” Y/n muttered against Isla’s softly skin. Her hands trembled slightly, she couldn’t let Isla get hurt. Not again, not after-

“Hey, you with me?” Isla’s gentle tapping against her palm, cut through the thoughts racing in Y/n’s head. The words blurred together in Y/n head as she tried to speak. 

The exhaustion was smacking Y/n in the face all at once. As Kanos grew closer Y/n took it in a big breath and sighed. The pair pressed there heads together and breathed together.

 Isla held Y/n’s hand as the shaking went away. Isla breathed Y/n in, she smelt smoky with a slight lavender touch. Isla could remain in Y/n presence for eternity if she could. Y/n held her like she was the only thing in the world to her. Y/n protected her in a way she’d never been protected before. 

Y/n would give Isla the foods she didn’t want, claiming Isla needed the nutrients. Y/n would tie the blue ribbon every morning, and  untie it every time. Y/n would spar with Isla till her knuckles were bruised so she’d improve. Y/n would push Isla and now Niko behind her whenever she sensed trouble.

Isla gently pulled away as Kanos waited. Normally Kanos would simply pull Isla away but for whatever odd reason he allowed the girl there privacy. 

“Be careful.”

“I always am.”

As Isla walked further and further away Y/n stood alone. Sure there were a few other trainees but Y/n wasn’t too close with them. Sure she’d made friends with Kheli after there fight, and Zan had been suspiciously

nicer to her.

Zan and Adam had been strangely friendly. They’d hang out with them sometimes and seemed to like them. Y/n couldn’t tell whether or not she really liked them. They seemed fine, they made jokes with Isla form time to time. There was just a sense of unease that surrounded them.

“Starkov, you’re up.” Kanos’s voice cut through her thoughts like a knife. She followed behind him through the forge, sparks flying off the metal the other younglings molded. Y/n was brought to the very back of the forge, her hearth ragged on with a blue flame. Y/n eyes widened a little, the other fires were normal. Why was hers blue. 

“Helios Kanos…? Why is mine blue?” Y/n’s question caused him to roll his eyes.

“Egon is Lord Helios, his younglings are made to use different fires. I lead Isla to the one by Niko.” 

With that he was gone. Y/n groan a bit frustrated as she grabbed the gloves. She looked over all the metals for a moment, there were so many. Out of all the Helios’s that still had there durast abilities they always stocked up for the younglings.

There was Sunstell name after it’s brightest before and after melting. Though very strong, if laced with coiluseium could pierce it easily. Also there was Solodium, durable and easy to find. Only issue with it being so easy to find was that lots of people used it. Then there was Qixianium, qixian meaning golden immortal after the Sol Saint. Qixianium was practically indestructible but was very difficult for none Helios’s to find. 

Y/n grabbed a mix of all these metals. Then she looked over the stones. Each gave different uses. There was Brixam, Aglaeum, Ziqen, Ruxiaem, and so many more. 

Each Helios armor was supposed to be different. Special to there wearer. Y/n bit her lip softly as she saw everything over. All of these stones were hard to find, but each could be melted. 

Who’s gonna know

Without another though Y/n grabbed three stones. She grabbed Brixam, it would increase physical strength and would make her armor harder then it already was. She grabbed Aglaeum, it would amplify her mental and her ability to fight off Corporalki (mainly heartrender from messing with her body). Finally Ruxiaem, it would help her sense people’s vibrations at a better level in her armor.

With all her materials she began. She melted all her metals together in the blue fire. She smiled softly as she listened to the metals bubble. She grabbed a hammer and smashed each stone into dust. She stirred the metal and pour it into a mold Egon had made for her.

Each master would make there younglings mold for there armor. The one Egon had made for Y/n was strange in the best ways. It remind her for the tattoo Egon had on his arm. At least the woven looking collar did.

She pour the mixed metals into the mold and placed the stone dust into the forge. The forge fire lit up in a teal, then white, the a purple light as the dust melted. Y/n cooled the metal necklace the pulled it out of the mold. She pour the now melted stones into a small upside down teardrop shape. 

Hours fades by and one by one each Youngling left wit bright smiles showing off there necklace. Each looked different, some looked better then others. Isla strolled out with Niko the pair show off there armor off. 

Isla’s necklaces was a simple metal band with a diamond on its center. On the center of the diamond was a Ziqen which would increase hearing and would help her find people. Niko’s collar was an intricate golden crown looking necklace. No stone in sight, most like melted into the metal.

Niko looked around, but his sight didn’t show him Y/n anywhere. Finally after a while Y/n emerged holding her collar behind her back. Isla gripped Y/n’s arm with a big smile. Niko looked down at her and raised a brow. His hand found it’s way to Y/n’s shoulder.

Niko hadn’t been very comfortable with touching anyone in a while. Since they had gotten there burn marks Niko couldn’t bear to touch anyone. He’d fear that he accidentally burn someone with his inferni abilities. He would never touch anyone’s skin, but his calloused hand on Y/n’s clothed shirt was enough for him.

Slowly Y/n showed her friend her collar. It was incredible that both gasped. The metals shined in a beautiful sliver shimmer, the metals were woven together crossing ever so often. On one of the crosses a strangling and shining stone was held by the woven pieces. It was a soft clear blue.

“It’s …… amazing.” Niko mumbled as he went to touch it. 

“I’ve never seen anything like that.” Isla clicked as her sight allowed her to see it. Y/n turned to Isla with bright eyes. 

“Your sight kicked in?” Y/n marveled. She brought Isla in for a bone crushing hug and jumped slightly. Y/n’s squeal of pride echoed through the forge entrance hall. Isla nodded her head with a rhythmic up and down. Niko smiled at his girls and held his head softly.

“What gem is that?”

Y/n still holding onto Isla turn to Niko. She laughed almost nervously but then cleared her throat. 

“It’s a mixture…”

Niko’s face dropped to the ground. Isla bit back her smirk at Niko’s face. Mixing the stones was unheard of. Practically not allowed. Sure it was never said you couldn’t but it was never said you could. 

“YOU WHAT!”

Y/n laid in her bunk as she left and heard Isla crawl down from the top. Niko’s snores drowned out anyone else as Isla crawled next to Y/n. Y/n opened her green blanket and Isla jumped into Y/n. Isla nuzzled into Y/n as Y/n held Isla closer. 

Isla listened intently to Y/n’s soft and calm heartbeat. Y/n slowly pet the soft twists of Isla’s hair. Y/n’s free hand drawing soft circles onto Isla’s back. Y/n rested her head on Isla’s as she softly pet her hair. Isla brought her hand onto Y/n’s chest and placed it over Y/n’s heart.

Isla tapped Y/n a bit impatiently, causing Y/n to smile softly. 

“ʜᴜꜱʜ ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴏɴᴇꜱ, ʀᴇꜱᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʟᴇᴇᴘ ɪɴ ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ

ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪᴇʟᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ

ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇᴀᴅᴏᴡ ᴡᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇ

ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴜɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴀɪɴ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴄᴇᴀꜱᴇ”

Y/n’s soft voice rang through the room. Her singing remained Isla of her mom. Y/n’s voice was one of a siren maybe, or of a enchanting creature. Her voice always lulling Isla or anyone for that matter to sleep. 

“ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪɴᴅꜱ ᴄᴀʟʟ ꜰᴏʀᴛʜ, 

ᴍʏ ᴛʀᴜᴇꜱᴛ ɴᴏʀᴛʜ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴀꜱꜱ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱʜᴀᴋᴇ

ʙᴜᴛ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛꜱ ꜱʜᴀʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ

ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪᴇʟᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ, ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ”

Niko’s eyes opened for a moment and closed them again as Y/n’s voice entered his ears. There was that small chance that he would stay awake, but Niko didn’t mind. Y/n’s voice caused Niko to adjust his sleeping position and faced the two girls.

“ʜᴜꜱʜ ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴏɴᴇꜱ, ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴡᴇᴇᴘ

ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ꜰᴏɴᴅʟʏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴛɪᴍᴇ

ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴇᴀᴅᴏᴡ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ

ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇᴅ ᴜꜱ ɪɴᴛᴏ ɪᴛꜱ ꜱʜɪɴᴇ”

With the final verse of the lullaby Niko and Isla drifted into sleep. The window above Y/n’s bunk shined moonlight onto her skin. It was warm and fuzzy. Her skin felt all tingly and strange. Y/n though to Alina and Mal. 

She wondered if they’d gotten her letters yet. She’d sent four. Two of Mal, two for Alina. Niko’s family had answered, and the lived further away then Keramzin. Maybe they just gotten lost. Maybe Alina and Mal were angry that she hadn’t written earlier. Maybe they though she was dead.

Y/n’s thoughts wondered away from her sister and friend, back to those brown eyes, his dark hair, his handsome face. Y/n still want quite sure who he was. He was always in black clothes. In her dreams he always had a hardened look on his face till Y/n got closer. 

His face seemed to light up then, his eyes would brighten. His eyes were such a strange thing. They held so many emotions, such intensity. When Y/n closed her eyes she knew she’d see him again. With a tiny smile she did just that.

Divider create goes to @astralnymphh

New book!!!

I just stared this new book for Aleksander Morozova x fem! reader. Reader is Alina’s sister and a special warrior. It’s called the moon Helios on wattpad. There is some Alina hate and stuff but not till alter in the book. I just fell in love with Aleksander and I think he deserves some who loves him. Here’s the link to the story. I hope that all who read enjoy!😉

Wattpad

Ͳհҽ Ɱօօղ ǶҽӀìօʂ - ǶҽӀìօʂ

Read ǶҽӀìօʂ from the story Ͳհҽ Ɱօօղ ǶҽӀìօʂ by Hakate14-7 (A fucking simp) with 26 reads. alinastarkov, darkling, kazbre...

not to sound ungrateful, because the fics that already exist of this pairing - though they be few - are marvelous

(turns me to gold in the sunlight by TheMysteriousL, Hand in Hand in Unlovable Hand by Sevent, yes i am looking at you. there are others but i can’t remember them :((( )

but when exactly will i have the privilege of reading a malarklina (maldarklina?) fic where alina and the darkling are both ancient and powerful and in evil villain love while planning to take over the world together, and they somehow meet mal and go “yes. this one will be ours.” and make him their consort or whatever?? with angst maybe?? and some nice ~seduction to the dark side~ vibes???

i would write it myself, but none of the potential plotlines i’ve thought of have sounded very satisfying.

THIS IS IT. MY THOUGHTS IN WORDS.

Look look look look look look. look. Here’s the thing, 90% of the time I couldn’t give a shit about villains and their tragic backstories. BUT FOR SOME REASON, Aleksander Morozova makes me absolutely feral. I am obsessed with the fact that he, the Darkling, the Black Heretic, was a hero. He was nearly killed by his own kind when he was a child and it made him PROTECTIVE of Grisha. He knew it would have never happened if Grisha could have a safe place in the world and he wanted so badly to create that. 

He fought and won wars for kings to put Grisha in a better light, he fought against a king to try and save Grisha. Episode seven showed how he was practically the leader of a rebellion, the role so many book protagonists have. And he watched as people he cared about, the people he fought for, were killed through years and decades and centuries while he lived on. He was the hero that had been pushed over the edge, that became a villain because trying to save his people the “right” way had failed him one too many times. 

Of course his intentions warped but he can’t stop because he’s so close and he’s lived too long to believe that any other way could work. But that core desire of Grisha no longer having to be afraid shines through even in his cruelty and it makes you feel like he could have been saved, could have been redeemed if things had turned out differently. 

HIMYM is my ultimate comfort series, so I know the episode that this came from by heaaaart as it is one of my favorite episode. Thank you so much for the inspiration ❤️ In this AU, Baghra did not warn Alina of the darkling, she just lets him do whatever, then here as well Mal moved into the Little Palace as part of the amplifier tracking team then reconciled with Alina and they became a couple. The Darkling’s plan involves having the amplifiers complete before he has his true intentions known. So they have been living in Os Alta for a few years from the first book, Shadow and Bone. Enjoy! :) 

Disclaimer: Some quite graphic scenes here, and a bit Mature as well. Very very angsty.

"Does this mean anything to you?" She asked.

"Yes. Of course, it did." The Darkling answered.

A solemn look passed on to her face.

"Alina. Talk to me."

"Mal." He did not know that the blow would hurt like that. "He is the kindest and nicest person. I can't believe I just did this to him. I am a horrible person”

“Alina.” He did not know what to say. It was true. It was indeed a bit horrible that they did that. Everything passed by quickly last night. At first, they were just talking, as they took a break from finalizing their performance, then the next they were in his room, blazing with fire, urgently all over each other, then one thing led to another, ending up with them waking up next to each other naked under the sheets.  

“I’m sorry.” That was all he can say for now. He did not know if he really meant it.  

She stood up, wrapping the sheets around her body as she picked up her clothes on the floor.  

“This never happened. We are not talking about this.” said Alina.

“Are you going to tell Mal?”  

“I...” she hesitated, then looked worriedly at him. “I... don’t know. I should, shouldn’t I?”

Aleksander sat up, leaning his back on the headboard of the bed. “Why are you asking me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

Alina made a frustrated noise, then proceeded with putting on her clothes.  

“Please, it’s not like I am the only who took pleasure in this, Alina.”

She stopped midway on clasping her blue kefta, then looked at him furiously. “This is a mistake. This should never happen again.”  

“Should?”

“Aleksander.”  

He raised both of his palms up as a form of surrender, but his lips quirked a grin upon hearing his name uttered by her. He remembered telling it to her last night on the heat of the moment.

“This. Never happened. We will perform at the fete like this never happened, then I will be by my boyfriend’s side the whole night after that.”

“If you say so.”

Alina looked at him like she was still about to say something, but refrained herself to. With knot on her forehead, she stormed out of his room.  

This night indeed was going to be very interesting.  

Alina was glad that they were able to wake up before anybody else in the Little Palace. She was glad that Mal was asked to be an additional security in the Grand Palace for the festivities.  

When she reached her room, she hurriedly locked it and threw herself on her bed with all of her clothes on. Her room was cold, quite noticeable that she was not in here last night. She did not care. Her mind raced through the events that transpired last night.  

It was an unusual night. She remembered enjoying the company of the Darkling, being comfortable talking to him, him telling her his real name. She has never expected that kind of comfort with him. He always usually looked cool and collected, but last night, for the first time she saw him laugh. Genuinely laugh, not like the ominous and clipped laugh that he had, making you think if he is planning your demise behind that laugh.  

She has always felt drawn towards him. Before Mal moved into the Little Palace to become part of the team tracking her amplifiers, for a moment before that she felt an indescribable want to be with him. That was until Mal have confessed his feelings towards her, then they became a couple. The Darkling might not explicitly mention it, but his disdain towards her choice was apparent, still he respected it.  

Except for last night, when she kissed him. He was intoxicatingly close to her, he smelled like the crisp winter night. He was laughing at what she said, his head leaning on to back rest of the sofa in his common area. She did not know what came on to her, when she dipped her head and kissed him.  

He was surprised but he was quick to respond to her kiss. No one attempted to sever the connection, no one dared to stop.  

Shame surged through her whole body. She grabbed her blankets and buried herself under it. She did not bother removing her dirty boots, she just wanted to be enveloped by the darkness for now.  

She was woken up by the urgent knocking on her door.  

“Alina. Are you there?” It was Genya, still knocking at the door as she spoke.

She threw the sheets away from her and was startled with the sunlight entering her room. Still rubbing her eyes from the sleep, she dragged herself to open the door.

“What happened to you?” said Genya as she entered her room.  

She felt terrible so of course it was apt that she looked horrible.

“Also, why is your room so cold?” She headed towards the fireplace and lit it for her.  

She just sat on her bed quietly, not knowing what to say either. She wanted to tell Genya, but she also had to tell Mal if that was the case.  

“What time is it?” She just asked her.  

“It’s after noon now.” Said Genya as she stood up and came to site beside her on her bed. “You missed breakfast. I figured you slept in, since you were out late last night preparing for today. Then I became worried when I did not see you downstairs for lunch.” She eyed her rumpled kefta. “I guess I was right to be worried. I asked some servants to bring you lunch here, so that we can immediately start preparing you for tonight.”  

She just nodded to agree.

“Is something wrong Alina.” Now Genya sounds extremely worried. This was her chance to tell her. She trusts her with everything, for years now she has been her confidant. So why does it seem like she is unable to tell her this. Was it shame?  

“I am just spent.” She opted to say to her, which was not entirely false.  

Genya paused, looking at her face, trying to figure out if she is going to ask more. “All right.” She just said to her.  

Of course she knew that she was keeping something, but she was thankful that she did not press further. It was a horrible feeling keeping this from her, not being able to ask for her comforting advices, but she knew she had to do something first. She had to tell Mal.  

The ballroom was full of people. He despises it, but he knew it was necessary. The Etherialkis are now preparing for their presentation. Blue keftas, differing from the color of their embroideries are organizing on the stage. The orchestra is now tuning their instruments.

He caught a glimpse of her walking towards the back of the stage. Her presence has always illicit murmurs from the crowd, most especially now that a gathering for her sainthood have grown larger over the years. A living saint. He wondered what her congregation would think of her if they knew how she shouted his name, urging him to ravish her, settling him to a brink of insanity.  

He headed towards her direction, finding her alone in the dark. Genya outdid herself this time. Her brown hair was extravagantly pulled up, gathering at her nape, perfectly showing off her amplifier collar. His eyes landed on the sensitive spot on her neck, a memory came into his mind of the sweet taste of that crevice, and a moan from Alina.  

She turned around, cutting him off from his reverie.

The Etherialkis are now being introduced on stage, then the music started.

“Are you ready?” He said as he approached her.  

She visibly gulped and just nodded. She was distracted, looking and searching the crowd.  

“He is stationed at the gates.”  

She looked at him. “I need to tell him.”  

Surprised by her decision, he said. “You think that is a good idea because?”

“He trusts me, I did him wrong, he has the right to know.”  

“The right to know? You also know that there is a possibility that he will leave you if you told him.”

She looked away, now watching the Grishas on the stage.

“I know.” She said, that made the Darkling raise his eyebrow.  

“Why does it feels like that you want him to leave you?”  

“That is absurd. Why would I want that.” She said defensively.

“You are intentionally deciding to sabotage your relationship, Alina. Why else are you telling me that you will tell him about what happened to us?”

She abruptly face him, fury on her face. “It’s about trust.”

“That you have broken.” He reached out to cup her cheeks, it was red and it was warm. “Admit it, Alina. You wanted me and you still want me now. I have given to you everything that your otkazat’sya can’t. I will never look away from your light, from your brightness, from your power. You knew that and you want that.”

“You do not know what I want.”

“I do. I can see it in your eyes, I can feel it in your touch, and I can hear it your voice. You may not shout it, but it was there. Last night, you have let yourself go, remember on how that felt good?” He smiled as the fury from her face was replaced with confusion. She was thinking about it, and it made her blush even more. He moved closer to her.

“No matter what we do, we will always be connected Alina. I tried my best and now I am just tired to pretending of not wanting you. We can stop pretending now. I want to want you as much as I can.”

Her eyes became soft, and her lips parted. She was looking at his lips as well, and as he was about to bow to meet her lips, an applause roared in the ballroom.  

She quickly stepped away from him and stood by his side to make way for the Grisha leaving the stage.

It was now their turn. They took on the stage. They were introduced then the music started. He opened his arms, letting the room be engulfed by the shadow in waves, shadows dancing above the head of the guests like water. When it reached the other end of the ballroom, everything was pitch black.  

“I will tell Mal by midnight.” Alina suddenly whispered to him.  

Then one by one small twinkling lights suspended in the air appeared, giving a soft light to illuminate the awe of the audience. The room looked like a night sky full of stars.

He looked at her. She was looking in front of her, focusing on their creations.  

“Can I expect you to come to me afterwards?”  

She nodded, still not looking at him.

The shadows and stars swirled around the center of the room. The shadow engulfing the stars with it, until a sphere of shadow was in the center of the room. Slowly the shadow was peeling away from the sphere, dispersing around the room, little by little it revealed a ball of light it have covered. With some shadows still dancing around it, and a pale light emitting from it, it looked like a moon. Then with a wave from Alina’s arm, the pale light was replaced by a searing bright light that was immediately spread to the whole room from the ceiling. The ballroom basked under a sunlight in the likes of a summer day, a comfortable warmth and delight was seen from the audience’s faces as they gave them their applause.  

“One does not shine without the darkness.” He heard her whisper.  

He was restless. He was never restless. A few more minutes until midnight. He was waiting for her in the war room. He tried sitting down, but he was buzzing with an energy he can’t quite comprehend. He was pacing the floor.  

He cannot believe that finally his patience paid off. He has been patient with her over the years. He was bidding his time to complete the amplifiers before truly trying to gain her loyalty. He knew he needed her loyalty; he knew that he had to earn her trust, and he was successful in doing so over the years.  

There was just one thing that he did not anticipate, the pull that she seemed to have on him. He regretted bringing in the tracker in Os Alta, but he was the one who found the first amplifier for them, and he knew once they have set out to find the second one, he is the one who will be able to find it.  

He had to endure his presence until all of the amplifiers were complete. He had to endure seeing Alina in his arms, when all he wanted to do was rip them away from his shoulders so that he may never wrap them around hers. He needed to be in their good graces until he can get what he wanted.  

The tracker might leave the palace.

An annoying thought found him, and he knew it to be something that might happen. But he did not care for it anymore. He just wanted Alina. He just wanted to kiss her again, to touch her again and be in her embrace.

Suddenly there was an urgent knock in the door.  

“Moi soverennyi.” It was Ivan.  

“Ivan, did I not instruct everyone to leave me alone for tonight?” he said annoyed.

“Moi soverennyi. It’s...” Ivan repeated. He stood up straight feeling the tense on Ivan’s voice, he seemed scared to say what he wanted to say.

“Come in.”

Ivan entered the room, his red kefta and hands stained with blood.

“What happened?” he asked, scared of what he was about to say.

“It’s Alina.” He was struck on his place, afraid of what he might say next.

“She was stabbed. There was an assassin in the palace grounds.”

“Who was it.” He heard himself say, anger bubbling up inside him, worry for Alina was mixed in with the fury on whoever dared to do this, and he was going to strike them piece by piece until there was nothing left of whoever did this.

“It was one of the Apparat’s priestguards.”

He gripped the edge of the table in front of him, aware of the shadow spilling from his hands and feet. He knew that the Apparat have tried to take Alina to be on his side. With her sainthood’s popularity growing more and more every day, he knew that it was an opportunity for him to take advantage of the naiveté of its followers for his own gain, but Alina, stubborn as ever, refused to support the Apparat’s cause, she found it to be vain. The only way now for the Apparat gain the sun saint’s followers was to stage her martyrdom, and now he really dared to do it even if he knew it would incur his wrath, and his wrath he shall receive.

“Bring him to me. Bring the Apparat as well.”  

Ivan left immediately, then he also made his way out. As he reached the grounds, he noticed the party in the grand palace was still continuing and he despised everyone in the room for it. Their saint was dying and he cannot stand the people in that room continuing on to their debauchery. He wanted to snuff the light out of the ballroom, cut them all up, but he knew that it was of no use. His rage had to be directed somewhere, to someone that deserved it.  

He saw Ivan along with some of his oprinchinkis and corporalnik dragging a frail man, hands covered with blood. Alina’s blood. It made him furious. He had the audacity to spill an important blood, now he will saw his petty and unimportant blood spill right before his eyes.  

Behind him the Apparat was dragged along, he was still trying to fight the grips of the grisha beside him, even if he knew that it would no use. He was spouting nonsense and threats at them, but the corporalnik did not faze.  

“There is no use on trying to slip away.” He said when they have reached him.  

“The King will hear about this.” the Apparat said, but he just laughed at him.

“Oh, I do intend to let him know. Was he behind this as well? Did he asked for Alina to be killed?”

“No. He had no part on this.”

He reached his hand out to the priestguard, his shadows swirling around his neck, until it brought him higher, his eyes widened with fear as he looked at him choking by his shadows.  

“Tell me if this is true.”  

“It is.” he managed to croak out.

“Tell me again. Does the King have a part to kill Alina?”

“No, he does not. It was the Apparat’s plan for the longest time. He also asked me to keep it from the royals.” he said desperately. “Please.”

He was disgusted on his pleading. He had no right to plead for his life when he willingly took Alina’s. He turned his palm up then closed him hands, choking him tighter. The priestguard writhed, his legs flailing above ground, as he tried scratching the shadows on his neck, but it was of no use. His choke on him grew tighter and tighter until he stopped moving. His limp body hung, lifeless and pale. He lets go of him and watched him fall carelessly on the ground.  

Suddenly Genya was running towards them, her eyes bloodshot and face tear stained. He saw the priestguard’s corpse on the floor, there was a quick shock and concern that passed on her face, then an anger, when she saw the blood-soaked hands.  

“Was he...?” Genya asked.

He just nodded.

“It’s Alina. She’s asking for you.”

“Bring him.” He instructed the corporalnik holding the Apparat, then they rushed to the infirmary.

When they arrived, she was in bed lying on the corner of the room, still wearing her black kefta. The tracker was beside her, his hand holding on to hers. When he saw him, he stood up and without a word left her bedside. He quickly came to her side.  

“Aleksander.” she breathed out, visibly struggling.

“Save your breath, love. You need to live. I need you.”

She reached her hands out to him, and he quickly caught it, their hands intertwining.  

He looked up searching for Genya. “Do something! Save her! You have to save her.”  

Genya was crying again, tears streamed from her eyes to her cheeks. “We did our best, the wound was too deep in her heart, the knife was also poisoned.”  

“Aleksander.” Alina said again, more like a whisper this time.

“No. No. No. Don’t let me be alone Alina. I have waited for you for too long. I cannot just lose you now.”

Her other hand reached to wrap the other side of his hand. “Aleksander. I will be always be with you.”  

He felt something tugging inside him, reaching out, he met it, suddenly power surged through him. His eyes widened.

“Alina, no. What are you doing?”  

She smiled, even though it pained her. “I am yours. My power is yours.”

She continued to push her power to him. He was drowning in it as it pools all over him, getting stronger and stronger, until there was none. There was none left on her. She gave him his powers.  

Alina has her eyes closed now, and her breathing was labored. He places her other hand on her cheek, and felt her slowly fade away, slowly get away from his grasp, until she exhaled her final breath.  

It played slowly on his head syncing with the feeling of his heart dropping in his chest.

He can hear the clock ticking, it ticked three time before it stopped for him. The room went still. Sometimes hours can feel like minutes and sometimes a single second can last a lifetime. For Aleksander, the second that would never end, was this one.

“Sankta Alina. Her martyrdom is now complete.” The Apparat shouted. He looked at him feeling his hands buzzing with his new found powers. He swept his arms up. Using the Cut on him with flash of searing light.  

His balance now gone, there was nothing left to do but to tip everything over.

Thank you for reading! I know it’s a bit dark. It’s actually a first for me writing something like this. I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you!

Sometimes hours can feel like minutes and sometimes a single second can last a lifetime. For Aleksander, the second that would never end, was this one.

"Starstruck"

Original gifs by @kamillahn

Aleksander Morozova x Reader

NSFW

Warnings: Praise kink, size kink, mentions of semi public sex, bit of a choking kink, bit of manipulation (come on guys, this is the darkling here), mild self esteem issues.

After a night of drinks with friends in a strange country, you let a tall, dark and handsome stranger take you home. The next morning, you discover you slept with a super star.

MY MASTERLIST | BUY ME A DRINK

You tried not to make a sound as you scouted the bedroom for your underwear. The early morning glow filtering through the blinds that in your enthusiasm you had failed to close, provided you with barely enough light to find your sparkly dress, but your cream colored panties, so close in shade to the plush carpet under your feet, were another thing completely. Giving up, you sighed, getting up from the floor. It was useless, the panties were probably as ruined as the torn thighs in your hands anyway. Tall, dark and handsome please-call-me-Sasha had been very thorough in his wreckage of you the night before.

Leaving such a path of destruction behind was apparently, exhausting, because said man was currently snoring softly, hugging his pillow, looking far too innocent for someone who had done such wicked things to you in that very same bed -not to mention the elevator, or the ride home, or the bathroom bar before that- not even a handful of hours ago, and far too beautiful for your poor heart. Tearing your eyes away from that angelic sight was almost as hard as tearing yourself from his arms five minutes before, but you forced yourself to do it. He wasn't yours to keep, and though he had been very passionate about you last night, who knew what his reaction to you would be in the harsh light of day.

You told yourself it wasn't cowardice, you simply would rather to keep your memory of him and your perfect one night stand like that, perfect than have it tainted by the regret in his face when he woke up to... well, you. You also told yourself it wasn't a self esteem issue either, you considered yourself an average, moderately attractive woman. The thing was, he wasn’t moderately attractive. He was drop dead, hollywoodesque, carved by the gods cliché level of hot.

Yes, better to save yourself and him the awkwardness of the morning after and leaving before he woke up. Besides, you had a day full of bridesmaid duty ahead of you, the sooner you could get back to your hotel, the better.

If only you could find your other boot...

And maybe a hoodie or something to borrow, you didn't mind (much) the walk home in last night's dress, but you didn't really fancy to freeze in the glaciar air of Ravkan early spring mornings either. 

It looked like divine providence when you located both items in the reading nook by the window, all you needed to do was navigate around Sasha's side of the bed without waking him, and the task didn't seem a difficult one, considering all you had to do was walking barefoot on a very plushy rug to the other side of the room. In a couple of seconds, your treasure was within reach and you were bending down to grab your elusive left boot, grey knitted hoodie already in hand, when you saw it.

There, greater than life, staring right back at you through the windowpane from a gigantic billboard across the street, was your one night stand's face. Sure, the hair was longer, darker and the beard was thicker but there was no possible mistake, no chance of it being a simple, if uncanny, resemblance. Not when that face sported the same cupid's bow, the same onix eyes, hell, the same freaking beauty mark under his left eye. And it was really dramatic too, his tall figure, all clad in black in medieval period clothes, huge green characters against a dark background announcing "Aleksandr Morozov is The Dark One". Your limited knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet prevented you from reading the name of the movie but one thing was clear: This wasn't a small or independent production, this was big, this was mainstream, a lot of money had to be involved for such a massive sized campaign. And for him to be the focus of it, for his name, albeit unknown to you, to be advertised like that, as big as the name of the movie, it could only mean that his name had weight, that it was as important as the movie or show they were promoting. 

You had slept with a freaking movie star. 

Suddenly, the luxury surrounding you was so conspicuous, so glaringly obvious you wondered how you hadn't noticed before. The soft hoodie in your hands was high quality cashmere, the luscious carpet under your feet probably real fur, the books lining the bookshelves, precious first editions. 

Jesus, had the opulent car that had taken you there the night before been his car, his chauffeur instead of an Uber ride like you had originally thought?

You were so stunned, so lost in thought, you didn't even notice your date was awake, until a hand shot through the air, quick as a whip, catching your wrist. 

In two movements, you were flat on the bed, sleepy, irresistibly disheveled, completely naked Aleksandr Morozov hovering over you.

"Where do you think you're going, malyshka?" 

In complete disconnect from your still short circuiting brain, melting twice over because he was there, so handsome and so close -and had you mentioned, naked?- you opened your mouth. 

"You're famous" 

A beat of silence. Then two. Until he finally grinned, easy and charming and handsome as the devil. 

"I am. Is that a problem?" 

He said it casually, smirk still firm on his face, but his eyes betrayed him. There was something guarded, something almost sad about them then, something that made your gut twist with guilt, your cheeks heat with embarrassment. 

"No, of course not!" You scoffed, searching for the right words to reassure, to comfort. 

But he was already over it, if the way he dived to kiss your neck was any indication, as the hand not braced against the mattress stroked the contours of your body, skimming the side of your breast, caressing the curve of your hip, splaying on the outside of your thigh, down and down until his fingers found your knee, hooking on the back of it to bend your leg around his slim hips as they pushed your thighs apart. 

"I- I have to go…" You stammered as his hand found its way to the inside of your thigh. 

"Do you, now?" Was that amusement in his voice?

“Yes. Ana, my friend, is getting married the day after tomorrow and I can't just bail on her when-” He swallowed the rest of your sentence, kissing you, open mouthed and slow, managing to make it dirty and sweet at the same time. Sensual. 

You couldn't remember anyone kissing you quite like that before, with such artistry, such abandon. As if the kiss wasn't a preamble or a means to an end, but a sexual act in and of itself. 

“You taste like my toothpaste” He growled into your mouth, before slipping his tongue past your lips again, chasing the flavor, hips undulating against yours so languidly, so softly, you doubted he was even aware he was doing it. 

You hated yourself for ending the kiss even as your lungs burned from lack of oxygen, but as you broke it and let air fill your lungs, so did your head fill with clarity and you remembered the long day of bridesmaid duty you had ahead of you.

“Im sorry, I really am” You lamented, sincerely, “I'd love nothing more than staying and spending the morning with you, but I really have to go”

Aleksander didn't seem to hear it, though, staring intently at you, index finger tracing the line of your brow, the bridge of your nose, your cheekbone, as if trying to commit your face to memory. 

“Sasha? Sasha! Are you even listening to me?”

Aleksander shook his head,

“Sorry” He didn't sound sorry at all, “It's just, you are truly beautiful in the daylight”

You felt your cheeks get warm again, so you buried your face against his neck, the way his breath hitched not escaping your notice. So, his neck was sensitive, interesting.

No, you couldn't let yourself get distracted again. You had to return to your life, had to get out of there before things could get any further. It was one thing to sleep with the sexiest man you had ever met under cover of darkness, with alcohol blurring his perception and your inhibitions. To let him fuck you completely sober in broad daylight was an entire different beast. 

“I mean it, Sasha, I have to go”

He let his whole body weight fall on you, trapping you under him. 

“I'm afraid I can't let you go, malyshka” He replied, not looking at you anymore, focused instead on the place where his hands were pushing up your already short dress till it was indecently bunched around your hips. 

“Why not?” You questioned, even as you let his fingers slide between your legs, find the wetness already seeping there for him. He didn't comment on your lack of underwear, which made you suspect he knew exactly what had happened to your panties and their whereabouts. 

"Because" He started as his index and middle fingers grazed your slit, coating them on your slick before coming up to rub circles on your clit, a rhythmic, electrifying friction sending sparks up your abdomen in record time, "I'm supposed to be dating my co-star, and as much as I like this pretty little dress of yours, if a paparazzi or a fan sees you leave my house in it, we'll both be in big trouble…" 

Your hand was on his wrist in an instant, trying, inefficiently, to halt his movements.

"Wait, you have a girlfriend??"

“It's not real, moya malyshka” He appeased, soothingly petting your head in a deeply patronizing gesture, “it's all make believe, publicity for the show”

Offended by his condescension, you batted the hand still patting your hair away, but he chose that moment to breach your entrance, just barely, only burying his fingers to the first knuckle, yet enough to send a wave of pleasure through your lower belly. 

“I'm only asking you to have a little patience,” You tried to focus on his words but it was really hard when he kept teasing your entrance like that, penetrating you less than an inch at a time and withdrawing his fingers again, only to caress your labia, your slit, your clit with a butterfly's wing pressure. “Just wait here until I can call my assistant to bring you some casual clothes, so if someone sees you leave here, at least it won't be so obvious you spent the night…” He rolled your clit between the pads of his fingertips then, making your eyes roll back. “Just a couple of hours, what do you say, pretty girl? I promise I'll make it worth your while…”

It did sound like a logical course of action, you were sure that made sense, or as much sense you could make of something with his hands driving you to distraction like that.

“Just… just a couple of hours?” It was pretty early anyway, your friends would probably sleep till noon, nursing their own hangovers, they wouldn't even notice your absence.

“Just a handful of hours” He brought his thumb to the mix, ghosting it over your most sensitive nub of nerves.

“Oh… ok” You sighed, giving in.

“There's a good girl” You could hear the smirk in his voice but couldn't find it in yourself to care, not when he rewarded you by burying his fingers inside you to the hilt wasting no time in starting to pump them in and out, thumb rubbing at your clit expertly, multiplying your pleasure to eleven right then and there. He seemed to relish in the noises leaving your throat, whispering praises in your ear, sending goosebumps down your spine. “That's it, just like that, let me take care of you. I can make it good for you… let me make it good for you…”

“Yes…”

His strokes changed then, exploring, searching your tight, wet heat for something. You knew the moment he found it because sparks exploded behind your eyelids, making you whimper and moan, and writhe. He pinned your hips to the bed with his other hand, keeping you in place as he intensified his assault, picking up the pace. 

It was almost embarrassing, how quickly you had become such a mess in his hands. 

"So beautiful… so responsive… God, you're perfect" 

You had never been one for praise kink, but his words in that voice, so deliciously husky with desire, was doing something to you. Something that obliterated your brain function better than any drink ever did. 

"Yeah, just like that… ride my hand just like that, looks so sexy… Fucking sexiest thing I have ever seen…" 

You had no idea when you had started following the movements of his fingers with your hips but you were glad he liked it; you didn't think you could stop if you tried, you were too close, too far gone.

"Wanna see you ride my cock just like that… think you can do that for me, malyshka?"

You nodded not really processing his words, you would have done anything he asked of you at that moment, that was why it was so disorienting to suddenly find your positions reversed, with him laying on the bed on his back, and you manhandled until you were straddling his lap.

"Are you ready for it, malyshka?"

A quick look down told you you weren't. Objectively, you knew you had already managed it the night before, but you hadn't seen it. Now, faced with the dimensions, the sheer girth of the appendage he called his dick, you froze.

Obviously, Aleksander noticed your hesitation.

"I know, printsessa, I know. It's too big for you isn't it?" 

You felt yourself nodding, eyes drawn back to where his hand was stroking his length leisurely. You had the distinct impression he was showing off for you. Bastard. 

"But you can take it, I know you can. You took it so well last night…" There it was again, that damned praising that made you want to do anything he said, fly yourself to the moon and back, only to get to hear that sinful voice call you a good girl again. So you let him notch the flared head of his cock to your entrance but didnt push inside, letting you take control, take your time, which you were grateful for because the stretch of his tip alone felt like almost too much, soaked and eager as you were.

You lowered yourself slowly, feeling every inch, every ridge and vein, watching in satisfaction as his eyes rolled back inside his head, as his hands flew to your asscheeks like he needed the purchase. Like he was as affected as you were. The little groans leaving his mouth motivated you to keep going whenever the strain threatened to be too much, until you were sat flush to his pelvis. You took a moment, then, as much to get used to him, to the feeling of being filled to the brim by his massive cock, as to center yourself. 

When you finally felt ready to start moving, you opened your eyes to find him staring up at you, slack-jawed, as if awestruck, as if he couldn't believe such a tight fit either. Rocking your hips just a little proved enough for his mouth to fall open completely, the most pornographic sound you had ever heard resonating through the room and searing itself onto your brain.

This man was going to be the death of you. 

“Just like that… fuck, you feel so good”

You wanted to tell him the same, wanted to tell him how incredible his cock felt inside of you but your voice was stuck in your throat, mouth open, fixed in a silent oh. Your silence didn't deter him though, because he kept whispering dirty nothings as your hips picked up their rhythm, hands grabbing at your thighs, your ass, your hips, everywhere he could reach that was unimpeded by your dress, adding fuel to the fire already burning low on your belly thanks to the maddening friction of his pubic hair scraping your sensitive clit as you rocked on top of him.

It wasn't enough.

To be stuffed full of him, to have his mesmerized attention, his hands on you. No, you were greedy, hungry. You wanted more. You wanted everything.

So you took the hem of your sequined dress and lift it over yourself, revealing all of your body to Aleksanders ravenous gaze. 

“Ara, moya malyshka… yes, take it all off!” Aleksanders hands flew immediately to your ribcage, traveling up to seize your breasts, squeezing the handfuls and making your head fall back in pleasure. “I knew youd look beautiful sitting on my cock, krasotka…”

“Sasha…” You managed to plead.

“Do you need something, malyshka?” 

You nodded.

“Do you need more? Do you need me to fuck you?”

“Yes” you were not above begging, “Sasha, please…”

He didn't reply with words, instead, he snaked an arm around your back, holding you to him as he sat up and started moving you up and down his cock one handed, the other cupping your face, holding you in place as he devoured your lips. Your own fingers searched, blindly, gripping at his dark locks, trapping him as much as he was trapping you, if only to have something to brace yourself against the slight sting of being stretched almost to your limit, the abrasion of his cock pistoning in and out of you, reaching deep, impossible deeper with every upward thrust. 

“Sasha…” You exhaled into his mouth, and he breathed it in, as drunk with passion as you felt, little moans in tandem with yours. 

You could feel it building already, every impact of his thighs against your ass, of his pubic bone against your clit hurtling you up higher and higher, a climb that almost frightened you, you weren't sure you would survive the fall.

But there was no stopping it, no way to fight it, not when Aleksander let go of your mouth just to lock his lips around one of your nipples, sucking and nibbling with far less skill, far less self control than he had shown as he fingers you open, biting on your little nub with enough force to hurt, to really send a sharp pang of pain that echoed through your body mixing and blurring with the pleasure until you didn't know which was which, until you didn't know if you wanted to lean into it or get away. 

The decision was made for you (or maybe there was never a decision to make) anyway, as his thrusts found that elusive little spot his fingers had already conquered before, and you were falling, abruptly and unprepared,  coming with such force you thought you'd might break apart, come undone at the seams, shattered by the force of an orgasm so powerful even Aleksander felt it, hissing at the vice like grip of your cunt strangling his cock as your climax rippled through you. 

"Fuck! Just like that, come all over my cock, Malyshka, give it to me, let me feel it…" 

You could tell he was close too, his movements faster, more erratic and found that you wanted it, wanted to feel him come inside you, feel him fall apart with you. 

So you reach out, wrapping your hands around his neck, and squeezed, crushing his pipeline, until his words were nothing more than an unintelligible wheezing, until his eyes widened and his face went red with lack of oxygen. 

Until you felt his cock pulsate inside you and the liquid warmth of his come paint your womb. 

You collapsed on the bed in a tangle of limbs, chest to chest, heartbeats pounding in unison, both shipwrecked by the intensity of what had just happened.

"You know," You panted, after a few minutes, "If your evil masterplan was using sex to stop me from leaving… it totally worked, I can't even move my legs'' 

His only response was a far too self satisfied laugh.

***

"Are you sure, Ivan?"

You were standing naked on the heated tiles of Aleksander's bathroom, tapping away on your phone as he ran a bath for both of you (you had insisted on a shower at first since it would have been quicker, but one glance at his colossal labradorite bathtub had obliterated all your resistance). The entire bridal party had watched you leave the impromptu Bachelorette's with "the Aleksandr Morozov lookalike" and were now demanding details, the dirtier the better. 

"... and there isn't anything you can do? Well, can't you ask Alina for help?"

That name you did know: Alina Starkova's face was everywhere, starring in the campaigns of every luxury brand from Bvlgari to Lancome. You simply had thought she was a new supermodel, up until half an hour ago you had no idea she was an actress, let alone Sasha's co-star and fake girlfriend. 

That you were absolutely not jealous of. No, if the name made you lift your eyes from your phone screen, it was mere interest. No pang of annoyance or anything else remotely unpleasant. That was ridiculous, you didn't even know the woman.

Aleksander was pacing the bathroom, as naked as you but somehow managing to still look regal af, even as he closed his eyes and pinched at the bridge of his nose in frustration. 

"Fine. No, seriously, it's ok…" the rest of his sentence was spoken in a ravkan so fast you had no hope of translating, but when he was done, he put his own phone away and turned to you.

"Was that your assistant?" 

"Yeah, Ivan" He confirmed, sighing, "I'm sorry, malyshka, but apparently there's a handful of paparazzi camping on my doorstep, I'll have to ask you to stay a little while longer while we figure out what to do about them" He sounded sincerely apologetic, "You don't have to say yes, of course, and I would never force you to stay, but you would really, really spare me a scandal if you do" 

You frowned, and his face fell even further.

"You keep calling me that, but I don't know what it means"

It was his turn to frown a little, in confusion, 

"What? Malyshka?"

You nodded. He smiled, just a little bit, taking a step towards you, into your personal space.

"It means 'babygirl'"

You scrunched up your nose,

"So what, I'm supposed to call you 'daddy' in return?" 

"Of course not," He replied, wrapping his arms around you, "just call me papa"

"Ugh, no way!" You batted away at his chest, but couldn't disguise the smile trying to break free. If it was a little goofy, well, no one had to know "I'm not calling you that, you dirty old man!"

"We'll see…" He shrugged, noncommittal, before bending to kiss your smirk off your face, "Wait, so, you're not mad?"

You shook your head, rising to your tiptoes to kiss him again.

"Nah, it just means we have more time in the bathtub" He hummed at that, hand on the small of your back traveling lower. "To wash!" You admonished. He didn't look chastised at all. "And after that… you can make me breakfast"

His smile was real this time, big and open.

"Of course, anything you want… Papa will give his malyshka everything she wants"

"Ew, stop!" 

His laughter filled the bathroom, and your heart, with warmth. 

The end?

FUUUUUUCCKKKKKK AAHHHHHH, OKAY SO IM NOT EVEN IN THE FANDOM AND NEITHER HAVE I WATCHED THE SHOW OR READ THE BOOK(S?) BUT OML I- WHATT THATWASOHOTWTFPLS SAVE ME

Uncle Sasha

Pairing: Modern!Aleksander Morozov x Fem!Reader

Summary: Despite your insistence that Aleksander is not your uncle, Alina is still under the impression that you have a very hot uncle.

Warnings [18+]: Aleksander rubs sun lotion over the reader’s body, alcohol consumption, reader is very desperate for Aleksander.

My Masterlist

»»---------------------►

“Your uncle is so hot.”

Glancing up from your book, you frown at Alina as she slumps herself down on the sun lounger next to you. Looking around in puzzlement, you soon find your three uncles gathered around the barbecue with your dad. Your nose wrinkles at the thought of your friend finding any of them attractive. Nevertheless, your curiosity gets the better of you, and you ask,

“Which one?”

“The one that’s looking at us right now.” She looks down hurriedly, a blush coating her cheeks. Your frown deepens, and you scour the yard in search of anyone looking your way.

Then your eyes meet Aleksander’s. The corner of his mouth quirks into a half smile, and your stomach flips. You offer him a shy smile of your own, before forcing yourself to laugh as you turn back to your friend.

“He’s not my uncle.” She looks up at you with confusion in her eyes.

“But Harry called him Uncle Sasha.” You smile.

“All my cousins call him Uncle Sasha.” You shake your head. “Aleksander Morozov - he’s one of dad’s business partners.”

You had never called him Uncle Sasha, and you had always argued that the nickname was for the younger kids, after all, he wasn’t actually your uncle.

“So he’s rich too?”

You give her a scolding look, but she simply rubs her hands together conspiratorially which draws a more genuine laugh from you. Then she unties the strings at the back of her bikini top. Your jaw drops.

“Alina, what are you-“

She only giggles in response.

“Rub some lotion on me will you?”

She then winks and lies down on her front. Giving both you and Aleksander a clear view of her ass, and the tiny triangle of fabric she’s wearing as bottoms. You don’t move for a solid three seconds, too astounded by what she’s asking for - and why.

Squirting some sun lotion onto your hands, you feel a little self conscious that you’ve been drawn into this plan of Alina’s to attract Aleksander’s attention. You can feel his eyes on you, and you do your best not to look at him.

Instead, you focus on smoothing your hands over Alina’s soft skin. Of course Aleksander would look over at her. You move your thumbs in circles as you rub the lotion in, almost massaging her, and her hips shift slightly.

She lifts her head up, turning towards you.

“You should put a little under my waistband. Just in case.” Your mind is far too scrambled with embarrassment and anxiety to notice her glancing over to meet Aleksander’s gaze.

Smearing more lotion on your hands, you carefully lift up the waistband of her bottoms and run your hands along the length of her waist. You pray that your parents, or any other family member for that matter, aren’t looking over at this point. You’re consumed by these thoughts, until a shadow passes over Alina’s body, bringing you back to reality.

Then you hear a warm, silky voice say,

“Good afternoon ladies.” You look up and meet Aleksander’s dark eyes.

From your position on the sun lounger, you’re eye level with his crotch, and you know he sees your gaze flicker down briefly. Alina sits up with a dazzling smile.

“Thanks, love. Will you do me up?”

You fumble with the strings as Alina directs her attention to Aleksander.

“Mr Morozov, isn’t it?”

“Yes, and you must be Alina.” She brings one of her knees up to her chest, curling her arms around the folded limb as she grins.

“You’ve heard of me?”

“Only good things I assure you.”

Your cheeks warm as you remember you had briefly told Aleksander that you’d invited Alina over. It had only been a passing conversation - as all your conversations with Aleksander were.

He turns his attention back to you.

“Would you like some help with that milaya?” He asks, gesturing down to the bottle of lotion that you’re currently fiddling with. “We wouldn’t you to get burnt either, now would we?”

You blink up at him, and he shakes his head slightly with widened eyes as if he were miming the response he wanted from you. You hurry to shake your head in response, before adding a small,

“Please.”

He settles on the lounger next to you, his long fingers curling around the bottle and you turn to face Alina so that Aleksander can apply the lotion to your back. Alina pulls a face that shows you what she thinks of you not being brave enough to lie down on the lounger - completely at Aleksander’s mercy. You stick your tongue out in response.

Aleksander observes the encounter quietly as he smooths the lotion over his palms.

“I gather that the two of you are close?” He says, and prevents you from answering as his cool fingers rub over your shoulders. Alina answers him instead.

“We’ve known each other since high school.”

Aleksander’s hands are large, and feel so much better than yours must have felt to Alina. He takes his time, running over the length of your back. You hardly breathe when his fingers dip under your waistband, and you wonder if he likes what he sees.

Aleksander’s fingers trace along the curve of your spine, and you squirm. Alina knows you better than you know yourself. So, when she had seen you look at Aleksander she knew you wanted him. You can see the mischief in her eyes as Aleksander continues to touch you. She looks sickeningly pleased with herself as she picks up the book you were reading.

It’s only Aleksander’s voice that pulls you away from her gaze.

“Turn around milaya, let me do your front.”

“Oh no, you don’t have to, I can do-“

“Nonsense. Let me.”

Aleksander’s tone leaves no room for argument, and Alina looks thrilled at the prospect. So, on shaky legs you turn and face Aleksander. He gives you a fond smile that makes your embarrassment seem worthwhile. That is until he puts his hands back on you.

He smooths over your neck, fingers curling ever so slightly around your throat, and you know he sees the glazed look in your eyes.

“You’ve missed a spot.” Alina says lightly, and you shoot her a glance. She only grins at you, turning a page with a delicate finger.

Aleksander pays her no mind as he slides his fingers under the straps of your bikini top, and you try your hardest not to squirm. His touch is featherlight against your collarbones, and you want to arch into him.

He squeezes more lotion onto his palm which he then spreads over your stomach. You jump at the contact and a small gasp leaves your lips. Aleksander looks at you, there’s concern in his eyes, but he raises a brow as if he’s scolding you for squirming.

“Sorry. Just cold.” You mumble. The corner of his mouth quirks into a smirk.

In a few smooth motions, Aleksander has covered your thighs in lotion, and you hold you breath for the entire time. When he’s done he looks back at your face, no doubt taking in your wide eyes and rapidly expanding chest.

Alina grins, leaning over your lounger with a towel, before passing it to Aleksander.

“Say thank you to Uncle Sasha.” She teases.

His dark eyes meet yours, and your cheeks are aflame. You’ve never called him that. But the words are right there on the tip of your tongue, your lips already parted to say it aloud. Then your mom calls out your name. You sigh in relief and scramble up away from them both.

“I’ll be right back.” You tell them, knowing it’s a lie.

You spend the rest of the day avoiding them both.

»»---------------------►

It gets worse from that moment onwards.

Your crush on Aleksander had always been a secret - it was a private fantasy of yours that you never even dreamed of acting upon.

After the encounter during your family barbecue, Aleksander doesn’t stop plaguing your life.

You’re half asleep, drinking your morning tea in your parents’ kitchen, enjoying the peace before you sister and her children arrive to wreak havoc on the house. As you lower the mug from your lips you nearly choke on the liquid already halfway down your throat. Aleksander raises a brow at you as he waltzes into the kitchen with messy bed head, wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts.

“Aleksander, what are you doing here?”

“Good morning to you too milaya.” He says breezily as he opens up the cupboard beside you to pull out some bread. You watch, in something akin to disbelief, as he makes toast.

Why does he look more comfortable in your family home than you do?

“Did you sleep well?” He asks you. No you most certainly did not. Every time your eyes fluttered closed, ready to sleep, the feeling of Aleksander’s hands gliding down your body in strong firm motions haunted you. You decide to deflect,

“You haven’t answered my question.” He raises a brow at you as you sit at the kitchen island. You open the tub of cereal and pour yourself a bowlful. “What are you doing here?”

He glances down at the plate in front of him, as he spreads jam over his toast.

“I’m making toast.” He lifts his eyes up to meet yours, and there’s a playful twinkle in their depths. Your mouth parts. You don’t know how to respond. Of course you knew he was capable of being charming and funny, you had seen him play with your cousins, nephews, and nieces.

But he had always seemed so reserved around you. Your conversations had been limited to small talk, that you had replayed over in your mind for hours afterwards, chastising yourself for being so painfully shy.

Aleksander seems to take pity on you, and fills the silence with a more genuine answer.

“Your father and I were working on some contracts, late into the night, and he offered me the guest room. What time did you arrive?”

“Just after midnight.”

His brows crinkle, then he nods,

“I must have just missed you.” You fiddle with your spoon, spinning the pieces of cereal around in the bowl.

You don’t know how you would have reacted meeting Aleksander on the landing as you made your way to your room last night. Perhaps you would have slept better knowing he was in the house. Maybe you would have slept worse.

You throw a spoonful of cereal into your mouth, trying to think of something to say once you’ve finished munching.

“Did you finish the contracts?” He nods before he glances at the clock.

“I’ll be going in to submit them soon.”

“Today?” He nods again, slowly this time. “But it’s a Saturday.” He laughs softly, and you almost melt into a puddle on the floor.

“It won’t be for long milaya. I’ll back before you know it.”

“You’ll be back?”

“Your mother invited me to dinner.”

Oh fantastic.

Aleksander finishes his breakfast quicker than you, mostly because you spend more time playing with your food than eating it. You usually don’t eat much for breakfast, but in your nervousness you’d poured a ridiculously large bowl for yourself.

You hear the floorboards creak as he makes his way upstairs, and hear the guest room door swing open. There’s small rustling sounds, then he walks across the landing and into the bathroom. The door shuts, and you hear the lock click behind him. It’s only once you hear the shower water running that you breath a sigh of relief, and feel free to move around your own house.

He’s fully dressed when he emerges from the bathroom. A crisp white shirt which clings to his body in all the right places, dark formal pants and grey socks. Dark hair slicked back, but not too much, so you can still dream about ruffling it with your fingers. He’s the picture of perfection.

You suddenly feel very silly standing outside in the hallway wearing your pyjamas, with a bundle of clothes and a towel tucked against your chest. He acknowledges you with a nod and a small smile as he passes you in the hallway, before assuring you that he no longer needs the bathroom.

The entire room smells like Aleksander. You had noticed the small toiletries bag nestled under his arm, but you had assumed it just had simple necessities like his toothbrush and toothpaste.

Not his shower gel, or shampoo. The room is still warm from his shower, and you want to bask in the warmth of Aleksander’s scent. You wonder if this is what his bathroom smells like. Then you shove those thoughts away violently.

You don’t care what Aleksander’s bathroom smells like.

You don’t.

»»---------------------►

Aleksander was right, he was back before you knew it.

The weather isn’t as hot as the day of the barbecue, but the shorts and tank top you’re wearing today seemed appropriate. But as your youngest nephew tugs on the front of your top you realise your mistake. Luckily Aleksander scoops the boy up, rescuing you from disaster.

You smile gratefully at him, pretending not to notice how his eyes flicker down as you adjust the straps of your tank top.

“Thank you.” You say quietly.

“You’re welcome.” Then he turns to the child in his arms. “Now young man, we don’t take a lady’s clothes off without her permission. Isn’t that right milaya?” Your cheeks burn and you can’t respond, then you manage to fumble out a small nod.

“Very right.”

You keep yourself busy for the rest of the day, and away from Aleksander. But he seems impossible to escape.

When your mom tells you that the family is going out for dinner, and that Aleksander is invited, you breathe a sigh of relief. At least there’s no chance of you being left alone with Aleksander. So, you dress up nicely and wait by your car.

Because he’s a perfect gentleman, Aleksander helps your sister get her kids into your car, and gives you a small smile before he joins your parents in their car. Your heart is still pounding as you pull out outside the restaurant.

“Reservation under Morozov?” You say to the waiter, and he nods immediately and guides you over to a table. Everyone else is already seated. Meaning there’s only a few chairs left, namely one in front of Aleksander, and one next to Aleksander. You hesitate. Which one will be easiest for you to function at?

The decision is taken from you as your sister sits down in front of Aleksander. Meaning you take the seat beside him. He smiles at you as you sit, and warmth tingles through your body.

He spends the entire evening being ridiculously charming, and ridiculously attractive, and ridiculously funny. Aleksander doesn’t seem like a man with a sense of humour, but he’s often so quick witted it startles you. You find yourself laughing far too much at his jabs and remarks.

So, by the time you return home, you’re incredibly annoyed with him. And yourself. But mostly him. How dare he be so attractive and unattainable?

All you want to do is get into bed and escape this entire day. You hope that Aleksander will be driving home tonight, but you doubt it.

Then your parents ask you to join them for a drink in the living room, and you can’t refuse them. Aleksander sits in the armchair usually frequented by you. The armchair that you used to curl up on and read until your parents forced you to go to sleep.

The evening light casts a glow around him, and you swallow a large amount of wine in an attempt to stop thinking about him. You’re unsuccessful. As your parents and sister talk amongst themselves, all you can think about is Aleksander.

Your sister is the first one to leave, with her small gaggle of children you all know she needs the rest. Then your parents head up to bed. Leaving you alone with Aleksander.

Neither of you talk. He simply watches you, and you continue to drink as a means to distract yourself from the fact that he’s watching you. It’s only as you’re reaching for the rest of the bottle that he speaks, leaning forward to rest his hand over yours.

“I think you’ve had enough tonight milaya.”

“Oh you do?” He raises a brow at your tone, and heat pools between your legs.

You wonder what would happen if he let you continue drinking. Whether it would give you confidence to finally sit in his lap and kiss him senseless. Or better yet, to kneel at his feet, undo his trousers, and pull out his co-

“Fuck!” You hiss quietly, pressing your hand against your face as you realise where your thoughts had been going. Squeezing your eyes shut tightly, you nod enthusiastically as you agree with him. “I’ve had enough.”

“Would you like me to help you upstairs?” You nod, your eyes still closed in a dizzying mixture of shame and arousal.

“Please.”

His hand is on the small of your back as the two of you head upstairs, and you can feel his eyes on you. The warmth of his palm soaks through your dress, and you wish you could feel his hands all over you. You stumble slightly as you reach the door to your bedroom, and Aleksander catches you. His body presses yours against the doorframe, your chest flush with his. His eyes flicker down to your lips.

For a moment you think he’s going to kiss you, and your mind is filled with thoughts of him driving the air from your lungs with a searing kiss. Of him driving you hard against the wall, then carrying you to your bed to fuck you.

Aleksander takes your chin between his fingers, looking deep into your eyes. Anticipation claws at your skin, you need him so badly it hurts. He leans in and your eyes close, eager for him take.

Then he turns his head, and presses his lips to your cheek. The ghost of a kiss that makes you whimper. He closes his eyes, as if he’s memorising the sound. Or steeling himself to resist it. You don’t know which is worse.

“Sleep well milaya.”

He steps away, and you’re struggling to catch your breath. You stare at him with wide eyes.

He’s quiet as he withdraws himself from your space, and turns away quickly. You’re filled with the sudden need to make him ache. The same way he makes you ache. Your voice is soft, but you know it carries its way down the hallway to his ears.

“Goodnight Uncle Sasha.”

He stops still. He turns, but you’ve already slipped into your bedroom and the door is shut.

»»---------------------►

Beauty and the Beast ~ Darkling/Aleksander

One, two, three, four

If this were a werewolf book, she would be with all three of them. She needs all three of them to be a whole and balanced woman.

I don't mean to offend any Darklina stans, but y'all do remember that the Darkling did unforgivable things like, I don't know, hurt all of Alina's loved ones (Genya, Mal, Bahgra, Nik, etc.) and doing so happily. This man felt no remorse over those things and even said himself that he wouldn't stop until he has stripped everything away from her. You're seriously going to sit there and tell me that Alina should've chose an abusive war criminal..? Yeah, Totally sounds like a healthy and suitable choice

And this is just a small portion of the horrible things he's done

😍

Vengeance & Vanity

Part 4

Pairing: The Darkling x Fem!Reader

Summary: You and Aleksander have established your place on the throne, and begun your search for the Firebird. Threats still linger on the horizon, and the two of you must plan ahead.

Word Count: 2.5K

My Masterlist

A cloud of dust hits your face, prompting yet another coughing fit.

“You’re doing this on purpose.” You remark through your weezing. Aleksander raises a brow at you, the corner of his lips twisting into a small grin.

“These books contain centuries worth of knowledge, it’s bound to be a little dusty. There’s no need for dramatics.”

“The poor Corporalnik that will have to restart my lungs might disagree.” You grumble, opening the cover of the offending book. Aleksander’s eyes twinkle with amusement as he sits down facing you. It’s rare to see such boyish charm on his face. The last few months have been difficult for you both. You have been slowly regaining your strength after recovering from the wasting sickness. Through your frustration and tears, Aleksander has been nothing but patient. His confidence in your abilities has been unfailing, as he has been teaching you to summon with one hand. He’s certain that you will soon master summoning from pure will alone. You don’t know how he does it all.

The two of you have been ruling Ravka with varying levels of success. The Little Palace has been reestablished, the damage done in the attack was repaired almost immediately. As often as you can, you and Aleksander walk along the path that leads from the Grand Palace to the Little Palace. You can only marvel at the changes made in the last few months. The previous King had always been cautious of the Grisha, and in order to ensure their safety, Aleksander had encouraged the Grisha to work within the Little Palace. There had been limits on what the Grisha had been allowed to work on so that they could not be seen as a threat to the monarchy. Now that the King was gone, the Fabrikators’ workshops had a colossal influx of ongoing projects, and collaboration between the orders. After years of hardship, the Grisha were finally beginning to thrive.

Despite the good you have both managed to implement, there are still several matters that continue to both trouble and vex you. The Apparat has been drawing more followers into joining the leagues of the Sun Cult. You are certain that the Apparat has ensured that Alina remains hidden. He is now reliant on the faith of her followers, with her in his custody, he can gather enough soldiers to pose a threat to you and Aleksander. Unfortunately, your raids have only uncovered crazed fanatics - no Sun Summoner or Apparat.

The other matter is the reason why you and Aleksander are tucked away in the library of the Grand Palace, breathing in dust and decay. When he first became the General of the Second Army, Aleksander safeguarded a number of Morozova’s journals and other books documenting the existence of his amplifiers. Whilst a number of them were stolen after your first attempt at removing the monarchy, Aleksander had the foresight to conceal a number of the books in one of the passages under the Little Palace. The two of you have been reading these books to the point of obsession, in an attempt to locate the Firebird.

Several years after the creation of the amplifiers, a Squaller explorer known only as the Bone Hunter sought to find Morozova’s creatures. The Bone Hunter’s journal documented their search, and is one of Aleksander’s most valued pieces. Not only is it the first documented mention of Morozova’s amplifiers, but the Bone Hunter is the only known person to have ever seen the Firebird. You and Aleksander have been scouring the library for the past few hours, attempting to decipher the words of the journal.

It’s written in Old Ravkan, so Aleksander has no trouble reading it. You had learnt how to read Old Ravkan, but you sometimes took the translations too literally, much to Aleksander’s amusement. The landscape and borders of Ravka have changed over the centuries, and the Bone Hunter was not the best at recounting geography. They often described significant trees, which was of no help to you or Aleksander. Trees lasted centuries, but these journals’ age exceeded the majority of Ravka’s forestry. At any point in which the journals mentioned rock formations or rivers, you and Aleksander would scour map after map, looking for any place in Ravka that the journals could be referring to.

You had both agreed that the two of you would search for the Firebird together. Leaving the capital without either of you to defend it had seemed like a poor decision to you, at first. Aleksander had reasoned that the Grisha and nichevo'ya were more than capable of defending Os Alta, and that it might take both of you to take down the Firebird. The first few entries that describe the Firebird detail its ferocity, how it had torn men apart and seized them with its talons before soaring up into the air, dropping the hunters to their deaths. After reading over these entries, you begin to agree with Aleksander. The thought of facing the Firebird alone is terrifying, but the two of you can do anything together.

»»---------------------►

Evenings are always reserved for you and Aleksander to spend time alone. During the day, neither of you stray too far from the other, after all, you rule side by side. The Tsar and his Tsaritsa. Aleksander nearly always has a hand on your back as you walk through the corridors. Your knees brush while you are sat in council meetings. But once you are in the privacy of your own rooms, the two of you are attached at the hip. You won’t leave Aleksander’s arms all night. You bathe together, taking the time to wash one another, then curl up on the sofa by the fire. Sometimes you both bring whatever books you’ve been reading, on rare occasions you will convince Aleksander to read aloud to you. Other nights you will simply spend in each other’s arms. Aleksander will trail his fingers over your skin, his thumb circling your cheek as he cups your face in his hand.

In these quiet moments you will share your dreams with each other. You both have the same plans for Ravka, but these moments are sacred and not to be tarnished with the stressors of the day. At night, the two of you are free to talk about your life together. Aleksander wants to live somewhere in the South of Ravka, where it’s warmer. You want to become a writer - to document discoveries in the Small Science, or create commentary on the lives of Grisha, or analyse historic texts. Aleksander wants to take you horse riding, just the two of you, travelling across Ravka together. These private dreams are what keep you both going. The thoughts of Ravka at peace, of Grisha living in safety, which allow the two of you to finally live solely for yourselves.

It’s during one of these evenings that Aleksander shares an idea with you.

“Do you remember when we first met?” He asks, tilting his head to look at you. Your legs are draped over his thighs, your body pressed against his side.

“Of course.” He lifts a brow at you, encouraging you to recount it, at which you laugh softly as you remember. “I tried to pick your pocket.” He hums fondly as he casts his mind back, and you add quietly. “You know, you’re the only person who’s ever caught me.”

“Do you want to know why that is?”

“You sensed the presence of your soulmate?” You suggest with a small smirk. A smile tugs at his lips, and he laughs lightly.

“Close, but no.” You glance at him curiously, waiting for him to elaborate. “You were bending the shadows.” You frown at his explanation.

“How? I couldn’t summon for weeks after I arrived at the Little Palace.”

“I think you did it subconsciously, bending the shadows slightly, so that you would remain hidden while you rifled through my kefta.” You pause for a moment, thinking his words over.

“So I wasn’t actually a good thief, just a secret Shadow Summoner.” You comment, a small amount of dejection in your tone. Amusement twinkles in his eyes as he regards you.

“I have another theory.” You nod, and he continues, “I think you could bend the shadows further, and completely hide yourself.”

“Become invisible?” He nods,

“I didn’t see you, I sensed your shadows.” He reasons, and your brow creases as you think it over. “I discussed this with the Fabrikators, David thinks it might be possible.”

“Have you ever tried to do it?” Aleksander looks away from you at that question. Staring into the fire, his dark eyes reflecting the flicker in the hearth with startling clarity.

“No, I haven’t.”

“What’s wrong?” You ask him, your voice scarcely a whisper.

“I think that my mother’s affinity for the shadows was a result of Morozova’s experiments, which she then passed onto me.” You watch his face carefully, as you think over his words. It’s likely. Morozova was incredibly eccentric. A lot of his experiments weren’t fully articulated in his journals. Even with Aleksander’s explanations, you still don’t fully understand how Merzost works. “Whilst I have more experience, more power in the sense of using Merzost, I believe that, with the right amplification, the scope of your power will exceed my own.” Your heart hammers in your chest, as you attempt to process all this information.

“That’s why you believe the Firebird should be mine.” He nods,

“The most powerful amplifier in existence.”

“But you can summon the shadows? We’re still both the same?” He looks away from the fire for the first time, eyes searching your face. He recognises the look in your eyes, the fear of being the only one.

“Of course we are, milaya.” He reassures you, tracing his fingers delicately over your cheek. “You and I are two of a kind.” His voice is soft, and warm with the underlying affection he reserves only for you. “Though I suspect you are more of a Shadow Summoner than I am.” He remarks with a small chuckle, which you frown at. “It can’t be a coincidence, you and Alina appearing within a century of each other. You’re closer to her age than you are mine.” He reasons.

“If this is you attempting to play matchmaker, I’m afraid she’s not my type.” You remark with a smirk. “And I’m already quite taken.” Aleksander cups your face as he lifts a brow.

“Really? And who might this lucky suitor be?” You smile as you lean towards his lips, brushing your nose against his as you reply,

“Only the Tsar of Ravka.” Aleksander moves forward, capturing your lips with his own in a kiss filled with adoration. There’s a tender smile on his lips as he pulls away, pressing his forehead against your own.

“Moya Tsaritsa.” He sighs against your lips, as the two of you lean into each other’s embrace. “Moi sol ye tselai.” My sun and stars. Your own smile widens, as you whisper,

“My Aleksander. I love you more than anything.”

»»---------------------►

Over the course of the next week, you attempt to master bending the shadows. Aleksander offers you suggestions and pointers, and you’re soon able to disappear from view. Of course, Aleksander can still sense your presence, he would recognise the tug of your shadows anywhere. Corporalki can still detect your heartbeat, something you found out when you were attempting to sneak up on Fedoyr - much to your disappointment. David was delighted when he heard that you had managed to bend the shadows. You had visited him in his workshop and he had rattled off a number of other theories he had, which you had some trouble following. Luckily Aleksander had appeared to inform you of an emergency meeting before you became too confused.

“Has something happened?” You ask Aleksander as you follow him through the halls towards the War Room. His shoulders are tense, and the shadows around you both are eager to shift as you walk by.

“One of our Tailors has returned from the North with information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining Royals.” Your eyes widen as you look at Aleksander, hardly daring to believe it. That after so long, you might be able to finish this. You had heard from some of your spies that Alina had escaped from the Apparat, if this is true then it’s likely that she will have sought out Prince Nikolai. Meaning that both the Royals and the Sun Summoner could finally be within your grasp.

The assembled Grisha bow as you and Aleksander enter the War Room, and you both take your places at the head of the table. Thankfully, the meeting opens with the report from the Tailor. He’s young, though most Grisha feel young to you now. He explains how he had joined up with a group of rogue Grisha who planned to lend their support to the Sun Summoner. Which led him to the Lanstov’s hideout. The Monastery of Sankt Demyan.

The Tailor shows promise of being a good spy. He answers all questions about the hideout. About the number of supporters gathered there, and the weapons being developed. One of the archivists produces some blueprints of the monastery, created during its renovation into an observatory a few hundred years ago. The Tailor confirms that the layout remains the same, detailing the functions of each room. This is what you’ve been waiting for, the means to coordinate a strike against the resistance and secure yours and Aleksander’s position on the throne. The Tailor also informs you that the Sun Summoner had recently arrived at the hideout. It almost seems too good to be true. Of course, it’s likely that something will go wrong, but now you have a direct course of action, and Aleksander always has a plan.

The meeting goes on for several hours, as your council contemplates a number of different strategies for your strike on the hideout. You organise the necessary resources and debate the most efficient route into the mountains. It’s late into the afternoon when you and Aleksander are finally alone.

“I would have liked you to have the Firebird’s power before facing her again.” Aleksander admits. You take his hands in your own.

“I wasn’t at my strongest the last time.” You remind him. “Our scouts have reported possible signs of the Firebird in the valleys of the Sikurzoi, which aligns with what we’ve gathered from the Bone Hunter.” He nods along with your words. “Once this has been taken care of, we can search for the Firebird ourselves.”

His fingers trace their over each of your knuckles, before his touch slides up your forearms, drawing you into his arms. You lean your head against his chest. Reassured by the familiar feeling of his kefta against your cheek, and the faint beating of his heart under it all. He traces his hand over your cheek, and you look up at him. You can see contemplation in his eyes, and you know he’s trying to make a decision. A small smile flickers across his face.

“I have something I need to ask of you.” You wrap your fingers around his wrist, squeezing lightly to convey your support.

“Anything.”

»»---------------------►

V & V Tag List: @hummelmi @james-bucky-barnes-bitch @scarlettels @visd3stele

Monster March masterlist

Plot: After a nightmare that seems too real you turn to Bucky for help, signing a contract with him doesn’t look like a bad idea at the time.

For All Eternity

cecaelia!Bucky x mermaid!Reader (x prince!Tony)

moodboard by @brdom

note: reader is Steve and Peggy’s daughter so I guess there’s that implied physical appearance but feel free to ignore that part if it doesn’t suit you

Plot: They came from the stars and offered salvation, but nothing comes without a price…

The Chase

alien!Billy Russo x Reader

moodboard by@brdom

Plot: You've been betrayed and are about to die when a dark angel comes to your rescue...

Fallen

fallen angel!Darkling x angel!Reader

moodborad by @brdom

Plot: Steve, the leader of the centaurs has plans for you...

My Sweet Princess

centaur!Steve x amazon princess!Reader

(some Wanda x reader and Wanda x Steve)

moodborad by @brdom

⚠️Warning spoilers for the shadow and bone books and the darklings name⚠️

Personally I never liked Alina or Mal.

Mal was just- he was something to say the least.

And as this lovely person said Alina just doesn’t care about anything but Mal. Ever since the very moment she found out she was grisha and could help her country, she just wanted to go back to Mal. I feel as if she never had any real interest in protecting or the wellbeing of grisha. During r&r we see Alina get extremely power hungry. She was extremely restless and rude towards Mal and everyone else because she so desperately wanted the firebird. When Nikolai proposes to her for obviously political interest she says no. Nikolai tells her that if they got married it could be good for this country seeing as she is grisha and seen as a saint by the people. She could aid the country and help unite the armies to make ravka stronger. Tbh it was in the country’s best interest but she shows no interest in helping the country whatsoever.

Throughout the entire series Aleksander was dehumanized by LB so much. I think it had something to do with the fact that she supposedly based his character off of her manipulative ex(?). At the end of r&rhe we see a side of aleksander that was more human as he died.

The one thing I can agree with M*lina shippers is the confusion over the fact a grown man like the darkling acts the way he does. He’s petty. He spends most of his time in book 2 & 3 doing evil cookie jar acts and using the force to spy on Alina. The thing is, this character is written this way. Most of the characters are annoying because they’re poorly written. The plot drives the characters not the other way around, so their growth remains stagnant. As a morally grey character, Aleks works so well. He cares for ravka and he’ll be the one to cross the line if it means the grisha are kept safe. But instead, he got retconned into a villain with no real plan, kills other grisha, forms an alliance with Fjerda, and dies. His death does nothing except make things worse. I’m so glad for Ben’s portrayal because he brought humanity to the character and the audience can sympathize with his plight. JML and Ben’s approach to darklina is also realistic compared to the book counterparts although I’m not really a shipper tbh. I prefer Luda because I feel like she is the perfect balance for Aleksander. She was clearly powerful, compassion and trustworthy

I mean, the thing with the Darkling is that the person that created him doesn't treat him like a human. So I wouldn't say that we could even call him 'a grown man', as my friend @yototothelalafell has pointed out about the book, he is incredibly dehumanised. So, in a Watsonian perspective, if he is not human and/or treated as such. Can we even expect him to act like a 'grown up man'? Is he even treated like a man at all?

Also, when LB is doing her stupid baiting in the first half of SaB, she basically describes him as every soldier's dream general: he goes around checking his troops instead of staying at court, eats with his men and overall seems like a polite person that his men keep following because he has managed to give all these people that would be burned or cut open in other places a home and position above "those dirty witches".

Then after presenting him like a perfectly reasonable person who is encouraging Alina, she just throws that 'twist' and opens the Evil Deeds Cookie Jar to never close it again. And as you said, the plot moves him because the plot needs a villain, his arc doesn't require villainy. I really can't say that I agree with m/alina shippers on anything because you don't need to ship Alina with someone to understand the characters are badly written, and even then the argument is wrong and seems to come from just dissing the Darkling. I mean, Mal doesn't act like a young man in a XIX setting either, he acts like a jerk jock from an American TV show and I can say that without shipping darklina because I don't really ship them in the books since they have little to no interactions that have enough emotional weight.

I mean, if you look at it from a character perspective, Fanon!Alina is... Basically Luda with Sun Summoner powers? Is Alina caring and warm? No. She is defensive and sarcastic to a point of being rude. Does she care about the Grisha? No, because she leaves them all to live as a rich woman in her orphanage. Does she embrace her identity as a Grisha and helps in the cause? No, because in the moment she loses her powers she says she is no Grisha anymore, even when her friends tell her the contrary.

All of this is the contrary of Luda, we see her complicit on Aleksander training the Grisha since the soldier says 'you two could train witches'. We see her being caring and warm with Aleksander and that he trusts her enough to make her aware of his immortality. Every time I see darklinas dismissing her to prop up Alina I am like: Sure, but Alina will murder him. No talk about soulmates can fix that.

I love AUs where someone from our modern world is just dropped into a fantasy land, but one aspect I don’t think is explored enough is how would someone from a completely different world speak English? Like imagine you were dropped into Ravka, you wouldn’t know Ravkan and no one there would know English, so you wander into some army camp and start speaking gibberish, they would probably assume you were drunk, honestly you could probably fake being Grisha for a bit if you paid attention in science class, Ik they have guns and light but you could probably mix baking soda and vinegar and a peasant would have an aneurysm

# shadow and bone; darklina headers

Darklina as Taylor swift songs ~

•Exile

"And it took you five whole minutes, to pack us up and leave me with it."

"You were my crown, Now I'm in exile seein' you out."

"Second, third, and hundredth chances, balancin' on breaking branches. Those eyes add insult to injury."

"You're not my homeland anymore, so what am I defendin' now?".

"All this time, we always walked a very thin line."

•Hoax

"My eclipsed sun."

"My twisted knife, my sleepless night, my win-less fight."

"Your faithless love's the only hoax I believe in."

"You knew you won, so what's the point of keeping score?"

"My kingdom come undone, you have beaten my heart."

•My tears ricochet

"Weepin' in a sunlit room, and if I'm on fire, you'll be made of ashes too."

"Did I deserve, babe? All the hell you gave me? 'Cause I loved you, I swear I loved you, till my dying day."

"You had to kill me but it killed you just the same."

"I didn't have it in myself to go with grace, 'cause when I'd fight, you used to tell me I was brave."

"And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake?"

"And you can aim for me heart, go for blood, But you would still miss me in your bones."

•The 1

"And if you wanted me, you really should've showed."

"But we were something, don't you think so?"

"And if my wishes came true, it would've been you."

"You know the greatest loves of all time are over now?"

"If one thing had been different, would everything be different?"

•Haunted

"You and I walk a fragile line, I have known it all this time. But I never thought I'd live to see it break."

"He will try too take away my pain, and he just might make me smile. But the whole time I'm wishing he was you instead."

"But I still mean every word I said to you."

"I thought I had you figured out. Can't turn back now, I'm haunted."