LACUNA [ THE DARKLING ]

06. - the punishment

Ravenna Chernoff was not happy that they've arrived home.

The sun had just begun to set, and an orange shadow draped over the three figures on top of their horses when they arrived at the little palace. Alina couldn't help but look at the little palace in wonder, thinking that this the place where Ravenna stayed for over a year without her and Mal. It's grand. 

The three of them hopped off the horses and walked to the little palace with Alina at the front. Alina looked so disheveled that Ravenna couldn't help but want to help her clean up.  

"You'll be safe here," Kirigan said. "The palace is the most secure building in the whole country. I made sure of it." 

He guided Alina to the left-wing entrance and beckoned the guard to escort her in, "Where are you going?" Alina asked when she noticed that Aleksander had his hand on Ravenna's shoulder, ready to leave. She quickly took Ravenna's right arm, gripping it tightly.

"Take her to the vezda suite," Aleksander told the guard, looking at Alina's hand that is gripping Ravenna's. He wanted to shook it away. 

Glancing back at the guards, Alina knew that she would be very uncomfortable being escorted by strangers. She looked at Aleksander and tightened her grip on Ravenna's arm, signaling him that she was not letting her go. The General would not get the chance to separate her and Ravenna especially when she knew no one there and would be left alone.

 "I can take her there," Ravenna quipped from beside him, pouting slightly, hoping that Aleksander would agree if she gave him her puppy eyes. "I'll be back after I settle her in the suite, I promise."

Displeased, Aleksander just stared at her before letting his hand fall from her shoulder, "Go on. Don't keep me waiting." 

Ravenna nodded eagerly, her bottom lip taken between her teeth and her eyes wide as she stared at his eyes. He glanced at Alina one more time before walking away. Alina gripped Ravenna's upper arm as if to stable herself. It was then that Ravenna noticed Alina's legs were shaking uncontrollably. "Are you okay, Alina?" Ravenna asked. 

"Am I a prisoner? Are WE prisoners?" Alina asked, her brown eyes tinted in concern as the guards started to guide them down the dimly lit hallway towards the suite

"All Ravka is until you and the General banish the fold," Ravenna answered, no emotion seeping through her tone. 

"So no pressure."

Alina was fine until they entered the suite and the silence filled the room. She suddenly crouched down, tears running rapidly down on her face with loud, heart-wrenching sobs exiting her. Mal was out there alone, and Alina was trapped in the little palace with a huge responsibility on their shoulder. She was just glad that at least she wouldn't be alone and had Ravenna by her side. 

Feeling her pain, Ravenna held Alina in her arms. Her heart palpitated at the sight because she knew how hard life is going to be for Alina from now on. All she could do right now was support Alina the best she could so she wouldn't feel lonely while being restrained by Aleksander.