The sky over Ravka was filled with shades of red and black, marking the end of a battle that had ravaged the land. Amidst the ruins and bodies scattered across the battlefield, Alina Starkov stood frozen, her breath ragged. Her trembling hands still emitted remnants of light from the Sun Summoner that had just burst in the final fight. Around her, the shadows of The Fold slowly faded, yet the dark feelings it left behind still gripped the hearts of all who survived.
She had just tasted a fleeting moment of freedom when shadows she knew all too well began to darken the light around her. Alina looked up to see The Darkling approaching, his eyes filled with resolve. Although he appeared calm, there was an indescribable darkness in his gaze—a darkness that had always been a part of him.
"It's over, Alina," his voice was calm but cold, slicing through the silence. "There's no place for you except by my side."
Alina wanted to fight, wanted to run, but her body was too exhausted, and her strength was nearly gone. She knew that even with all her power, she wouldn’t be able to resist The Darkling alone, especially in such a state. She felt betrayed by her own body, by the power that was supposed to protect her.
Before Alina could utter a word, The Darkling raised his hand, and thick shadows enveloped them both, drawing Alina into an irresistible darkness. With a single motion, he summoned invisible forces, and suddenly, they were in an unfamiliar place, far from the battlefield that now bore silent witness to a greater defeat.
Alina found herself in a large room with cold stone walls, within the Dark Castle, a place she once feared and now found herself imprisoned in. The dim light from scattered candles was not enough to dispel the sense of entrapment that began to permeate her. Around her, shadows seemed to whisper, welcoming her back to the place where The Darkling always held power.
The Darkling released his grip, allowing Alina to stand alone. He slowly walked to a large window overlooking the dark, endless forest. "You won’t be able to escape again, Alina," he said without turning. "Ravka needs you, and so do I."
Alina knew his words were not just a threat but a warning. She realized that this time, her escape would be much harder. Yet, in her heart, she held a determination that would not be easily broken. She stared at The Darkling's back with a look of hatred, but also fear, and in that silence, she began planning her next escape—and perhaps her final one.
***
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Alina did not know how long she had been imprisoned in the castle. She only observed how the tips of the trees outside her window changed color from time to time—lush green, orange, then barren.
All of Alina's time was spent in endless silence. The Darkling provided what he thought Alina needed—food, clothing, a stack of books, even a companion. Genya, whose face bore scars from the punishment she received when she freed Alina on that whale ship, accompanied Alina every day. She brought much news; about Ravka beginning to rise, about Shu surrendering, about The Lantsov being overthrown. But Alina remained unmoved in her silence.
Each night The Darkling would visit, and they would both sit in silence. Alina did not speak—she would not start a conversation and she would not answer any questions asked. The Darkling himself would only sit in a chair by the window, watching Alina as she chose to read her books for hours. When the midnight bell rang, he would rise and leave.
The oppressive silence, dancing among the shadows. Both knew that at some point, one of them would take the first step. Every second felt like a struggle between hope and despair. Alina sometimes felt The Darkling's enigmatic gaze, as if he were trying to read her thoughts, yet she remained steadfast.
***
“Tailors and some servants will arrive this afternoon,” Genya said, her voice sounding anxious despite her attempt to stay calm.
That morning was like all the others. Alina sat in front of the vanity chair, while Genya stood behind her, arranging her white hair. Alina stared at her expressionlessly, but Genya continued, her voice trembling slightly.
“The Darkling will conduct his coronation as the new King of Ravka today,” Genya continued. “And you… you will become the Queen. This is not a situation you can ignore, Alina.”
Alina did not respond, only staring at the mirror in front of her with a vacant expression. She felt as though she were trapped in a never-ending nightmare. The Darkling, with his ambition and power, had managed to overcome all obstacles in his path, and now Ravka was under his control. She, who should have felt free, was instead confined in a wealth that was very different from the freedom she desired.
Genya took a deep breath, continuing cautiously. “I know you feel trapped here, Alina. And I know you feel this is a heavy burden. But please, don’t do anything that could endanger your life. We all here hope you stay safe.”
The only response was silence, something familiar yet strange for Genya when associated with Alina Starkov. She sighed deeply, but soon resumed her work.
Meanwhile, outside the room, in the shadows of the grand palace, a loyal ally observed every move. He was the eyes and ears of the group that sought to save Alina. Patiently, he waited for the right moment—the time when all attention would be focused on the grand ceremony, when he could slip in and help Alina escape.
This ally’s presence was a secret, known only to a few trusted individuals. He had been monitoring and planning meticulously, waiting for the moment when chaos and crowds would provide a chance for bold action. Every day, he watched from dark corners, ready to act as soon as the opportunity arose.
