He was arrested in time, looking at her steady dark gaze. Her fingers on his wrist were like irons, branding into his skin-they sent tremors up his arm. He was forcing himself not to move.

The waves receded, the nightmare ebbed, and it was just her, just Inej, his Inej with her lovely eyes and long hair, back near him after so much time. It always felt like too long. He thought he could live with never even looking at her if she could only be there beside him, safe, his Saint watching over him.

He forced himself back into the present, disengaging his hand and digging it into his pocket, searching for the familiar touch of his gloves. His other arm was still around her shoulder- blessedly covered in fabric( or was it a blessing? He remembered his thoughts while bandaging her shoulder clearly). Her skin was always like this, soft and equal parts lightning and poison.

Inej drew away.

She knew. She always did.

"I must go. The others are waiting."

He looked away. "Of course." He still couldn't bring himself to talk with affection about them, but he could not deny they were growing on him. It was dangerous, and reckless, for a Barrel boss to have a soft heart. He could not afford it.

And yet what was he if not a gambler of chances?

He saw Jesper in his mind, his gray eyes alight, whispering "We will keep your secret, Kaz. Brother," he added, talking like he was testing the word out. He hadn't seen how Kaz had fought to keep his face neutral.

Wylan and Nina were behind Jesper. They were both silent. Wylan's gaze was an open book of pity and seriousness. Nina looked like she was on her way to commit homicide or squeeze him. It was funny how he could read every line in their faces.

He'd had no words.

He still didn't.

What he had was a lighter mind and the absence of Jordie's voice in it.

***

He didn't hear his Wraith leave, just felt her absence. She will be back tomorrow, he told himself. She was here to stay for a few weeks before she went to Ravka again, to visit her family.

This time, she'd asked him to go.

He looked at the water for a long time after she was gone, bare fingers cold on the head of his cane, darkening sea water roiling with shadows.

***

When he limped into the Slat, it was warm and dusty like always, the atmosphere one of belonging. Keeg spotted him first and came over to make discreet inquiries about his whereabouts until Kaz sent him away with a look. Anika detached from the crowd and followed him up to his office, Roeder trailing on her heels.

Kaz settled into his chair. "Update me." So they did, reporting about what the Barrel had spit up in the mere two days he'd been gone. Some intelligence. Some reports. A few brawls. But there was nothing about what Inej had told.

"Good work," he said when they were finished, and sent them away for the rest of the night.

He was about ready to push all the papers littering his desk into tomorrow when he noticed one he hadn't put there. Heavy, expensive paper, without a sign or a wax seal.

If you will do me the honour of an audience.- Sturmhond. And a date and time and place.

Kaz wasn't sure how the man had gotten into his office. Perhaps left it with a Dreg. Perhaps sneaked in through the window.

Either way, it seemed the man had something to say.

***

For once, Ketterdam's perpetual clouds had opened a little-there was weak sunlight on the roofs and roads, weaving between alleys.

Kaz strode into the empty restaurant, his cane clacking against the wood. The man was already there in a tucked-away booth, legs stretched out and nibbling a waffle with distaste. His reddish hair was shining even in the weak light, and the green eyes watched Kaz interestedly as he came to a stop.

"Brekker."

Kaz sat, smoothing his coat out.

"Sturmhond." He glanced at the privateer. "I understand congratulations are in order. Or, perhaps, condolences for you?"

Something flickered in the man's eyes. "One would not regard a new dynasty as something to be saddened by."

"Of course." Kaz sat back. They regarded each other, the two bastards from different lives. Finally Sturmhond grinned.

"Well. You seem to be getting along splendidly here in Ketterdam. Has the Wraith returned yet?"

"I would not have any idea if the ship was back or not."

"I had the fortune of meeting her, you know. At the coronation."

"Good for you, pirate."

"Privateer." He straightened, his relaxed demeanor vanishing between one moment and the next. "I suppose you already know why I am here?"

"Entertain me."

"Very well." Nikolai Lantsov studied Kaz. He raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I've been sent to offer a deal that must never leave your lips, Brekker, whether you accept it or not."

"Let's hear it first, privateer." Kaz's stare was unflinching and expressionless. "I do not walk into deals without knowing what there is for me."

Nikolai leaned back. "I come with an offer for the thief of Ketterdam only."

He paused.

"The queen of Ravka has a job for you."