then found themselves alone and in danger. People like Nina—not Ravka’s highest-ranking Grisha. All his instincts called on him to fight or to be gone from this place as fast as possible, not to stand there like a suitor meeting his beloved’s parents. And yet, these were Nina’s friends, her teachers. They’re the enemy , said a voice in his head, and he wasn’t sure if it was Commander Brum’s or his own.
Genya stepped back, brushing the blonde strands of Nina’s wig from her face to get a better look at her. “Nina, how is this possible? The last time Zoya saw you—”
“You were throwing a tantrum,” said Zoya, “stomping away from camp with all the caution of a wayward moose.”
To Matthias’ surprise, Nina actually winced like a child taking a scolding. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her embarrassed before.
“We thought you were dead,” Genya said.
“She looks half-dead.”
“She looks fine.”
“You vanished,” Zoya spat. “When we heard there were Fjerdans nearby, we feared the worst.”
“The worst happened,” Nina said. “And then it happened some more.” She took Matthias’ hand. “But we’re here now.”
Zoya glared at their clasped hands and crossed her arms. “I see.”
Genya raised an auburn brow. “Well, if he’s the worst that can happen—”
“What are you doing here?” Zoya demanded. “Are you and your Fjerdan … accessory trying to get out of Ketterdam?”
“What if we were? Why did you ambush us?”
“There have been attacks on Grisha all over the city. We didn’t know who you were or if you might be colluding with the Shu, only that you used the code on the peddler. We always station soldiers in the tavern now. Anyone looking for Grisha is a potential threat.”
Given what Matthias had seen of the new Shu soldiers, they were right to be wary.
“We came to offer our help,” Nina said.
“What kind of help? You have no idea what forces are at work here, Nina. The Shu have developed a drug—”
“Jurda parem.”
“What do you know about parem ?”
Nina squeezed Matthias’ hand. She took a deep breath. “I’ve seen it used. I’ve … experienced it myself.”
Genya’s single amber eye widened. “Oh, Nina, no. You didn’t.”
“Of course she did,” said Zoya. “You’ve always been like this! You sink into trouble like it’s a warm bath. Is this why you look like second-day gruel? How could you take a risk like that, Nina?”
“I do not look like gruel,” Nina protested, but she had that same chastened look on her face. Matthias couldn’t stand it.
“She did it to save our lives,” he said. “She did it knowing she might be dooming herself to misery and even death.”
“Reckless,” Zoya declared.
“Zoya,” said Genya. “We don’t know the circumstances—”
“We know that she’s been missing nearly a year.” She pointed an accusing finger at Nina. “And now she shows up with a Fjerdan in tow, one built like a soldier and who uses drüskelle fighting techniques.” Zoya reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of bones. “She attacked our soldiers with these, with bone shards , Genya. Have you ever heard of such a thing being possible?”
Genya stared at the bones and then at Nina. “Is this true?”
Nina pressed her lips together. “Possibly?”
“Possibly ,” said Zoya. “And you’re telling me we should just trust her?”
Genya looked less certain but said, “I’m telling you we should listen.”
“All right,” said Zoya. “I wait with open ears and a ready heart. Entertain me, Nina Zenik.”
Matthias knew what it was to face the mentors you had idolized, to feel yourself become a nervous pupil again, yearning to please. He turned to Nina and said in Fjerdan, “Do not let them cow you. You are not the girl you were. You are not just a soldier to command.”
“So why do I feel like finding a corner to sob in?”
“This is a round room. There are no corners.”
“Matthias—”
“Remember what we’ve been through. Remember what we came here for.”
“I thought we were all speaking Kerch,” said Zoya.
Nina gave Matthias’ hand another squeeze, threw back her head, and said, “I was taken captive by the drüskelle . Matthias helped me escape. Matthias was taken captive by the Kerch. I helped him escape. I was taken captive by Jarl Brum. Matthias helped me escape.” Matthias wasn’t entirely comfortable with how good they both were at being taken prisoner.
“Jarl Brum? ” Zoya said in horror.
Nina sighed. “It’s been a rough year. I swear I’ll explain it all to you, and if you decide I should be put in a sack and dropped in