The next day I wake up by being pushed off of the hammock with a thump and I groan. Looking up I see Jesper peering down at me a grin plastered on his face. "Come on loser Kaz is calling us" he says climbing over me and reaching for the door "next time you push me I will personally see to it that Kaz gives you door duty for a year" I threaten knowing he hates being on door duty at the crow club. Jesper gasps and clutches his chest "you wouldn't" I raise an eyebrow and brush myself off. Walking over to him I pat him on the arm "test me" I whisper before heading over to the others.

I move to stand next to Inej and I tuck my arm into hers, Kerch has finally appeared in front of us and I smile affectionately at the city that took me in. Home. We drop the anchor and when night comes I ask Kaz if I can join him Jesper and Rotty in the boat they are taking to row to Fifth Harbour but he shakes his head "I don't want any distractions while I'm there, until everything is sorted stay here" I nod not bothering to argue but they climb into the boat and I watch them go.

"Everything will go smoothly" Wylan says from next to me, making me jump. I look over to him and frown "I know" he gives me a shy smile and pushes his red curled up onto his head "the look in your eyes is the same one Matthias has for Nina. Trust me. Everything will be fine" sighing I fold my arms and nudge him "when did you become so wise?" I ask and he shrugs "I seem to be the only sane one on this ship" I snort and then start actually laughing "oh yeah?" I ask and he nods.

The others have all gone to meet Van Eck while Nina and I head off on our own mission. Even if she is still getting over her use of Parem, I keep an eye on her just in case she collapses or worse. Kaz told me the plan once they got back from the city and I have to be honest I don't think this will work. "I will do anything for you if you get me some Parem" Nina tries to barter again and I shake my head "it's not happening Nina, I'm not letting you destroy yourself" she mutters a curse in Ravkan and I send one back just as harsh. If she wants to play that game we can play.

Once safe ashore and in hiding I stretch my back and check the time "I'm going back to the Slat for some things, I will be back" I call before heading through the streets. At the Slat, I head up the stairs to my room and once inside I see a note, frowning I pick it up and rip it open. It says 'meet me at the harbour. Come alone' sighing I scratch my forehead, should I go? It could be important. Shrugging I grab the things I need and head down to the harbour.

Watching the night sky is a dark figure, clearing my throat I stand a little way away and when the man turns I almost collapse. "What are you doing here?" I ask stepping forward. There stands Aleksander, in all his glory, he looks worse for wear, tired if not lost. He steps forward "Salem" he whispers my name as if it is a prayer "I didn't think you would come" frowning I fold my arms and raise an eyebrow "what do you want?" I ask tapping my foot impatiently, eager to see if my friends have returned.

We stand there in silence for a few minutes before I turn to go and he grabs my arm. Flinching I pull away and snap "do not assume to touch me again" sparks dancing in my eyes, he takes a step back, sadness in his eyes. "Salem, it's me" he says his voice breaking, I shake my head "I don't care who you are, Aleksander. If you lay a hand on me again, I will rip rip your eyes out and feast on them" he looks shocked at his and steps back again.

"You are more ruthless then last I saw you" Aleksander admires and I want to punch him, flexing my hand I say "good, because if I wasn't something would have been wrong" he raises an eyebrow at my tone and I think about all the things that have happened since I last saw him. So much has changed. "You have been hanging out with this riffraff for too long, Salem, come home" he offers me a hand and I have the urge to cut it off with the axe strapped to my back but I refrain myself.

"That riffraff is my family" I say coldly stepping forward "the love of my life is here" wait..... what did I just say!? Is Kaz really the love of my life? Did I just say I love him? What is wrong with me!? This also makes Aleksander hesitant before he asks "you really love him?" His voice quiet, hurt. I stand up straight, raising my head "yes, yes I do" I say calmly as though I am not currently internally freaking out.

He scoffs and shakes his head "you really have changed" and in answer I bow respectively and say "goodbye General Kirigan" and stalk into the night.

Back at the Graveyard the other are back but all look incredibly angry. "What happened?" I ask scanning their faces "where is Inej" Kaz looks up from his seat, eyes pure fury "Van Eck took her"