kaz can't breathe.

it reeks of sweat and kvas inside the wagon. it’s nauseatingly hot, too crowded and loud for kaz to focus on your words or jesper's. he tries to inhale, and it burns like acid. he winces and tugs at the chains around his wrists.

"let’s all go back to ketterdam," jesper mocks, his tone full of the sarcasm that kaz wishes he could muster up the strength to use. "it’ll be fun, they said. now, we’re off to hellgate."

his eyes flickered towards kaz before repeating the destination. "hellgate."

the wagon jerks and bounces on the uneven road. kaz grunts, clasping his gloved hands tighter as they rest on his lap. the men beside him are too close for comfort, and their brief, careless touches on his thigh with their own restrained wrists. it’s too much.

kaz screws his eyes shut, teeth gritting together so forcefully that he hears the crack of a molar. he pants, mouth tasting of iron and gloved fingers digging painfully into his lap. he knows he'll find bruises in the morning.

the cart rocks once more. Hands grazing his thigh, warm and wet with sweat that kaz can feel soaking through his suit pants. he gags and lurches forward.