Reader as Kaz Brekker - Shadow and Bone (Six of Crows)

Jesper’s sarcasm, though there’s a flicker of worry beneath it. “Well, boss, next time try not to make yourself the target of every gun and knife in Ketterdam,” he mutters, loading his pistols with a flick of his wrist.

Inej’s gaze meets yours—steady, unshaken. She doesn’t say a word, but there’s a promise in her silence. A promise that you’re not alone in this.

“Hold still,” she whispers, her voice gentler than it should be for a moment like this.

Across the room, Nina and Matthias argue, their voices low but insistent. You catch fragments of their words. Something about the best way to keep you from bleeding out and whether or not the Fjerdan’s soldier’s methods are any better than Nina’s Grisha healing.

“Let me handle it,” Nina snaps. “Kaz doesn’t need stitches; he needs his ribs intact.”

“Maybe if he didn’t throw himself into the line of fire—” Matthias begins, but Nina cuts him off with a glare sharp enough to silence him.

Wylan hovers near the doorway, hands twisting nervously. His blueprints and sketches are forgotten on the table beside him. Every so often, he glances toward Jesper, as if waiting for reassurance he’ll never ask for out loud.

“Don’t look so grim, merchling,” Jesper says, offering a crooked smile even as he spins his guns idly. “Kaz has survived worse.”

“You mean worse than a bullet and a knife at the same time?” Wylan’s voice is quiet but pointed.

“Exactly. Our fearless leader loves to make things interesting,” Jesper retorts.

Your grip tightens on the edge of the cot as Inej finally pulls the blade free. A hiss escapes your lips, but you don’t cry out. You won’t. Not here. Not in front of them.

“Got it,” Inej murmurs, holding up the bloodied blade before setting it aside. “One down. Now for the bullet.”

Nina approaches then, rolling up her sleeves. “Let me.” The room falls quiet save for the sound of your ragged breaths. You know they’re watching—every one of them. Each with their own worries, their own doubts.