Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (z-lib.org).mobi

applauding as Inferni sent arcs of flame shooting over the crowd and Squallers
sent spires of glitter whirling about the room. They were joined by a large group
of Tidemakers who, with the Squallers’ help, brought a massive wave crashing
over the balcony to hover inches above the audience’s heads. I saw hands reach
up to touch the shining sheet of water. Then the Inferni raised their arms and,
with a hiss, the wave exploded into a swirling mass of mist. Hidden by the side
of the stage, I had a sudden inspiration and sent light cascading through the mist,
creating a rainbow that shimmered briefly in the air.
“Alina.”
I jumped. The light faltered and the rainbow disappeared. The Darkling was
standing next to me. As usual, he wore a black kefta, though this one was made
of raw silk and velvet. The candlelight gleamed off his dark hair. I swallowed
and glanced around, but Genya had disappeared.
“Hello,” I managed.
“Are you ready?”
I nodded, and he led me to the base of the steps leading to the platform. As the
crowd applauded and the Grisha left the stage, Ivo punched my arm. “Nice
touch, Alina! That rainbow was perfect.” I thanked him and then turned my
attention to the crowd, feeling suddenly nervous. I saw eager faces, the Queen
surrounded by her ladies, looking bored. Beside her, the King swayed on his
throne, clearly well in his cups, the Apparat at his side. If the royal princes had
bothered to show up, they were nowhere to be seen. With a start, I realised the
Apparat was staring directly at me, and I looked quickly away.
We waited as the orchestra began to play an ominous, escalating thrum and
the man in silver bounded onto the stage once again to introduce us.
Suddenly, Ivan was with us saying something in the Darkling’s ear. I heard
the Darkling reply, “Take them to the war room. I’ll be there shortly.”
Ivan darted away, ignoring me completely. When the Darkling turned to me,
he was smiling, his eyes alive with excitement. Whatever news he’d received
had been good.
A burst of applause signalled that it was time for us to take the stage. He took
my arm and said, “Let’s give the people what they want.”
I nodded, my throat dry as he led me up the steps and to the centre of the
stage. I heard eager buzzing from the crowd, looked out at their expectant faces.
The Darkling gave me a short nod. With little preamble, he slammed his hands
together and thunder boomed through the room as a wave of darkness fell over
the party.
He waited, letting the crowd’s anticipation grow. The Darkling might not have
liked the Grisha performing, but he certainly knew how to put on a show. Only