Chapter 9

As Nura’s blinding starlight streaks toward Lyssa, Gideon sprints to shield her but cannot reach in time. Keeley, head of The Villain’s guard, dives in front of Lyssa and takes the blast, collapsing with a ravaged back. The beam fades, leaving the office scorched and Lyssa sobbing in Evie’s arms.

Gideon kneels by Keeley, relieved when Tatianna arrives and declares the wound survivable despite its severity. At Tatianna’s request, Gideon carefully lifts Keeley to carry her to the healer’s quarters, his hostility toward her dissolving after she saved his sister.

Nura appears shaken and apologetic, her glow fading. Before Gideon can leave, Trystan publicly takes the blame, claiming his faltering magic provoked Nura’s reaction. He orders everyone—especially Nura—to keep distance from him until the prophecy is broken, framing it as necessary for everyone’s safety.

Evie, stung by Trystan’s stance, gathers Lyssa and pointedly withdraws, a charged look passing between Evie and Trystan that underscores their rift. Watching this, Gideon privately worries that his unspoken suspicions about the prophecy’s roles may be correct, intensifying the stakes within the Manor.