Chapter 80

Gideon Sage awakens bound to a chair in an office and finds himself face-to-face with his estranged father, Griffin. Demanding to know where his mother and sister are, Gideon learns Nura Sage is also tied nearby. Nura begs Griffin not to hurt Gideon and admits she helped Griffin escape the Malevolent Guard in exchange for their children’s safety.

Nura reports that the dragon escaped and that a guvre fled with Rebecka and Lyssa, assuring Gideon that Lyssa is safe. Griffin dismisses Gideon’s outrage and insists he needs Nura’s help to fulfill duties to a king. When Nura defies him, she curses Griffin and vows her starlight will take him with her.

The argument exposes deeper betrayals: Griffin accuses Nura of what was done to Evie, while Nura claims Griffin tricked her into a dangerous scheme she never wanted. Gideon tries to cut through the evasions, but Griffin ends the exchange by revealing a strange white-petaled flower, two petals missing, which begins to glow.

Griffin activates the plant, and its expanding light engulfs Nura. As the flower screams, Nura screams as well, implying her magic is being extracted. Griffin smirks that he will leave Gideon with what remains of her, asserting his control and departing with his objective achieved while Gideon remains bound and powerless.