Chapter 83

At dawn, the group returns to the devastated manor with Arthur’s body shrouded in Tatianna’s cape. Grief grips everyone: Clare weeps, Tatianna comforts her, and Trystan and Evie process the ruined offices and murdered workers. On the parapet, Evie rips Benedict’s flag in fury while Trystan struggles with guilt and loss.

Trystan presents Alexander/Kingsley, still a frog and seemingly mindless without his crown. Winnifred attempts a reversal with Amara’s wand, but nothing happens. The frog bites Winnie and escapes into the office.

Chasing the frog, Trystan and Evie confront King Benedict, who steps from the shadows and claims he is missing the last piece of the prophecy. Benedict taunts them about Marvin having spied for him and says his men will reclaim the guvre. He drops the frog, then unveils an opalescent memory flower that flares with light.

The flower channels Trystan’s own mist against him, inflicting searing pain and revealing that with Kingsley’s magic gone, Trystan’s power is failing and Rennedawn is changing. Nura rushes in to shield Evie, reminding Benedict of a vow made at Evie’s birth. Benedict insists a mistake from twenty-four years ago must be corrected and turns the darkness toward Evie.

As the mist swarms Evie, Trystan fights to reach her. Benedict declares the prophecy’s “true prince” is present and, rejecting Kingsley, points to Trystan, reframing the prophecy and tightening his control as the frog escapes.