Chapter 31

At Massacre Manor, Blade reflects on his rebellious life rules and his growing affection for Rebecka. Rebecka arrives, anxious that her brother Roland is examining the thorn hedge, a task ordered by their intimidating boss. Blade tries to lighten her mood, revealing their easy rapport.

Roland joins them in the courtyard, greeting Rebecka with familial warmth that she meets stiffly. Brief small talk about their family underscores Rebecka’s strained ties, while Blade and his dragon companion, Fluffy, hover protectively.

Turning to business, Rebecka presses Roland about the hedge. Roland reports the magic guarding the illegal thorn grove is fully intact, contradicting the recent intrusions. Despite the intact wards, he notes something else is wrong.

Roland explains he found a narrow, expertly cut physical clearing through the thorns—large enough for one or two people—that shows old and fresh footprints. This means someone bypassed the magic without breaking it.

The implication alarms Blade and Rebecka: the intruder likely had inside access or knowledge and has been using this covert path since the hedge was grown. The revelation hardens Blade’s resolve and shifts their suspicion closer to home.