Chapter 32

At night in the manor kitchen, Trystan gathers the core group after the attack. Edwin blames himself for the breach, but Trystan takes responsibility for relying on the thorn grove’s protection. Sage comforts Edwin while Tatianna checks his injury, and the group agrees a traitor likely aided both the intruder and the notes to Lyssa.

Keeley openly suspects Gideon when he arrives, but Sage states she compared the handwriting and the notes are not Gideon’s. Tension flares between the siblings, revealing Sage’s lingering hurt at Gideon’s past abandonment. Gideon produces a hand-drawn map of the Gleaming Palace, outlining hidden tunnels used during emergencies.

Gideon identifies routes: one adjacent to Benedict’s office, where Rennedawn’s storybook is kept, and another to the previous holding place of the female guvre—likely still in use due to Benedict’s ego. The team weighs the risk and utility of this intelligence as Roland reels at the revelation that Nura Sage is alive.

Turning to Kingsley’s curse, Sage asks about alternatives to the southern enchantress. Trystan explains Lionel confirmed only the caster can undo it, and that breaching the southern wards would require a rare magic wand. With few options left, Trystan resolves they must visit a powerful Rennedawn lord he knows to try to obtain one.