Chapter Thirty-Three

After Aeri and Royo leave, Sora and Mikail sit together, tension easing into conversation. Sora checks Mikail’s arm—the cut she made has been salved—and apologizes. Mikail immediately forgives her, framing their conflict as strain from hardship rather than betrayal, and pledges to stand with Sora to the end.

Sora offers space to speak about Euyn, but Mikail refuses, fearing grief will overwhelm him. They agree to numb their pain for now. When Sora reveals that Misha is a poison maiden like her, Mikail is unsurprised. Sora adds that Misha reported Seok emptied Idle Prison when he took Qali, meaning Mikail’s father and Hwan might be free; Mikail, recalling the ruined house, doubts his father survived.

They discuss Tiyung’s chances. Mikail argues Tiyung can live if he has someone to live for, implying Sora’s importance to him. The talk shifts to Fallador: Mikail admits there is “something” between them from long acquaintance, but distrust and timing make affection dangerous.

Mikail voices a grim realism that not all of them may survive. The confession rattles Sora, but she pushes back, invoking their past endurance and the gods’ gifts to Aeri and Mikail as purpose. She reframes despair into defiance, pours water, and toasts to resisting their enemies. Mikail’s resolve brightens, and they seal their pact: “To the bloody end.”