CHAPTER 33: Not a Safe Place

Seeking independence in his second year in Port Massy, Anden takes a hardware store job, improves his Espenian, and keeps visiting the grudge hall despite the Hians’ warnings about new jade laws and possible conflict with Boss Kromner’s Crew. His true draw is private time with Cory; their relationship becomes physically and emotionally consuming.

As summer arrives, Cory invites Anden to travel before law school, but Anden declines due to obligations and money. At Cory’s send-off, Anden shares photos of Niko and baby Ru. The group’s mood shifts when Tod announces he has enlisted with the Espenian military to wear jade legally, prompting mixed reactions; Anden is dismayed at the un-Kekonese logic.

Gunfire erupts outside. Rohn Toro senses danger and rushes up. Cory organizes the room, leading Green Bones to secure the entrance. They find Sano, the doorman, mortally wounded. As three cars return, Rohn, Cory, Tod, and others Deflect sustained fire. Molotovs crash inside; Anden burns his hand trying to throw one out. Rohn intercepts another, ignites a fleeing car, and fatally shoots two attackers as the others escape.

Inside, Cory and others smother flames while Anden and a woman Green Bone extinguish fires threatening the Deitist shrine and main hall. With sirens approaching, Rohn orders all jade-wearers to scatter, over Cory’s protest to keep Anden clear. Rohn tasks Anden to delay police. Anden, posing with a Stepenish accent, misdirects an officer long enough for evacuations.

Returning to the alley, Anden learns Sano has died. Rohn hides his jade—stitched into gloves—inside a wall to avoid arrest, enduring withdrawal before steadying himself. The night ends with the community shaken, the truce fraying, and Anden more entangled in the Dauks’ perilous world.