Contents
Chapter 15
Overview
Maevyth obsesses over the murdered Lyverian servant and suspects Moros. In the kitchen, Aleysia confides she is two months pregnant and plans to seek the Crone Witch’s abortifacient herbs. Maevyth promises support. A cut on Maevyth’s finger mysteriously heals, hinting at new or growing power and stakes.
Summary
While preparing supper with Aleysia and Lolla, Maevyth drifts into grim thoughts of the Lyverian servant she found dead in the morgue two days earlier. Distracted, Maevyth nicks her finger, bleeding onto the potatoes. She quietly tells Aleysia she believes Moros’s household beat the Lyverian girl to death.
Aleysia warns life with Moros will be cruel and agrees the servant was likely murdered for no just cause. Their whispered talk underscores Maevyth’s guilt and horror at the parish’s brutality toward women, especially Lyverians.
After Lolla is called out by Agatha, Aleysia confides she has missed two months of menses and has already told the father. Fearing discovery and condemnation, she says she intends to visit the Crone Witch for potent herbs to end the pregnancy. Maevyth promises unwavering support, even if the parish turns on them.
Lolla returns, breaking the moment. When Maevyth unwraps her bandaged finger, the skin is inexplicably intact, the fresh cut gone. The quiet revelation suggests Maevyth’s body is changing, deepening the tension as she navigates Moros’s threat, Aleysia’s perilous choice, and the parish’s harsh judgment.
Who Appears
- MaevythHaunted by a murdered Lyverian; suspects Moros; supports Aleysia’s decision; notices her finger wound heal instantly.
- AleysiaConfesses two missed menses; plans to seek the Crone Witch’s herbs; fears parish judgment; leans on Maevyth.
- LollaSupervises kitchen work; briefly leaves, then returns; unaware of the confidential conversation.
- AgathaCalls Lolla from the kitchen; emblem of parish authority and expected condemnation.
- MorosImplied abuser; suspected in the Lyverian servant’s death; looming threat over Maevyth’s future.
- Lyverian servant girlRecently found dead; her suspected murder torments Maevyth and fuels distrust of Moros.
- Crone WitchRumored to provide potent abortifacient herbs; Aleysia plans to seek her help.
- Uncle RiftynMentioned as Aleysia’s only support figure; his exact role in the pregnancy is unclear.