Contents
Chapter 50
Overview
Maevyth wakes unsettled after ambrozhyr, finds Zevander gone, and learns he rode to Costelwick for Princess Calisza’s Becoming. Dolion announces he will take Maevyth to Calyxar that night with Zevander’s approval, igniting Maevyth’s defiance to return for Aleysia.
Seeking aid, Maevyth confronts Rykaia, who reveals harrowing trauma and Branimir’s monstrous rescue. Moved, Maevyth agrees to attend the masked Becoming with Rykaia and secures a promise to be cleaved back to the woods afterward.
Summary
Maevyth wakes aching and relaxed after ambrozhyr, confused by signs of a wild night she barely remembers. She bathes, seeks training, and finds Zevander absent; Rykaia teases that Zevander is smitten and insists Maevyth attend Princess Calisza’s masked Becoming, where all faces will be hidden.
In the library, Dolion tells Maevyth he will take her to Calyxar that night, with Zevander’s blessing, while Allura must return to the House of Sages. Maevyth erupts, refusing to abandon the search for her sister and storms out.
Maevyth confronts Rykaia, demanding help returning to the woods after the ceremony. Rykaia initially refuses, desperate not to lose Maevyth, then breaks down and shares her deepest trauma: soldiers assaulted and killed her mother while forcing Rykaia to feel it; Branimir saved her by unleashing his spiders to slaughter the men, leaving her terrified of what he became.
Rykaia explains she must attend the Becoming to ensure Calisza does not feel alone as a Solassion victor claims her. Moved by Rykaia’s pain and purpose, Maevyth agrees to go masked and secures Rykaia’s promise to cleave her back to the woods afterward.
Who Appears
- MaevythProtagonist; resists being taken to Calyxar, seeks Aleysia, consoles Rykaia, agrees to attend the masked Becoming.
- RykaiaZevander’s sister; urges attendance, reveals her mother’s assault and Branimir’s massacre, promises to cleave Maevyth to the woods.
- DolionScholar guardian; announces departure to Calyxar with Zevander’s approval, prioritizes Maevyth’s safety over her wishes.
- AlluraMentor; sorts bones, cannot travel, returns to the House of Sages.
- ZevanderAbsent but influential; rides to Costelwick for Calisza’s Becoming and okays Dolion taking Maevyth to Calyxar.
- Princess CaliszaHer Becoming compels attendance; symbol of vulnerable duty Rykaia wants to support.
- BranimirRykaia’s brother; once protected her by unleashing spiders to slaughter assailants, leaving lasting fear.