Contents
Chapter 48
Overview
Maevyth smooths things with Allura, who affirms mentoring and shares findings that Corvugon grow rapidly and likely bond to hatchers. Rykaia intrudes, revealing jealousy, sobriety, and archaic spellcraft, then doses Maevyth with an aphrodisiac. The night turns into dance lessons and a playful pillow fight, deepening Maevyth and Rykaia’s bond while hinting at Zevander’s past and Maevyth’s future at the Becoming.
Summary
Maevyth hides a new dress and scorpion necklace when Allura arrives, gently chiding her for missing study but reaffirming commitment to mentor her. Their talk turns to Corvugon: Allura recalls finding giant birdlike bones and explains evidence of rapid, continuous growth and probable bonding to hatchers. She also somehow knows Maevyth hatched the egg, signaling wider awareness.
Rykaia enters with a bottle and two goblets, bristling over Allura’s jasmine scent while admitting heightened senses after giving up heavy reliance on sleep elixirs. Struggling with a cork, Rykaia uses archaic, ritual-style magic to undo an apparent enchantment, and she and Maevyth discuss witchcraft and Maevyth’s grim homeland punishments.
Rykaia serves a sparkling blue liquor; Maevyth drinks three cups before learning it is an aphrodisiac. Rykaia advises locking doors and proposes “burning it off.” She teaches Maevyth a simple waltz in preparation for the Becoming, mentioning the seductive Virgin Hunt dance. Their talk covers accepted same-sex pairings, soul-mate bonds revealed by a kiss, and Zevander’s history of a forced, enchanted pairing.
Dizzy and warm, Maevyth resists then joins Rykaia in jumping on the bed. Rykaia admits Maevyth’s presence makes her want to live awake again. The mood turns carefree, ending in a gleeful pillow fight that cements their friendship and leaves Maevyth lighter despite the aphrodisiac’s effects.
Who Appears
- MaevythProtagonist; consults Allura on Corvugon, drinks aphrodisiac unknowingly, learns dances for the Becoming, bonds with Rykaia through play.
- RykaiaBrings enchanted bottle, admits past elixir dependence, shows archaic magic, teases, teaches Maevyth to waltz, and sparks a cathartic pillow fight.
- AlluraMentor-scholar; affirms support, shares Corvugon growth and bonding insights, hints she knows Maevyth hatched the egg.