Chapter 62

Maevyth awakens Zevander from his convulsive, black-eyed trance by drawing his flame through their joined palms. Disoriented and fearing he harmed her, Zevander struggles with hellish visions from Caligorya. Maevyth calms him, assures he never touched her, and tends him while he drinks water and liquor, clinging to her for grounding.

They kiss, but Zevander halts when panic and shame surface from past abuses. Maevyth reveals she and Elowen undressed him to fight fever, saw his scars and piercings, and he rejects pity. He admits feeling trapped in Caligorya and fears losing control like Branimir; Maevyth vows to pull him back every time. Her wrapped hand hides the guilt of killing Elowen by touch; Zevander reframes magic as will, safely guiding her to trust herself.

Trust rebuilt, they explore each other cautiously. Zevander yields control of his body, and Maevyth’s touch draws threads of his power while he fights not to hurt her. He brings her to vulnerability, stroking himself over her bared torso as his tattooed sableflame licks her skin without harm. She spontaneously speaks Primyrian to ask for his release, which he gives, claiming her as his.

After, while creatures snarl outside the ward, they discuss despair, safety, and Cadavros’s aim as Pestilios. Zevander declares he would not sacrifice Maevyth to save the world and plans to take her to Calyxar, despite the king’s likely wrath. He identifies her strange words as ancient Primyrian, deepening the mystery of her nature.

Hunger sends Maevyth to the kitchen, where a loose floorboard reveals a hidden trapdoor. Zevander joins her as they lift it—and in the crawl space below, Maevyth discovers her sister Aleysia curled within, alive, transforming fear into urgent hope.