Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Maevyth confides in Lolla about Moros’s abused Lyverian servant and a chilling offer from his head servant to eliminate the girl. Lolla counsels caution, believing Maevyth might be treated differently. Maevyth hides the mysterious egg and, with Aleysia, rails against Agatha’s manipulations, but accepts that running isn’t feasible.
Summary
Maevyth, preoccupied and wary of Moros, tells Lolla she has seen bruises on his servants and that he keeps a Lyverian girl, worsening Maevyth’s fears. Lolla counters that Moros’s treatment of a wife may differ, urging Maevyth to measure every word. Maevyth then reveals the head servant offered to “get rid” of the Lyverian girl; Lolla’s advice hardens into a warning about the world’s brutality and the need for caution.
After Lolla leaves, Maevyth checks the black‑silver egg she has hidden, makes a small nest for it, and tucks it beside her bed, quietly hoping it will not require constant tending.
Aleysia storms in, furious that Agatha has arranged for a witch to accompany Uncle Riftyn while Aleysia must entertain a chosen suitor. The sisters vent about Agatha and discuss Moros’s Lyverian servant; Aleysia pities the girl but fears losing Uncle Riftyn’s favor. Maevyth urges focus on escaping Aleysia’s looming match.
They reflect on past punishment—Aleysia’s lashes after a failed escape—and accept that fleeing now would end disastrously. Maevyth dims the light, her thoughts still on the Lyverian girl’s bruises, and seeks uneasy solace in the darkness.
Who Appears
- MaevythProtagonist; confides in Lolla about Moros’s abuse, refuses disposal of the Lyverian girl, hides the egg, weighs escape.
- LollaCaretaker; braids Maevyth’s hair, hears the confession, warns Maevyth to speak carefully and navigate brutality.
- AleysiaMaevyth’s sister; enraged by Agatha’s schemes and her forced suitor, debates risks of escape, recalls prior lashes.
- AgathaAunt; offstage manipulator arranging suitors and a witch escort for Uncle Riftyn, worsening the sisters’ predicament.
- Mr. MorosWealthy buyer and fiancé; implied abuser of servants, employs a Lyverian girl, his household poses lethal threats.
- Lyverian girlServant in Moros’s manor; bears bruises and burns, central to Maevyth’s moral stand to protect her.
- Moros’s head servantOffered to dispose of the Lyverian girl; prompts Maevyth’s alarm and Lolla’s counsel.
- Uncle RiftynTarget of Agatha’s matchmaking with a witch; Aleysia fears losing his favor.