Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
In the mortuary’s aftermath, Agatha introduces wealthy Mr. Moros and announces Maevyth’s arranged betrothal, using community fear to force consent. Maevyth and Aleysia argue options—flight, poison, or submission—while Uncle Riftyn’s proximity raises alarm. Maevyth resolves to attend Moros’s brunch and consider marriage to secure protection and guardianship for Aleysia.
Summary
Shaken after the Banishing, Maevyth recovers in the mortuary while townsfolk gossip. Aleysia notes the prisoner’s eerie language, which Maevyth understood as Vonkovyan, deepening Maevyth’s unease. Agatha then presents Mr. Moros, a wealthy mine owner, and agrees to his invitation for Maevyth to brunch.
Despite Maevyth’s objections, Agatha reveals she has already accepted payment, framing the match as salvation from debt and protection from accusations after the prisoner’s public grasp. Agatha threatens exorcism and social ruin if Maevyth refuses, and hints at arranging a similar fate for Aleysia. Maevyth, cornered, retreats upstairs.
Maevyth tells Aleysia she has been sold to Mr. Moros. Aleysia, horrified, suggests running or poisoning Moros rather than submitting. Maevyth calculates the risks—Governor Grimsby’s zeal, the peril of the woods, and Agatha’s greed—concluding resistance would invite punishment or banishment.
As Uncle Riftyn’s closeness and flirtation with Aleysia trouble Maevyth, she proposes a grim strategy: accept the courtship to gain status and legal leverage, then secure guardianship to protect Aleysia from a worse marriage. Reluctantly, Maevyth resolves to attend the noon brunch with Moros, despite fear and disgust.
Who Appears
- MaevythProtagonist; coerced into an arranged betrothal to Mr. Moros and resolves to meet him to protect Aleysia.
- Agatha BronwickAdoptive matriarch; sells Maevyth for money, threatens exorcism, and plans to marry off Aleysia.
- AleysiaMaevyth’s sister; outraged by the betrothal, urges running or poisoning, fears being sold herself.
- Mr. MorosWealthy mine owner; invites Maevyth to brunch and is revealed as her arranged suitor.
- Uncle RiftynAgatha’s son; intrusive and flirtatious with Aleysia, offering false hope of intervention.