Chapter Twenty-Five

Lore drifts in a state between sleep and waking after channeling the Mortem leak. She dreams of Nyxara’s obsidian tomb, then hears Gabe and another voice discussing her condition. Later, in the recurring beach dream, the shadowy figure tries to tug at Lore’s heart, but Lore resists; the figure notes that more power seems to have given Lore more control.

As Lore surfaces again, Bastian touches Lore’s arm, and his presence seems to drive back the darkness and death holding her under. Lore hears that nearly a week has passed and senses tension between Gabe and Bastian. When Lore finally wakes fully, Lore remembers the Presque Mort whose foot was consumed by Mortem and worries that Gabe looked horrified by her power.

Lore leaves her bedroom and finds Bastian waiting with food. Bastian explains that Malcolm told him what happened after carrying Lore into the South Sanctuary and that Gabe initially kept Bastian from visiting until Anton intervened. Bastian admits that he cares about Lore, though he still does not release the threat of the Burnt Isles. Lore avoids the emotional implications and asks what happened at the leak.

Bastian tells Lore that the injured Presque Mort, Jean, will recover and receive a prosthetic. According to Malcolm, the Mortem surged toward Lore, ignoring the others; Jean stepped too close while trying to help, and Malcolm pulled Jean away before more damage was done. Bastian also reveals that Gabe reached for Lore and lost the tip of a finger. Bastian reassures Lore that Gabe will return, then leaves.

Alone, Lore reflects that Bastian’s touch repelled Mortem, just as Bastian’s presence has previously made it difficult for Lore to call her power. Gabe then arrives with medicinal salve for Lore’s numb hands. Their conversation is strained, especially when Gabe sees that Bastian was present, but Lore tells Gabe her suspicion that Bastian’s effect on Mortem may be connected to Spiritum and the Arceneaux line. Gabe resists the conclusion but agrees they should ask Malcolm for access to the Church library.

Lore applies the stinging salve and tries to sleep, but Lore remains painfully cold. Lore finds Gabe lying near the door and tells Gabe she is cold. Gabe silently invites Lore under his blanket, holds Lore close, and Lore finally falls into a deep, dreamless sleep.