Chapter 21. Now: Maris

Maris wakes in a rebel tent to find Luca watching over her, still armored, a faint golden halo above him since avenging Vitrasian. They confirm her minor injuries, observe each other’s changes, and reopen old wounds over his departure across the river.

Maris reveals Iola’s suicide and that she has taken her mother’s Magistrate seat. She proposes a negotiated, bloodless transfer of the Citadel District in exchange for exile and loss of citizenship for opponents. Luca rejects it as too late, implying the New Legion plans a decisive, violent takeover.

Maris invokes their vow not to become like their enemies; Luca counters with Vitrasian’s murder. He then presents a blank, godsblood-glimmering parchment and explains falcons are carrying Citadel messages. Luca urges Maris to make herself valuable by uncovering who the Consul is corresponding with, warning he soon cannot protect a sworn Magistrate.

Maris begs Luca to flee with her; he refuses, bound to the war and his command. When voices rise outside, a tribune reports that Zuri has come to claim her. Maris conceals her face as Luca confronts legionnaire Neatus.

Zuri identifies Maris as his sister and presents his Rullias medallion. As passing soldiers approach, Centurion Roskia notices the scene but moves on. Neatus releases Maris to Zuri with a warning. Maris leaves, clutching the godsblood-encoded parchment, realizing the Citadel’s secret communications could be the only leverage between rebels and Magistrates.