Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Gray assigns Wren to study Lyddie De Velde’s parents as Biotech ties raise alarms, while Wren markedly improves her incitement by compelling Gray to self-harm. The Authority moves to secure allies, reopening contact with the Faithful and arranging a risky city rendezvous with Jasper. Tensions spike over Xavier joining, and Wren’s puzzling voice-hearing ability resurfaces.
Summary
Gray arrives with a tablet, explaining that Travis’s frequent Biotech meetings have raised concerns about Lyddie De Velde’s parents. Because Wren knew Lyddie, Gray asks her to review the De Velde intel for overlooked clues. They postpone training to the Temple, where daggerstone amplifies Wren’s power.
In the alcove, Wren demonstrates progress by inciting Gray to pick up a knife and make a shallow cut in his palm. The struggle reveals that subject resistance drains Wren’s “gold” energy, and Hawkins’s breathing techniques help her stabilize control. Gray is shaken by the loss of bodily autonomy but supports Wren’s need to master her ability, deflecting questions about his own gift.
That night Wren studies the De Velde file, learning Lyddie’s mother is a prodigy and her father a renowned strategist, clarifying Lyddie’s deep insecurities. Days later, at a base-wide briefing, Teriq and Adrienne announce the need for more allies. The Authority votes to reopen contact with the Faithful and foreshadows a future approach to Tierra Fe.
Gray reveals a meeting with smuggler Jasper Reed in two days inside Sanctum Point and requests four snipers. He selects Mako, Orin, Shonee, and Wren. Xavier insists on accompanying the team to navigate city blind spots and protect Wren, clashing with Evlynne, who rejects him and replaces Shonee herself. Evlynne storms out despite Gray’s attempt to calm her.
Later, Wren reviews the mission while Xavier and Poppy play cards and Saint joins them. Amid their banter about Xavier’s tracker, Wren suddenly hears Cross’s and then Lyddie’s voices, recognizing the return of a perplexing, possibly new ability, leaving the moment unresolved.
Who Appears
- Wren DarlingtonProtagonist; refines incitement by compelling Gray to cut himself, analyzes De Velde intel, joins Jasper meet, hears Cross and Lyddie’s voices.
- Gray BlakeMission lead; tasks Wren with De Velde file, endures her incitement test, assembles sniper team for Jasper meet in Sanctum Point.
- XavierInsists on joining the Jasper mission to guide and protect Wren; clashes with Evlynne; still wearing a Command tracker.
- EvlynneOpposes Xavier, swaps into the sniper team, storms out after arguing; tension with Gray visible.
- AdrienneAnnounces reopening communications with the Faithful and future plans regarding Tierra Fe; helps set strategy.
- TeriqBriefs on recruitment progress and the need for allies; supports the shift toward external negotiations.
- KallisterSupports renegotiating through Jasper to reach Faithful leaders; Authority presence in briefing.
- HawkinsSeen meditating; his training tips help Wren manage resistance during incitement.
- PoppyPlays cards with Xavier; notices his tracker; flusters when Saint arrives.
- SaintJoins the card game; his appearance flusters Poppy; present during Wren’s auditory episode.
- TanaNow living at the Dagger; attends the Authority briefing with Wren.
- Jasper ReedSmuggler contact; insists on meeting in Sanctum Point to discuss reconnecting with the Faithful.
- Lyddie De VeldeSubject of the intel file; her parents’ brilliance contextualizes her insecurities; Wren hears her voice unexpectedly.
- TravisHis frequent Biotech meetings raise suspicions, prompting review of the De Velde intel.
- MakoSelected as a sniper for the Jasper rendezvous.
- OrinSelected as a sniper for the Jasper rendezvous.
- ShoneeInitially chosen as a sniper but replaced by Evlynne.
- HenleyQuips during the briefing, highlighting mixed support for the outreach plan.