Contents
Chapter 37
Overview
A quake interrupts Wren and Gray’s seraphis-fueled near-kiss, snapping them back to restraint. In the morning, Kitty reveals telepathic links with Jasper, confirming both are Modified and that the Faithful welcome Primes and Mods alike. When pickup is delayed, Xavier decides to remain in the Hollow; Jasper vouches, and Gray reluctantly lets him stay. Wren and Xavier share a candid farewell, cementing shifting loyalties.
Summary
Under the lingering effects of seraphis, Wren and Gray nearly kiss, but a sudden tremor rattles the Hollow and breaks the moment. Jasper casually labels it a minor quake, and Wren takes the interruption as a needed reality check about Gray’s existing relationship.
At Kitty’s cabin the next morning, Wren learns Kitty and Jasper communicate telepathically, revealing both are Modified. Kitty explains the Faithful’s ethos: a community where Primes and Mods live together under simple rules, rejecting the New Era’s hierarchies. When Gray presses again for an alliance, Kitty declines, keeping the Faithful neutral.
Wren contacts the Dagger; Adrienne reports pickup can’t happen until nightfall, so they remain in the Hollow. Xavier arrives to announce he’s not returning. He argues he doesn’t belong with the Command or the Uprising, and as a deserter he’d be executed if he went back. Jasper offers to take responsibility for him.
After tense back-and-forth and Xavier’s promise to try influencing the Faithful, Gray reluctantly agrees to leave Xavier behind, warning he’ll kill him if he returns to the Command. The group spends the day in the Hollow and shares a communal meal.
At departure, Jasper slips Gray a comm. In private, Xavier invites Wren to stay; she declines. They trade jokes to mask real emotion, and Xavier assures her he’ll adapt. They part warmly, acknowledging their bond while choosing different paths.
Who Appears
- Wren DarlingtonNarrator; resists a near-kiss with Gray, learns Faithful accept Mods and Primes, arranges pickup, and bids Xavier a heartfelt farewell.
- Grayson Blake (Gray)Wren’s ally; near-kiss interrupted by quake; seeks Faithful support; begrudgingly permits Xavier to stay after Jasper vouches.
- XavierLieutenant deserter; decides to remain with the Faithful; challenges Gray; shares a candid, affectionate goodbye with Wren.
- KittyFaithful leader; hosts Wren and Gray; reveals telepathy with Jasper; affirms mixed community and declines alliance.
- Jasper ReedFaithful figure; telepathic Mod; labels the quake minor; vouches for Xavier and provides Gray a comm at departure.
- AdrienneDagger contact; relays that pickup must wait until nightfall, keeping Wren and Gray in the Hollow longer.