Contents
Chapter 14
Overview
At the bonfire, Wren and Evlynne’s night shoot ends in a draw, but the contest erupts into distrust over Wren’s incitement. Wren walks away, choosing restraint. Gray reveals Hawkins’s tragic past with Zoe and volunteers for incitement training, which stalls. Driven by concern for Cross, Wren asks Gray to fly her to him.
Summary
Leaving the bonfire, Wren and Evlynne face off in a night shooting contest with Mako refereeing and Saint supplying rifles. They take turns pulverizing thrown rocks, matching each other shot for shot until Gray calls it a draw. The tension beneath the competition surfaces when Evlynne accuses Wren of being an untrustworthy inciter.
Wren publicly vows never to incite anyone at the Dagger and even offers her life if she breaks that promise, but Evlynne and Neema remain hostile. When Evlynne grabs her, Wren nearly snaps, only to walk away, choosing restraint to preserve fragile trust. Gray follows, checks on her, and teases her about “Darlington moves,” easing her anger.
Seeking control over her power, Wren accepts Gray’s offer to train. In his quarters, Gray explains the stigma around Hawkins: he allegedly incited his girlfriend, Zoe, to jump to her death, a claim he says was accidental but which Evlynne and Neema don’t believe. The story deepens Wren’s empathy for Hawkins and the risks of incitement.
They set a safe command—picking up and spilling a water glass—and Wren attempts to harness the “gold” frequency. Despite visualization breakthroughs and Gray’s coaching to breathe and relax, her focus collapses repeatedly as she unconsciously clenches her fists, and the session ends without success.
As Wren leaves, Gray’s messages from Karra underscore his split loyalties. When he mentions Wren’s “man,” she’s reminded of Cross and, worried about him, asks Gray to escort her to the city to see the captain.
Who Appears
- Wren (Stella Hess)Protagonist; ties Evlynne in a night shoot, vows not to incite, attempts training with Gray, seeks flight to Cross.
- GraySupports Wren, calls truce, reveals Hawkins/Zoe tragedy, volunteers as incitement subject, coaches breathing, receives Wren’s request to see Cross.
- EvlynneRival sniper; competes to a draw, confronts Wren about incitement, remains distrustful and provocative.
- NeemaAllied with Evlynne; scorns Wren, tries to rattle her during the contest, distrusts Hawkins and Wren.
- MakoSelf-appointed referee; tosses rocks as targets, provides light banter during the contest.
- SaintProvides rifle support, stays ready to intervene when tensions rise.
- HenleyObserves the contest and prompts turns; minor presence.
- KarraGray’s girlfriend; bristles at Gray’s remarks and messages him during training.
- HawkinsOff-page mentor; rumored to have incited Zoe’s fatal jump, shaping others’ distrust.
- ZoeDeceased; Hawkins’s girlfriend who died after an alleged incitement-induced fall.
- LuisaDefends Wren briefly, telling Evlynne to stop.
- Cross (the captain)Off-page; Wren’s focus of concern. She asks Gray to fly her to him.
- AdrienneOff-page; previously escorted to the city by Gray, prompting Wren’s request.