Chapter 30

Weeks after the quarry meeting, Wren still aches from losing Cross, who has cut off contact. She keeps busy as a long-range instructor but feels sidelined from operations. Seeking control, Wren trains with Hawkins to improve incitement. After repeated failures, she heeds his advice to guide rather than force and manages to compel him to lift and hold a knife, briefly sustaining the connection before losing it.

At the gym, Xavier’s spar with Henley draws Saint and Mako. Evlynne arrives and angrily denounces trusting a Prime, exposing deep Mod–Prime divisions. Afterward, Henley warns Xavier that his service under Redden is the real issue; Xavier admits he serves survival, and some rapport forms. The next morning, bored restlessness spreads at breakfast. Banter reveals small frictions and alliances, including Karra’s frustrations and Mako’s running feud with Raven.

Evlynne surprisingly suggests Wren explore mountain anomalies like a famed lagoon and later offers to fly her there. In the air, Evlynne states she will never trust Xavier and remains undecided on Wren, trusting Gray’s judgment. They debate science versus “miracle” explanations for anomalies and abilities. The lagoon appears: a stunning violet body of water nestled among cliffs.

After landing, Evlynne urges Wren down a narrow path, claiming she collects water for her son. Once Wren descends, she realizes Evlynne has not followed. The helicopter lifts off, and Evlynne abandons Wren on the ridge, revealing the flight as a setup and leaving Wren stranded beside the uncanny lagoon.