Chapter 36

Jasper leads Wren, Gray, and Xavier into the Hollow, where Kitty, a wary Faithful leader, sizes them up and offers a guarded welcome on Jasper’s word. She tours them through the surprisingly large, self-sustaining camp and brings them to an ongoing celebration for a newborn, revealing the community’s two-year secrecy and permanence.

Amid music and revelry, Gray raises the prospect of coordinating with the Faithful, but Kitty dismisses the idea, emphasizing their desire to live free of the Company and broader politics. Jasper trades intel, suggesting Travis Redden courts elite backers like Wexton Jones, hinting at political expansion beyond the capital.

Jasper takes the trio to his cabin and unveils a stash of seraphis. He reveals the camp’s grange is laced with the aphrodisiac, to Wren’s irritation, while Xavier embraces it. Jasper chews raw seraphis, intent on losing himself in pleasure, and Wren retreats to the party as the drug begins to affect her.

Back by the fire, the seraphis heightens the atmosphere and Wren’s arousal. She notices Xavier and Jasper effortlessly charming others while she and Gray talk. Pressed by Wren’s guesses, Gray admits his Mod power: he is a grounder who can soothe or numb emotions. He acknowledges using it on Wren at difficult moments, complicating her sense of ease around him.

Gray confirms Kitty won’t take the alliance proposal to other Faithful leaders. As the seraphis takes stronger hold, Gray and Wren exchange lingering looks and touches, their banter turning intimate. Despite mentioning Gray’s on-and-off partner, the moment intensifies; the music slows, tension spikes, and Gray leans in, poised to kiss Wren.