Contents
Chapter 45
Overview
Gray confronts Wren for violating her promise and inciting him, but they reconcile after she vows not to repeat it. Their intimacy deepens their bond. The next morning, Karra warns Wren that Gray avoids deep feelings. Later, Wren finds Poppy withdrawn and comforts Evlynne, who reveals Fisher’s bloodmark has appeared.
Summary
Wren meets Gray in his quarters, where he confronts her for inciting him despite her promise. She explains she feared they would be killed and chose to protect Gray and Evlynne. Gray, terrified by her self-sacrifice, demands a promise she will not put his life before her own; Wren agrees, and they reconcile.
They share intimacy that stops short of sex, each seeking reassurance and control after the crisis. Afterward, Wren admits she does not feel monstrous for using incitement to protect Gray, contrasting it with her earlier guilt over Jayde. Gray remains angry at the boundary breach but reassures her he does not hate her and asks her to stay the night.
In the morning, Wren quietly leaves and runs into Karra outside Gray’s door. Karra, outwardly unfazed, claims Gray only does the bare minimum emotionally and warns Wren she will eventually want more than he will give, implying she accepts Gray on those terms.
Later, Wren searches for Poppy, learns from Scarlett that Poppy’s favorite raven Didi has died, and meets Poppy in a flower-filled clearing. They discuss parental control and rebellion before Poppy is summoned by her mother for shielding practice.
On the Ledge, Wren finds Evlynne crying and admits Fisher read her mind in the valley. Evlynne reluctantly confides that a bloodmark has appeared on Fisher’s foot, confirming his dangerous Mod potential, heightening Wren’s concern and the broader stakes around children manifesting powerful abilities.
Who Appears
- WrenNarrator; apologizes for inciting Gray, promises to stop, grows intimate with him, supports Poppy, and learns Fisher’s bloodmark.
- Grayson “Gray” BlakeConfronts Wren over incitement and her self-sacrifice; demands a promise; reconciles and shares intimate moments.
- EvlynneSeen crying; confides to Wren that Fisher’s bloodmark appeared, confirming his emerging power.
- KarraEncounters Wren leaving Gray’s quarters; warns that Gray avoids deep feelings and does the bare minimum.
- PoppyWithdrawn and grieving her raven; meets Wren in a clearing; summoned for shielding practice by her mother.
- ScarlettAviary caretaker who informs Wren that Poppy’s raven Didi died.