Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
Back at the Dagger, Wren’s uncontrolled telepathy lets her overhear Cross and Ivy: Ivy fears Roe’s executions, requests reassignment, and asks if Cross still thinks of them. Seeking clarity, Wren rides with Tana, who admits kissing Luisa. In the valley, Evlynne tenderly mothers Fisher; a ridgehowler is spotted nearby, and Fisher unexpectedly reads Wren’s mind, deepening the mystery around Mods and Wren’s evolving ability.
Summary
Near 2 a.m., Wren lies awake at the Dagger, missing Xavier and replaying her near-kiss with Gray. An involuntary telepathic transmission breaks in: Ivy appears at Cross’s door and, shaken by Roe’s executions, asks for reassignment. Cross agrees, and Ivy pointedly asks if he ever thinks about their past, fueling Wren’s jealousy and confusion over her uncontrolled ability.
In the morning, Wren persuades Tana to trail ride in the valley. As they ride, Wren admits she almost kissed Gray after being dosed with the Faithful’s seraphis, and Tana urges her to move on from Cross. Tana then reveals she kissed Luisa and, still healing from sexual assault, values Luisa’s patience with intimacy.
After returning the horses, they encounter Evlynne tenderly playing pilot with her son Fisher, showing a softer side that surprises Wren. Fisher excitedly reports seeing a distant ridgehowler. When Evlynne steps inside, Fisher hugs Wren and asks her to deliver it to Gray.
As Wren privately wonders whether Cross would be good with children, a sharp mental jolt hits. Fisher looks up and asks, “Who’s Cross?”—revealing he just read Wren’s mind. The moment confirms Wren’s burgeoning, erratic telepathy and hints that Fisher may be gifted as well, raising new stakes around secrecy and trust.
Who Appears
- Wren DarlingtonProtagonist; involuntarily overhears Cross and Ivy, wrestles with jealousy and Gray feelings, rides with Tana, witnesses Fisher read her mind.
- TanaFriend in Intelligence; counsels Wren to move on, reveals she kissed Luisa, discusses healing after assault.
- CrossPrime and ex; late-night talk with Ivy, agrees to reassign her after Roe’s executions; past relationship tension resurfaces.
- IvyCross’s ex; seeks reassignment due to fear after executions, asks if Cross still thinks about them.
- EvlynneUsually stern operative; shows warmth with her son, surprises Wren with maternal tenderness.
- FisherEvlynne’s young son; plays at flying, reports ridgehowler sighting, hugs Wren, then reads her mind.
- GrayPilot and Wren’s close friend; off-page presence, near-kiss lingers; receives Fisher’s intended hug via Wren.
- LuisaPilot; ferries Wren and Tana, later meets them; Tana admits they kissed and praises Luisa’s patience.