Contents
After Chapter Twenty-Three — Arin
Overview
Arin pursues Soraya through Lukub’s festival chaos but halts when Wes confirms Sylvia lives and is with medics. Choosing mission over vengeance, Arin abandons the chase and returns to the Ivory Palace, betting that if Sylvia survives she will return. This decision prioritizes capturing the Mufsids and Urabi over personal retribution.
Summary
Arin recognizes the fleeing attacker as Soraya, despite the false name she once used. He drives his horse through Lukub’s festival crowds, following the faint trace of her magic and determined not to be deceived again.
Wes rides up, reporting that Sylvia is alive and with Jeru, Ren, and medics, though severely injured from the stabbing and fall. Arin weighs his options: capture Soraya to extract information about the Mufsids and the Urabi, or return to ensure Sylvia survives.
Memories of Sylvia’s pain and volatility clash with Arin’s strategic needs. He concludes that he needs Sylvia to locate and capture the Mufsids and the Urabi, and that if she survives, she will return to him.
Rejecting the lure of personal vengeance, Arin turns his horse toward the Ivory Palace, abandoning the chase for Soraya to prioritize the broader mission and Sylvia’s survival.
Who Appears
- ArinPrince and strategist; abandons chasing Soraya to return to the injured Sylvia, prioritizing the mission.
- WesLoyal guard; updates Arin that Sylvia is alive and with medics, prompting Arin’s decision.
- Sylvia (Essiya)Injured Champion; stabbed and fallen, her survival influences Arin’s strategic choice.
- SorayaAssailant and former attendant; flees through festival chaos as Arin initially gives chase.