Chapter Thirteen

During the first week of training, Sylvia is pushed to physical limits on land and water. Jeru delivers centuries of Lukubi drawings of the tournament trials, which she studies: Ayume’s endurance hunt, Dar al Mansi’s monster gauntlet, and Baira’s illusion duel in sinking sand. Realizing the final trial will be in Nizahl, she panics about facing Supreme Rawain’s court while competing as Nizahl’s Champion.

Overwhelmed by conflicting loyalties and hunted by Jasadi factions, Sylvia breaks down in a hallway, haunted by Hanim’s accusatory voice. Arin quietly witnesses her dissociation and confirms she had mentally “left,” then departs.

That night, sleepless, Sylvia wanders the tunnels. Vaun confronts and goads her, escalating to unwanted touching that triggers traumatic memories and a violent reaction. Vaun drags her by the hair to Arin, falsely accusing her of plotting harm. Arin questions Vaun, cites his own decrees, and dismisses him, implicitly condemning the assault.

Left in Arin’s chambers, Sylvia examines his sparse room and the royal seal. Arin then shows her his renowned map table, including the “Scorched Lands” map of former Jasad, which intensifies her grief and stirs her magic. They debate captivity, Arin’s reforms limiting soldier abuses, and the nature of guilt, loyalty, and narratives shaped by upbringing.

Arin reveals a vibrant historical map of Jasad with its twelve wilayahs and asks Sylvia to read their names in Resar. She complies, then he notes her “new” accent and, more damningly, catches her having read his posted decrees written in old Nizahl—a language long dead—exposing a dangerous slip in her cover. He warns her about careless deceit. Sylvia flees, recognizing that Arin’s suspicion is sharpening and that nothing, including his seeming invulnerability, is untouchable forever.