Chapter 51

Medra awakens on a cot in a cavern, groggy from being drugged. Professor Wispwood removes a white circlet from Medra’s head and departs. Outside, Medra finds herself on a humid, jungle-like island facing a gorge with rising stone platforms. Visha Vaidya and Evander wait on the far side; Visha reveals the crossing requires partners and that time is running out.

Despite past hostility, Visha crosses back platform by platform and convinces Medra to cooperate, citing Blake’s orders and Regan’s head start. Together they leap the sequence, Visha steadying the still-dazed Medra, and Evander pulls them onto solid ground before the pillars crumble. Medra learns the circlet is likely the Crown of Bone and that rule-bending appears tolerated. They agree to regroup later for more challenges requiring another consort’s help.

Alone in the jungle, Medra sheds layers for the heat, drinks from a stream, and feels Blake’s blood surge through her system, sharpening strength and speed. Regan ambushes her with Gretchen and Quinn; Regan tries thrallweave, ordering Medra to kill herself. Medra’s trained mental defenses block the compulsion, rattling Regan.

Medra goads Regan by implying private training and admitting Blake gave her blood. In the ensuing fight, Medra overpowers Regan, returns Gretchen’s thrown knife to slice Gretchen’s cheek, and disarms Regan. She chooses not to kill, tossing the rapier away, then is struck by an arrow from Quinn. Healing quickly, Medra regains the advantage, pins Regan, and knocks her unconscious with a strike, then warns Quinn as another arrow flies.