Chapter 33

In the dungeon, Taran goads Diem through a brutal spar meant to provoke her powers, while Alixe urges tactics and Luther watches in silence. Despite taunts and escalating stakes, Diem cannot summon even a spark, her anger dissolving when she recognizes Taran’s worry. Humiliated and hollow, she ends the session.

That night, Diem secretly leads Henri and Vance—blindfolded—to the Crown’s canal dock to inspect the royal boat. They refuse to share full details, admitting only they plan to “borrow” it to move sensitive cargo past patrols. Diem, conflicted but determined to prevent violence, oversees their search.

When Descended guards approach, Vance reaches for his blade, but Diem stops him, opening a blood‑locked door to hide them. After the guards pass, she rushes them toward the exit. In the dark flight, she lags to shield them from suspicion if caught guiding mortals into a secret entrance.

Outside, Vance and Henri sprint away, refusing to return so they can trace the route and bypass future blindfolds. Diem realizes Vance is exploiting her help for more access. Henri hesitates, torn, but ultimately follows Vance, leaving Diem alone with the sting of betrayal and her deepening sense of failure.