Chapter 25

Perthe leads Diem and Aemonn through back corridors toward the ball. In servants’ passages, Diem thanks staff, learning from Aemonn that Corbois with weak lines serve as household labor, revealing a Descended caste system. Shouts demand Diem’s presence; she rushes ahead.

Diem finds Henri bloodied and furious. He rejects her earlier message and reveals a plan: two hundred Guardians await his signal to assault the palace. Diem argues they will be slaughtered, but Henri accepts collateral damage. When footsteps approach, Diem kisses him goodbye, disarms him, and orders guards to imprison him unharmed, despite his sense of betrayal.

Aemonn comforts Diem, but it feels wrong until Luther arrives and steadies her. Diem begs Luther to prevent mortal casualties. He proposes releasing Umbros Descended from the Forging’s limits so they can use thought magic to send the mortals home, warning this will let the Umbros Queen read minds—everyone’s, including Diem’s.

Despite the risk, Diem reaches the Crown’s bond with Lumnos and lifts the binding on sixteen Umbros Descended. She feels the realm as part of herself and accepts the duty to protect all, mortal and Descended. Luther promises to carry out her wishes and departs to manage the crisis while Diem returns to her obligations.

Aemonn readies Diem for their entrance, adorning them in shimmering light. Diem steels herself behind a queenly facade, thanks Aemonn, and steps toward the ballroom, determined to shine while Luther averts bloodshed beyond the gates.