Chapter 40

Diem confronts Sorae, the gryvern, insisting Sorae stay at the palace so the Challenging remains valid. She promises to face the ordeal alone despite the danger and shares a tender farewell, acknowledging their bond and her desire to free Sorae if she survives.

Diem enters the salon where Alixe, Eleanor, Taran, Lily, Teller, and Luther wait in strained anticipation. Alixe and Eleanor reveal a custom fighting suit that maximizes mobility and intimidation. Luther’s calm façade cracks in his eyes, and he quietly calls Diem “beautiful,” underscoring their deepening connection and the stakes of the day.

In the foyer, the Royal Guard lines a torch-lit path in salute, signaling that, challenge or not, Diem is their Queen. Outside, House Corbois assembles to escort her to the arena, projecting unity and deterrence. Luther presents a fiery grey mare; Diem gently earns the mare’s trust, mirroring her need for agency and allies bound by choice rather than duty.

When Aemonn arrives on his jeweled white horse, Luther mentions he borrowed that mount the night he rushed Diem to the palace. Diem connects this to Henri’s earlier account and realizes Aemonn—not Luther—trampled the mortal child. Horrified by what that implies for Aemonn as Keeper, Diem locks down her fear, vows to win, and rides at the head of the procession toward the arena, with Luther close despite protocol.