Forge

Determined to prevent further harm from her uncontrolled magic, Isla travels alone to the blacksmith who once hunted her for her blood. He reveals he cannot die due to an ancient curse, but Isla’s inherited flair can end him. In return for crafting a restraint, he asks Isla to kill him after winter.

The blacksmith melts two ancient daggers and shapes glittering shademade bracelets directly onto Isla’s wrists. The enchantment mutes her power, bringing her immediate relief. He confirms only Isla or he can release them, and Isla reconfirms her promise to grant him death if he still wishes it when winter ends.

Later, Grim hosts a private dinner. He notices the restraints and realizes Isla visited the blacksmith. Tension simmers as they eat in silence, briefly broken by talk of Isla’s leopard biting a gardener. Grim challenges Isla’s claim to hate him, sensing her conflicted feelings.

The argument erupts: Isla condemns Grim’s war and refuses to pretend things are normal. Grim insists he acted to save her, but Isla rejects this, torn between past love and recent enmity. Overwhelmed, she tries to leave. Grim pleads with raw desperation, professing love and begging her to stay.

Isla answers that he had her and lost her on his own. She pushes past him and departs, leaving Grim shattered and their alliance emotionally fractured despite their plan to confront the storms.