Traitor

Determined to find the Wildling who destroyed the nightbane, Isla travels with Grim to a castle settlement by a cove that once belonged to her father. Grim reveals she has living family: Astria, his current general, is Isla’s cousin, unsettling Isla with a new tie to Nightshade’s power.

Isla interviews Wildlings individually. Calla and others describe the ground pulsing during the storm and dozens of half-green, half-black snakes emerging, suggesting the storm summoned them. Alibis place most Wildlings near the keep, far from the nightbane fields, leaving Isla without a clear suspect and eroding her trust in her own judgment.

At dusk, Isla finds Wren tending a tree of trained snakes brought from the newland; their venom heals when properly mixed. Though wary, Isla accepts one to wear like a living bracelet and asks Wren to report any suspicious activity. Isla remains unconvinced the storm alone caused the loss and keeps searching for signs of betrayal.

Back in the castle, Isla senses Grim’s power and overhears a closed council. A bald officer claims there is a “snake” among them and calls Isla a traitor. Grim responds with lethal force, the officer choking and collapsing, then demands any further doubts. None are voiced.

Shaken, Isla recognizes the council’s fears could prove true depending on the prophecy’s fulfillment. Grim’s unwavering defense heightens her guilt over deceiving him and accelerates her resolve to seek answers from the prophet-follower about the timeline and cost of her looming choice.