Feather

Isla confirms a note in her old book matches Aurora’s handwriting and tests a strange feather that writes, “All that is buried eventually rises,” as if guided by Aurora. Shaken, Isla seeks the blacksmith’s expertise. He identifies shademade metal on the feather, says a shard of Aurora’s soul is stored within, and reveals the enchantment—and he himself—are from the otherworld.

Unable to let it go, Isla keeps the feather and its message. Riding Lynx, she slips into his memories: glimpses of her powerful mother, her father, and then Oro, reliving tender moments that stir grief and longing. The ride ends at the stables where Grim is washing Wraith.

Grim portals Isla onto Wraith for a short flight and a plunge into a forest spring to rinse the dragon. Playful tussling in the water gives way to quiet closeness as Grim returns Isla’s many blades and Wraith demands affection, briefly lifting Isla’s burdened mood.

Talk turns serious. With storms paused and no progress finding the portal, Grim admits he has searched records, elders, and the island in vain. Concerned by growing public suspicion after Tynan’s failed assassination, he proposes a public wedding to present unity and distract suffering Nightshade citizens.

Isla, guilty over feeling happiness and haunted by what Oro might think, recognizes the political need. Despite her turmoil, she agrees: “We’ll have a wedding.”