Sacrifice

On the beach, Isla kneels over a bleeding Oro and tries to channel water to heal him, anchoring her focus as he fades. She uses their bond and pours power into the wound, slowly stitching it, but Oro is still dying. He confesses his love, even if it costs his life, while Isla refuses to accept his death.

Grim and Zed arrive; at Isla’s command, Grim portals them to the castle. Isla applies Wildling elixir after Grim removes the blade, and Enya bursts in, furious, pinning Isla before turning to support Oro. They all wait as Oro stabilizes, while tension simmers between Grim and Isla over Oro’s survival.

Determined to end the threat, Isla sends Grim to watch Oro and portals to Remlar to retrieve the cursed blade. She asks whose death—Oro’s or Grim’s—would do the most good if prophecy demands a sacrifice. Remlar surprisingly answers: Oro.

Remlar tells a creation story of three gods and their children, revealing Oro’s lineage as the last of the original ruling line that hoarded power. He explains that all power is trapped in Oro’s blood; his death would release it and end nexus. He also confirms Cronan lives in the otherworld, making Oro’s death the realistic path to break the curse.

Remlar further reveals Isla is uniquely of sky, dirt, and below, marked by Lightlark’s heart stolen from the otherworld. Acknowledging she will need immense power and may not be forgiven, Isla resolves to take the necessary, dangerous steps, determined to make any sacrifice worth it.