Chapter Sixty-One: Arin

Arin and Jeru are arrested ten miles from the Citadel. Along the way, Arin learns that his father has fortified the route between Nizahl and Lukub, secured the Ivory Palace, and pulled recruits to march south toward Jasad. Arin expects Sylvia will follow his advice despite her fury, and he resolves to reach Janub Aya before Nizahl’s soldiers.

At the Citadel, Bayoum confronts Arin, accusing him of treason and denying any hope of trial. Arin coolly notes he already took the Supreme’s hand. Bayoum orders Arin to the Capsule and Jeru to the tower cells, threatening the escort if Arin talks his way free. Jeru meets Arin’s gaze and nods, and Arin silently forgives Jeru’s past duplicities, valuing his steadfast principles.

Arin is handed to his father’s veteran guards, Rauf and Zach, who guide him through a hidden passage opened in the stairwell. They lead him to the Capsule, a lightless void carved within the Citadel’s walls. Arin suppresses his body’s old dread and steps inside without resistance.

Alone, Arin recalls the Capsule’s origin: Supreme Ghashli’s paranoia led Laeyim builders to create secret passages that even the Supreme could not trace; Ghashli later died lost in this very space. In the darkness, Arin steadies his breath, anchors himself with thoughts of Sylvia’s smile and laugh, and waits—holding to his intent to outpace Nizahl’s march and reach Janub Aya.