Contents
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Sylvia
Overview
Sylvia reveals her spreading veins and that she transferred magic to Raya, forcing Arin to admit historic Jasadi magic-madness cases. Their clash over Arin’s suppression cuff becomes a test of duty versus fear. They choose each other in the Mirayah, then awaken in Essam. Sylvia regains magic, secretly leaves Arin guarded and rides for Omal, leaving him evidence and a choice.
Summary
By the fire in the Mirayah meadow, Sylvia tells Arin that glowing veins appear each time she uses magic and that she transferred magic to Raya, giving Raya silver-and-gold eyes. Pressed, Arin reveals a secret record: once each century a Jasadi goes magic-mad, usually a youth. Sylvia realizes she may be the next case.
Sylvia asks Arin to stop her if she loses herself; Arin refuses to contemplate killing her. Seeking alternatives, Arin produces a new suppressing cuff, proposing preemptive containment as magic wanes. Horrified, Sylvia condemns suppression as another form of mining and challenges Nizahl’s mandate: protect against abuse, not erase magic.
The argument escalates—fear versus duty, prevention versus oppression—until Sylvia demands he intervene only if power is abused, not before. Arin rejects her death as an answer and vows, “If your magic takes you, I will drag you back.” Desire overrides fury; they surrender to each other and become lovers in the meadow.
They wake in a frosted forest: the Mirayah has released them into Essam. Sylvia notes her magic has returned. Watching Arin sleep, she places written evidence in his coat to challenge his beliefs.
Two kitmers, Niseeba and Ingaz, reappear. Sylvia instructs Niseeba to keep Arin safe and unseen, mounts Ingaz, and departs for the Omal palace. She leaves Arin with protection and proof, forcing him to choose what kind of commander he will be.
Who Appears
- Sylvia (Essiya)Protagonist; reveals spreading magic veins and past transfer to Raya, rejects suppression, becomes Arin’s lover, then departs for Omal.
- Arin of NizahlHeir/Commander; admits historic Jasadi magic-madness, proposes a suppression cuff, refuses to kill Sylvia, chooses intimacy, awakens guarded.
- NiseebaKitmer; reappears and is tasked by Sylvia to secretly guard Arin back to his holding.
- IngazKitmer; carries Sylvia as she departs Essam toward the Omal palace.