Chapter 35

Aris wakes to lavish breakfast and is summoned by Vander, who explains sword oaths: invitations from Great House heirs can bind to blades, enabling portals between enchanted estates. He unveils a living map from his sword, outlining a plan to reach the Land of the Gods by securing such oaths at an upcoming ball.

In the library, Vander details Great Houses, heirs, and deadly succession duels, revealing Heartfall—months of courting—will gather most heirs at his estate. He begins teaching Aris to dance to help her negotiate. Aris continues secretly feeding the now-recovered, chained Raker without conversation, keeping her plans from him.

Needing to project strength, Vander takes Aris to a sentient dress room that crafts a deep blue, fully covering gown. Later, on a balcony and back at the map, Vander admits he turned back near a deadly desert creature and helps Aris refine a target list of Houses, including advising her to consider House Rodin despite its Death-god ties.

While practicing, Vander demonstrates his morphblade—liquid paladian that shifts shapes and forms a godsword. During a turn, he notices Aris’s sleeve riding up and, with her consent, reveals silver markings along her arm. Instead of warning her to hide, Vander tells her to show them, calling her magnificent, and promises to send something to help.

Aris is left uncertain if trusting an immortal heir was wise, but the path to alliances at Heartfall—and faster passage across Starside—now depends on embracing what sets her apart.