Chapter 41

Engulfed by the City on Fire, Aris hears Stellan’s remembered command to rise and forces herself to stand and walk through the flames, unburned despite shattered bones. Emerging, she locks eyes with Cadoc circling on his dragon, summons Stellaris back to her hand, and drives him to retreat.

Aris collapses and is caught by Harlan Raker, who uses the gifted starlight necklace to summon Este. In a searing-healing ritual within a starlit pool, Aris’s injuries are mended as Raker furiously demands the pain stop, but Este insists the pool needs time.

Recovered, Aris faces Raker’s pointed question about her lack of burns. Choosing trust, she reveals her secret: since the day the sky marked her, she has been immune to heat. She recounts the fire that killed her family, her sister burning in her arms while she did not, and the vision of a goddess she believes set the blaze.

Aris vows to kill the goddess and all responsible, accepting that it may cost her life. Raker counters that she is not alone and rejects her self-loathing, insisting he knows her courage and care for others. Their bond deepens in the shared truth.

Este arrives with attendants, confirming she answered Raker’s call through the necklace and healed what she could; older scars would require more painful time in the pool. Este reveals she cannot return to the Traveling City after leaving, a sacrifice she accepts because she believes Aris will ignite change. She offers them one peaceful night before Aris finishes her quest.