Chapter 34

Aris and Vander Evren arrive via portal at his vast estate, with Harlan Raker taken to the stables. Aris defies protocol to demand medicine for Raker. Vander insists she dine first, warning of the many forces hunting her, and reluctantly agrees to provide fever tea.

At dinner, Aris spars verbally with Vander, testing his pride and power until he reveals an overwhelming aura. Vander questions her connection to Stellan. He shares that decades ago Stellan saved his life, finished the quest, and gave its magic to Vander’s people, earning a lasting debt. Sensing Aris’s guilt, Vander nearly executes her, then relents, deciding not to waste Stellan’s sacrifice.

When Aris admits her purpose is revenge against the gods, Vander becomes intrigued, declares she cannot succeed alone, and gives her a vial of healing elixir for Raker. He orders that she remain at the castle under his say.

Aris delivers the elixir to the chained Raker in the stables; he drinks and survives, meeting her barbed concern with sardonic deflection. Later, restless, Aris sneaks back with food and water, tending his fever with ice despite their mutual hostility and attraction.

Raker presses Aris to articulate her motives and commitment to the quest’s end. She vows she will do anything to get her revenge, even kill him. Their charged moment fractures when Raker notices her thin sleep dress; angered, he orders her not to visit again, leaving their uneasy alliance intact but volatile.