Contents
Chapter 13: No Secrets
Overview
After Juen Nu’s sons mock Niko about his parentage, Hilo honors Wen’s vow of no secrets and tells Niko the full truth: Hilo executed Eyni to keep Niko with the Kauls. The confession steadies their bond. Meanwhile, Shae and Woon quietly plan a swift wedding, and the clan front temporarily stabilizes.
Summary
Niko returns home in tears after Juen Ritto and Juen Din mock him for believing his birth mother died in a house fire. Wen comforts Niko and later urges Hilo to keep their promise of “no more secrets.” With Shae and Woon’s quiet wedding approaching, Hilo accepts it is time to tell Niko the truth.
Hilo takes Niko to breakfast at the Docks, reflecting on the clan’s stabilized position and the Uwiwa embargo’s effects. He explains that Lan spared Eyni after her betrayal, which later allowed Niko to be born abroad, but that after Lan’s death, Eyni and her boyfriend tried to take Niko away again.
Hilo admits he executed Eyni swiftly, framing it as a painful duty to protect family and the clan’s future. He emphasizes that bad choices, not fate or blood, define people, and reassures Niko that his true mother is Wen, who raised him, and that he resembles Lan.
Niko grapples with the morality of killing and the possibility of having to harm those once trusted. Hilo acknowledges the burden, distinguishing enemies from former allies who betray, and stresses responsibility over sentiment. The talk strengthens their bond and models the honesty Hilo wants for a future Pillar.
They return home with a private joke about not telling Ru and Jaya about the indulgent breakfast, while preparations continue for Shae and Woon’s restrained wedding out of respect for Kiya’s family, and the clan accepts a long game against the Mountain.
Who Appears
- Kaul HiloPillar; tells Niko he executed Eyni to keep him in the family, recommitting to honesty and long-term strategy.
- NikoLan’s son; mocked by cousins, learns his birth mother’s fate, seeks reassurance about identity and morality.
- Maik WenEncourages Hilo to keep their vow of no secrets; supports Niko emotionally and physically recovering.
- Kaul ShaeWeather Man; preparing a modest, swift wedding to Woon amid family sensitivities.
- Woon PapiSealgiver; nervously but gladly seeks to marry Shae with Hilo’s blessing.
- Juen RittoJuen Nu’s son; mocks Niko about his mother, triggering Hilo’s confession.
- Juen DinTwin of Ritto; joins in taunting Niko about his parentage.
- Juen NuHorn of No Peak; host to the children; his household scene sets off the chapter’s conflict.
- Maik CamNiko’s cousin; plays with the younger children during the incident.
- Ru and JayaNiko’s younger siblings; present during play, later the subject of Hilo’s lighthearted aside.