Aedion orders the soldiers on Orynth’s walls to keep fighting even as a handsome Valg prince steps onto the battlements. With no magic of his own, Aedion relies on speed, strength, and Rhoe’s shield. The nearby Mycenian firelance bearer is already dead, so Aedion cannot immediately drive the prince into flame.

The Valg prince attacks with repeated lashes of dark power, but Aedion’s ancient shield absorbs or deflects each blast without harming him. As steel and darkness clash across the wall, Aedion draws strength from the training and legacy of Terrasen’s warriors. Aedion realizes the shield may hold a different kind of power rooted in the kingdom’s endurance and devotion.

Aedion wounds the Valg prince’s arm and tries to press the advantage, but the prince has baited him into range. The prince stabs Aedion through a gap near the armpit, causing a severe wound, then licks Aedion’s blood from the dagger and threatens to feast on him. Aedion is knocked down but keeps the shield raised.

An arrow strikes the prince’s throat from behind, turning the prince toward Ren Allsbrook, who has arrived with a firelance. Ren releases the weapon, and Aedion curls beneath the shield as flame consumes the prince. When the fire clears, only ash and a black Wyrdstone collar remain, but Aedion’s wound overwhelms him and he loses consciousness.

The perspective shifts to Evangeline, who is carrying messages to Lord Darrow on a high castle balcony while the battle rages around Orynth. She delivers a message from Kyllian and hears Darrow report that Aedion has been wounded, lost consciousness, and been moved to a building near the wall for treatment by healers.

Evangeline is shaken because Aedion has become part of the family she has chosen, and she fears he may die. Darrow, stern but kind, keeps her beside him and gives her hot broth while another lord carries his reply. With no further word about Aedion, Evangeline remains on the tower, watches for signs that Lysandra still lives, and prays.