Chapter 31

Zevander warms Maevyth and Aleysia with weakened flame and urges a retreat to the village. He admits he was attacked by Theron, a Solassion soldier serving General Loyce, implying Maevyth is the target. Raivox circles overhead as they press on to Foxglove Parish’s deserted streets.

They enter Moros’s mansion for supplies and warmth. After changing into clothes left for Maevyth, the sisters descend to the cellar. Inside the tank that once held Lyverian women, one lies dead while the other convulses, barely alive. Before Maevyth can help, Aleysia slits the surviving woman’s throat, claiming she granted mercy from a life of suffering.

Horrified, Maevyth confronts Aleysia’s disturbing composure. Zevander uses his black fire to reduce both bodies to ash and bloodstones. The stones show fine silver veining, which Zevander notes matches the unique trait in Maevyth’s blood, raising questions about the women’s origins and Maevyth’s connection.

With no map to the vivicantem vein and night approaching, they choose to leave the oppressive mansion for the Red Temple, believing it safer and more informative given the church’s mountain searches. Maevyth discovers the deformed captain’s remains and briefly hallucinates Moros’s presence, nearly stabbing Zevander before he calms her. They depart, unsettled by Theron’s pursuit, Aleysia’s actions, and Moros’s lingering shadow.