Chapter 40

In the past, Zevander hangs from manacles, brutalized and near collapse. A small Golvyn sneaks in, urging Zevander to eat a fig and drink water, and cautions him to resist Death’s call. Footsteps approach, and the Golvyn vanishes into the shadows.

Theron enters the cell alone. Zevander accuses him of orchestrating the punishment administered by a female general, while Theron claims he kept Zevander alert and sent Aradia to him. Theron argues Vaelora was terrified and needed months to be convinced to defy Loyce, but Zevander rejects this, seeing only Theron’s obedience.

Desperate, Zevander demands the healing elixir. Theron refuses at first, fearing it will kill Zevander in his weakened state. When Zevander slips and reveals he must “return,” Theron presses, and Zevander admits the elixir helps him slip into Caligorya during torture.

Theron asserts that such passage requires magic and suggests the gods might have chosen Zevander, a revelation Zevander rejects as dangerous. Theron agrees to give the elixir only if he can remain to ensure Zevander wakes. Driven by the need to reach the girl he’s seen in Caligorya, Zevander accepts.

Theron warns Zevander to remember this kindness if he is favored by the gods, then pours the elixir into Zevander’s shoulder wound, initiating Zevander’s attempt to return to Caligorya under Theron’s watch.