Chapter 67

Zevander jolts awake in Crovenrock Temple as Priestess Erithanya rouses him with vivicantem. Disoriented and defensive, Zevander verifies Maevyth’s safety while assessing the guards. Erithanya introduces Wraithmire and converses fluidly across languages, prompting the reveal that Maevyth, as Vasmora, does not require translation. Erithanya references Winter Somnial and eventual travel to the vein.

Outside, as the priestess leads them to quarters, Maevyth confides that Erithanya claims she is Vasmora and expects her to restore the Lyverian bloodline by mating their best warrior. Maevyth refuses and has bargained instead to be cast into the dead vein that night; if she emerges unscathed, the Lyverians must accept her defiance of fate. She urges Zevander to keep his distance so his black flame won’t expose them and jeopardize her choice.

In private, Maevyth and Zevander argue strategy: he wants to flee Mortasia with supplies, but Maevyth insists on earning safe haven for her father and Aleysia, then returning with Zevander to Aethyria to confront the greater plague threat. Zevander reluctantly agrees to stay away from the vein yet vows to kill anyone who harms her. Maevyth suspects Erithanya may be her aunt, easing her fears.

As they wash and grow intimate, Maevyth reveals that Erithanya cured Aleysia’s vyrmish infection using a blood elixir, though Aleysia briefly died. Maevyth worries Zevander’s ancient scar resembles the infection, but he dismisses the risk. Aleysia’s knock interrupts them, and the scene closes with Maevyth and Zevander resolved: she will face the dead vein to prove her agency while he remains nearby, vigilant, and prepared to protect her and her family.