Chapter 23

At dawn, Zevander arms himself and insists on going to town alone, telling Maevyth and newly awakened Aleysia to remain in the cottage. Concerned by Zevander’s recent episodes and lack of sleep, Maevyth protests, but he makes her promise not to leave. Maevyth gives him her scorpion necklace to remember what matters, and Zevander departs, vowing to return by nightfall.

Aleysia appears, unsteady but alert, and pointedly notes Maevyth’s closeness to Zevander. As Maevyth tends to her and makes tea, Aleysia refuses the Crone’s food and complains about her captivity. Seeking honesty, Maevyth explains that she passed through the archway into Aethyria, met Zevander there, and learned she might be descended from an extinct race.

Aleysia reacts with disbelief, mocking the story and questioning Maevyth’s judgment and Zevander’s intentions. Maevyth defends her choices and training, insisting she fought to return and protect Aleysia. Their argument escalates as Aleysia suggests barring Zevander from the cottage.

The tension breaks when Maevyth spots a large spider crawling down the wall behind Aleysia. A second, much larger pale spider emerges from the bedroom. Noticing the burlap sack holding rabbit remains twitch, a smaller spider crawls out and scurries toward the others. Realizing the cottage is compromised, Maevyth orders Aleysia to move and prepares to flee.