The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 68
Overview
During the Lyverians’ somnial, Maevyth is honored as Vasmora and receives public devotion and proposals. Father apologizes for the past and urges her to follow her heart, even if it means leaving. Erithanya tests the dead vein; it stays cold, signaling life, though Zev secretly fakes a heat flare. Later, Maevyth and Zev confess enduring love and consummate their bond, solidifying their commitment before future trials.
Summary
At the somnial, Maevyth watches Aleysia dance while Lyverians honor Maevyth as Vasmora with gifts and bone-touch blessings. A bold suitor offers to bed her, which she declines, affirming she is mated. Father joins her, apologizes for failing to protect her from Sacton Crain’s cruelty, rejects the Red God’s violence, and acknowledges Lyverian grace. He urges Maevyth to follow her heart, even if it means leaving with Zev; she promises to lead with her heart.
Erithanya begins the dead vein rite to test prophecy, binding Maevyth over Deimos’s symbol and calling the flame god. Heat briefly blooms under Maevyth, alarming the crowd, then fades; the stone is declared cold and the people celebrate that Morsana has chosen life and protection for Maevyth.
In private, Maevyth confronts Zev, who admits he sent radiant heat to calm her shivering, inadvertently spiking tension. He also confesses to dosing the earlier suitor with purganroot and shows he procured an aphrodisiac, which Maevyth declines as unnecessary.
Desire gives way to vulnerability as Zev seeks the solace of Maevyth’s touch to quiet his trauma. They speak openly, exchange I-love-yous, and make love with care and intensity, using the limit of his piercings. Zev vows their bond is written in blood and beyond the gods’ reach, and Maevyth embraces their fated connection as strength for what lies ahead.
Who Appears
- MaevythHonored as Vasmora; undergoes dead vein test; receives Father’s blessing; affirms love for Zev and deepens their bond.
- Zevander (Zev)Secretly warms the vein to comfort Maevyth; pranks a suitor; confesses love; seeks solace and bonds intimately with Maevyth.
- FatherApologizes for past failures; denounces the Red God’s violence; urges Maevyth to follow her heart even if she leaves.
- ErithanyaPriestess who leads the somnial and dead vein rite; declares the vein cold and Maevyth’s path as life.
- AleysiaCelebrates at the somnial, drawing suitors; potential future among Lyverians brings hope for safety and belonging.
- CorwinObserves the ceremony with the Lyverians, present during the dead vein test.