Chapter 3

Diem regains consciousness under the moon, chained to a massive tree in a guarded meadow, her healing already working despite earlier flameroot. The Arboros Queen is gone, and hidden archers likely surround the clearing. Diem assesses her restraints and injury, realizing escape by strength alone is impossible.

Brecke emerges with food and tea. Their reunion mixes relief and strain as he confirms Henri and the Lumnos Guardians returned home, with only Vance remaining. Pressed, Brecke’s silence implies Henri knew of the plan to capture Diem, shattering any hope of a simple reconciliation. Diem declares there will be no wedding and condemns Guardian secrecy and its cost.

Brecke explains his role smuggling weapons and intel from the Fortos army until he became a wanted man. Diem pleads for Auralie’s rescue and to stop retaliation in Lumnos, but Brecke defers to Cordellia and Vance, urging trust in Dell’s leadership. He then recounts the island attack: limited bombs, a diversion on the north shore, failed attempts to crack or move the Temple’s godstone, and ultimately seizing the Temple while Descended lacked magic there.

Brecke says the heartstone now bears a crack and is encircled with bombs to deter a counterassault. Diem withholds the truth—that her blood caused the fracture at coronation. She asks after Luther but learns little; in the chaos, Auralie dragged Diem out and ordered Brecke to evacuate her. Diem takes solace believing Luther will protect her brother and oppose any reprisals.

Before leaving, Brecke dodges questions about the Arboros Queen and urges Diem to forget what she has seen. When alone, Diem discovers the stew and tea reek of flameroot. She pretends to eat, hides the drugged food, and quietly resolves to wait out the poison until her magic returns—then strike back and move to save Auralie.