Chapter 1

Diem regains consciousness, choking as rebels force her to swallow flameroot, which dulls her magic. Surrounded by armed mortals in a dense Arboros forest, she meets Cordellia, the local leader, and recognizes the group as Guardians of the Everflame. Disarmed and shackled, Diem learns Vance of the Lumnos cell helped extract her from the coronation chaos at Coeurîle.

Pressed for answers, Diem discovers her mother, Auralie, secretly leads the Guardians and planned the attack on the island timed to the Crowns’ rituals. Auralie had been smuggled onto Coeurîle earlier to set explosives, not anticipating Diem’s coronation. The rebels reveal they were ordered to spare only Diem; casualties occurred on both sides, and the Descended bodies were burned, leaving Luther’s fate uncertain.

Diem demands to see Auralie, but Cordellia confirms Auralie was captured in Fortos and faces execution while the Guardians prepare a risky rescue. The rebels now control the island and intend to bargain with the Crowns’ need for ritual access—and with Diem herself—to gain leverage.

Balancing fury and fear, Diem pledges cooperation to save her mother, asserting she will protect mortals and Descended alike and reject indiscriminate violence. She refuses moving her mortal brother, Teller, to the camp, and worries time away from Lumnos could embolden hostile Descended. With few options, Diem accepts patience and trust as the price for Auralie’s rescue.