Chapter 8

Diem rows into the midnight sea toward Lumnos, savoring rare solitude but longing for family and Luther. Flameroot severs her bond to Sorae, and she commits to sailing the coast to avoid trespassing on other realms. She worries for Brecke’s route north and prays for his safety.

A fickle, then ferocious wind repeatedly whips her sail and abruptly reverses her course, battering Diem and driving the dinghy back toward Arboros. When the wind dies, an inexplicable current drags her to shore. Her boat then inexplicably tips, dumping her and her supplies, stranding her with no food or water.

Hearing Guardians organize a beach search with orders to take her alive or kill if needed, Diem flees into the forest. She tails a messenger back to camp, finds the horses being prepared, and decides to sabotage or steal one. Disguising herself with a hooded cape, she slips through the sparsely manned camp, confronted by the wounded she feels responsible for.

Drawn by commotion at the central fire where Mother Dell addresses the crowd, Diem locates an unattended broadsword and arms herself. Outside, Cordellia warns a new arrival he should not have come. When the man demands, “Where is my Queen?” Diem recognizes Luther and resolves to protect him.

As Diem moves to intervene, a towering, inhumanly strong man seizes her from behind, disarms her, and restrains her despite her trained resistance. He whispers a taunting greeting, leaving Diem captured again while Luther confronts the Guardians, escalating the peril for both.