Chapter 19

Diem, Luther, Alixe, and an ailing Taran trek the cold, windswept beach toward Umbros. Taran stumbles, prompting Diem to check his wounds. The new Arboros poultice has drawn out black toxin; his ribs and shoulder show dramatic healing, and hope returns. Luther urges more poultice, while Diem cautions it may not last.

Diem grows inexplicably overheated while others shiver. When Taran touches her, he feels burning heat; Luther confirms Diem is fever-hot. She denies poisoning and presses on. As they rest, Taran teases about bonds and Luther’s protectiveness, and their magic flickers back sporadically, bolstering morale as a storm looms.

Approaching a rocky outcrop, they spot three Ignios guards. Diem orders a nonviolent pass. Taran’s magic fades at the worst moment, but with Alixe’s diplomacy and Taran’s crude banter, they stall the guards. When a guard reaches for Diem’s hood, Luther yanks her close and claims her as his mate, intimidating the patrol. The guards reluctantly allow passage along the waterline.

Beyond earshot, Luther checks on Diem; the word mate unsettles and thrills her, but her condition worsens—eyes glowing oddly, breath short, and touch superheating water into steam. Desperate to reach Umbros, she hears a new, insistent inner command: burn. Her scarf singes, hands glow molten, and control slips.

Unable to endure the internal blaze, Diem sheds cloak and weapons and plunges into the sea, which bubbles against her skin. Fearing she’ll harm Luther, she pushes him back. The voice crescendoes; Diem surrenders to it and erupts—she burns.