Chapter 28

Zalaric leads Diem, Alixe, and Taran through Umbros’s lower markets—gems, spices, books—where Diem briefly tries on a lavish black-pearl collar but refuses to buy it, mindful of looming war. Their disguises hold as Zalaric bends light around personal shields, letting companions see one another as themselves.

Zalaric admits he is self-taught, provoking Taran’s disbelief. For mischief, Zalaric renders Taran as a small girl, sparking comic bickering until Alixe steers Taran toward armor. Diem and Zalaric bond as he flirts about Taran and offers to be “hired” for revenge.

On a quieter walk, Zalaric shares his origin: born in Mortal City, hidden by his mortal mother who disappeared; turned in for bounty; his throat was slashed during escape; Luther saved him and brought him to Umbros. He explains Luther’s bounty policy funneled half-mortal children to safety rather than execution. Miss Margie raised many orphans until poverty and illness took her.

Zalaric vowed never to be poor, surviving via pickpocketing, fighting rings that restored magic, and the skin market, later becoming a discreet fixer. He owns the inn for Lumnos half-mortals, ensuring shelter, income, and education; he quietly trains the children in magic.

Diem asks Zalaric to come to Lumnos and teach her. He probes her background and guesses she is half-mortal; Diem neither confirms nor denies. Zalaric pointedly asks after “the Prince,” rattling Diem, who says Luther is resting. Zalaric keeps his scar as a reminder of Luther and because he finds scars attractive; Diem agrees, flustered.