Chapter 13

By the fire, Diem and her allies feast and trade information. Diem recounts her captivity and escape, while the others reveal the Crowns falsely labeled the Coeurîle attack a failure. Across the realms, violence is rising. In Lumnos, Fortos has sent many soldiers; Remis withholds decisions and refuses to honor Diem’s appointment of Eleanor as regent. Aemonn remains High General and Keeper of the Laws. Teller knows their mother is alive and imprisoned in Fortos, and Luther tried to reassure him.

Emotion builds between Diem and Luther. Diem senses Luther’s aura and watches light-and-shadow cords form around their joined hands; his power flares and fades, as Alixe and Taran report similar brief returns of magic elsewhere. Taran slips about a “magic compass,” prompting tension.

Alone, Luther admits his frantic search: Sorae could not quickly find Diem; he confronted Guardians and nearly stormed Fortos. He finally produces a gold Meros compass that points to one’s heart’s desire. It led him to Diem, confirming his feelings; when Diem touches it, the arrow vanishes and the dial glows. Diem reciprocates, telling Luther her heart desires him too, and they embrace.

Their moment is cut short by approaching footsteps. Taran stands at spearpoint, surrounded by brown-eyed men. Vance steps from the shadows, taunting Diem about her betrothed, and seizes the advantage as his forces ambush the camp.