Chapter 11

Diem, Luther, Taran, and Alixe wait in a forest hollow, listening for Guardians. After scouting, Alixe reports no sign of pursuit, and despite Taran’s caution, the group agrees to rest to preserve strength for the long journey back to Arboros City to retrieve their horses.

Diem, drained by captivity and the escape, thanks Alixe for saving her. Their talk turns to mortals: Alixe admits shame over her ignorance of Mortal City’s suffering and vows action. She proposes integrating mortals into the Royal Guard and Lumnos patrols to share authority and visibility, acknowledging resistance but committing to push through.

Alixe counsels Diem to wield her royal title as a tool of command, arguing that obedience can determine victory. Diem, recalling contempt from nobles when she avoided titles, considers the advice, while they reaffirm a personal friendship beneath the formalities.

When Luther notices Diem’s worsening chill, she is confronted by the blood on her clothes and panics over having killed a mortal to save him. Luther steadies her, asserting that war has already begun and deaths will come; she can mourn but must not carry every loss. He asks consent, undresses her from wet clothes, cleans her hands, and dresses her in his warm garments.

Diem collapses into exhausted sleep. Later, Luther returns to hold her, his quiet words easing her fears. The group remains concealed through the night, warmed, regrouping, and readying themselves for the next steps.