Chapter 24

Diem tests the room’s invisible barrier and realizes it is a concealed shield. Surrendering to her godhood, she lets her magic feed on the barrier’s power, nearly losing control as it urges her to follow the source and drain its owner. Anchored by Luther’s voice, Diem explodes the shield into iridescent dust, her wound healing as her skin glows.

Fearing betrayal, Luther prepares to force the door, while Diem argues they might have been confined for a reason. Their disagreement escalates when Diem proposes meeting the Umbros Queen; Luther refuses, warning of arrest or extradition. He erupts over dwindling time and mounting dangers, then, before explaining, is interrupted by a secret doorway opening.

The front-desk man enters, furious that his shield was broken and his magic drained. He reveals himself as the Jaguar and confronts Luther, who doesn’t recognize him until the man bares a throat scar. He is Zalaric Hanoverre, a survivor Luther once helped; raised by Miss Margie, he took over her work. Zalaric probes how the shield was pierced and asks to learn the technique; Luther stonewalls.

They discuss rumors of the new Queen. Luther offers Zalaric and the smuggled half-mortal children safe return to Lumnos, asking only loyalty if needed. Zalaric, torn between his Umbros life and buried longing for home, agrees to consider it and to inform others. Luther’s confession of unwavering devotion to his Queen reveals profound personal stakes.

Finally, Luther states his true need: covert passage to Lumnos with sensitive cargo, hidden from the Centenaries. Zalaric deems it nearly impossible—but possible for a price in Umbros—and begins planning. Listening unseen, Diem realizes Luther has decided to leave immediately, overruling her wish to meet the Umbros Queen, and clings to the hope that returning home will steady them both.