Chapter 27

In the tense aftermath of Diem and Luther’s fight, Diem examines Taran’s injuries and finds his godstone wounds healing far faster than expected. Their banter is cut short when a hidden door opens and Zalaric strides in. He neutralizes Taran’s conjured weapons and blocks his attack with ease, establishing his formidable power.

Zalaric reports he can smuggle them out of Umbros without Centenary checkpoints, but not until tomorrow night. Luther insists they must leave immediately; Zalaric refuses to move the timeline. Diem accepts the delay and, introducing herself as “D,” lets Zalaric examine Taran’s wound. Zalaric observes he has never seen anyone survive godstone and notes Taran’s remarkable recovery.

Before leaving, Zalaric offers a city tour with magical disguises and bribed protection—for a fee. Trusting her instincts, Diem agrees despite Luther’s clear disapproval. She invites the others; Alixe wants to come for supplies, and Taran refuses to let Diem go alone. Luther declines, arguing one of them should remain as a safeguard and saying he has an errand while he still has magic, then departs.

Late that night, Luther returns, warms the room, and gently carries Diem to bed. He admits he went to a Lumnos shrine to pray for peace and apologizes for his earlier behavior, confessing that fear for her safety brings out a darkness in him. When Diem asks him to stay—with boundaries—he hesitates but ultimately lies beside her, offering quiet companionship as she drifts to sleep, their conflict eased but not resolved.