The Drowned Gods, #2
Stranger Skies
by Pascale Lacelle
Contents
Chapter 9: Baz
Overview
Baz returns to Cadence with Clover’s journal, narrowly avoids exposure amid Artem’s staged harassment, and meets covert ally Virgil, who confirms Regulators captured Reanimator Freyia. Kai reveals himself as the watcher and slips into Obscura Hall, prompting Professor Selandyn’s rebuke and a demand he depart quickly.
Freyia’s capture threatens to bolster the Institute’s agenda, escalating danger for all Eclipse-born and tightening the timeline for Baz’s group.
Summary
Baz leaves Harebell Cove after Solstice, riding the train to Cadence with Jae, who lends him Cornus Clover’s cryptic journal and asks Baz to have Professor Selandyn review unknown scripts. Jae departs for Threnody to contact the Reanimator Freyia, while Baz worries about Regulators.
On arrival in Threnody, Jae casts an illusion of Baz for witnesses. Back en route to Cadence, Baz notices a man watching him and fears a Regulator. At Cadence Station, Artem Orlov publicly trips and menaces Baz, then theatrically relents as Regulators pass, while Virgil Dade quietly ushers Baz into a car, dropping the hostile act.
In private, Virgil reveals he and Nisha are covertly aiding Baz and reports Regulators have captured Freyia in Threnody. Baz realizes the Institute and Order could weaponize Freyia’s case to justify the Unhallowed Seal, threatening all Eclipse-born. Virgil finds no new leverage on Artem and warns Baz to arrive at the Quadri uninjured before dropping him off.
At Obscura Hall, the supposed pursuer is revealed as Kai in disguise. Baz, still in pain from Artem’s kick, lashes out about the risks Kai brings to Aldryn. Professor Selandyn arrives, scolds both—Kai for endangering a campus about to host visiting Eclipse students, and Baz for allowing it—and confirms Jae is safe but Freyia was taken.
Selandyn orders Kai to accomplish whatever he came for swiftly and leave before detection. The chapter closes with heightened stakes: Freyia’s capture, growing scrutiny on Aldryn, and strained trust between Baz and Kai.
Who Appears
- Baz BrysdenReturns to Cadence with Clover’s journal; targeted by Artem; briefed by Virgil; confronts disguised Kai; warned by Professor Selandyn.
- Kai SalongaDisguises himself to reach Obscura Hall; his risky arrival angers Baz; rebuked by Professor Selandyn to leave quickly.
- Virgil DadeActs as Artem’s confidant publicly but secretly aids Baz; reveals Regulators captured Reanimator Freyia; extracts Baz from danger.
- Artem OrlovPublicly intimidates Baz at Cadence Station, then postures for Regulators; withholds plans but appears eager about Freyia’s capture.
- Professor Beatrix SelandynOmnilinguist and Eclipse professor; scolds Baz and Kai; confirms Jae’s safety and Freyia’s capture; demands Kai depart swiftly.
- JaeLends Baz Cornus Clover’s journal; parts ways to meet Reanimator Freyia; later confirms safety after Freyia’s capture.
- Freyia LündtReanimator reportedly seized by Regulators in Threnody, a development likely to be weaponized against Eclipse-born.