The Drowned Gods, #2
Stranger Skies
by Pascale Lacelle
Contents
Chapter 42: Kai
Overview
Kai and Baz’s romantic tension spikes when Baz admits jealousy, but Clover interrupts and co-opts Baz’s newfound acclaim. Kai recognizes Clover as a collector of rare talents and sees Thames’s quiet hurt. The dynamics clarify Baz’s feelings and expose the social power games surrounding them.
Summary
Kai broods after a near-intimate slow dance with Baz collapses when Baz retreats, leaving Kai hurt and doubtful they can be more than friends. Trying to provoke a reaction, Kai dances with Cornelius Clover, but his heart isn’t in it and he feels he has pushed Baz away.
When Baz returns from escorting a sick Cordie to her room, Kai needles him about jealousy. Baz bluntly admits he might be jealous, startling Kai and briefly rekindling their charged connection before Clover interrupts and pulls Baz into the spotlight.
Clover parades Baz before admiring students to recount how Baz saved a girl from the wards, framing Baz as a brilliant Timespinner. As Clover basks, Kai recognizes Clover’s pattern: collecting rare talents to elevate his own status, with Baz his newest prize.
Kai notices Thames lingering at the edge, yearning as Clover dotes on Baz. Kai empathizes, realizing Thames may be loved only in the shadows while Clover chases the next rarity. The chapter closes with Kai’s clarity about Clover’s motives and Baz’s conflicted but unmistakable interest.
Who Appears
- KaiNarrator; wrestles with hurt and desire after a near-kiss with Baz; discerns Clover’s collector nature; empathizes with Thames.
- Basil Brysden (Baz)Admits jealousy over Kai and Clover; is paraded by Clover for saving a student; conflicted but interested in Kai.
- Cornelius CloverCharismatic host who spotlights Baz’s feat; revealed as a collector of rare talents seeking clout.
- ThamesFear Eater on Clover’s fringes; watches with longing and jealousy as Clover chases new rarities.
- Ms. ArnavoisStudent saved from the wards; becomes a focal point for Clover’s retelling of Baz’s heroics.