42. The Goddess of Second Chances

At Edth’s harbor by Cassa’s statue, Kinch confides in Norrigal that an Assassin-Adept named Sesta is possessing his cat, Bully. They weigh mercy and necessity, and Norrigal suggests a magical solution. Returning to their rooms at midnight, they stage nonchalance to confirm Sesta is actively steering Bully.

When Bully takes the bait, Norrigal and Kinch ambush him. After a brutal struggle, they hood and drug the cat. Galva bursts in armed, misreads the scene, and leaves; Malk is unconcerned. Norrigal then prepares a complex binding tattoo to relocate Bully—and Sesta’s sleeper presence—into Kinch’s flesh.

Norrigal inks the cat onto Kinch’s upper left arm using enchanted components, visibly drawing Bully’s essence from body to skin. She explains the binding: Sesta remains alive-asleep, kinched to Kinch’s heart, fooling the Guild’s life-rune. Risks include key names, witches, lightning, Kinch’s death, and dreams through which Sesta might claw free. Ultimately, Kinch will have to kill Sesta.

Alone, Kinch faces the Takers’ looming deadline and uncertain punishments. He concludes that aiding Galva’s westward mission best protects Norrigal and hides the assassin’s loss. He plans to continue toward Oustrim—where the Guild is weaker—seeking money and a chance to vanish, acknowledging his peril and his deepening love for Norrigal.