Chapter Twenty-Seven

Poppy isolates after the Rite, unable to cry and drifting through days of sleep and sedatives. Memories of Hawke’s quiet presence while she slept are the only comfort as she cycles between pain and anger, haunted by Vikter’s death and her brutal killing of Lord Mazeen without regret.

Hawke visits, their strained silence breaking into a frank exchange of grief. He apologizes for not being there, and Poppy admits she doesn’t blame him. Hawke urges her not to take on others’ guilt, and the two share an intimate, steadying embrace.

Poppy recalls learning that the Descenters also set fires along Radiant Row to draw guards away, enabling the massacre. She had tried to hunt Agnes in vengeance but Hawke intercepted her and security around her quarters tightened.

Hawke escorts Poppy to the Duchess. The Duchess, in mourning white, announces a royal summons: Poppy must leave for Carsodonia at sunrise for her safety after the abduction attempt and the Rite attack.

When Poppy asks about punishment for killing Lord Mazeen, the Duchess pointedly refuses to penalize her, implying long-standing knowledge of Mazeen’s and the Duke’s abuses. She warns Poppy not to seek corrosive truths and to never speak of it again, closing the matter as they prepare for Poppy’s departure.