Chapter Thirty-Five

In the barn aftermath, Poppy reels as Hawke coolly orders the cleanup and Kieran shifts from wolven back to human, his wound already healed. Questioning them, Poppy realizes Spessa’s End is aligned with the Descenters. Hawke confirms Rylan’s death created his opening to become her guard and admits he came to Masadonia for her.

As Poppy connects earlier events—the Red Pearl, Hannes’s poisoning, and Hawke’s absence during the Rite—Hawke offers few denials. Enraged, Poppy attacks, wounding Jericho and another man, then clashes hand-to-hand with Hawke. In the struggle, Hawke’s fangs show; Poppy comprehends he is Atlantian, not mortal or wolven, and labels him a monster.

The gathered townsfolk demand Poppy’s death, but Hawke forbids anyone to touch her and orders she be secured. Delano escorts Poppy to the dungeon beneath the keep, where she is shackled under a ceiling of interwoven bones. Alone, she cycles through betrayal and grief, recognizing Hawke’s pursuit of her was deliberate and long-planned.

Hours later, Delano brings food, insisting she won’t be harmed and referring to the Atlantian Prince. Finally Hawke arrives at her cell, intent on speaking with her while she remains a captive he insists be kept alive.