Chapter Twenty-Three

During the Rite, Lord Mazeen approaches Poppy, crowding her and hinting at another “lesson.” His musky scent triggers Poppy’s memory of jasmine from the night Malessa was murdered, making her suspect a connection. Mazeen withdraws, leaving her unsettled.

Agnes, newly arrived and masked like the others, asks to speak with Poppy. In a corridor with Vikter present, Agnes thanks Poppy for past help and warns that rumors claim the Dark One seeks Poppy, especially in crowds. Pressed by Vikter, Agnes withholds more and departs, heightening their unease.

Back in the Hall, the Duke’s continued absence worries Poppy and Tawny. Hawke arrives late from security sweeps, and Vikter briefly leaves to find the Commander, trusting Hawke to guard Poppy. The Duchess instructs Poppy not to mingle, while Poppy notes the Tulis family may not have presented their child.

Seeing Tawny’s longing to join the festivities, Poppy urges her to go enjoy the dance. Left with Hawke, Poppy prepares to return to her rooms, but Hawke encourages her to replace her traumatic memory of the garden—where Rylan died—with a better one. He argues that creating new memories can diminish old pain.

Moved by Hawke’s candor and her own desire to live beyond her constraints, Poppy agrees. Trusting their masks and the darkness for anonymity, she takes Hawke’s offered hand. Together, they head toward the garden to reclaim the space from fear.