Chapter Thirty-Two

After a hard ride made lighter only by reclaiming Noah’s horse, the diminished group reaches New Haven at dusk. Townsfolk quietly gather as Hawke leads them to Haven Keep, where Kieran greets Delano and Elijah, and Magda offers rooms. Poppy notes the absence of Ascended ceremony and wonders at Hawke’s familiarity with the place.

Settled in a private chamber, Poppy eats, bathes, and reflects on loss before Hawke arrives. She presses for the postponed conversation about Airrick. Hawke agrees, seeking privacy to hear her explanation.

Poppy reveals her gift: she can sense physical and emotional pain—now broader emotions without touch—and, by contact, ease suffering by channeling comforting memories. She admits she’s used it secretly despite orders from the Queen to refrain until deemed worthy, and that she feels nothing from the Ascended. She confesses she has sensed Hawke’s grief and twice eased it.

Hawke, surprised but grateful, acknowledges feeling relief after those times and questions why she risked it. Poppy says she wants to help people and hates being forbidden from using what feels innate. They speak of worthiness and loss; Hawke affirms her value and courage, and Poppy recognizes how he respects her agency.

Their mutual understanding and attraction crest. Though Hawke tries to leave, believing he doesn’t deserve her regard, Poppy chooses what she wants: she asks him to stay with her for the night.