Chapter 21

Dunya explains that the Moon of Saba is not a gem but a beautiful washbasin imbued with al-Dabaran’s reflection, granting overwhelming Sight into the hidden realm. She says many who encountered it went mad, and that only rituals inscribed on clay tablets—and a portal within the cave, likely the brass door—can access it. She insists Falco needs both the tablets and her to perform the rite.

Amina tries to discard the tablets, but Dunya warns of angering lunar aspects and sea djinn. Pressed on her future, Dunya reveals she cannot marry any man and is unsure of her gender, dreading being forced into a governor’s household. Amina empathizes yet, bound by Salima’s threat to her own family and fearing Falco, resolves to return Dunya to Aden.

On deck, the weather turns uncanny: a green-lit horizon, erratic winds, and unnaturally smooth seas. Dalila, Tinbu, and Majed confront Amina about Dunya’s wishes and motives. Under pressure, Amina admits she knew Raksh’s demonic nature when she brought him aboard. In turn, Tinbu confesses a gambling debt led him to recruit Raksh; Majed admits he was tempted by a promised charter; and Dalila concedes she was in talks with Raksh. All realize they were manipulated.

Furious, Amina seeks to destroy Raksh, but finds him at the bow, rigid with fear and clutching Payasam. As the crew look south, Firoz calls from the mast that something is in the water, and Raksh’s terror signals an imminent, unknown threat.