Chapter Twenty-Six

Neema returns to Gaida’s apartment, now a mourning site, to search for Yaan Rack’s report and reconstruct the murder. The palace is tense, with tributes and a threat-like scrawl promising justice. Neema grapples with guilt and the possibility she killed Gaida under Dragonscale influence.

Spotting the performance angle, Neema summons Riff Ankalla, who confirms Gaida used a hidden “cupboard room” for rehearsals and that the meeting was secret. Riff denies involvement and provides an alibi with his brothers. Gossip suggests suspicion has fallen on Neema.

Re-examining the balcony, Neema notes minimal blood and no signs of struggle, concluding Gaida wouldn’t have gone quietly. She deduces Gaida was likely killed in her sleep after being drugged.

Neema searches inside and finds a teapot and cup. Smelling valerian root, she recalls Gaida had ordered it replaced with lavender. Someone with partial knowledge must have refilled the caddy with a sedative-laced valerian blend, masking a strong draught, then suffocated Gaida and staged the balcony stabbing to mislead.

Relieved she is likely innocent, Neema’s relief turns to anger at the cowardly method. She vows to find Gaida’s killer, resolving to seek justice for a rival who deserved a fighter’s death.