Chapter Twenty-Two

Neema wanders the tomb tunnels, channeling Cain’s aimless philosophy to stay alive and focused on clearing her name for Gaida’s murder. She plans her day—survive the Trial, arm with Fenn, fight Shal, search Gaida’s rooms—and forces some optimism into the list.

She encounters a Fox warrior in a sweltering bear costume who is sowing doubts in Katsan by whispering that her commander wanted her to step aside. The exchange underscores how self-doubt can unbalance even a Bear, and Neema moves on toward the Hall of Heroes.

Entering the domed, crystal-lit hall, Neema pays respects to the honored dead and the memorial to Shimmer Arbell. Drawn by frantic wingbeats, she slips into a side chamber where neglected Raven tombs lie in ruin. A flock of ravens erupts, seeming to greet and guide her to a crumbling sarcophagus.

Prompted by the birds, Neema opens the tomb and uncovers an ebony, feather-carved chest containing immaculate Raven weapons—blades, hooks, hammers—and a second layer of black leather armor and gear, all newly made despite the Raven order’s ancient extinction. The ravens appear to encourage and approve her discovery.

Cain appears at the doorway just as the birds vanish; he seems not to have seen them. Neema, wary and withholding, claims she found the chest by chance. Together they haul the trunk back through the Hall of Heroes, but the moment underscores Neema’s renewed suspicion of Cain even as the find strengthens her emerging identity as a Raven contender.