Chapter 38 — Oro

Oro, needing immense energy to reunite with Isla without further draining her, flies to the Skyling newland to find Cinder, a young Starling whose power has surged. Cinder senses Oro’s presence by energy alone and calmly states she can feel beings across worlds, including “the man who wants the universe,” alarming Oro.

When Maren arrives, protective and hostile, Cinder demonstrates staggering force with a single shouted word, forcing Oro to counter with equal energy. A second outburst flattens the surrounding landscape before Cinder collapses in tears. Maren comforts her and takes her home, revealing through a scar the risks of Cinder’s uncontrolled surges.

Outside their cottage, Oro reassures Maren he will not imprison Cinder, then explains Isla’s abduction to another world, the life-bond with Grim proving she lives, and the threat Cronan poses. Maren admits Cinder has been asking about Isla and, still bitter, labels Isla a traitor rumored to be Cronan’s wife.

Oro concedes the marriage but frames Isla as split between her Centennial self and her past self, not mad but burdened. He and Maren briefly align over the cruelty of nexus. Emphasizing an imminent war between worlds and Isla’s necessity to their defense, Oro asks for help.

Moved by the stakes and Cinder’s own premonitions, Maren, despite lingering distrust, agrees to assist. The chapter ends with Maren demanding to know what Oro needs to bring Isla back before the looming conflict.