Contents
Chapter 35 — Isla
Overview
Imprisoned in a shademade cell, Isla suffers Cronan’s mental assault as he destroys her memories. A vision from Lynx reveals Grim, Oro, and their allies coming, reigniting Isla’s resolve. She shields her mind, briefly breaks free, and meets a silver‑haired guide at the Pool of Possibilities, choosing to dive in to gain clarity and strength.
Summary
A storm wakes Isla in Cronan’s dungeon, where her power returns but fails against shademade bars infused with Cronan’s void. Lark lies nearby, partially regenerating, the lingering shadows preventing full healing. Cronan drags Isla into his galaxy room and tears through her memories, distorting and shredding them despite her attempts to protect them.
As the assault intensifies and Isla nears collapse, Lynx projects a vision of a wildflower field. Through Lynx’s sight, Isla sees Grim and Wraith, then Oro, who promises they are coming for her; Grim calls her “infinite.” Their message rekindles Isla’s resolve, strengthening her mental shield until she feels stronger than Cronan and momentarily breaks his grip.
Cronan’s shadows surge back, but Isla centers herself, envisioning a silver pool. Her perception shifts to a moonlit grove where a silver‑haired woman stands beside a shining pool. The woman empathizes with Isla’s burden and introduces the Pool of Possibilities, a place that reveals pasts and alternate paths, warning of its dangers and the need for a reason to return.
Remembering Grim, Oro, Lynx, Wraith, and her people, Isla commits to the plunge. In her mind she restores her Wildling gown, wades into the strange, living silver, and floats under a star‑studded sky. As she sinks, a lightning‑like bolt courses through her, and she is pulled to the bottom, choosing inner confrontation to gain clarity and power against Cronan.
Who Appears
- IslaImprisoned by Cronan, endures memory assault, rekindles resolve via Lynx’s vision, and chooses to enter the Pool of Possibilities.
- CronanJailer and mental assailant; uses shadow-infused shademade and invades Isla’s mind, shredding and twisting her memories.
- LynxIsla’s bonded; sends a shared vision that shows allies approaching, restoring Isla’s strength.
- OroAppears in Lynx’s vision, vows to rescue Isla, bolstering her determination.
- GrimPortals beside Oro in the vision; reassures Isla she is “infinite,” reinforcing her mental defense.
- WraithAt Grim’s side in the vision, part of the rescue effort for Isla.
- Silver-haired womanMysterious guide in Isla’s mind; introduces the Pool of Possibilities and urges inner reckoning.
- LarkWounded nearby in the dungeon, partially regenerating but hindered by Cronan’s lingering shadows.