Contents
Chapter 43 — Oro
Overview
Oro and Grim prepare a new portal, knowing Isla will choose only one of them to cross. With Cinder channeling vast energy and both men pouring their powers into the tide pool, they shape it into a door. They set the ring and Threads for Isla, then await her decisive choice.
Summary
At dawn by the tide pools, Oro tells Grim that Isla will reopen the bridge but allow only one of them through. Both acknowledge they want to be chosen, yet agree the decision must be Isla’s. Oro wrestles with memories of Isla’s love for both men and the weight of the prophecy, accepting that a final choice is coming.
Grim brings Cinder to the shore while allies watch from the cliff with Maren. Oro and Grim stride into the surf shielded by flame and shadow, approach the glowing pool, and drop in the ring and the Threads of Time for Isla to retrieve. They exchange gratitude, recognizing their shared devotion to Isla, and commit to the plan.
Cinder invokes immense power, her eyes blazing with light, and strikes the pool with a bolt of energy. Side by side, Oro and Grim endure searing force as they channel Sunling and Nightshade power into the water. The tide pool fractures and reforms into a door; now it only requires Isla’s connection and her choice of a single companion to open.
Who Appears
- OroSunling king; organizes the portal plan, reflects on Isla’s divided love, channels power into the tide pool.
- GrimNightshade; accepts Isla must choose, allies with Oro, adds his power to forge the portal.
- CinderStarling conduit; unleashes pure energy that catalyzes the tide pool into a door.
- MarenAlly observing from the cliffs; witnesses Cinder’s power as the portal forms.