Chapter 75 — Oro

Oro awakens to a surge in his chest as Isla’s presence floods their lingering bond. Borrowing her Wildling power for moments, he blasts through rock, reaches the portaling device, and the borrowed strength fades—enough to rekindle his own. He surfaces exhausted, where Lynx, Wraith, and Astria are waiting.

Refusing rest, Oro tests the portaler after Isla contacts him. He checks her condition, notes her torn dress, and swallows his feelings about Grim. At Isla’s instruction, he visualizes Lightlark’s throne room and opens a stable portal, impressing her and confirming the relic works.

Before stepping through, Oro shares that he saw a silver pool showing alternate outcomes and his unresolved anger toward his brother. Isla affirms his worth and admits she too saw painful truths about the Nightshade village and regrets choosing fear by refusing a future vision.

Oro reframes scars as proof of survival, confessing his own weariness and imperfection. Isla reveals that peace means their beach and Oro, though it feels unreachable. Oro insists on believing in the possibility of peace; Isla agrees it’s worth fighting for as her image fades.

Reinvigorated, Oro commits to protecting their world and any chance of an “after.” With Cronan’s destruction looming in days, he squares himself and steps through the portal to the throne room, ready to coordinate aid and the coming defense.