Chapter 2 — Grim

Grim Malvere, in acute grief, waits at the maze’s edge, clinging to the belief that Isla lives because of their shared lifeline. He vows to reach her, then portals to his winter castle, where Oro and allies gather for a rescue plan.

At the table, Oro presses Grim for a way into the otherworld. Grim explains the portal is closed and that the Lightlark portal remains but using it would endanger everyone, which Isla would not want. He confirms he can feel Isla through their bond, but he cannot portal to her; Isla took the knowledge to create and close portals.

Zed suggests the bond could serve as a map. Oro urges amplification of Grim’s portaling. Asked about relics, Grim reveals a legendary, unmatched power source: a stone once on Atlas that even Cronan could not claim. His father was cursed by it; Grim succeeded.

When pressed, Grim admits he placed the stone around Isla’s neck. The room’s hope turns to alarm as they realize the most powerful person now carries the most powerful object in another world. Grim reflects on Isla’s burden of uncontrolled power and her motive for leaving—to undo deaths and right her mistakes.

Confronted by Zed over the risk, Grim stands by his choice, declaring Isla the most important being to protect. The group ends with urgency and dread aligned: follow Grim’s bond to Isla by somehow amplifying his flair, despite the danger of the stone now in the otherworld.