Chapter 9 — Grim

In the drowned prison, Grim and Oro confront chained, rotting inmates and beasts from many worlds. The shackles’ shademade metal suppresses their powers, forcing them to fight hand to hand. Grim arms Oro with a dagger, and together they carve a path, each kill driven by Grim’s need to reach Isla.

As they battle, Oro questions whether the lost king could be among the prisoners. Their exchange reopens old history: Grim recalls Oro visiting him in Lightlark’s cells, when hatred slowly shifted into friendship. Fighting stirs a raw argument—about Isla’s memories, the diamond necklace, and blame for past betrayals—each accusation fueling their blows against the inmates.

Their conflict spikes when Oro claims Grim corrupted Isla’s darkness, and Grim retaliates until Oro throws Grim’s family tragedy in his face. Enraged, Grim hurls Oro into the seawall, but the ocean shudders as Cleo weakens and shapes escape stairs of ice. Recognizing time is running out, they set aside hatred and press on.

Approaching more monstrous inmates, a giant scorpion attacks. The creature’s tongue ensnares Grim and shatters his rib; Oro severs the tongue and blocks the stinger, breaking Grim’s ancient sword. They sprint until the scorpion’s chain snaps taut just shy of them, and Grim grudgingly thanks Oro—proof of reluctant solidarity.

Battered yet aligned by love for Isla, they crest a final rise in the prison and at last see the lost king, the goal of their descent and a potential key to rescuing Isla before Cleo’s strength fails.