Contents
Chapter 37 — Grim
Overview
Grim returns to the winter palace seeking energy for the planned portal and wrestles with the prophecy that Isla must choose between him and Oro. From the air he realizes the palace maze forms Cronan’s skyre. He carves the symbol onto his own skin, confirming the discovery and advancing their plan.
Summary
Grim flies Wraith to the winter palace, following Oro’s lead that they still need energy to activate the portal. The flight stirs long-dormant hope, and Grim vows to bring Isla back.
As he rides, Grim confronts the prophecy’s demand that Isla choose between him and Oro. He fears losing her yet resolves that her happiness matters more, clinging to the belief that their bond is “infinite.”
Circling the snowy grounds, Grim notices the palace labyrinth from above and recognizes its shape from Isla’s skyre drawings. Realizing it matches Cronan’s skyre, he lands immediately.
Grim portales off Wraith, produces a singed feather he has kept for this purpose, and drives its point into his arm to carve the skyre. The process is excruciating, but he completes the lines until the marking hardens silver, confirming it is Cronan’s symbol.
With Cronan’s skyre now etched onto his skin, Grim secures a critical key to the portal plan, determined to use it to reach Isla despite the risks and the unresolved choice looming over them.
Who Appears
- GrimDetermined to rescue Isla; struggles with the prophecy’s choice; identifies the maze as Cronan’s skyre and carves it.
- WraithGrim’s dragon; exults in flight, stays close as Grim carves the skyre.
- OroAlly who knows where to find portal energy; rival for Isla per prophecy.
- IslaAbsent but central; Grim’s driving motivation and the subject of the prophecy’s choice.
- CronanAntagonist; his skyre is discovered in the palace maze and etched by Grim.