66. Arcady: See It Through

Arcady parts from Everen at the mountain base, insisting on finishing the final stretch alone. While Everen keeps a protective mental watch, Arcady reaches the horseless carriages and discovers Professor Hayden waiting. Hayden, pregnant and alone, asks if the Dreamer sleeps; Arcady confirms it, and Hayden locks the carriage and drives toward Vatra.

During the ride, Hayden, freed when Magnes/Ammil died, pieces together events. Arcady confirms the Consul and Edin are dead, and falsely claims Sorin is dead to protect her. Hayden admits Ammil bound her to silence and that she had once aided Barrow’s research, then reveals a crucial truth: Barrow asked to be convicted, believing it would set events in motion to stop the Dreamer. Hayden says many of Ammil’s subtle compulsions may persist, but she would now testify against him and the Chancellors.

Hayden outlines likely political fallout—an emergency Consul and broader power struggles—and advises Arcady to avoid attention. She vows to continue Barrow’s work in secret to make Elixir safer and end Starveling transformations; Arcady, recalling near tragedies from Elixir and the Strike, reluctantly agrees it is worth pursuing. Arcady names Larkin Nash as a potential contact allied with the Struck.

At Vatra’s gates, Arcady passes inspection under the Dalca identity. Hayden presses for certainty that no proof ties Arcady to the Eremia name, then urges caution: with the Consul dead, factions will grasp for power. She affirms Barrow’s intentions were to make the world fairer, even if the Strike followed.

Arcady exits into a roaring crowd and proceeds to the amphitheater, where empty seats mark the fallen leaders. Rahela stands with the Herald. Arcady forces a smile, crosses the line, is declared second place, and then collapses as exhaustion and Elixir’s dregs finally give out.