Chapter 21

On the temple arena above Maile, Jo spars Messer until a misstep sends her out of the chalk circle. Frustrated and bothered by the heavier gyve at her neck, she cools off, taking in the open-air arena and the busy pastures below. Messer tries to draw her out; Jo clarifies she isn’t angry, and then raises a hard truth: they must prepare for the possibility that Kai could turn on them, despite his recent information and assurances.

Before they can finish the conversation, three riders from the wharf arrive with urgency. The officer reports four individuals detained while attempting to cross the bay—two men and two women, one pregnant. Jo seizes a horse and orders Fredrich to alert Beau that her brother has arrived. Messer mounts behind Jo, and they ride down the hillside toward the crowded wharf, Jo’s magic tugging as the tether draws her closer.

At the dock, soldiers part and bow as Jo advances. Memories of Acker’s last violent farewell churn alongside the pull of their connection. Drake waits at the far end with bow in hand. The detainees stand in a line: Olivia on the right with Wells beside her, then Irina, and finally Acker, who turns slightly as Jo approaches.

Seeing Irina with them, Jo realizes Acker did not come for her. The realization hits like a tide, but she masks the hurt, passes Acker without engagement, and takes her place beside Drake. With soldiers watching and tensions high, Jo composes herself, recognizing the renewed trouble his arrival brings.