Chapter 37

Acker senses Messer’s return before the shifter arrives at the tavern. Exhausted from a rapid flight to and from Kai, Messer reports that Kai will only discuss alliance terms in person. Acker resists the idea, prompting Messer to share history that reframes the stakes.

Messer explains Kai’s long-standing possessiveness over Jovie, stemming from Wren “gifting” her to him and a coerced betrothal. He details Kai’s training in land-given magic and how Messer himself gained shifter ability through stolen soil. Jovie arrives, strained with Acker after the dovecote incident, and confirms a shift in Kai’s behavior during their youth, uncertain whether he influenced her emotions.

The group evaluates Kai: he despises Wren and wants Chryse’s land, but he demands Acker not sit on a throne. Messer admits Kai likely sent assassins after Acker. Fredrich weighs the strategic advantages—men, trolls, insider knowledge—against the concession. Jovie coolly suggests agreeing now and renegotiating after the war, revealing her pragmatic readiness to double-cross if needed.

Acker suspects Jovie could be setting him up but chooses calculated risk. He instructs Messer to arrange a meeting in one week at a southern coastal cottage, expecting to track Messer’s trail. With urgency rising about others tracing their pigeon scheme, Fredrich goes to ready the horses as their next move solidifies.