Chapter 27

Jo returns to the palace, where Beau confronts her absence and Sam reports grim news: the Roison have pushed deep into Kenta, scarring the land and people, portending a brutal winter. Seeking privacy, Jo and Beau retreat to Beau’s chamber.

Beau presents pages her mother, Greta, found hidden in Acker’s Strou-sourced text. The notes explain that blood oaths are bound to a declared truth; if the truth fails, the oath dissolves. Jo realizes Acker knew his oath to protect her would last only while his declaration of love remained true, shaking her trust. They also discuss Jo’s impulsive night with Fredrich and plan a confidential palace meeting for that evening.

Alone, Jo discovers she misplaced her mangi necklace and steps onto the terrace, feeling the Bond’s pull. Acker appears, presses close, and challenges her denials by stating she negotiated for his life. He admits he would always come for her, then abruptly disappears, leaving Jo reeling.

Fredrich then arrives, acting oddly cordial. As Jo’s unease rises, he reveals a V-shaped scar on his chest, apologizes, and presses a drugged cloth over her mouth and nose. Overpowered by the fungi’s anesthetic scent, Jo loses consciousness as the sky goes black.