Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Acker intercepts Wells mid-escape and persuades him to join a covert flight to Maile. He reveals his father’s alliance with Wren and plan to trade magic for council support, vowing to seek Evelyn’s help to overthrow him. Irina’s illusions are crucial for passage on a Kenta ship, heightening tensions with Wells as they depart by night.
Summary
In the dead of night, Acker confronts Wells in his courtyard as Wells prepares a long-planned escape, collar removed and fires doused. Instead of stopping him, Acker invites Wells and Olivia to join him on a rush to Maile, explaining he intends to ask Evelyn to help overthrow his father.
Acker discloses that his father and Wren are aligned and that the council may accept it because the king will grant them magic. The revelation shocks Wells, but Acker presses urgency: a carriage is waiting and they must also collect Olivia before the king notices Acker’s disappearance.
They board the carriage, only for Wells to discover Irina inside. Hostility flares, recalling the dagger gift and its mocking Maile imagery. Acker insists Irina is essential; without an illusionist they cannot survive passage on a Kenta ship. Reluctantly, Wells joins them and kindles a lamp as they leave the city.
During the tense ride, Irina coolly thanks Wells for the insulting wedding gift before settling to sleep against Acker. Wells warns that Jovie will kill Acker for this betrayal. Acker accepts the risk as they ride into the night, committed to reaching Maile and confronting his father and Wren.
Who Appears
- AckerKenta prince; recruits Wells and brings Irina to flee for Maile to oppose his father and Wren.
- WellsBlacksmith caught mid-escape; persuaded to join Acker’s flight to Maile; openly hostile to Irina.
- IrinaAcker’s wife and illusionist; essential for disguising passage on a Kenta ship; trades barbs with Wells.
- HaroldServant who opens and closes the door as they depart into the night.