Contents
Chapter 28
Overview
Acker prepares to return to Kenta with Wells, weighed by the truth that his father’s regained magic cost his mother’s life. Offshore, Fredrich delivers a bound Jovie, whom Acker claims to be protecting by taking her. Tensions explode between Acker and Fredrich, while Wells commits to helping stop Acker’s father.
The abduction escalates conflict with Maile and deepens Acker’s internal conflict and obligations under oaths and Bonds.
Summary
Acker meets Wells on the wharf and learns Wells intends to join him, not wanting Acker to bear killing his father alone. Acker admits his father’s magic was restored at the cost of his mother’s life, stirring grief and guilt. Despite doubts about ruling, Wells affirms support for replacing Acker’s father.
They board with Irina and depart Maile under escort, then anchor a mile offshore at dusk. Acker anxiously awaits a rendezvous as the Bond to Jovie feels muffled, unsure if sedation caused it. A dinghy appears, and Fredrich brings a gagged, chained Jovie aboard, confirming the planned abduction.
Wells is outraged, but Acker insists Jovie is safest with him and that taking her fulfills his oath to protect her. Fredrich carries Jovie to the cabin, while Acker pointedly avoids her gaze. When Fredrich emerges, Acker attacks after a crude insinuation, landing one punch before Fredrich warns there will be no second.
Acker presses a dagger against Fredrich’s shield, and Fredrich counters by describing Jovie’s sacrifices and the hope she showed at Acker’s arrival—hope Acker crushed by appearing with his wife and asking for soldiers. Acker claims his purpose was never her men, but the exchange exposes his conflicted anger and jealousy.
Fredrich departs below, leaving Acker seething. Wells labels Acker a mess, yet remains committed. The chapter closes with Acker holding Jovie captive at sea, relationships strained and a collision course set with his father.
Who Appears
- Acker (Ace)Protagonist; orchestrates Jovie’s abduction at sea, confronts Fredrich, and secures Wells’s support to confront his father.
- WellsAcker’s friend; joins the mission to stop Acker’s father, challenges the abduction, and ultimately commits to help.
- FredrichShielder; abducts and delivers Jovie, clashes with Acker, defends her sacrifices, and withholds his shield until struck.
- Jovie (Queen of Maile)Bound and gagged captive; Acker claims taking her protects her under an oath, intensifying political and personal stakes.
- IrinaTraveling with Acker; sullen on departure and claims the first officer’s cabin, peripheral to the main conflict.