Chapter Thirty-Six

Aeri narrates her journey north with Royo through Khitan’s wintry Northern Pass toward the Light Mountains, beyond which lies tundra and seemingly nothing. With no inns available, Royo insists they make camp before dark. Aeri is wary of the cold, but Royo assures her he planned ahead with supplies.

They stop at a rocky outcropping sheltered on three sides where Royo efficiently sets a small tent and fire, explaining the site’s defensibility and practicality. Aeri notes the distance that had grown between them but also a recent easing of tensions. She recalls buying food and clothes in Vashney, and quietly keeps Dia close without explaining the raven’s earlier warning in Quu.

As night falls, Royo cooks rice with dried sausage, mushrooms, and seaweed, surprising Aeri with both competence and care. The shared meal, warm fire, and safety create a rare moment of comfort for Aeri, who contrasts it with the danger ahead and their plan tied to the amarth egg.

The sky erupts with the Lights of the Sky King—an aurora—prompting wonder from Royo and a brief exchange about myths linking the lights to the heavens. Aeri calls them the most beautiful thing she has seen; Royo demurs, hinting at his lingering guilt and self-denial.

In the quiet that follows, Royo admits Aeri is “better than the lights,” then kisses her. Aeri, startled and thrilled, leans into the moment, letting the growing intimacy eclipse past secrets and doubts as they prepare to continue toward the Light Mountains and the tundra beyond.