Contents
Chapter Twenty-One
Overview
Sora reels from Daysum’s fate and nearly gives up, but Aeri forces a focused escape from Quu as guards—led by Seok—close in. Sora turns her grief into resolve to kill Seok. They steal horses and flee while the inn burns, with Dia’s survival rekindling Sora’s hope.
Summary
In Quu, Sora spirals after learning Daysum was sold, consumed by shame and hatred for Seok. Aeri urges action, warning guards will arrive within a minute. Sora, numbed by despair, resists until Aeri reveals Seok is with the guards, turning Sora’s rage into urgency.
Aeri leads Sora through the inn’s basement to a hidden servant exit. Outside in the rain, Sora wavers, but Aeri stakes their bond as family and insists they must leave now to have any chance of saving Daysum. Sora resolves to live long enough to destroy Seok and follows.
They move through alleys toward the stables. Aeri, faster and composed, has Sora wait while she secures mounts. Alone, Sora’s will falters again until the injured owl, Dia, appears on the rooftop, improbably alive, renewing Sora’s hope.
Aeri returns with two horses. Smoke rises from the direction of the inn, promising blame and pursuit. Accepting the risk, Sora mounts, and they ride into the night, fleeing Seok’s sweep of the city and committing to survive, regroup, and one day reclaim Daysum and exact vengeance.
Who Appears
- SoraProtagonist; devastated by Daysum’s fate, nearly gives up, then resolves to survive and kill Seok.
- AeriDrives the escape; insists they leave via servant exit, steals horses, anchors Sora with loyalty and urgency.
- SeokAntagonist; arrives with guards to arrest them, provoking Sora’s resolve for revenge.
- DiaSmall owl; survives and follows to the stables, rekindling Sora’s hope.