Chapter Thirty-Two

Mikail, Euyn, and frostbitten Sora return to their sleigh and push into the Western Pass toward Loptra. Sora changes into Euyn’s spare clothes and sleeps under furs while Euyn drives. The narrow, dangerous route and Sora’s condition underscore their urgency to find gear before the ice caves.

As Euyn drives, Mikail reflects on Euyn’s character after the temple events and concludes Euyn’s Baejkin instincts and readiness for brutality disqualify him from wielding immortal power. Mikail fears Euyn’s rule would repeat oppression, even if Euyn loves him and has saved him.

Turning to succession, Mikail considers the chaos if Euyn is denied, weighs other nobles, and fixates on imprisoned Tiyung as a rare, conscientious alternative—if Tiyung survives Idle. Mikail resolves to secure Tiyung’s safety. He also plans to use Loptra to gather intelligence through his network and contact Gambria, Fallador’s cousin.

Haunted by Joon’s unexplained disappearance from Qali, Mikail suspects Joon seeks the Sands of Time and dreads the consequences if Joon obtains another relic. At dawn’s first light, as Mikail prepares to switch with Euyn, a crack booms from above; the mountains rumble. Realizing it is an avalanche, Mikail anticipates imminent disaster.