11: In Contract Only

After a silent day patrolling for Frost and inspecting the village phlox, Aurora rushes to her room, shaken by the morning’s excruciating sunrise. A letter from Elsie offers comfort and a reminder that family cares. Resolute not to hide, Aurora readies herself and arrives early to dinner, tentatively reconciling with Constance and meeting young staffer Frederick.

The Starmaker enters, irritable at her earliness, and their barbed exchange unsettles the staff. When Aurora demands clarity about the pain, he explains the Sun was mapping her body so it won’t overwhelm her again; future sunrises will remain intense but grow more bearable—eventually feeling like work.

Ina delivers paperwork, prompting discussion of their bargain. The Starmaker rejects a private ceremony, insisting on a public wedding to provide the village with hope and to explain Aurora’s sudden relocation without revealing she is the Starmaker Rising. Though reluctant, Aurora concedes the logic.

He clarifies the marriage will be in contract only, with separate rooms, allowing them to focus on her training while forming the glare line for her family. As he leaves, Aurora asks him not to make a fool of her; he replies he could not, even if he wished, and departs, leaving her conflicted but steadier.