Contents
22: Denial
Overview
Aurora wakes recovering from the glacier and Farren’s abduction, confronts the Starmaker about overwhelming her, and hears his unwavering belief in her. He reveals the Sun has deemed her ready, his power is transferring, and his mortality has begun. They acknowledge mutual desire and fear, share a gentle kiss, but he refuses to stay, preserving her future.
Summary
Aurora wakes fevered and weak, relieved her burns are eased. Seeing the Starmaker at her bedside, she demands honesty: did he deliberately overwhelm her with light on the glacier? He denies intending harm, admits he has given her reason to doubt, and then confesses he believes in her more than anything.
Seeking intimacy and trust, Aurora asks his given name. He recoils and refuses, saying he buried that human part with his kin. Shifting to the glacier, he explains that the Sun has decided Aurora is ready. He tried to block the light but was not strong enough, a realization that signals his approaching mortality as power begins transferring to her.
They discuss the consequences: Aurora must learn to hold more light as his magic continues to move into her, reducing his ability to help. Uncertain what happens if the transfer outpaces her readiness, he concedes Reverie could remain dark until she can carry it. Aurora thanks him despite fear and fatigue.
Tension turns personal as the Starmaker admits he was worried for Aurora herself. She reciprocates. Drawn together, they kiss—tender and measured. He confesses he wants her but refuses to stay, unwilling to burden her with love that must end as her rise ends his life. He leaves, and Aurora is left grieving the truth that her becoming is also his ending.
Who Appears
- AuroraStarmaker Rising; recovers from injuries, challenges his motives, seeks his name, learns he’s fading, acknowledges mutual desire, shares a kiss.
- The StarmakerExhausted mentor; denies harming her, professes belief, refuses to share his name, reveals Sun’s decision and power transfer, admits desire, chooses distance.