Ten

Alizeh, collapsed from exhaustion and dragon-inflicted wounds, is roused by Sarra, whose gentle care contrasts with Alizeh’s distrust. As Sarra inspects the injuries and prepares a medicinal bath, she remarks on the dragon bites and calls Cyrus a brute, setting a wary tone.

While the bath fills, Sarra recounts how months earlier Cyrus announced plans to marry Alizeh, offering scant, disdainful details. Alizeh hides the nosta in her mouth before bathing; the herbal water burns, then soothes, confirming Sarra’s honesty. Sarra claims Cyrus blames Iblees for everything, yet acts by choice; Alizeh counters that breaking such a bargain demands death.

Alizeh questions Sarra’s complicity in preparing luxurious rooms that serve as a gilded prison. Sarra insists she seeks alliance, not obedience, and admits many would gladly wed Cyrus—but asserts Alizeh’s courage and refusal make her different.

Pressed for her true aim, Sarra declares both women are captives in different ways. She then delivers a pivotal revelation: Cyrus murdered his father. She describes confronting her son, his lack of remorse, and the collapse of her maternal bond.

When Alizeh asks why Sarra remains, Sarra confesses she cannot personally kill Cyrus despite hating him. She concludes with a stark request: she needs Alizeh’s help to kill the king.