Sixteen

Alizeh challenges Cyrus on why his life and kingdom are worth sacrificing. Cyrus urges her to fulfill her destiny by ruling Tulan’s sizable Jinn population, admitting Iblees’s schemes are larger than their marriage. He confesses he has many undisclosed orders and that helping her gain power is central to them.

They trade barbs and misjudgments: Cyrus claims being forced into her company is punishing, and Alizeh rebukes him for assuming the worst. He reveals he watched her kill mercenaries from afar and misidentified her later. When Alizeh cites his patricide, he admits desperation but withholds reasons, offering only that many things remain unsaid.

Alizeh presses the terms of any marriage, and Cyrus vows it would be in title only and that he will not touch her. She demands news of Kamran; Cyrus denies killing him, and the truth-sensing nosta reassures her. He mocks her ties to Hazan, prompting Alizeh to affirm Hazan was only a friend, sharpening her resolve to lead her people.

Alizeh probes Cyrus’s fear of Iblees and death. Cyrus explains he must die on his own terms to accomplish something crucial, implying far greater stakes than his life yet refusing details. He refuses to reveal what he gained from his bargain, but makes clear he cannot risk an untimely death.

When Cyrus asks if she will accept his bargain—marry him, gain power, then kill him once Iblees releases him—Alizeh declines for now but promises sincere consideration. Relief transforms Cyrus’s demeanor. He invites her to see Tulan, and she, wary but curious, agrees to go.