Chapter 23

Rin rages at Sorqan Sira after failing to reclaim the Phoenix, but Sorqan Sira reveals a solution: twinning Rin to Kitay as an anchor so the god can be called through him. Though Rin fears risking Kitay’s life and soul, Kitay insists, accepting the danger to win the war.

Chaghan and Qara prepare them, painting mirrored sigils and explaining anchor lore: shared pain, death-linked fates, and resilience against possession. They describe Feylen’s fate, the risks of imbalance, and hint that triangular bonds can amplify power. The discussion leads Rin to deduce the Trifecta are still spiritually linked and alive.

At the ritual fire, dosed with fly agaric, Rin and Kitay jointly sacrifice a deer and follow its soul into the spirit world. There, naked in truth, they see each other’s memories and rage. As the binding spins into place, Rin feels the Phoenix’s power descend—but she begins erasing Kitay under its flood until his plea compels her to stab her leg, wrenching herself back and saving him.

Anchored, Rin tests her control and finds the Phoenix muted behind a psychic wall; she can summon clean, stable fire without madness. Kitay reels at the revelation of gods but shares the connection, both awed and wary.

That night, over broth, Rin confides in Qara about the fear of overpowering Kitay. Qara explains her lifelong bond with Chaghan and assures Rin that love and aligned protection can prevent erasure. The group beds down in Ketreyid yurts, still under watch, while Rin reflects on exile, anchors, and the weight of the cosmos.